Dear All,

I am sending a message from the British Cartographic Society President

Regards

Ann Sutherland

  [A message to subscribers to lis-maps from the President of the British Cartographic Society]

Dear Colleagues,

Some of you may have read Ken Field's recent blog, in which he proposes, amongst other things, that the British Cartographic Society's Special Interest Groups (SIGs) be disbanded.

Let me be very clear. In no way do Ken's views represent those of the British Cartographic Society or its Council. Ken has never served as an elected member of Council and the blog comprises his own opinions and assertions, many of which are based on misleading assumptions and incorrect information. He makes defamatory claims about individuals and attempts to undermine the good progress that the Society is making. A response to his blog will be published shortly on behalf of Council.

Special Interest Groups play an important role in the British Cartographic Society, bringing together experts and specialists who share a common focus. Anyone can join a SIG and a new SIG can be proposed at any time. The Map Curators Group (MCG) plays a valuable and active role in furthering the charitable objectives of the Society, providing a forum for map curators and librarians to share and engage with issues that would otherwise be difficult to address. Personally, as someone who regularly undertakes cartographic research (often at institutions represented by the Group), I have no doubt that my experience - and that of countless others - has been enhanced by the work of the MCG and its members. The Society is committed to building on their success.

Should you have any concerns, you are of course very welcome to get in touch with me directly via [log in to unmask] or call 01227 782324.

With all good wishes,
Alex.

Dr Alexander Kent
President of the British Cartographic Society