The AGM held during the 2002 meeting, at Kings was a lively affair. Eighty members were present and apologies were received from Dr T Hendra. The meeting had been the first where a fee had been charged, sadly due to a lack of posters etc the return for ones money was low. Attendance was also low, probably because of the position of the venue. The treasurer reported that funds were healthy, with approximately £11 655 in the bank. The following two meetings are Keele in 2003 and Cambridge in 2004.

Again the issue regarding the relationship between the BASP and BSRG was debated. Professor Warlow commented that the UK was small and really could not support 2 groups. However the groups do have different aims and membership - BASP is a political animal concerned with the training of stroke physicians, whereas BSRG has been less formal, multidisciplinary and purely research focussed. On the other side, complete separation of the organisations might reduce attendance. It was agreed to canvass opinion by sending out a ballot paper out with the newsletter (enclosed).

This discussion was continued at the planning meeting in June 2002. The biggest issues were ensuring the co-ordination of the BASP and BSRG programmes, which was not the case in 2002, despite there being a large overlap in committee membership. Given the timing it was considered that the meetings should be separate but remain together, but that the planning committees would formally meet together. Poster presentations would be able to stay in place for both days.

Feed back from the meeting highlighted a lack of organisation, workshops (good and bad points), and low attendance.

The committee has accepted that the days have gone where organisation can be on an ad hoc basis. It was decided to split responsibilities to relieve a burden from the BSRG Secretary. A new format was agreed, so that scientific presentations could occur, and this year abstracts will be accepted for oral presentation and others for posters. All abstracts to be sent to a central point where they will be assessed and researchers informed of the decision regarding platform or poster. Accepted abstracts will be published on the Web site. The session after coffee will focus on aspects of research trials (details in the programme) and the afternoon after the AGM on Research Governance.

A Registration Fee was considered appropriate but at a lower level of £15.

This is my final newsletter. I am due to step down at the meeting in Keele. The membership has grown over the years, with an increasing attendance at meetings, last year excepted. At the AGM it will be proposed that Ms Penny Irwin will become secretary and that Dr David Smithard will return to the committee. One vacancy will remain, as Professor Philip Bath is to leave the committee after 6 years. In 2004 many members of the committee are due for re-election. Please forward nominations to any member of the committee