BFA Members’ Meeting.

27 April 2008 at Port Macquarie Chaired by Alan Blencowe (W.A.)

1. Blencowe database

   Card Box File system developed by Jack Blencowe in England has served the BFA well but is outdated in terms of current technology. Allen Blincoe USA has managed to convert much of the data into another software program. Allen does need help from people with genealogy & family group knowledge to assist with the validation of the conversion.

   It was unanimously agreed that:

   • £800 should not be spent on upgrading the current Card Box database.
   • That once the information was converted to Gedcom that Jack Blencowe’s Card Box System should be kept intact as an archive and a reflection of its time.
   • A set of rules be developed to store and access information
   • A monitoring group representing various regions should be established to ensure control and integrity of the new database. Several volunteered. We’ll need some from the northern countries.

   General discussion conferred that conversion to a new system would take a significant time. The use of a Web based platform was discussed and it was agreed that a lot of development had to happen before this could be considered. The freeware system PAF was suggested as a possible solution.

2. Phil’s Forest Data Storage
   As the family trees contain several thousand names including the female descendants which the BFA database does not, it is a valuable resource. Phil Bailey will remain as custodian of the trees. If anyone seeks information, Phil will contact the owner of the tree and it will become that person’s decision to liaise with the person making the enquiry. Privacy of the living will be respected.


3. BFA Newsletter
   The need for members to keep up a supply of material was discussed. Marjorie Papalii from NZ agreed to share the editorial role with Anne.


4. Next Reunion
   • Blencow Hall in UK as suggested prior to the reunion was well supported. Peter Blencowe UK has agreed to check the feasibility of such for 2010.
   • Alan and Bronwyn Blencowe offered to host the event in Perth, Western Australia either in 2010 or 2012 depending on the Blencow Hall outcome.
   • Toowoomba Queensland was also suggested as ideal future venue due to a strong Blinco base.