>I was OK with setting an agenda and running a meeting, and I have > a fairly thick skin, but I was definitely not ready for the expectation > that the > 'president' is a beekeeping expert. Hi Dan Well, I am not the President of our association - just the humble newsletter editor - but I too am regarded as the local beekeeping 'expert' by many. In my case, I had no desire for fame - just a natural curiosity and a scientific inclination that led me to read everything I could lay my hands on. This then led inevitably to working through the British Beekeepers' Association Examination system (just to prove to myself that I knew what I was doing) and to qualifications which branded me a 'Master Beekeeper'. It is a hard label to live up to. After 30 years I now have more doubts than certainties and probably feel less qualified to advise than I did 20 years ago. I guess that this is what happens to us all as we get older. Others see our experience as proof of great knowledge and ability, whereas we constantly doubt ourselves. When I retired from the day job I was presented with, amongst other things, a paperweight representing an owl - with a card proclaiming that the 'wise old owl' would be sorely missed. I was genuinely surprised by my colleagues view of my abilities and knowledge as I certainly regarded myself as one who was still learning the trade. Best wishes Peter *********************************************** The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html Guidelines for posting to BEE-L can be found at: http://honeybeeworld.com/bee-l/guidelines.htm