Potters Bar & Barnet Local RSPB Group 

Newsletter No 73 Winter 2007-8

Group Leader's Comments

By Stan Bailey 

                               Photo Sally Bennett  ©

Our 30th anniversary year draws to a close with the Wednesday afternoon meeting in December, after a year of special events which started in February with a four-day break based at Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria. A full report of this holiday was given in the last newsletter, and taking into account the hotel, food, Lake District scenery and, of course, the birds, this was one of the best weekends we have ever had.

In April, due to the reorganisation of RSPB regions, our Group, together with others in Hertfordshire, moved from the Central England Region (CERO) to the Eastern England Region (EERO). This made little difference to our Group, but it did mean that we have lost many friends in the CERO and now have to make new friends in the EERO.

June was a particularly good month, starting with the Group’s birdwatching holiday to Poland. Our anniversary meeting was held that month, and David Cromack, former editor of “Birdwatching” magazine, gave a talk on “World Class Bird Images”. At the end of the month we held a Cheese and Wine Social Evening which was organised by Jacky Walker, ably assisted by a loyal band of volunteers. Jacky provided the cheeses and Bruce Bennett selected the wines to ensure we had plenty to eat and drink. Jacky also arranged for a jazz band to entertain us throughout the evening. It was pleasing to see many people who had been with the Group from the early days, and also Bob and Sue Hampson who had made the journey from Dorchester to be with us. We were also pleased that Johann Holt, the Public Affairs Manager from the Central England Regional Office in Banbury, was able to join us.

In September, Frances arranged a special non-birdwatching break in France to visit the 1944 D-Day Landing sites in Normandy. This was a most interesting and moving event for all of us on the trip. To see the report click this link: D-Day Landings in Normandy

The two quiz evenings organised by Frances were both well-supported and enjoyed by all who attended.

We are now coming to the end of the year but still to come at the time of writing is a long weekend birdwatching trip to North Devon, and to round off this year’s events will be the Christmas outing and dinner.

We have had loyal support at meetings and on outings but we are always pleased to see more of you coming to join us. If any of you are thinking about coming along for the first time, let me know and if there is room at the meeting or on the coach, it may be possible to attend as a guest. Jacky and Frances have now arranged a full programme for 2008. Frances has organised a weekend break at Titchwell in January and a holiday to Orkney/Shetland in May. Other activities will be seen in the 2008 programme which you have received with this newsletter.

In conclusion, the Group officers and committee wish you all a very happy Christmas and offer best wishes for 2008.
 

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