The New Programme for 2008 is in the embryonic planning stage. Your input as members is required as it is your society and therefore we need to know what you are interested in.

Ray Gribble would welcomes ideas in the following categories:-

Speaker Topics, What do you want to know more about?

Have you heard of a good speaker through friends or other organisations?

Where would you be interested in going on a Field Trip?

Would you be willing to lead a Field Trip?

Newsletter July 2005

Liz’s Ramblings

I never learn – at the AGM there were no volunteers for the position of Editor of our Society’s newsletter – so instead of sitting tight on my hands, up shot my right hand and that was it. Luckily I have a daughter who can type, so in anticipation of future editions – my grateful thanks to her for her assistance. Next year I could well have my hands well glued to the seat – so be warned! In the meantime, all articles gratefully received either by e-mail to lizzie.beth@clara.co.uk or to Alwyn – usual details.

I hope you all managed to have a good birding Easter weekend. There is lots to see at this time of the year. The first summer migrants have arrived in the shape of Chiffchaffs, Black Redstarts, Sand Martins, Swallows, Sedge Warblers, Wheatears and Ring Ouzels to name but a few. We still have plenty of winter Thrushes in the shape of Redwings and Fieldfares, and not all the over wintering Golden Plovers have departed. Now is the time to get out and connect that bird song to the bird. Since trees are not fully in leaf and since the birds are beginning to sing it is a good time to both listen and look.

Hello to you all, and a special welcome to all new members.

I trust that you have all enjoyed the Christmas break. I wish you all a very happy New Year and hope that you will all enjoy the New Year break. January 1^st is always a good day to give that ‘year list’ a good kick and get 70 or 80 species on your list. There are lots of winter Thrushes and Finches around at the moment plus of course Waxwings. Traditionally my January 1^st jaunt was always round the North Norfolk Coast and some wonderful times have been had. Whether I shall make the North Norfolk Coast on January 1^st this year I am not sure (watch this space!).

Once again it’s time to say hello and I hope that you have enjoyed some good birdwatching through the summer months. I have quite enjoyed the long evenings which have once or twice given me the opportunity after a trying day at the office to take myself off to the North Norfolk Coast. I look forward to the time that I can retire and give my birdwatching more “quality” time. I know what all you retired folks say about being busier in retirement than you all were before you retired, but I have a sneaky feeling that you are only saying that for the benefit of your partners who you hope will feel sorry for you all and allow you more “free” time instead of finding you jobs to do!

Personally, I don’t know where this last three months has gone. No sooner is one Newsletter published than I seem to start on the next, reflecting upon the events of the last three months.

THANKS

Again, many thanks to all of those involved in the organising and leading trips and meetings and again to those who have been kind enough to look after the catering arrangements at our indoor meetings. Also to those who have submitted articles for this Newsletter

FIELD MEETINGS

Since the date of the January Newsletter we have again had some enjoyable field meetings despite once more encountering some unfortunate weather conditions.

In the words of David Frost “Hello and welcome”.

I hope that you have all had a good Spring and are enjoying the Summer. I just hope that you are finding enough free time to get out and do some quality birding. Personally I seem to be finding it harder and harder to find time to get out – maybe its because I don’t manage my time as well as I once did!

THANKS