Burbage Bird Club Monday Meeting

Hello Everyone,

What a summer it’s been, the heat! I’m very pleased to see some rain; I never thought I would ever say that in England. Ominously though, ‘ The times, they are a changing’.

On Monday 12th September it is our first autumn meeting at 7.30pm in the Sapcote church hall. Paul Bingham will be giving a talk on ‘Birding with a camera’. He is a prominent member of the Derbyshire Ornithological Society. Now we should have the best of both worlds - great photos coupled with good local birding knowledge. Win, win!

Sadly, I have to tell you, that David Abbott a former member of the club, passed away peacefully in his sleep in July. He was a real character, larger than life, who had a great knowledge of his local patch. Always accompanied by his black Labrador at meetings he would make himself comfortable in the corner regularly adding to the discussions. David didn’t want any fuss made at his funeral, however, I think it’s important that we remember his contribution to our club.

Some really good news from this summer is that Ron and Ann’s Little Owls successfully fledged two young. Whatever they’re doing they’re doing it right. 🦉🦉

Well, I’m looking forward to the meeting on Monday and hope to see you there.

Madeleine

Next Meeting! (11th Oct)

Dear Birders,

There is a meeting on Monday 11th October at 7.30pm in Sapcote Church Hall. Ian Ireland will be showing his photos of the little owls taken at Ron and Ann’s over the summer. Ian is a photographer, not an expert on birds, so he would welcome an interactive meeting with discussion about the owls. He will also have some photos of other birds which he has taken in the past.

Please let me know if you’re able to come and please don’t forget a mask. (This is required to meet the health and safety regulations for the hall.) We have to keep the hall well ventilated too, so you may need an extra jumper! There will be refreshments available and maybe a raffle.

The walk for the following Sunday will be confirmed at this meeting and a reminder email sent out.

Following September’s meeting, it will be lovely to see people back in the hall again.

Regards, Madeleine

First Meeting 2021

Hi Everyone,

Our first meeting will be in the Sapcote Church Hall on Monday 13th September at 7.30 pm, HOORAY! It’s been a long time since we met there, 9th March 2020. There won’t be a speaker on Monday, because with so many often going holiday in September it tends to be the poorest meeting attended. It will be an opportunity though, to just have a chat about what we’ve all been up to and talk about what we can do up until the AGM in January. So often at meetings we don’t take the time to chat and reflect on what’s possible. We do expect to have a speaker in October. Now we have the Risk Assessment for the Hall, things are going to be a little bit different:

• The entrance will be on the church side as usual, but the doors and windows are going to be open for ventilation.

• Face masks or perspex visors should be worn.

• Social distancing will still be important.

• Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance.

• Please make sure you’ve been signed in when you arrive.

I’m sure you can appreciate the need at the moment for these precautions. The toilets will be available, but I haven’t heard anything about the kitchen. Does anyone possess an urn? Or would you rather bring your own flask/can? (Just remember no alcohol is allowed in this hall.) I’ll bring some biscuits/cake. Sorry, forgot to bring the cake from France! It would be really helpful if you can let me know if you’re able to come. Or, if you can’t make it, please drop me a line to let me know how you are. Don’t forget there will be a walk on Sunday 19th. Details will follow after Monday’s meeting. Best Wishes, Madeleine