www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Well, I don't think anyone can say if this will actually be able to take place but I thought I'd start a thread with a date just so it's in peoples minds. The traditional date has always been the last Saturday of November, which this year is the 27th. If everyone can keep the various appropriate appendages crossed that would be helpful
https://www.theoldforgeotterbourne.co.uk/

Things are still looking good for this as I type so keep those fingers crossed!

I've just fallen down the stairs as I've crossed my toes as well

Have a goodun and stay safe

Wurzel

I hope to be able to make it this year, if Boris allows it

Cheers
John W

Yep - hoping to get to this again this year. Early stages of negotiating a release from Saturday family duties, but I think we’ll find a solution

Minnie says she wants to go, which probably means I have to go too. Like Benjamin, I'll have to do some negotiating to get the weekend off but it might be possible.

Guy

And I hope to make it too

It's been a while!

Cheers,

- Pete

Only 3 weeks away now (not that I'm counting)

2 weeks today (ok I might be counting a bit...). I wonder if there'll be a red Admiral or two flying around the car park for added entertainment, or perhaps Millerd could magic a Holly Blue out of thin air

I can confirm that I can make this! Woohoo! Who else is definite and what time is kickoff?

Cheers,

- Pete

I shall be there, Pete, and I think other folk are aiming for around 1230 (which allows a 40 minute walk down from Shawford station after the arrival of the Waterloo train). If the weather is sunny I may arrive a bit earlier and walk up the hill to the green in case there are any Red Admirals around! You never know - it wouldn't be the first time...

Cheers,

Dave

Joyful reunions. The last time Minnie met Pete was in a bar in Bern in 2015:



She can't wait.

Guy

I'll be there - hopefully for opening at 11am! Four days to get through - fingers crossed

Have a goodun

Wurzel

I'll be there for 12.30 as long as the trains don't fail me! There might me another hound there this year Guy, I hope Minnie doesn't mind sharing the canine limelight

We are hoping to come, too. It’s been a while!

Yep - I’ll be there. Not sure how trains/buses will work out but I’ll aim for about midday.

Just watching the weather forecast, picked a great day for it didn't we

Yes, we did! Worst weather expected further north, so hopefully the trains etc.,will be running ok.

It was a pleasure to meet those of you who managed to brave the weather and get to the Old Forge! Minnie and I proved British public transport is not as bad as some people say, even if it doesn't come up to Swiss standards. With one taxi leg, because of a fallen tree, and one bus replacement, we got from Woodbridge to Otterbourne and back in a day. It was certainly worth it - we had a great time.

I took an impromptu spherical piccie of the group. Apologies to Philzoid, who just happened to be checking his stocks at that moment, and to Susie (and is it Billy?), who hadn't yet arrived:

https://momento360.com/e/u/d40cbf171160 ... ize=medium

Guy

Ha ha - brilliant, although I look asleep!

Great to see to many UKBers turn out, and thanks for coming all the way from Suffolk, Guy! I was wondering what the gadget was the you were holding up and now I know! Given that most of us hadn't met for a couple of years, it was great to catch up with everyone - some great conversations and I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Clockwise from Guy (Minnie on lap) (Padfield): Dave Miller (millerd), Pete E, Ben Greenaway, Phil Ozzo (Philzoid), Rich Carter (Wurzel), Paul Atkin (Bugboy), Mark Bunch (essexbuzzard), Mrs. Buzzard.

Cheers,

- Pete