www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

Lisa and Myself went to the members day meet, of the Butterfly conservation, Hampshire & I.O.W branch, yesterday. There were some very interesting talks, tea and cakes, and a photography competition.
Between talks there was a chance to mingle and after a few minuets we found ourselfs in a group with the forums Pete Eeles, Robin Turner and Mike Young and his good lady, it was like our own little forum branch meet . Mike done us proud in the photography comp, picking up second overall, well done Mike. Pete had some interesting ideas, one was getting together and going out at night to look for something , and another was to hire a hall and get together for a photography.....thing, I'm up for both, I think .

Gruditch

Thanks Gary, yes it was a very enjoyable afternoon, it was great to see everyone, especially "our" little group from the forum.
Like a lot of these meetings the time flew by and I didn't get to talk properly with everone that I would have liked, also the room was so full of people eating and drinking and trying to judge the photos that I found it was a struggle to move around.
I'm always up for social activities or practical field trips so count me in if we get something going.
I know the Hants & IOW branch hold a photography meeting in March, so hopefully thats one event where we could all meet again.

Yeah - well done Mike - excellent photo of the mating Glanvilles! And it was great to finally meet Gwenhwyfar and Gruditch, together with Robin and Mike.

"Pete had some interesting ideas, one was getting together and going out at night to look for something"
Yes - Chalkhill Blue larvae (which are nocturnal) on Stockbridge Down in June. Watch this space!

"... and another was to hire a hall and get together for a photography.....thing, I'm up for both, I think".
I thought it might be worth having a UK Butterflies get-together, "somewhere", to specifically discuss macro photography. I think we'd learn an awful lot from each other. I'd anticipate a structured day of presentations, together with some practical work. We have some superb photographers in the UK Butterflies ranks, some of whom I'd consider "experts" (not me!). Thoughts?

Cheers,

- Pete

Hi,

Pat and I would be interested in both events (nocturnal caterpillars and macro photography). Location for the photo meet could be an issue. We could wait to see who is committed to such an event and then try to find a venue close the the centre of gravity of the group. If not too many people are interested then I suppose we could use someone's house. It would be good to meet over the winter so that in the spring we could go out armed with all the new knowledge that we have gained. You are absolutely right about it having to be a structured event Pete. That way ensures that the most people will get the maximum benefit from the event.
So who's interested?
Robin

I'd like to attend. Always up for a bit of learning and would be nice to meet like-interested people.

Can all respondents also please make it clear where they are located? So far we have Berkshire, Hampshire and North Yorkshire represented

Cheers,

- Pete

Hi all,
There is a possibility that I can help with a venue and definately with display boards(which I own) should they be needed.
The location is near to me and therefore would be on the East Hants/Surrey border near Farnham, which I realise may not be central enough for all.
However there is ample safe parking , with easy access from main roads.
I would need to book and there would be a charge for hire, but this would be low compared to similiar venues I think .

Hi Mike - could you let me know the cost of the venue please (for a day)? I can then compare that with the hall we used for the Hants BC meeting. We can at least get the information should either of these locations be suitable.

I'll also enquire about using the Hants BC branch projector.

We could also promote this as a joint "Butterfly Conservation / UK Butterflies" event - with all proceeds (profits) going to BC, assuming that we'll each pay an entry fee to cover (at least) costs!

Cheers,

- Pete

Pete, I will try and catch the relevant person today for a price.

It goes without saying that Me and Gwen????? are up for both, (nocturnal caterpillars and macro photography). You know where we live Pete.

Gruditch

I'd like to come along too (if I'm welcome ) and maybe BryanH could be persuaded to be my navigator so I don't get lost

Martin.

I'd be interested too, N. Yorks as well, maybe some car sharing would be possible. Will follow this thread with interest..

Me too. Anyone going from Bristol? I would be very interested in attending if I can get there.

Denise

Gruditch wrote:
Between talks there was a chance to mingle and after a few minuets....

Gruditch

sounds like you enjoyed a nice dance that evening

charles

Yes it was quite the most enjoyable occasion, the highlight was Pete Eeles splended rendition on the pianoforte.

Gruditch

Registering interest. Great idea. Definitely keen but it depends on date and location (preferably near to M4 or M3 for those of us who have to travel from north of London).

Roger

V6GTO wrote:I'd like to come along too (if I'm welcome ) and maybe BryanH could be persuaded to be my navigator so I don't get lost

Martin.

Cripes, Martin!

What are you trying to drag me into?

A nocturnal gathering somewhere near the M4 or M3? (although I note Turner's preference to use "someone's house"!)

I draw the line at period costume, and the thought of a minuet with Gruditch quite makes me blush!

Alright, put me down

Bryan

P.S. This is a bit south-centric? How about this as a pilot for a similar event oop north?

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