What we do
During the summer months i.e. April to September inclusive, our meetings are held outdoors at varying locations, twice monthly on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. We gather at the agreed venue at 2.00 and plan to finish at 4.00–ish. We meet whatever the weather.
Winter meetings, from October to March, are on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 2 pm, with refreshments at 1.45pm. Some members have opted to be winter members only.
We are all learning from each other; some members have a great wealth of knowledge and are happy to share. Our list of suggested topics is endless and we are looking forward to plenty of exploration and learning in the months ahead: do join us if you wish to learn or have expertise to offer – you will be very welcome.
It would be wise to check with Liz re field trips in case there have been changes or if you need more information.
Reports
July 2010
At the time of writing we have had six of our summer field trips; with another six to go. Our Woodland Venues in April occurred on early warm spring days with plenty of surprises and much to see. May proved really cold especially in Teesdale but the gentians and wild pansies were in abundance and delighted us all. Stream dipping was fascinating for those who braved the icy temperatures. The visit to Barkbooth Lot came on a cool day so there were few damsel or dragon flies but plenty of flowers and interesting trees. Smardale Gill was really wonderful. The Reserve Officer guided us to so much of interest; including rather menacing crayfish!
Please do call Liz or Linda should you need any further information.
In conclusion we were all saddened to learn of member Val. Hyde’s death in April. She had lost her courageous battle with cancer and we have lost a very knowledgeable and special person.
Liz Hotchkiss
February 2010:
Since Christmas the group has enjoyed two splendid talks. Prof. Ian Hodkinson (member) inspired us with the Ecology of Sand Dunes and Dr. Mike Hall enthused us with his talk on Burns Beck Moss. Still to come, our last talk will be on Butterflies and Moths by John Mounsey.
Our first Field Trip in April is to Tods Lot where Mr Alan Shepley will inform us about the creation of a new woodland. A spring foray into Brigsteer Wood is our second outing in April.
In May we go to Singleton Stream with member Toby Carrick to look for and identify freshwater species etc. and then later in the month to Upper Teesdale to find some gentians (we hope).
In June Burnsbeck Moss and Smardale Gill beckon, with guides arranged, while in July Barkbooth Lot and North Walney are in our sights.
August will hopefully see us at Foulshaw Moss and Hutton Roof Crags (led by member Janet Antrobus).
Very unfortunately Val Hyde had to relinquish her deputy coordinator’s role due to ill health; our thanks and best wishes to her. Linda Wood has kindly taken her place.
The group is growing, we now have 50 plus members. We are reluctant to close our list but may have to look at splitting the group if numbers become too many to ensure safe Field Trips. We shall also probably be looking for a larger venue for our Autumn / Winter programme. We have become a little too cosy at the Fire Station, although it is a good venue.
If you have any queries do please call Liz or Linda.
Liz Hochkiss
November 2009:
The group was very sad to learn of the unexpected death of one of it's members, Delia King. Her contribution had been invaluable.
On a happier note, Valerie Hyde has kindly agreed to be Deputy Coordinator. In addition, following September's Open Morning, we have welcomed new members; we now have 43 on our list.
Following several rewarding and enjoyable field trips during the summer we started our Winter Talk series in October when one of our members, Stuart Hinton, ably assisted by Jackie, spoke to us about “Birding Around the World”, a fascinating and very comprehensive tour; much enjoyed by members.
Our final field trip was to Scout Scar in preparation for our November speaker, Jan Wiltshire, author of the book of the same name. Her talk, as expected, was most interesting and informative.
In December we meet to plan our 2010 programme. Our speaker in January will be U3A member Ian Hodkinson, formerly Professor of Biology at Liverpool John Moores University. He will talk to us about the ecology of sand dunes. We very much look forward to this.
All members will be informed of the remaining winter programme details and the spring / summer arrangements as soon as possible.
Liz Hotchkiss
