It is seven years since Bob last spoke to us so his return is long overdue. In the intervening years he has concentrated mainly on local sites but has managed to take in some sites abroad including the Czech Republic. Whatever the subject we are assured of an evening of stunning slides (or digital images!).

Ray originates from Gillingham but now lives in the Algarve, so he is coming back home to tell us about this particularly popular area of Portugal. I am told it is a very special area for birds but, as is always the case, under threat from development particularly from the spread of golf courses. Links with birdies is the obvious comment!

We explore Speyside, in the heart of the Highlands, with its ancient Caledonian pines, sparkling lochs, sweeping moors and towering Cairngorm mountains…home to capercaillie, golden eagle, crested tit, ptarmigan, Scottish crossbill, Slavonian grebe and many more. Then it’s out to the coastline, including the Moray Firth, the weed-strewn shores of the west coast and an island ‘taster’, where seabirds, sea eagles, otters and Minke whales are the stars…and all right on our doorstep. This will be Ian’s first visit to our group.

The AGM starts the night and is traditionally over and done with in record time so don’t be put off by that. It will then be followed by a presentation from Sacha who works for the RSPB at Sandy. He will concentrate on the International problems faced by the Society including shooting and trapping of birds in Malta and the protection of primeval forest in Poland amongst other things.

Two years ago David delivered a talk on orchids and his eloquent presentation turned it into one of the highlights of our programme. This talk focuses on what it is about habitats that make them suitable for differing species needs and the consequential effect of man in changing these habitats.

A new speaker for the group comes with a recommendation from no less than Trevor Hatton. Trevor attends more talks than anyone else in Kent so when I get a call from him telling me how good a talk it 

is I sit up and take note. More and more birdwatchers are now expanding their interest in butterflies so this should be a good opportunity to improve your knowledge of these insect gems.

As far as my records show this is the first talk we have had about Israel. Given that Israel is situated at one of the most important migration routes between Eurasia and Africa this can only be remiss of me. This will be Brian’s second visit to the group and, no doubt, we will be seeing lots of images of raptors filling the skies.

Steve will be known to many of you from his time as a warden at Northward Hill. He is now entrenched in East Anglia and the title of the talk gives him free range to take in any aspect of what is often portrayed as the Mecca for birdwatchers. An entertaining evening is guaranteed.

Gwyn’s talk will highlight the work of the RSPB in trying to halt the decline and turn around the fortunes of the UK’s most threatened birds. This talk comes highly recommended by the RSPB staff I have spoken to about it. This is what the RSPB is all about and why we should continue to support it.

For the first time ever I have rebooked a lecture that was first delivered to the group back in 1989. David has worked on recreating the lecture that so many people remember from when his book ‘The Kingfisher’ was first published. It tells the story of one of our most beautiful and spectacular birds and shows every aspect of this dramatic bird’s life.

David was the first person to photograph the kingfisher underground in the nest, diving for fish and grabbing a fish underwater. He has added to the original images new photographs that have never yet been viewed.

Picture the scene. Committee meeting with new group leader ensconced, indoor programme virtually complete. ‘Robin, I want you to arrange a talk instead of the usual social ……..oh, and by the way, it must have a Christmas theme’. After searching through my list of about 100 speakers all of whom give about 10 talks each I managed to find this one. John has spoken to us many times before and this concentrates on the birds and wildlife of Lapland and Finland. Ho! Ho! Ho!