Not to be put off by last years drenching we had a good turn out for Charles and Fran Neal’s trip to Breydon Water. In much better weather we saw a good selection of waders including  the Common Sandpiper, Knot, Turnstone, Godwit, Golden Plover and lots of Avocets. The Marsh Harrier put in an appearance once again emphasising how widespread this bird is becoming. The day was rounded off  by a collection (or should it be a band) of Goldfinch waiting for us as we returned to the car park.
At our indoor meeting at Lenwade Village Hall guest speaker Gary Hibberd, the Warden of The Holme nature Reserve, gave us a talk on ‘Holme sweet Holme’. In addition to the birds to be seen on the reserve Gary talked about the effects of coastal erosion in the area and the high incidence of ground nest predations by Foxes.
Birds seen in the Wensum Valley:  Making best use of this Hi Tech world in which we live, WVBS members report and exchange bird observations in their local area via an e-group provided by ‘Yahoo’.  Of interest in late September/October, an Osprey reported over Lenwade, a Hobby over Sparham Pools and two, very late to depart, House Martins in Costessey. (everyone claims to have seen the last House Martin, but I think the Costessey pair are this years winners)
Our November  field trip is to the North Norfolk coast on Sunday 6th, David Pelling leading. Meet at Morrison’s car park, Fakenham at 8.45 a.m, for 9.0 a.m departure.
Our November indoor meeting is Thursday 17th  at Lenwade Village Hall when WVBS member Allan Hale will present ‘Birds and Animals of Namibia’. Start at 7.30, non members £2. Newcomers are welcome, refreshments available. 
 Colin Wright 01603 - 740548    [atomic.colin@virgin.net]
 

At a recent meeting of our local GP’s Patient Group, we were told of the below mentioned website. If you feel that you never have the opportunity to influence things like the NHS, this is your chance – if we all do it and also forward to other people to complete it may well have the desired effect.
Our view is that we don’t want more choice of where we can get our NHS services, we just want it to be first class and reasonably close! You may have other things that you’d like to influence……

It literally takes a few minutes to complete – please don’t pass up this opportunity to have a say!!
http://www.nhs.uk/yoursay                                             Roger Fryatt