OUR first meeting of the club year started with the sad news that Lionel Shorstone, our President, had died. Lionel had been a member of the club for many years and had been instrumental in introducing a variety of things including the Treasure Hunt. At one time he wrote our newsletter and showed a great love of poetry, through his writings, as well as his interest in the world around him. A stalwart of our annual show he supported us even when he was very ill. His fortitude and courage in the face of his illness and his kindness and spiritual strength will always be remembered.

Gordon Forrest came to speak to us on Tuesday evening. His topic was ‘Farmers working with Nature (Set aside)’. Not knowing what to expect we were introduced to Gordon’s experiences working with farmers, and one in particular, to encourage nature on their farm land. Gordon is a member of the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and has written several books, a new one is out next month. Through a selection of slides he showed us how the majority of wildlife is found on farm land even though the WWT has 80 reserves. Farmers receive a range of grants for ‘Set-aside’ which can range from basic levels to £1,000,000 (where there are rare species to preserve.) Gordon’s farmer receives just the basic grant but spends his own money because he is keen to encourage wildlife. Gordon was optimistic about farmers’ attitudes towards wildlife. A fuller description will be on The West Malvern Hall and Village website.

Our next meeting is Tuesday 17th October at 7.30pm in the village hall. Our speaker will be Reg Moule talking about ‘Plants with a long season of interest’. Membership £5, £2 a meeting £3 for visitors.

CAROLE HOUGHTON