Many apologies for the delay in publishing details of an excellent talk which was given by Martin Towsey who is the Woburn Abbey Estate Garden Manager, being responsible to the Duke and Duchess of Bedfordshire. Martin took us through his career which actually started with Nottingham City Council Parks and Gardens Department, (back in the halcyon days of municipal parks and gardens), together with training at Brackenhurst College. He told us about the work being carried out to restore gardens and associated structures to the original layouts and designs. These include the Chinese Dairy, Bog Garden, Kitchen Garden, Camelia House, Hornbeam Maze, Rockery & Pavilion and so many more. Martin and his team of gardeners are also responsible for the Woburn parkland, Safari park, Golf course, Hotel grounds and interestingly the parks and gardens which form part of the Bedfordshire Estate in London. Altogether a most interesting talk for all those Society members and visitors present. We hope to have a coach trip to Woburn and all it encompasses on Sunday 4th June 2017. This should be a most rewarding visit.

Our next talk is on Thursday 15th December, which we plan to follow up with a visit to Woburn next June. Join us for a mince pie and glass of wine and to listen to Martin share his knowledge and passion for the gardens and estate.  All are welcome with a charge of £4 to non-members. Note the change of venue – Lowdham Community Building, off Old Tannery Drive.

Our hardworking Chairperson (Nicola) is seen introducing an excellent talk with superb photographs which was delivered by Jack Perks (Wildlife and Underwater Specialist). The talk was thoroughly enjoyed by members and visitors to Lowdham W.I. Hall. Jack is a wildlife cameraman, film maker, researcher and presenter who has worked for the BBC on Springwatch 2016 and Countryfile. In fact, the Sunday prior to his talk he appeared on BBC Countryfile with a fascinating item about chubb in the Fairham Brook, including images of the fish feeding on blackberries which were falling into the brook. He took us from the source of rivers to the sea with wonderful images of wildlife along the banks and in the water. Altogether, a most worthwhile talk by a professional Natural History photographer who is based in the East Midlands. Perhaps you could do some research yourselves and have a look on his website and Facebook page.