Mary - thank you for your kind words but I'm not sure whether this forum is the right place for these pieces or not. But it has long saddened me to see it so little used. Much of what I do on a computer is pure drudge so its nice to refresh the mind with something a little more creative and to express a personal view on natural history. Sometimes I feel I belong more to the old style Field Club than the new. There is something appealing, is their not, in the way they used to do it - taking a carriage to the day's venue from the nearest railway station; a leisurely stroll in the countryside or around some ancient monument or house; a midday break, either to the nearest pub (sorry, hostelry) or to a "Gentleman's" house, where they were wined and dined by the owner; then a further stroll followed by "afternoon tea" - outside if the weather allowed; and finally a carriage back to the Station and a return home in the evening twilight. Of course, had I been alive in those days I would have been the one lugging the supplies on my back and serving the tea and crumpets, not sharing the day out, so it's not a bygone age I long for. When it comes to this country I reckon I have, at the age of 66, been part of the luckiest generation ever born. Still, there is something to be said for a more leisurely approach to life than the current one, as long as the majority of the population can enjoy it. And while we are in the business of extending praise, may I say that although I always read the Essex Naturalist from cover to cover I always head for your articles first. Your "Tales from the Archives" are a thoroughly enjoyable read, content and style alike!
Anyway (above) ..................