The second Members' Evening of the year, and over 200 members attended this ever popular event. The evening followed the normal format of introducing new members of the team, both birds and staff, to an audience for the first time. Our guest speaker was Rupert, the manager of the RSPCA Wildlife Centre at West Hatch. For the second year running they have been jointly involved in the Young Tawny Owl Research project at the Trust. The students that have been carrying out this year's research programme gave a presentation about this year's project to members.

Julianne receives her award from Ash -©John Baker

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award, given annually to one of the hard working unsung heroes at the Trust. This year the award went to Julianne Arthur who, although being one of our younger volunteers, has been involved with the Trust for many years after being brought here as a small child by her grandparents, who were loyal Trust supporters. Julianne turns her hand to anything from car parking at busy weekends, avairy maintenance and holding birds to being an assistant on experience sessions and Owls by Moonlight.

Wildlife cameraman Phillip Lovell arrived at the Trust to film the injured hobby that was due for release. His job was to provide footage for local TV companies.

Leo flying a Barn Owl in demonstration - ©John Harper

Leo from Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Gardens in Hong Kong arrived at the Trust for two weeks' training. This was a continuation of the training course carried out by Ashley and Gary in Hong Kong at the beginning of the year. He was soon assisting with maintenance of the bird sections and flying birds in display.