The Hawk Conservancy Trust

10th
Jan


Members preparing to work in the frozen meadow	A cold and frosty start to the members' working day, with the herons coming in for a feed.	Members valiantly raking hay in the frozen meadow

Members' meadow working day. This day turned out to be one of the coldest days of the year and the ground was solid with a thick hoarfrost. Despite that, about twenty members wrapped up warm and armed with rakes attempted to rake up the hay. It was a day filled with a lot of laughs, and although we didn't manage to get all of the meadow finished, it confirmed that we can hold working days over the winter without disturbing the visitors, so the plan is to hold a few more next winter.

Party guests enjoying a display from the balcony

Watching a frosty display from the balcony

A private family gathering was held in the Griffon rooms, and guests enjoyed watching a frosty display from the balcony.

13th
&
14th Jan

Ashley, Tracey, Anya, Sonia and Jimmy attended the Gift Fair in Torquay. For the past twenty years we have gone to the Birmingham fair but, for a change, decided to visit here and were pleasantly surprised. Although smaller there was a much better choice of lines for the Trust shop, many of which you will soon see on the shelves. The hardest thing was keeping Jimmy off all the toys and tasting all the sweets!

15th
Jan

Wild Arena held a photographic course at the Trust.

17th
Jan

The Griffon rooms were hired for a demonstration on relaxation and meditation techniques. This is the first of a series of such courses to be held at the Trust

19th
Jan

The Trust was visited by a representative of the Press Association. She was given a tour of the grounds, as well as the opportunity to watch and handle some birds, and to learn about the Trust's conservation projects.

20th
Jan

The Trust's Snowy Owls were moved to Paultons Park on loan.

21st Jan

Le Creuset held a corporate event at the Trust as part of their annual conference.

23rd Jan

First Trustees' meeting of the year

27th Jan

Reading University attended a day's training course hosted by Campbell.

29th Jan

The launch of the Trust's new strategic plan. All of the staff and volunteers at the Trust have been involved in putting together a blueprint for the future of the Trust. Everyone was invited to the launch, which was hosted by Trustee John Ellicock and Ashley. It provided an opportunity for all staff to meet the new Marketing Manager, Gale Gould, and to learn about the exciting year ahead and ongoing future plans.

30th
Jan

Trust corporate sponsors Arqiva held a meeting at the Trust. They also agreed to support the Trust by covering the cost of producing our welcome leaflet for the 2009 season.

Refurbishments to the toilets are underway

A fresh coat of paint for the front of reception.

Work continued around the grounds to get ready for the start of the main season. The front and back entrance of the Trust shop and Duffy's received a fresh coat of paint, and all the wooden buildings were woodstained. New steps have been made for the side of the amphitheatre, to allow easier access to the arena for late arrivals.

Clive Chester (former Trust falconer) has been appointed as the new Trust shop assistant, he is relinquishing his duties as membership liaison officer, which this season will be operated in house by commentators to encourage take up among visitors.

During the month our African White Backed Vultures produced an egg which is now in the incubator in the hospital.

	The Hawk Conservancy Trust Charity No: 1092349 - Company No: 4304161
	Sarson Lane, Weyhill, Andover, Hampshire. SP11 8DY, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1264 773850. Fax: +44 (0) 1264 773772. Email info@hawkconservancy.org

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	A web site last modified on Saturday, 31 July, 2010

Monthly Diary - January 2009