Leonard Stanley Wine Circle with Philip Muridge who gave a fascinating talk entitled ‘Wildlife on my Doorstep’

AFTER welcoming everyone, our Chairman made a few announcements.

It had been decided that the Christmas Dinner this year will not be held in the village hall as usual but on December 20, a Christmas Carvery had been booked for members at The George, Frocester in the converted barn.

Cost would be £20 per person and entertainment would be by the lively Stroud Uke.

David said that it was difficult finding something we had not already done, and after lots of different ideas for the July outing, including ‘alligator wrestling and bungee jumping from the Clifton Gorge’, the Committee gave two options, i.e. Greyhound racing at Swindon including a meal or a visit to Hill Top Brewery at Longhope with a meal in a locall pub.

After a hand vote, the Greyhound Racing seemed to be the most popular and David said that he will confirm details at next meeting.

Our speaker was Philip Muridge who gave a fascinating talk with the aid of photographs entitled ‘Wildlife on my Doorstep’.

It is difficult to describe how wonderful the photographs were without actually seeing them.

Philip is an accomplished photographer who lives in the Forest of Dean and whose garden borders on a field and the Forest itself.

He took them mainly from a hide in the garden which he moved around.

We just sat and marvelled at the varied birds, some drinking, eating, flying etc.

You could actually see the feathers, the colours and imagine them flying out to you.

It was wonderful and each one seemed to get better - the owls and buzzards in particular.

We then saw deer and fox cubs, each cuter than the last, ducks, swans and then butterflies.

Philip himself is a good speaker and in no way was this a boring talk of facts and everyone without exception enjoyed this quite different presentation.

After lots of questions to Philip, we then enjoyed our usual supper and glass of wine.

It amazes me that every month we have a great variety of food provided by members which never seems to be duplicated.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, May 24, when Paul Evans will entertain us with readings, monologues and amusing short stories.

Those members who have not heard Paul before will not be disappointed.

If anyone is interested in joining the Wine Circle, do please come along to a meeting.