‘Birds of Chew Valley Lake’
New book about this local asset, its history and wildlife
John will talk about how this book came together, with his good friend and well-know local and national birder Keith Vinicombe.
As well as having a lot about birds, it also covers the history of the lake, the ecology (chapters written by local expert Rupert Higgins), Fishing, sailing and the history of the ringing station, as well as many birding stories.
With 468 pages, several hundred illustrations including 26 original commissioned paintings, over 70 line drawings by the late Laurel Tucker, even a couple of cartoons, this is quite a substantial book.
John went to Bristol Grammar school and started birding with friends at the age of 13. He then joined the BGS Field Club which was very active and provided many trips, both local and abroad. His mathematical career was interrupted when he and his then wife Kate were one of 6 couples chosen by the BBC to participate in a project to live in the technology of the Iron Age. The program aired on BBC2 under the title ‘Living in the Past’. They were isolated for 13 months, and it was in fact the first ever ‘Reality TV’ program, before the term existed.
He has run several software businesses and also owned the Prom Bar on the Gloucester Road, providing live music six nights per week for 15 years.
John’s talk will take place in the Centenary Room before the Club Draw evening, and is a free event for all members.
Please contact The Club Office to book your place.