Group News
Awards for All
The group would like to thank Awards for All for their generous grant of over £2,514 which has been used to purchase a laptop computer, digital projector and accessories with which to bring up to date its ability to provide quality presentations both at indoor meetings and at events in "the field".
[Posted: 6th Jun 2010]
Donation to RSPB
Thanks to fundraising efforts at the indoor meetings, Forth Valley Local Group were able to donate £1200 to the RSPB for conservation work this year.
[Posted: 6th Jun 2010]
Indoor programme
Never come along to the indoor meetings? It's easier than you think! We meet monthly from September to April in a fully accessible community hall, Hillpark in Stirling (view as PDF, 381KB). It has parking at the door and we can often arrange assistance with transport if you require it. Each month we invite a speaker, perhaps a photographer, field worker or expert to give an illustrated talk, with an opportunity for questions at the end. For fun and fundraising we hold a raffle for the RSPB. There is an information area and news about outdoor trips and related items of interest is given out. Members have a chance to chat, plan their next trip or share their favourite sightings over a cuppa at the break. We look forward to meeting you soon!
[Posted: 6th Jun 2010]
Scottish Volunteers Day
In March 2010, 9 members of the group attended RSPB Scottish Volunteers Day in Pitlochry. This event celebrates the work of volunteers who help with local groups, on reserves, at osprey and red kite projects, at our hospice project, with fundraising and much much more. It is a chance to meet staff from HQ and across the country, get up to date with national and international work, and to meet volunteers from other groups. It is always an inspiring day and passes far too quickly!
[Posted: 6th Jun 2010]
Introducing our New Group Leader
Hi Everyone
Just thought I'd take the opportunity to say thanks to everyone. Thanks to the committee for showing the confidence in nominating me as new Group Leader, and thanks to the Group on accepting. Can I also take the chance to introduce myself to the members that I don't know so well.
I'm from Glasgow and moved to this area some thirty years ago. I've spent that time working in the Alloa Glasswork. I have two hobbies in particular that got me into bird-watching: painting and cycling. I've had a go at a few birds, however trying to self teach here may leave some of my stuff a bit iffy. No matter it's a nice peaceful pastime. [Tam is being very modest here. Regular attendees at indoor meetings will have seen the wonderful results and the fantastic fundraising achieved for the Hospice feeder project! Ed.]
I used to like going out on my bike, however at my level of fitness you find yourself taking frequent rest periods! While having a wee rest I'd find myself watching some bird somewhere, from here I soon learned that bird watching is a whole lot easier than peddling! So the bike now stays at home and I just go for a walk with my bins. [Tam will be doing a sponsored cycle run from John O'Groats to Alloa for us this summer! Please sponsor him if you can! Ed.]
In my quest to learn more about birds, I joined the RSPB, through this I soon found the group, which brings me to where I am now. Though sad to see David, Kath and later Etta stand down, I am confident that with the strong experienced committee we have, the group will go on in the manner we have all got used to.
When I was first appointed I attended a workshop run by the RSPB for new group leaders and we were given a sneak preview of a publication not yet released, "Your Guide to Priorities for Local Groups". It will be sent out to all group leaders to be used as a guide to various activities the RSPB think they should or could be getting involved with. I wish I could share the immense feeling of pride felt when our hospice bird feeding project was pointed out. I know as a result of this there are at least two groups that will be looking into doing similar work.
Thanks and many regards,
Tam
[Posted: 21st Apr 2010]
Pin Badge Fundraising at Local Klondyke
(Adapted from press release)
A Falkirk garden centre has been raising more than just plants this year, after staff and customers collected a massive £1,000 for conservation charity, RSPB.
Klondyke Garden Centre, in Polmont, have been raising money for the RSPB through sales of pin badges since March 2007 and reached the magic figure £1,000, last September. Their success was celebrated in an award ceremony attended by Nicky Brodie, RSPB Scotland Community Fundraising Officer, and Joe Hayes, Minute Secretary of the Forth Valley Local Group, who presented staff with certificates, a letter of thanks and a box of chocolates.
Manager of the centre, Rob Lumsdon, said that a general interest in birds and bird-care products had probably helped to raise sales of the badges. "It's an area where there's a lot more interest than people think," he said. "People love putting up feeders and tables and watching the birds come in, and it's nice to see their interest."
But Rob is a little disappointed that one bird in particular, isn't available as a pin badge. "I'm from Newcastle, so I really wanted a magpie, but I'm told they don't make them!" he said. [Rob will be happy to know that the magpie has been included in a new range of pin-badge birds! Ed.]
Nicky Brodie said: "RSPB pin badges are incredibly popular, and a fantastically easy way for local businesses to raise significant amounts of money to support our conservation work around Britain. The pin badges range from firm favourites, such as blackbirds and robins, to more unusual birds, like corncrakes and nuthatches, and many people actually become keen collectors."
In eighteen months three members of the group have collected more than £7286.60 from pin badge boxes in Forth Valley. In addition to the £1151.55 from Klondyke Garden Centre, Polmont collected by Joe Hayes, Elaine Haine and David Redwood have emptied more than £4000 from boxes at twelve sites on the Trossachs Bird of Prey Trail. All this money will be used to support the conservation work of the RSPB.
If you would be interested in displaying an RSPB pin badge box in your shop or office please contact Nicki Brodie on 0131 311 6574 or nicki.brodie@rspb.org.uk.
[Posted: 21st Apr 2010]
Strathcarron Feeders Update
We have now completed the second year of our Strathcarron Feeder Project and it continues to be a great success bringing pleasure to patients, relatives and staff. One nurse was telling me recently how much pleasure she gains from sitting in the staff dining room having lunch and watching the birds at the feeders in the courtyard outside. Patients often remark also about passing time enjoying watching the birds coming and going at the feeders outside their windows. Over time we have replaced the bird tables with hanging feeders and adjust their positions to ensure patients can view them from their beds and chairs.
Once again our thanks go to everyone who has donated food, feeders and money to help keep our Project active. Thanks also to John Mallett for his Christmas Quiz and Tam Craig for donating his super paintings for the raffle. Finally, a very warm thank you to our loyal band of volunteers who turn out so faithfully in all weather – summer and winter.
[Posted: 21st Apr 2010]