March 2021 Newsletter

Author: Roger Francis (Chairman (SWC)

Dear all,
 
Next  Meeting  Sometime in the future?
 
Well here we are again time for a newsletter and very little to report. I have spoken to a number of members and it was strange to hear everyone say that they are finding it difficult to motivate themselves to complete carvings that they have started during lockdown.
This next paragraph was my introduction to the March Newsletter well it still applies. I have spoken to a few more carvers both UK and internationally and they are all saying the same, that not having group meetings or upcoming shows takes away some of the urgency to make progress before you next meet up with your carving colleagues.
Slimbridge remains closed to all visitors and according to its website the earliest that it will open is today 12th of April and the same restrictions as when they opened up after the last closure.  All visits have to be booked in advance and last time there was limited access to the hides but I see that this time they will not be opening all hides at first only the roof terrace of the Estuary Tower will be open.
The week of the 5th April was a good week for Raptors with two Osprey, Goshawk, 3 Peregrines, Kestrel, Buzzards, Sparrow hawk and Red Kite seen around the grounds
There has been strong evidence of Spring Migration ongoing  with Willow warblers, Blackcaps, Chiffchaff,  Cetti’s , Reed and Sedge Warblers all singing and plenty of Sand Martins and Swallows can been seen.
Jim and I both participated in a BDWCA Committee meeting and it has been decided that BDWCA Bakewell National Carving Championship will go ahead and whatever Covid restrictions that are in force at the time will be implemented. This may mean restricted access, limited numbers at any one time, to the wearing of face masks etc.
Last month I reported the American Virtual Competition I believe that the intention is for this to be an annual event. I do not know how many entries they have received but I understand that 22 UK carvers have entered.
Some of you may have seen Floyd Scholz on FaceBook using a small chainsaw to rough out a flying owl or the phenomenal amount of work that Keith Mueller produces. The work that both do is amazing and well worth following.
If you are a facebook follower you may have seen Ians posting of a female Sparrow Hawk taking and eating a white pigeon in his garden this weekend, I hope it was not the pigeon that sold for a record fee recently of  £1.4 million.
 
I hope you all have projects underway and hope to see you all sometime soon.
Stay safe and well.