|
The foot and mouth restrictions
implemented in the countryside this Spring and Summer did not allow access to
the footpaths through woodland and other open areas. Consequently, birdwatching
was restricted to main roads and gardens. Despite this, there was plenty to hear
and see.
The birds claimed their territories,
and as Summer progressed the young birds were readily observed. Nest boxes in
gardens suitable for Great Tits and Blue Tits were put to good use, and the
fledged young quickly learned to use bird tables replenished by many bird
lovers. This practise proved to be very dangerous, as the sparrowhawks looking
for food for their young could be seen speeding through gardens and over
hedgerows to catch any unwary birds.
By the end of the Summer, swallows
are starting to collect on overhead cables. They are getting ready to begin
their long migration to South Africa, having first built up their fat reserves
on the many insects available, which will be topped up en route during their
long flight south.
Groups of swifts have been seen
screeching over the rooftops of Metheringham, but they too will have started on
their way south by the end of August. House Martins will have also joined this
migration.
This year turtle doves were heard
and seen at Metheringham manor. A pleasure indeed as numbers in Great Britain
have dropped dramatically in the last twenty years.
As the Summer visitors leave our
shores this Autumn we look forward again to the Winter visitors.
In the meantime, keep a look out on reservoirs and open water for waders that have
bred in Northern Europe and are making their way South, using these areas to
rest and feed up on their journey.
|
|
With the support of this village, M.A.D. (Metheringham Amateur Dramatics) are going
from strength to strength.
We are widening our scale of performances firstly with a production for young
people. “Shelter” is a thought-provoking
play about the homeless. The whole cast is
aged between 12 and 17, and under the directorship of Gaynor Little this is to
be performed in the Village Hall on 26/27 October. We hope you will join us in
wishing this production all good luck.
As we had so many people who enjoyed our Remembrance Review last year, we decided
to make this an annual event. This year it will be staged again in the Village
Hall, on Friday 9th November.
“Pantomime” is nearly here again. This next
pantomime, “Babes in the Wood and Robin Hood” is to be staged over the first
two weekends in February.
Thanks to MACLA’s last Newsletter we now have a Musical Director for our company. We
are now looking for new members to help us with lighting, sound, scenery etc.
etc. As you can imagine, the list is never ending.
Anyone wishing to join us please can you contact Suzanne Tatton, our Secretary, on
(01526) 861629, or if you would like to come along to the panto
auditions on Sunday 7th October in Metheringham
Village hall at 1400 hours we would love to see you.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sun 7th October, Panto Auditions at 1400 hours
Fri 26th and Sat 27th October, “Shelter”
Fri 9th November, Remembrance Review
February 1st, 2nd,
8th and 9th,
Pantomime
We at M.A.D. would like to thank you for all your
support over the last nine years and hope to see you at our future productions. |
