Minutes of February Meeting

Date: Thursday February 18th
Time: 7.45pm
Place: Bishop Lloyd's Palace

Item 1: Habitats Exhibition.

Kate Riddington, Keeper of Natural History at the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, brought in a few items of taxidermy, geological specimens and pictures of Cheshire landscape as writing stimulus for an exhibition which is taking place at the museum this summer. The exhibition is aiming to 'use the natural science collections to inspire people and reach new audiences'.

The complete list of birds that will be on display is below and Kate says that 'if anyone would like to see any of the specimens, we can arrange that.' You can contact Kate here.

Meres and mosses
Grey Heron, 2004.30578
Moorhen, 1957.006
Water Rail, 1976.10.f
Coot, 1892.2828

Agriculture
Lapwing, 1968.172
Quail, 1976.43.t
Red legged partridge, 1976.037.a
Cased Barn owls
mole

Industrial
Kestrel,
Tufted Duck, 1909.7896
Black-headed gull, handling collection
Black rat
Brown rat

Urban
Grey squirrel
Hedgehog
Great tit, 1968.105
Feral pigeon, 1968.104
Robin, 1997.08
Starling, 2006.30474
Magpie, 1957.21
Rook, 1963.6
Blackbird, 2006.20470

Coastal and estuary
Curlew, 2004.30703
Peregrine and teal 2004.30593
Oystercatcher, 1970.18
Little stint, 1976.35.b
Wigeon, 1958.01
Shag, 1911.7228

Heath and moorland
Black Grouse, NH gallery
Red Grouse, 1976.58.d
Short-eared Owl, 1939.8178
Ring Ouseul, 1976.54.b
Meadow Pipit, 1970.07 OR Wheatear, 2004.30583

Woodland
Pheasant?, 1970.1, 2
Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 2004.20692
Green woodpecker, 2006.30476
Jay, in gallery
Sparrowhawk, 1977.24
Little Owl, 2004.30701
Bullfinch, 1976.47.m
Nuthatch, 1976.43.m
Crossbill, 1977.35.d
Red squirrel
Stoat

Item 2: Election of post of Treasurer.

Annie Holland generously volunteered to replace Irene Matthewson as treasurer - for this many thanks!

Item 3: Website.

Item 4: Readings.

Item 5: Homework

This month it will be to write about a habitat as introduced by Kate above.
Or...Describe your garden or piece of parkland or even a windowbox from the point of view of someone who has been held captive in some way (perhaps by another person or by illness or anything else you can think of).
The idea is to evoke the world anew - to make the familiar strange.

Item 6: AOB We were pleased to welcome three new members and welcome back an old founder member.

Item 7 : Next meeting
Thursday 18th March. Bishop Lloyd's Palace 7.45pm.

Agenda for February Meeting (February 18th)

Time: 7.45pm
Place: Bishop Lloyd's Palace

Item 1: Habitats Exhibition.

The meeting will start with Kate Riddington, Keeper of Natural History at the Grosvenor Museum, Chester, who has kindly agreed to come in and let us know more about an exhibition which is taking place at the museum this summer:

The habitats exhibition is hopefully going to be part of the MLA (museum, libraries, and archives) NW Renaissance's project to open up natural sciences collections. We are looking for new ways to use natural sciences collections to inspire people and to reach new audiences. The project would be then be used as part of a regional case study.

Kate will bring us samples and pictures as stimulus for poetry about the different habitats across Cheshire.

Item 2: Election of post of Treasurer.

Irene Matthewson, after about ten years exemplary service as treasurer, has tendered her resignation so item 2 is election of a new treasurer.

Item 3: Website.

Item 4: Readings.

Either your own work or 'The Homework'. (this was to take something from your handbag or pocket or car - or drawer where you keep miscellaneous objects...

(i) Describe it

(ii) Write about memories it evokes - where you got it, when you got it, what does it reminds you of when you see it.)


Item 5: Homework

This month it will be to write about a habitat as introduced by Kate above.
Alternative: Choose a habitat (could be your garden or nearby park or window box) and describe it from the point of view of someone who has never been outside before (bubble child or held captive).