Part 2

 

Our Wildlife Interest Begins

May 31 2026

One of the reasons for moving was especially for our two dogs, a Sheltie called Solomon and an Alsatian cross called Rex. We now had a back gate that gave us access straight onto the Downs.

It didn't take us long to go to the top of our garden with a powerful torch to see what was about late at night. There were dozens of sets of eyes scratching around looking for food. We were not sure what they belonged to, as it was far too dark.

The next day, it was off to the meat shop at Hamlins in Station Road, and we bought enough to keep us going for a while. They kindly gave us all of the trimmings to take away. That night, when it was dark, we put some of the trimmings outside of our back gate and stood and waited.

An Unexpected Visitor

It didn't take long; a badger came down the path, and it stopped outside of the gate, sniffed, and went back where it had come from. Merle and I waited a while, and as sure as eggs are eggs, it was soon back with another member of its family.

I was an avid camera buff, and it wasn't long before I was getting my gear set for night photography. This was nearly forty years ago, and there was no Facebook then, so it was Kodachrome X, colour slides, and a new slide projector.

Every night, as soon as it was dark, I put out a diet I had worked out of dog biscuits and peanut butter sandwiches, and this has gone on, one way or another, for over forty years. In my loft, I must have simply dozens of slides, all in their boxes, complete with a projector and other bits and pieces, including development dishes and an enlarger.

The Mile Oak W.I.

I used to go to all kinds of community groups and give talks with my slides and projector. I have a special affinity with Mile Oak W.I., who some years ago made me an Honorary Member of Mile Oak W.I.

I reckon that there can't be too many of them about!