MEMBERS of Pershore WI were delighted to welcome Mike Cope to their June meeting along with his seven year old barn owl called Ghost.

Mike told us so much about barn owls and how to look after them. He also told us that their numbers had declined drastically in the recent past due to a reduction of suitable nesting sites such as barns and hollow trees, increased traffic, the use of poisons and pesticides, changes in the countryside with hedgerows being pulled out and climate change factors including tracts of land being waterlogged for considerable periods. He then suggested some possible remedies for these points and recommended the Barn Owl Trust website for more information. After Daphne Glover had given the vote of thanks, members had the opportunity to get up close to Ghost and to stroke her – she was surprisingly so very soft to the touch and so tolerant of us! We are hoping that a return visit by Mike can be arranged, possibly with a Peregrine Falcon next time.

In the absence of our secretary, new committee member Ann Elliott took over for the evening to assist president Audrey Whitehouse. More details were given of the Baton Celebration planned for September 11 in St Andrews Hall and Garden and forthcoming county events including the Annual Council Meeting at Malvern. The Pershore Group meeting has been postponed until October 16. Another social skittles evening was planned later this month.

The competition for the number six was won by Beth Milsom (six owls), with Pam Rayner second (six glasses) and Helen Roe third (a hexagonal box).

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10 at 7.30pm in the Wulstan Hall when the speaker will be David Howe on Remembering not to forget” The competition will be based on the number seven. Visitors will be very welcome.