Another season of evening lectures has passed, and at a new venue. The reaction seems to have been favourable, and there were few hitches, other than our endless struggle to come up with an effective sound system. If there are any experts out there - Heelp! Although I think the fundamental problem is that we can't afford the kind of money that is needed to buy one. However, attendances seemed to be up slightly on the previous year, which is encouraging, although, strangely, membership numbers don't seem to have increased.

The programme for next winter has already been organised, and details are contained at the back of this newsletter. I probably shouldn't be talking about next winter before this summer has arrived, as the current weather is depressing enough. Let's hope there are sunny days ahead so that we can get out and enjoy the flora and fauna of the area.

News on the wildlife front has been mixed. The sighting of first a Salmon in the Yarrow and then a Common Seal in the River Douglas at Bretherton gave us hope that our rivers were becoming much healthier. However, nothing can be taken for granted, and before you know it a pollution incident at Common Bank has killed thousands of fish in the Yarrow, and apparently damaged the ecosystem on a lengthy stretch of the river, to such an extent that it will take years to recover. Any salmon swimming up river this year will no doubt have to beat a hasty retreat or perish in the process.

Changing the subject, we are still looking for suggestions for using the surplus funds raised through sales of the Millennium booklet. The conditions of the Lottery grant were that any such surplus should be used for the benefit of the natural history of the area. I am sure that Stan Llewellin in particular would be very pleased to receive any suggestions you may wish to make.

I would also like to make an impassioned plea for articles for the newsletter. It don't get any easier filling these pages! Enjoy your summer, but whilst you are lazing away a few hours in your deck chair, give a little thought to the contribution you may be able to make, however humble it may be!