BY the time the members of the Crediton Probus Club and their ladies arrived at Downes Crediton Golf Club, the early morning fog had cleared and the sun was by then shining.

It was Tuesday, November 1, and the occasion was the annual Ladies Lunch.

There was a good turnout, with 45 people sitting down to lunch. Grace was said by Michael Davies prior to members enjoying a very generous meal prepared and served by the new caterers at the club.

During the proceedings, the chairman, Richard Adams, welcomed our guests and asked everyone to drink to the health of the Queen.

The monthly quotation was enjoyed by everyone, and was given by Reg Nott.

Prior to the talk, the president thanked the treasurer Peter Bryan for arranging the event. He then thanked Brian and Mary Threlfall for providing the corsages for the ladies.

The draw was won by Elsa Wakefield.

The president then introduced Mrs Emily Stallworthy, who is the Terrestrial Conservation Officer for the Devon Wildlife Trust.

The speaker, assisted by numerous slides, took us through the history and activities of the Trust.

The Trust was formed in 1962, and the first full-time staff were appointed in 1988.

Originally the activities of the Trust were carried out in members’ homes. Later a small office was obtained in Exeter.

Now, following a generous gift, the Trust has its own headquarters, still in Exeter, with 70 members of staff and 33,000 members.

Our speaker took us through the various problems that confront our wildlife, many of which derive from loss of habitat, or fragmentation of that habitat, thereby cutting off the animals’ ability to move freely for food and causing problems deriving from interbreeding.

There has been a decline in the number of species, and numbers within the species. To arrest this decline, proper management of the habitats is the key to improving the wildlife population.

Two Beaver projects are flourishing, and continue to grow.

The future success of the wildlife is, to large measure, in the hands of volunteers who undertake numerous tasks to aid our wildlife to prosper. Volunteers are always very welcome.

A number of questions from the floor were fully answered, and the talk was finalised by a rousing round of applause.

Brian Threlfall gave a spirited vote of thanks to Emily, which was followed by more applause, whereupon Emily was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

The meeting was concluded in the usual way, by the president calling on all present to drink, “To the next time”.

DD