The 1980s

Nationally this was a decade of polarisation, with the decline of many traditional industries and the emergence of a new technological revolution. With workers being replaced by machines, unemployment reached its highest level since the war as the economy slid towards recession. Among the rash of strikes that broke out was one at British Leyland. The Government was initially loath to intervene, with the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, famously saying “The Lady’s not for turning”, but by 1985 it was forced to take emergency action as the pound slumped to its lowest-ever level against the dollar.

The protracted miners’ strike became particularly ugly, culminating with violent clashes between pickets and the police at Orgreave (South Yorkshire). Indirectly this had an unexpected effect on the Club, which found itself temporarily without its Secretary, who was a serving police officer, when he was called away to assist in policing the picket lines. Allied to unemployment, social unrest was also rife and riots irrupted in many towns and cities, including Birmingham.

Fortunately, the economy recovered somewhat in the second half of the decade and unemployment began to fall, though there was still a sting in the tail with the dramatic fall in the world’s stock markets on Black Monday (October 19^th 1987). All this economic turmoil had a noticeable effect on the Club’s membership, which during the worst of the recession between 1980 and 1986 fell by 6%, before rising by 14% in the three better years at the end of the decade.

Meanwhile, technology was developing apace, from the primitive home computers launched by Amstrad and the BBC in the early 1980s, to the beginning of the Internet in 1983 and the invention of the worldwide web in 1989. Depending on your technical abilities, changes in technology can be either alarming or exciting. When the first mobile-phone call in the UK was made on January 1^st 1985 it was generally publicised as the ‘Dawn of a new era’ and this certainly proved to be true. Britain's first official call on a mobile phone was made by Michael Harrison, son of Vodafone Chairman Sir Ernest Harrison. The call was made by Michael from

Parliament Square in Westminster with a Vodafone Transportable VT1 phone (weighing 5,500 grams – about five times the weight of some of the heaviest binoculars around at that time!) on the first ever UK mobile network, wishing his father a Happy New Year. What followed was a rapid development in this form of communication and a complete change in social behaviour. Just days later on January 10^th, BT Cellnet, the forerunner of today's O2 network, launched its own service, and so the industry and culture instantly flourished. What was about to happen to the birding world in terms of how we communicate would revolutionise the pastime.

The shift in emphasis towards conservation, which had begun in the mid-1960s with the appointment of a Conservation Officer, was brought even more into focus by a debate in the Research Committee, when it was questioned whether ‘the Club should be content to just record events or to get actively involved in conservation’. An important consideration was the Club’s relationship with national and county conservation bodies, such as the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC, now Natural England) and the County Wildlife Trusts (as they are called today), which led us to question ‘How can our knowledge be best used for conservation purposes?’

After our 50th anniversary celebrations in 1979 we entered the new decade with high expectations of finalising the production of the Club’s  second major publication, The Birds of

the West Midlands. Hopes of publishing this avifauna in conjunction with our half centenary were dashed by inevitable delays when undertaking such a work; let’s not underestimate the enormity of this task that is placed upon the shoulders of volunteers. Furthermore, when the objective of the exercise is to present detailed information, then accuracy must always prevail over all other circumstances. Nevertheless, the editorial team, consisting of Graham Harrison (Editor), Alan Dean, Alan Richards and David Smallshire, was well advanced in its preparations and renowned artist Mike Warren had been commissioned to produce the jacket illustration of Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis, which at that time was the emblem of the Club. Other valuable contributions were made by Phil Ireland (ringing information), Janet Harrison (maps, histograms and graphs) and Rob Hume (drawings). Writing the book was one thing – getting it published quite another. Having received an unacceptable quote from T & A D Poyser, Alan Richards and Graham Harrison journeyed to the Peak District to meet with the above to discuss options. Trevor Poyser explained that he felt a regional work would not generate sufficient sales for a commercial venture. Instead, he suggested the Club should follow the precedent of its Breeding Atlas in seeking to raise funds by way of grants, donations, loans and pre-publication orders and then act as its own publisher. Preliminary investigations revealed this would cost around £17,000 for a print run of 3,000 copies. Thanks largely to the generosity of the membership, many of whom gave interest free loans repayable over four years, the necessary funds had been secured within a year and we were able to go directly to a printer, with Ebenezer Baylis and Son Ltd. at Worcester being chosen.

At the Parent Club indoor meeting in April 1982 there was a great sense of unease amongst all who were present. The unimaginable had taken place when, on April 2^nd, Argentine troops invaded Port Stanley on the British dependant territories of the Falkland Islands. This triggered one of the largest major conflicts since World War II, utilising all elements of the British armed forces. Such a catastrophic state of affairs would clearly affect the world as a whole by creating unimaginable destruction, disruption and utter despair. Hostilities lasted for ten weeks, with the British military response resulting in an Argentine surrender on June 14^th, returning the islands to British control. A great many families worldwide, and certainly including some Club members, had experienced devastating losses and life changing circumstances. As in any war, let there be no mention of winners or losers!

Amongst the doom and gloom of the Falkland conflict, there was thankfully some good news for the Club. On Tuesday May 4^th 1982 the first copies of The Birds of the West Midlands arrived hot off the press during an Indoor Meeting, with the authors anxiously waiting outside the Birmingham and Midland Institute for the delivery van to arrive! The gratifying news was that, out of a total print run of 3,000, over 1,000 orders had been received at the pre-publication price of £10. Thereafter copies were sold at the full price of £15, and by 1983 sales had broken even, with all loans having been repaid. By the time stocks were exhausted, a considerable profit had been made, which the Club set aside to help fund any future publications.  Great appreciation was paid to Mike Warren who painted the original artwork for the dust jacket, which he generously donated to the Club and which was sold for a considerable sum of money. A signed, numbered, limited edition print of the dust jacket was also produced, and sales of this helped defray the substantial printing costs. The Club made clear their immense gratitude to the Editor, Graham Harrison, and his team of co-authors for producing this highly acclaimed avifauna of the West Midlands. One of the major benefits of this publication was that it provided a comprehensive analysis of the Region’s avifauna, something that the Club’s Annual Reports have kept up-to-date by providing annual species status assessments together with any necessary updates by using this avifauna as our benchmark.

Another success for the Club was the First Day Cover of Postage Stamps issued by the Post Office on January 16^th 1980 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the Wild Birds Protection Acts. These stamps, along with the artwork for an envelope, were also designed by Club member and artist Mike Warren. There was also a special hand-stamped cancellation mark that embraced the Club’s emblem. A limited run of 4,000 of these were on sale at £2.50 each, or £7.50 when signed by Mike Warren - another profitable enterprise for the Club that over two years raised more than a £1,000.   

In his Report (year ending December 31^st 1980) Club Treasurer John Ridley documented: after the deficit of £944.00 sustained in 1979, the Club’s financial reserves were restored in 1980 by the surplus of £1,762.00 arising jointly from the decision to increase subscriptions on January 1^st 1980 and the windfall profit of £853.00 on sales of First Day Cover Postage Stamps. The membership of the Club at December 31^st 1980 stood at 1,855, this being made up of 1,786 senior members and 69 juniors, an increase on the previous year of 33 senior and 2 junior members. The Balance Sheet at December 31^st 1980 revealed total net assets of £13,205. Unfortunately, our surplus in working funds was short-lived. Continued high inflation during 1981 resulted in most of our principal expenses rising steeply and thereby overcoming our subscription and permit income, resulting in another annual expenditure deficit.

Sometimes our best laid plans can be scuppered by others who have their own agenda, and this was certainly the case in connection with the Parent Club Indoor Meetings in 1980. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery had been the home for these meetings for 30 years, but due to the fact that extensive alterations and renovations were going to be made to the Gallery, it had become necessary for us to find other accommodation. The Club had enjoyed unrivalled facilities provided at this venue, which, coupled with an ever-present, willing and helpful staff, was a combination that was greatly missed. Thus, the final indoor meeting at this venue was held in December with a talk by Alan Richards, fittingly about ‘The Birds of the West Midlands’. The Chairman, Tony Blake, said “I speak for every Club member when I say we are more than sorry that this long and happy association has come to an end and that we shall carry with us fond memories of what was ‘our home’ for more than thirty years.” 

Happily, the Parent Club Indoor Meetings administrators and audiences soon settled into their new surroundings and enjoyed the facilities provided in the Lyttleton Theatre at the Birmingham and Midland Institute in Margaret Street, central Birmingham. After the meetings, it then became customary to gather in the Old Royal on the corner of Cornwall Street and Church Street, where birding conversation continued until closing time.

In 1980 the Main Committee approved a joint venture with the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

to lease 56 acres along the Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest. The Club’s Chairman, Tony Blake, set out the agreed arrangements in the accompanying extract taken from Bulletin No 283 (April 1980).

Dr Fred Dale had been a long-standing member, serving on the Research Committee for several years following his election in 1962.

A joint committee of three Club members and three from the Worcestershire Trust was set up to manage the reserve, with Club member Jack Mountford as its chair. 

In 1984 the Worcestershire Trust sought the Club’s comments on the Economic Forestry Group’s proposals for the Fred Dale Reserve. The new freeholder was keen to see the woodland paying for itself in the long-term. The Committee concurred with the views of Andrew Frazer (WWT) and it was agreed to visit the new owner.

In 1985 the Research Committee minutes record that the Club was given notice to quit one field on the reserve, but we have found no further information about this. Indeed, to this day the Fred Dale Reserve remains something of an enigma. Club Bulletin 338 (July/August 1988) mentions A Guide to the Fred Dale Nature Reserve, available from the WMBC price 60p. Does anyone have a copy of this, or any further information about the reserve? At the time of writing we have been unable to ascertain who now looks after the Reserve as it does not appear in the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s list of reserves. It certainly seems to have lost its intended purpose as a lasting memorial to Fred.

Around this time concerns were also being expressed over the impact that a car rally and an orienteering event might have on the National Nature Reserve and the broader area of the Wyre Forest. 

Club members also assisted with the pilot for the BTO’s Winter Atlas and their views from their experiences were sent to the BTO Populations Committee.

For the Research Committee, under the continuing chairmanship of Graham Harrison and with Phil Ireland taking over as secretary, the early years of this decade were incredibly busy. Indeed, a request was made for additional summer meetings, though in the event these were not met with much enthusiasm as attendances were poor. So it was decided to revert to the original format of monthly meetings over the winter period. Even then, only half-a-dozen or so members were present at some meetings. However the first year of the decade saw a major milestone with the first lady being invited to become a Research Committee member, namely Alicia Normand. She was a joint BTO Regional Representative for the West Midlands with her husband Bob, who had also recently joined the Committee. However still more members were clearly needed, but recruitment was not easy. The question of room hire was thought to be one obstacle, and it was questioned whether the Club should pay for this rather than the individual Committee members as at present. It was also suggested that since the Club had transferred its indoor meetings to the Birmingham and  Midlands Institute in 1981, perhaps a suitable room could be found there, but it transpired this would be considerably more expensive.

The Club’s role also came under consideration, it being felt by some that the scientific aspect had drifted more towards experts, while birdwatching had become more of a leisure activity. The question posed was “What do our members want?” One opportunity of finding out came when the Research Committee agreed to supply a panel of speakers for the Club’s Parent Indoor Meeting in April, with the intention of encouraging more members to participate in various surveys and projects. The response from the general membership was not overwhelming.

At times, the status of the Research Committee also seemed to be in doubt, as the approved constitution required the Main Committee to appoint its chairman, secretary and membership annually, but this was sometimes overlooked! In 1983, though, the Committee was formally re-legitimised, but with the inclusion of the new Ringing Secretary, Bert Coleman, as an additional member.

When Cecil Lambourne had retired as Conservation Officer in 1977, instead of appointing a successor the Main Committee had decided to create a new post of Deputy Chairman, with responsibility for conservation, and George Lewis had been elected to fill this. With the Research Committee increasingly becoming involved with conservation matters, George set up a small sub-committee of Frank Gribble, Graham Harrison and himself to deal with such matters. However, Graham has no recollection of its ever meeting, although all three did become individually involved in conservation issues in the 1980s.

Further changes were afoot, again at the hands of others, when The Wildlife and Countryside Bill was introduced into Parliament at the end of 1980, though few would have predicted the controversy that arose during the following year. Before it finally received Royal Assent in October 1981, many members of the West Midland Bird Club had been active in bringing about what were generally considered to be important amendments to the Act, especially those involving wild bird conservation. The ever-growing influence that the Club was having nationally was evident in the way that local politicians reacted to members’ concerns.

Away from politics and administrative problems and into the birding scene, it was estimated that almost half, 48%, of the British population of Ruddy Ducks were at Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire, with a record count of 630 birds on January 18^th 1981. The repercussions of their continuing increase in numbers resulted in a return to political implications and drastic actions being taken in later years.

One consequence of the above Act was that the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC) began the enormous task of reviewing and rescheduling all Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The scale of this task inevitably meant progress would be protracted, which members of the Research Committee found very frustrating. This was especially so when it was rumoured some legal and financial advisors were recommending landowners to deliberately threaten introducing damaging developments in order to claim compensation under the Act, even though they had no intention of carrying them out.  

A small sub-committee was set up to review the criteria for SSSI designation and Dave Smallshire prepared a paper on this which was endorsed by the Main Committee and sent to the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC). Thereafter a seemingly endless number of threats, or potential threats, to individual sites arose. The details of each would be far too lengthy to include here, but the following examples are indicative of the kind of issues involved.

Two casualties were Stubbers Green and Westwood Pool. With regard to Stubbers Green, where there was a large (Barn) Swallow Hirundo rustica roost, the Club had forwarded data from the Mercian Ringing Group onto the NCC to stress its importance, but the NCC chose not to intervene as it was considered unlikely that the site would qualify for SSSI designation on review. As a consequence, warehouses were built over much of the area, destroying its ecological value. At Westwood Pool, the owner wished to create a separate pool for windsurfing. The NCC objected and Wychavon Council refused planning permission, but the owner went ahead nevertheless and threatened to revoke the birdwatching permit of any holder who objected – a threat which at least one Club member found to his cost was no idle one!

Arguably the greatest losses occurred on the moorlands of North Staffordshire, where, following the break-up of the Swythamley estate, large areas of land came up for sale. The Peak Park authority sought to acquire these at auction but, being constrained in its bids by the District Valuer, was unsuccessful. The lands were eventually bought by farmers for sheep farming. In one case an area of heather moor favoured by Black Grouse was ploughed up using a grant from the Ministry of Agriculture. A few years later the same area came up for sale again and this time the Peak Park did manage to secure it, but only at a considerably higher valuation and after destruction of its habitat.

Against the background of issues such as these, there was a strong feeling amongst Research Committee members that the Club should be doing more to try and protect valuable secondary sites and this was reported to the Main Committee.  

Two members of the Research Committee, Alan Dean and Brian Hill, suggested the Club should prepare a Local Habitats Register for circulation to the NCC and all other interested parties, so that at least no one could claim to be unaware of the importance of any particular site. They also suggested that sites should be ranked in order of importance. Specifically, they further suggested Kingsbury Water Park as a potential SSSI. After further discussion, it was decided to extend this area to embrace the Severn Trent settlement lakes at Lea Marston, the Club’s reserve at Ladywalk and the WARNACT (Warwickshire Nature Conservation Trust, now Warwickshire Wildlife Trust) reserve at Whitacre Heath as well. This proposal was sent by the Club to the NCC. At the same time, the Club made a request to Severn Trent for birdwatching permits to be issued for the Lea Marston lakes, but this was turned down on safety grounds. The final outcome of these suggestions was a hide overlooking the settling lakes and SSSI designation for Whitacre Heath -  the NCC having decided that Kingsbury Water Park and Ladywalk did not warrant the enhanced reputation that SSSI designation would have brought!

The opportunity for a few members to get involved in some traditional survey work came in 1983, when George Barker from the NCC asked the Club to carry out a survey of the Blackbrook Valley in Dudley (now part of Saltwells Nature Reserve), for which there was a budget of £300. Bob Normand co-ordinated the project with a team of volunteers and he, along with Graham and Janet Harrison, produced the final, favourably received report, which at a cost of £269.40 was considered good value for money. (The full report can be found in the Club’s 1986 Annual Report No 53).

Mentioning reserves, a new hide on the south-west shore at Belvide was opened on January

27^th 1981 by Keith Taylor of Bryant Construction and the Honorary Warden, Dave Smallshire, expressed the Club’s thanks to all those involved.

The Staffordshire Branch was also heavily involved in securing and developing the Tillington/ Doxey Marshes, with Bevan Craddock playing a leading role. As will be seen from the accompanying extract from a Club Bulletin, on this occasion he was wearing more than one hat, which was not unusual for Bev. The Doxey Marshes Nature Reserve, as it is now known, is an outstanding example of what can be achieved working in partnership with others and credit should be given to Bevan and the Branch for seizing this opportunity and getting on and doing the job. The project received an award from the Conservation Foundation – a UK charity founded by David Bellamy and David Shreeve with the Ford Motor Company sponsoring the awards.

Less harmonious, however, was the controversy regarding the pros and cons of ringing Grey Herons Ardea cinerea at Gailey, which broke out in 1982. Charlie Brown and Bert Coleman were invited to put their respective cases for and against cessation of ringing to the Research Committee, but with strong feelings on both sides this remained an unresolved issue which was to rear its ugly head again in future years.

Several changes in officers and the creation of new posts were a feature in the early years of the decade. In 1980 Stan Young was officially elected as Field Meetings Secretary, having taken over from Nigel Coldicott, who had moved out of the area during the previous year; whilst Jean Nicholls became Membership Secretary. Dave Smallshire also officially resigned as Belvide Warden, as he too was about to leave the area, though in practice he found he was able to carry on for some time afterwards. Thanks were expressed to Dave for his contributions to the Staffordshire Branch and to his role as Belvide Warden but, with his departure, the Club also lost a joint author of The Birds of the West Midlands, and a valuable Committee member whose knowledge and enthusiasm have since been greatly missed.

With a fast-growing membership, issuing permits for visiting reserves had become an increasing burden on the Secretary, so in 1981 Margaret Surman was appointed into the new post of Permit Secretary – a position she was to hold for the next 25 years – dedication indeed! She was a charming lady, who had worked at Bletchley Park during the war and so had the happy knack on putting the dithering male members of the Main Committee in their place by coming straight to the solution of any complex problem. The same year also saw Arthur Jacobs become a permanent apology to the Research Committee, and he too was thanked for his substantial contribution over many years.

1983 was an eventful year when Tony Blake stood down as Chairman at the AGM. The Deputy Chairman, George Lewis, paid tribute to Tony’s long service to the Club (thirty years) and in particular the achievements during his term as Chairman. In the space of five years he had overseen the establishment of Belvide as a reserve; the purchase of the Fred Dale Reserve; celebration of the 50^th Anniversary; and the publishing of the Birds of the West Midlands.

Alan Richards was appointed as Club Chairman and he also continued as Secretary, but to relieve his workload, the next year Peter Dedicoat was appointed to the new post of Bulletin Editor. At the same meeting Phil Ireland stood down as Ringing Secretary and was succeeded by Bert Coleman. The post of Editor was redesignated as Recorder to better describe its function. Alan Richards had completed a full 20 years as Club Secretary, and his dedication and commitment to the development of the Club saw his natural progression to his new role. Peter Dedicoat’s prior involvement included five years on the editorial team assisting with the production of the Club’s Annual Report, while at the same time serving on the Main Committee. After eight years as Ringing Secretary, Phil Ireland retired and the Club expressed their appreciation of his involvement and achievements. The appointment of Bert Coleman as his successor was greeted with much enthusiasm. Bert was a ringer of international repute who was particularly well known for his study of the Mute Swan Cygnus olor. 1983 also  saw publication of the 50th edition of the Club’s Annual Report, fittingly featuring a full-colour, front cover reproduction of Michael Warren’s artwork from The Birds of the West Midlands and an appropriate article on ‘Fifty Years of Birdwatching’ by Tony Blake, Alan Richards, Bill Oddie and Graham Harrison.

Further changes in 1984 saw Alan Whatley take over from Alan Richards as Secretary, though only for a short term of three years before standing down, when Hugh MacGregor stepped into the role. 1985 then saw yet more changes with John Ridley standing down after six years as Treasurer and Ken Webb taking on the position; D S Evans becoming Membership Secretary – a role which Jean Nicholls had admirably filled for the preceding six years; and Daphne Dunstan relinquishing the chair of the Solihull Branch, which was taken on by M Hewitt.

In 1985 the Research Committee left the Crown Hotel in Broad Street, which had been its home for fifteen years, and moved its meetings to the Birmingham and Midland Institute.

The Field Meetings programme included visits to most of the regular venues, though following a poor response to the proposed Norfolk weekend in 1979, it was decided to switch to a weekend in Devon, which was soon fully booked. Another unusual venture, that the Staffordshire Branch had undertaken back in 1980, was a mini-break to the Firth of Forth, travelling by train.

In the early years, assessing bird records had not been a great problem, as with so few birdwatchers there was usually someone who could vouch for an unknown observer. With an increasing number of unknown people submitting records, however, this was no longer the case. Accepting the record of a species from a known observer, but rejecting a similar one from an unknown observer was clearly unfair and naturally caused resentment. So the Research Committee persuaded the Club to publish a list of species for which descriptions would be required from all members in every case. This resulted in the first Checklist of the

Birds of our Region and guide to record submission, which as Graham Harrison recalls was the brainchild of Dave Smallshire and was produced on a word processor by Dave Emley. A copy of this essential work was provided to every member. Henceforth records not backed up with the requisite supporting evidence were rejected. Unfortunately, this turned resentment on its head, when Graham Harrison had cause to reject a record from a very senior Club officer and erstwhile member of the British Birds Rarities Committee, only to be told in no uncertain terms that he “was not going to write a description of a species for which he held the first regional record and that Graham would get no more records from him!” Graham was pleased to say, however, that he relented and their relationship remained amicable. Fortunately, today, with sophisticated cameras and mobile phones, most records are backed up by photographic evidence, which makes assessment much easier. 

The necessary deliberations involving record assessment are absolutely vital in arriving at accurate decisions. A record has no worth if inaccurate. The assessment process can be a complex and protracted affair, as experienced in the last entry of the Classified Notes in the 1982 Annual Report, involving a Northern Oriole Icterus galbula (now Baltimore Oriole). While true identification is obviously key, provenance of origin is of equal importance in that it is essential to establish in which category of the ‘British List’ the bird is placed. The bird in question was found dead in Coventry on  December 16^th 1968 and was accepted as being a genuine vagrant by the British Birds Rarities Committee (BBRC) in 1982 and thereby placed in categories A to C in the ‘British List’. As the WMBC Recorder, Graham Harrison, noted, the significance in this record is that it was the first Nearctic passerine to be genuinely recorded in a wild state in the Region, albeit 14 years after the event!

Continuing with the progression of our publications, the Annual Reports were by now regularly enhanced with illustrations by some of the Club’s artists. This feature had begun back in 1971, with artwork by Mike Warren, and had continued throughout that decade with drawings by Rob Hume. However, 1982 was the last time he was able to provide drawings due to his other commitments. His drawings that year were accompanied by some from Steve Cale – a local accomplished artist of whom more will be said in a future decade. From 1983 onwards several other artists submitted their work and that most regularly used was from Maurice Eccleshall, Roger Hancox, Phil Jones, John Martin, Terry Parker and Brett Westwood – some of whom have gone on to achieve greater recognition in ensuing years.  

Fluctuations in trends are commonplace amongst the birding fraternity, on both a personal basis and collectively. This was certainly the case when the Club reluctantly announced that after three and a half decades of providing meetings and activities for members in the Kidderminster area, the Kidderminster Branch would cease to operate in 1982. Much appreciation was offered to Branch stalwarts Les Bayes, Robin Jones and particularly Miss

Margaret Badland for their sterling efforts in the operation of this Branch.

The Solihull and Staffordshire Branches continued to thrive, however, as indicated by the accompanying letter from the Staffordshire Branch’s long-standing Chairman, Eric Longman, when he stood down after twenty years in the office.

Whilst paying tributes, this is perhaps a good opportunity to mention Daphne Dunstan, the Solihull Branch Chairman and representative on the Main Committee. In 1982 the Club had its usual stand at the prestigious Town and Country Festival in the showground at Stoneleigh Abbey in Warwickshire, which Daphne said “was one of the most successful since we first entered the show a decade ago.” She had taken on responsibility for the organisation and arrangements for our stand, as indeed she had done so efficiently for many years at this and countless other events, most notably the Solihull Conservation Fair. The Secretary, Alan Richards, remarked that “without her enthusiasm and tireless efforts it is doubtful if we would have managed to be at them all.” Daphne also did much for the RSPB, in recognition of which she was awarded its Gold Medal in 1988.

Still involving Club publications, plans to reduce the number of Bulletins to bi-monthly issues were partly based on economic measures. While the number of Bulletins became less, the quality and content went from strength to strength and the Club was greatly indebted to Peter Dedicoat, the Bulletin Editor, for putting in so much time and energy into making this Club feature such a readable and informative publication.

Alan Richards’ Chairmanship didn’t have the most auspicious beginning, as at his first Indoor Meeting, which was one of the best attended for some time, the speakers travelling down from Cumbria found difficulty negotiating the roads around Birmingham. Their late arrival initially gave rise to some anxious expressions and apologies, but some quick thinking on Alan’s part and a hastily arranged replanned agenda produced a ‘brains trust’ featuring several brave Committee-member ‘volunteers,’ while Mike King dashed home to fetch some slides. By the time the advertised speakers arrived, the audience was engrossed in an account of Shetland, the Orkneys and Fair Isle!   

In 1983 the Club regrettably lost another of its valued members with the death of Harry Lees.

A regular attendee at Research Committee meetings, Harry had been extremely influential in convincing the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) of the value of part of its Hams Hall site becoming a nature reserve. Since the inauguration of this part as the Ladywalk Reserve in 1972, Harry had been Head Warden and his efforts, combined with those of his successors, have promoted this site into the nationally important reserve that exists today. Sadly, after a short illness, Harry passed away in 1983 but he will be remembered for his devotion and expertise in bird study and conservation. On a personal note, Janet and Graham Harrison recall how much they had enjoyed attending Harry’s evening classes at Solihull, run by the Extra-mural Department of Birmingham University.   

As with fluctuations in birding trends, bird populations are, for a variety of reasons, subject to change. In this particular instance during 1984 there was growing concern about the continued increase in the numbers of (Great) Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in the region and the effect this was having on managed commercial fisheries.

Clearly there is huge investment in fish stocks where revenue from anglers is key to the success of these enterprises. When, for whatever reason, catches dwindle, so does the number of visiting anglers. Our Blithfield Reserve, as a ‘put and take’ Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fishery and home to increased gatherings of Cormorants, fell directly in line with these concerns and investigations. Indeed, this developed into an especially controversial issue. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 had made it illegal to kill, injure or take (Great) Cormorants without a licence, but it transpired that the Ministry for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in London had issued a culling licence on the advice of its Fisheries Division without seeking the views of the Nature Conservancy Council (NCC), let alone other concerned bodies including the Club. No consideration had been given to the impact on other birds and wildlife; no hard evidence had been gathered on the degree of damage to the fish; and no other means of controlling numbers had been investigated. Indeed, a MAFF representative is reputed to have said “corpses  will show the (remaining) birds we mean business.” The press picked up on the matter, one consequence of which was that the British Trust for Ornithology conducted a study of (Great) Cormorants and their effect on fisheries. It was noted that in Northern Ireland the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 ‘Licence to Shoot Cormorants for the Purpose of Preventing Serious damage to Fisheries’ provided specific protection for birds during the breeding season from May to July, including the use of bird scarers, but similar protection does not appear to have been specified for the rest of the UK. At least, by raising the issue, the Club had been a catalyst in focussing attention on the issue.

On another angling issue, there was equal concern about lead poisoning in Mute Swans Cygnus olor as a result of their intake of discarded, or lost, toxic fishing weights. Members researched the alternatives to lead and proposed a fishing competition to demonstrate their effectiveness, but this was overtaken by similar action at a national level once the Government had decided to investigate the problem.

Opposition to bird scarers arose at Bartley Reservoir, when Severn Trent began to use them to disperse the gull roost because of the threat of pollution.  The Club, along with local residents, objected to this, but Severn Trent’s view, understandably, was that ‘water quality must be paramount’. Some of their employees, however, were less than enthusiastic about operating the scarers and in the end a compromise was reached, when the Club was assured that scarers would not be used during hard weather. 

The decision by Graham Harrison to retire from the position of Club Recorder/Annual Report Editor, marked the end of an era that saw him edit 11 reports from 1975 through to and including 1985, a truly remarkable and dedicated effort on behalf of the Club. Nick Barlow was appointed as Graham’s successor and with great acclaim edited the 1986 report. Another major change in the Club’s administrative setup was also brought about by the retirement of Graham as Club Recorder. This resulted in the appointment in 1987 of separate County Recorders for each of the four counties that make up the Club’s Area. The Club welcomed Steve Haynes (Warwickshire), Steve Whitehouse (Worcestershire), Graham Evans (Staffordshire) and Bob Normand (West Midlands) to their respective positions. All four were to serve as members of the newly formed Records Committee, along with Nick Barlow, Graham Harrison and Steve Welch. A major benefit of having separate County Recorders is the fact that they can involve a dedicated team to assist in county assessments and species accounts, thus improving the timescale of the entire Annual Report production procedure, the lateness of which was a perennially contentious issue around this time.

Excluding the cover of the special 50^th Anniversary Report in 1979, the photograph taken by

one of the Club’s well known photographers, Charles Brown, for the cover of the 1986 Annual Report was the first to appear in colour – a trend that has continued ever since.

An early task set before the county recorder for Worcestershire was to assess a first regional nesting occurrence, when in 1986 an avian event occurred that would eventually change the appearance of some of the region’s city centres. Having migrated north through the Severn Estuary from colonies in Bristol and Cardiff, two pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus graellsii successfully raised young at rooftop nest sites in the city of Worcester. From there, breeding followed in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry and elsewhere in the Region. The outcome of this colonisation that went on to currently involve many thousands of pairs of Lesser Black-backed Gulls and fewer pairs of Herring Gulls Larus argentatus argenteus would see a transformation of the urban avian scene in this Region. Much more on this story will appear in a later decade.

Yet another change in venue and a concerted effort to avoid disruption occurred on October 7^th 1987, involving the commencement of the autumn indoor meetings programme for the Parent Club. This saw a change of venue from the Birmingham and Midland Institute to the Josiah Mason Lecture Theatre, Central Library Concourse. The change was necessitated by a need for improved facilities.

Continuity is a much sort after value. It was therefore especially pleasing to record the thirtieth anniversary of the founding of the Stafford Branch, which came into being on April 25^th 1957. The Club Secretary, Hugh MacGregor, expressed great appreciation to the Branch Committee and its dedicated membership. The same values obviously apply to individuals and after being formally appointed to the role in 1987, with this being the first year of Hugh’s Club secretarial duties, and clearly an inspired appointment, it was hoped to see his extended stay in this important position.

In what had been an eventful year, 1987 also saw the Club publish Belvide Bird Reserve – A

Natural History by David Smallshire, with illustrations by Steve Cale.

The annual review of birds in any specific year involves a weather assessment. Birds and weather are synonymous and the weather alone is a frequent source of discussion in the UK. The following statement has therefore been maintained in British meteorological history; ‘There will be no hurricane’ were the words issued by the Met Office TV weather presenter Michael Fish on the eve of the great storm on October 15^th and 16^th 1987. Michael, however, was technically correct in his statement. To gain hurricane status a storm has to originate in the tropics and reach the Beaufort wind scale force 12, equivalent to 64 knots (74 mph) or more in a sustained spell. This storm originated in the Bay of Biscay and while gusts well over 64 knots were recorded in isolated places, they were not sustained across its entirety and a Beaufort scale force 11 was registered. Nevertheless, this storm was considered the worst since the Great Storm of 1703, wreaking havoc and destruction, including the loss of lives, in south-east England. While our Region was battered by the periphery of this storm, it fortunately escaped the full thrust.

Weather prediction is of great importance to us all, but climate prediction is something new. Recent events have prompted such discussion and the 1980s highlighted some serious concerns. The severe winter of 1981/82 saw temperatures in central England plummet to −25.2 °C (−13.4 °F) in Shawbury, Shropshire, on December 13^th 1981, thus becoming the coldest December temperature recorded in England. This freeze was then followed by exceptionally heavy snowfall in January 1982. In January 1987 heavy snowfall was mostly confined to East Anglia and south-east England, but our region also felt the effects of these prolonged arctic conditions. Other than these three major meteorological events, weather patterns in general throughout this decade were unremarkable, with seasons merging into each other with little contrast between each.

When weather events did occur, such as the aforementioned, they were remarkable in their severity to the extent that issues involving global warming and climate change were gaining momentum. While Earth’s climate has changed throughout its history, there has been evidence over recent decades that current changes have originated from man’s ability to influence the climate. There is growing concern that this unnatural development could have severe consequences and investigations into these concerns are set to intensify with some urgency.

If done so logically, progressive thinking can be the key to success. With this in mind, and in an attempt to broaden the perspective of the Main Committee, Eric Clare, Brian Kington, Carl Nicholson and Jim Winsper were appointed to the Committee in 1988. Eric was our main contact at our Blithfield Reserve, Brian was the Club’s Head Warden at our Ladywalk Reserve, Carl was RSPB Midlands Regional Officer and Jim was the BTO Regional Representative for Birmingham and the West Midlands, all clearly having direct connections to very relevant Club facilities and allied organisations. The ability to interact with all of these aspects would certainly have beneficial consequences in the day-to-day operations of the Club.

The last three years of the decade brought further changes in personnel. In 1987 a new Sub-committee – Promotion and Fund Raising – was formed. For the first year this was chaired by Peter Dedicoat, but thereafter Alan Richards took over. Peter also stood down as Bulletin Editor in 1987 and C J Francis stepped into the role for the next year, with the post then passing in 1989 to Peter Rollin. Meanwhile, in 1988, George Lewis had relinquished his position as Deputy Chairman and Graham Harrison was elected as his successor.

Changes were also occurring in the Research Committee. In 1987 Jim Winsper and Hugh MacGregor were welcomed onto the Committee as new members. Around the same time Phil Ireland expressed a wish to stand down as its Secretary after seven years. Since no-one stepped forward to become the permanent Secretary, either Phil or Hugh offered to take the minutes until early in 1988, when Janet Harrison stepped into the role permanently.

Personnel aside, in 1988 the Club made its first approach to Birmingham City Council with a view to establishing its first urban reserve along part of the Harborne Walkway, though it was to be some time before the Harborne Reserve became established.

With gains there can be regrettable losses and it was with great sadness that the death of

Anthony R. M. Blake was announced on July 3^rd 1988. Tony, as he was known to many, had been a member for 42 years, in 34 of which he had served in various capacities. He was invited to join the Research Committee in 1949 and within two years became Secretary of that Committee. He served in that position from 1951-54 and later became its Chairman (1970-78). He also served as Club Secretary for nine years (1954-62) and as Club Chairman for five years (1978-82). A wider recognition of his ornithological knowledge was his election to the British Birds Rarities Committee in 1963, serving in that position for 13 years. The accompanying extract is from the extensive obituary in the Club’s 1988 Annual Report.

In 1989, Cecil Lambourn retired from his position as Vice President, while Jim Winsper replaced Graham Harrison as Chairman of the Research Committee. Two further changes that year involved county recorders, with Gilly Jones taking over for Staffordshire and Tim Hextell for the West Midlands. Finally, George Morley became the chairman of the Solihull Branch.

Amidst all this, the worldwide birding community was on the cusp of a communications revolution that would immeasurably change the way we go about our pastime. The broadcasting of bird information, mostly their immediate whereabouts, is essential news for many birders. In 1986 the Club addressed this idea when John Bennett set up a telephone communication service known as the ‘WMBC Hotline’ and the service was launched in 1987. The administration of this hugely successful venture was handed over to Eric Clare in 1988 and he continued to develop this frequently-used and popular Club service. Many members will certainly recall Eric’s inimitable introduction to all users - ‘West Midland Bird Club Hotline - Today’s News’. With the advent of the mobile phone and an ever-expanding network, bird sightings were now readily available and easily accessible.

If the decade had started with a busy year, it certainly closed with an equally busy one. Things started with an enforced break in tradition when, following closure of the Typists Training College in Birmingham, new printers had to be found for the Bulletin. The two ladies who had produced our Bulletins for well over 30 years retired and by way of gratitude the Club presented them with carriage clocks. Amongst the many other activities were three unrelated, but significant, events. Firstly, a second, revised version of the Club’s Checklist was

published; secondly a loan of £2,000 was made towards the cost of a new boat for Bardsey; and thirdly a questionnaire was sent to all members seeking their views on the Club, to which almost 200 (10%) responded.

Preliminary analysis of the responses to this were published in the Bulletin and this provided a flavour of the points raised, as follows. “Regrettably one abusive reply was received. Clearly someone was very dissatisfied, so it is a pity they chose to remain anonymous as now we can do nothing to help. Another respondent objected to the questionnaire as it was biased towards Birmingham members. The majority of members appeared to be generally satisfied. However, one clear criticism consistently emerged, namely that the Club is too cliquish and does not make enough effort to welcome new members. There is also a strong desire for more information to be published about birdwatching sites, especially the lesser-known ones. Another point to emerge is that our communications could be better, for example a request for information on how to use the hotline.

Unfortunately, some of the suggestions made had drawbacks of which the Members would not have been aware.  For example, it was frequently suggested that the Club could save money by only sending Annual Reports to those members who request it. There is, however, a legal obligation to provide all members with an Annual Report on the Club’s activities and its financial situation. It was also suggested that the Annual Subscription should include the cost of permits to reserves, but the limit on numbers imposed by the controlling bodies at Blithfield and Ladywalk were far lower than the Club’s membership”.

The decade ended in celebration, albeit tinged with sadness and great appreciation. Two important events in the history of the Club occurred in 1989. Firstly were the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, with a commemorative Souvenir Jubilee Programme being published and arrangements made for a buffet reception celebration to be held on March 21^st in the banqueting suite in Birmingham Council House. Distinguished guests included the Lord Mayor, Councillor Fred Grattidge, the Lady Mayoress and one of the earliest Club members, Duncan Wood. Secondly, congratulations were sent to Horace Alexander on his 100^th birthday, though this was followed a few months later by news of his death on September 30^th. Horace, with all due respect to other founder-members, provided the impetus and inspiration which in 1929 launched the Club on its distinguished path.

To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee the Club also produced Ruddy Duck mugs at £1.50;

ties at £5; and pens at 30p each.

In connection with our Diamond Jubilee celebrations, an open day was held at our Belvide Reserve. The photograph below shows reserve manager Peter Dedicoat (right) talking with celebrity guest and Club member Bill Oddie. The camper van that doubled as an office and refreshment stall for the event was owned by Belvide and Staffordshire Branch stalwart Bevan Craddock. At this event Alan Richards, Club Chairman and proprietor of Aquila Optics, displayed and sold birding optical equipment, while other Club officers and Belvide regulars sold copies of our most recent publication ‘The Birds of the West Midlands’.

At the end of what had been a topsy-turvy decade, membership was hovering just below the 2,000 mark, though this attainment was somewhat tarnished by the thought that, unless the 200 or so non-payers renewed their subscriptions, it would quickly fall again. But with a year-end balance of £454 and assets approaching £86,000 the finances were obviously in good order. So overall, the Club was in a strong position, but perhaps a fitting conclusion to how members were thinking can be gleaned from a conversation overheard in a hide – “Have you done much birding lately? “ – “Oh yes, but I’m into foreign birding – it’s so much cheaper than twitching!”