It’s become a tad cliched that restrictions have hampered meetings down here but nevertheless we have enjoyed two fabulous get-togethers recently. Our AGM in October saw a number of our members move into key roles and they are excited for the new year to start. We also farewelled our original treasurer, Elizabeth Crowley, who has moved home to Tasmania. We all thank her and wish her a happy future. Thanks were also extended to David Crofts and Derek Ayriss for their time as committee members over the past two years. See the back page of this issue for details of our new committee.
Our November meeting turned into a relaxed Sunday afternoon soiree near the lovely waterfront behind our regular meeting place. Departing from our usual Thursday night meeting allowed us to enjoy our special guest’s expertise and knowledge about native bees. Francisco Garcia – lucky us! Francisco was visiting the Mid North Coast for a number of school workshops and, as promised, wanted to host a casual forum with our local group. We had a wonderful afternoon with him – all eager to ask questions, share ideas and learn more about bees, of course, as well as hear about his worldwide experiences and continuing re-search. It was an exquisite time and we look forward to seeing him again when he returns next year.
Please enjoy these couple of snaps – one is of our open-air meeting at picturesque Laurieton, the other is Francisco in “reptile-hug mode”. Quite late in the afternoon on his last day, we travelled down the winding dirt road from Comboyne and came across this sleepy diamond python stretched partway across our path. Francisco gently moved it into the bush after half an hour or more of snake-whispering to ensure she was safe and sound. Magic!
From Diane Norris
