We held a brief Special General Meeting on August 13th to update our Constitution, before welcoming Jane Rock of the Staffordshire Bat Group branch of the Bat Conservation Trust with a passionate and fascinating talk about these amazing flying mammals that are more closely related to humans than they are to mice. We could really see that resemblance from drawings of their skeletons.

Jane explained the history of bats, their geographical spread and roles around different parts of the world as pollinators, reforesters, biodiversity indicators and insect control. In the UK, they can eat up to 2000 biting insects a night! She also shared with us the Group’s important care and rehab work, and had brought two delightful Pipistrelles in a specially designed transport case that is fully compliant with BCT requirements (bats are protected by law). They were clearly a relaxed and happy pair and you can see one stretching its wings for us in the photo; we all enjoyed this rare opportunity.

After her talk, Jane drew our raffle then judged our monthly competition which she said was a tricky task with such lovely entries, won this time by Jean, with Rosalie 2nd and Sue W 3rd (photos below). We had our spare plants and recycling table too.

Members paid their deposits for our Christmas meal and kindly put their names down to provide cakes for the refreshments at our Garden and Home Produce Show on Saturday 31st August (full details on our Annual show page) which we’re all looking forward to, not long to go!