The Accipiter - Online magazine from The Hawk Conservancy Trust

Monthly Diary - January 2006

A general monthly overview of the park by Tracey Smith.

Although this page will always be retrospective, we shall seek to provide important breaking news by news flash on the front cover of the magazine.

1st Jan


Study centre work	Coffee shop work

The refit continues in the study with the walls all being clad, and new electric wiring allows us to fit a new lighting system and heaters. Work also is finished in Duffy's Coffee Shop with new catering equipment, heating , soft furnishings and a lick of paint for the walls. New staff are also recruited to assist manageress Jemma Lewis.

3rd Jan

Staff return to the Trust after the winter break, and three new faces are amongst them. Following interviews at the end of 2005 3 new apprentice falconers have been taken on. Two of the new staff may be familiar to visitors as they have been involved at the Trust in previous seasons on work placements. One is Cédric Robert from France, and the other is Kim Kirkbride who in addition to working 3 days with the birds will provide 2 days cover in Duffy's Coffee Shop. The final new member is 18 year old James Robinson who has joined us from a falconry centre in Yorkshire. All have thrown themselves enthusiastically into the routine of the Trust and are looking forward to working in display once the park is open.


Cédric	James	Kim

13th Jan

Wlidlife liasion officers learning to swing a lure

Wildlife liaison officers learning to swing a lure

Wildlife Crime Officers hold a training course at the Trust with 12 officers attending. The course covers legislation, bird identification, handling and restraining techniques, critical care and health checks for birds. It proves a great success with a lot of positive feedback and a second course is planned for 2006.

23rd Jan

Meeting is held with PR/Marketing guru Andy Grant to look at ways of promoting the image of the Trust and its work.

26th Jan

The first Trustees meeting of 2006 is held at the Trust.

28th Jan


Work around the grounds on the third working day

A third working day of the close season, and approximately 60 members brave a cold wintry day to help with the finishing touches around the grounds ready for opening.

30th Jan

Tracey Smith attends a meeting in London held by the Inland Revenue regarding changes to Gift Aid rules that come into place in April 2006. Gift Aid is a vital source of revenue to the charity and it is important that the correct procedures are in place for the start of the season.

31st Jan

		Trust volunteer Jon Scott, accompanied by Avon, visits a local Montessori school to give a talk on owls.
Jon addressing the class	All were fascinated by Avon

Dec

Throughout the month work continues around the grounds on aviaries and general maintenance, as well as starting the training of display birds in readiness for opening.

Click here for previous Diary entries