THE September meeting held at the Malt Mill Lane centre opened with Peter Preece and his wife showing their wonderful photographs of some of the smaller wildlife creatures, warning that the first ones were of snakes. He also showed his gold winning entry of a snake in a tree.

Time and patience are needed to get good results, especially with butterflies and moths. Although his photographs of frogs, complete with frogspawn and weeds, looked authentic - so much so it won him another gold - he confessed that it had been taken in a large washing-up bowl.

His final picture, taken on a cold, snowy day in Scotland after a long wait was worth all the effort as an otter poked its head through the ice looking very surprised.

Janet Baines thanked Mr and Mrs Preece who were impressed with her knowledge of butterflies.

A number of members wished to attend the autumn council meeting, the group meeting and, looking a little ahead, the Christmas Capers.

Other business issues were discussed with the reminder that the October meeting will find us taking a canal boat holiday. Visitors are always welcome.