So some other birding stuff is at hand. When I was introduced to birding it was as a 13 year old and I would spend my weekends with Major General Wainwright on Abberton Reservoir. The major lived at Hill Farm, Layer-de-la-Haye. In fact just across the village from me with His wife Lady Nancy Craven. The general was of the stiff upper lip for his day and things would have to be right but he was always good to me. So he is remembered in a very fond way. I could tell some stories here but will refrain. But John who for as long as I can remember has run the Layer garage has managed to forward me some pictures of the general and if anyone can give any information on who the other people are in the picture it would be of interest to me.
Dear Gus
ReplyDeleteI was searching the web for information about General Wainright at Abberton and came across your blog. Like you, my Dad helped the General with the duck ringing, in his case in the late 40's, early 50's. So I can tell you who two of the people are in the top photo. First on the left is my Dad, Noel King and next to him is his cousin Roy King. As you are probably aware Roy went onto run the duck ringing station after the General retired. They both used to cycle over from Sudbury every weekend, come rain or shine, stayed with the General and helped with the ducks until Sunday evening. Much later on my passion for widlife was kindled by visits to Abberton, and the chance to help Roy with the duck trapping. Hope this helps, best wishes Mike
Only just picked up on your long ago comment on my blog, apologies. I spent most of my time with Roy, in fact almost two years. My greatest memory is of me and Roy in the winter of 1963 heading out over the ice covered reservoir to check the traps and the safety of duck. Of the time spent in the old caravan still there ringing my first duck. A teal which was shot in Berlin 7 days later. Thanks for getting in touch..... Gus.
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