Visiting Speakers

August 26

Kennet Radio have for a number of years supported us by attending our Duck Race and Santa Run events providing entertainment and commentary.

Recently one of the volunteer presenters, Paul Walter, gave us a presentation on how local radio compares with national and commercial stations and conditions that have to be met to obtain a licence to broadcast. Paul is a very active member of the Kennet Radio Team and his enthusiasm and pasion for music was the recipe for a very interesting talk. 

Thank you Paul and the rest of the Kennet Radio Team for providing a great local service.

July 26

Our speaker for July was Karl Hansen, Exec Director of the Sustainability Trust. Karl gave an interesting talk on how a leading Orchid Nursery was converted in 1993 and opened as the Wyld Court Rainforest. It was later taken over by The World Land Trust but faced financial challenges. In 2000 Karl took on the project changing it to an educational charity making it into what we all know today as the Living Rain Forest. A great place to visit with many schools visiting as part of its educational programme.

It has been a fascinating journey and details can be found from this link and encourage you to take a look. 

May 26

Laurence Harwood was our Guest Speaker for May who is a Professor at Reading University. One of his passions is Butteflies and Moths and gave a great insite of the Butterflies that can be readily seen around Thatcham and the months we are likely to see them. Its amazing how many there are, we just need to look! Did you know some of the butterfly markings help to frighten predators away. Particularly those that look like eyes to mice as the butterfly rapidly opens its wings when danger approaches. Learn something every day!

It was an enjoyable talk and Laurence advised he is seeking help with a national survey to be undertaken between 17th July and August 9th 2026. Interested in helping?  visit https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/ to download the app and learn how you can take part.

May 26

Martin Burton - Zippo Circus

Our Guest Speaker in April was Martin Burton who entertained us with his stories of becoming a clown and then creating the "Zippo Circus" some 40 years ago. As a clown he was an entertainer at the first Glastonbury Festival event which he did for 10 years. His Circus was invited to perform at Windsor and Buckingham Palace. A very enjoyable evening.

Nov 25

Earlier in the month we had a very interesting talk from Mike Green a local Professional Commercial Photographer and Model Plane Enthusiast. In order to be able to explain how some of his photos have been taken, Mike gave a quick lesson on the relationship between camera aperture and speed settings and demonstrated the difference it can make to a photo, and treated the audience with a few tips on making a better photo.

There were some truly stunning photos both commercial and of course some flying models.

Mike Green a local Professional Commercial Photographer and Model Plane Enthusiast.

 I tried one of the tips with my iPhone and this was the result - more practice required?!!