My mother, Lucy, Vivien and I arrived at Holme Bird Observatory and parked in the disabled parking space. I knew that I wouldn't be able to use the wheelchair, as the ground was too soft, so my hope was that mother could just about walk to the observatory from the bottom of the steps – she had to catch her breath a few times, but did make it. It was a boiling hot day, even by 9.45am and there was little shade to be had.
There was a small gathering of members and NOA staff for the ceremony. It was nice to see Richard Porritt from the history books! Aside from NOA staff, I didn't know anyone else, but huge thanks to those that had travelled long distances to join us today, it was much appreciated. Sophie had chalked up a brilliantly drawn curtain on a blackboard and this covered the plaque! Chairman Dr Steve Newman and mother drew back the 'curtain' to reveal the plaque and Steve then did a short speech about the new windows and the money raised and thanked those that had assisted with this and then dedicated HBO to 'Peter Clarke'.
Mother said she was pleased that she had been able to make it for this little ceremony. A Spoonbill flew over the marsh and landed on the Broadwater. We spent about an hour here reminiscing and then slowly walked back to the car with mother. It was stifling hot now and the air conditioning was very welcoming!
Back at the house, we all enjoyed fish 'n' chips and fruit salad dessert. Vivien and Lucy then headed home and I stayed to care for mother, which I will be doing for the rest of the weekend. Spent over an hour filling up the new bird feeders, cleaning out the drinking pools and watering the new plants. We spent the evening watching the Portugal and Uruguay match. After the football match I went to Tescos and on route I saw big numbers of Silver Y moths around the plants by the arch next to the lighthouse at Hunstanton and then watched the cerise sun set over the cliffs.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED TOMORROW
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