Avicultural Society Autumn Social 2017 Member Schedule

*NOTE - PLEASE CONFIRM YOUR ATTENDANCE (see below)*

ATTENTION - NO BIRDS ARE TO BE BROUGHT INTO EITHER COLLECTION, EXCHANGING BIRDS WITHOUT ADVANCED PERMISSION FROM THE COLLECTION IS DISRESPECTFUL TO OUR HOSTS.

Greetings, these are the details for the Autumn social 2017, I hope you find this update useful and please don't hesitate to forward your feedback to us!

The Autumn Social Weekend for 2017 will be held on the 14th AND 15th of October at Blackpool Zoo and WWT Martin .

As usual, entry to Blackpool Zoo is FREE for MEMBERS and entry to WWT will be at reduced group rate also at £7.33. Please remember to confirm your attendance and bring your latest copy of the magazine to confirm your membership. Non members will pay full price on entry.

Lunches on both days are self purchased, we feel it will be more flexible for everyone to decide what they want for lunch from the ample on site restaurant facilities.

Day 1 – Blackpool Zoo

10:00 – Park opens, Welcome address from Johnpaul Houston, meet at the new Asian area Niwala (just after the tortoises) Members are then free to enjoy the collection until lunchtime, some relevant displays and talks are listed that members may also enjoy.

11:30 – Penguin Talk

13:00 – 13:45 Lunch at the Lake View Cafe next to the Display Bird arena. The cafe serves a mouth-watering selection of hot meals, salads and snacks. During the summer also burgers, hot dogs and pizza meals. If you just want a quick pit stop, the Conservatory serves Starbucks, cold drinks and Walls’ ice cream. You can even relax in the fresh air on the al fresco terrace if you prefer!

14:00 – 15:00 – Tour with Johnpaul Houston and Luke Forster – (Meet outside elephant seating area)

15:00 – Birds of the world display

17:45 – Park closes

19:00 - Evening meet up and meal at the Miller & Carter Steakhouse (please reserve your seats when confirming) Miller & Carter – Poulton-le-Fylde, Longhouse Lane, Poulton-Le-Fylde, , FY6 8DF Day 2 – WWT Martin Mere

09:30 – Centre opens

11:00 – Tour with Steve Nasir (meet at main building)

13:00 – 13:45 - Lunch – Mere Side Cafe - The light and airy café comes with a gorgeous panorama over Swan Lake. There’s freshly prepared hot and cold food to tickle all taste buds. Grab a coffee or sit-down with a meal – this is hearty, wholesome refreshment.

14:00pm – White Stork talk and feed

15.00pm – Flamingo talk

15:30 – Swan talk and feed at the Raines observatory

18:00 – Centre closes

Due to some needing to return to work on Monday and having distance to travel we have left the second half of the Sunday fairly flexible so that they can leave should they need to, but those who wish to stay and enjoy the centre for the whole day can easily do so.

Addresses for the collections We would advise bringing a sat-nav device with you for ease of location, included are the addresses of both collections.

Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY3 8PP WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, , Lancashire, L40 0TA

I hope that this information helps you prepare for the Autumn Social weekend, should you still need to confirm your attendance, reserve a seat at the Saturday meal or have any questions at all please contact me via E-mail at [email protected] or telephone at 07895836971, should I not be able to get to the phone immediately please do leave a message.

On behalf of myself, the council and the wider society, we look forward to seeing you!

Christopher Kent (Social Secretary & Publicity Officer)