Malta Optics update and Andy's run

Now that the dust has settled on the Xmas and New Year period I thought it approriate to update everyone on the Malta Optics appeal. Following on from the fund raising events undertaken so far we have raised a total of £505 and have received donations of 11 pairs of binoculars (of variable quality!) as well as one telescope. Those binoculars not considered suitable for Malta will be traded in against telescopes or tripods. Out of the £505 we have bought 10 pairs of Bresser bins (remarkably good for the price) as detailed in earlier postings, the balance of the money will go towards telescopes and tripods. It is our aim to supply the ALE on Malta with sufficient binoculars and telescopes/tripods to fully equip four anti hunting patrol cars and personnel. To help with this Andy Cockroft has agreed to run a forthcoming 10km event to be held in Blackburn on 10th February and for any sponsorship funds he raises to be donated to the Optics fund. If anyone would like to sponsor Andy please contact either me or Andy direct.

Further details of this Spring's anti hunting camp on Malta can be found at http://www.birdlifemalta.org/conservation/other_projects/springwatch/ and about the general hunting and trapping problem on Malta at http://www.birdlifemalta.org/campaigns/hunting_and_trapping/