The collection of reports listed by Mr Hines is now safely 'resting' in the west wing of my library,anyone interested in swaps/purchase is more than welcome to contact me.

cheers geoff

They do sell well those reports

I still need MOS reports 1964-1971.

Many thanks

Pete Hines wrote:

---

Old back issues for sale at the Chorlton WP info point at 50p each. The current stock is : 1975 (1), 1977 (1), 1982 (2), 1983 (2), 1984 (5), 1985 (18), 1986 (1), 1987 (7), 1988 (7), 1989 (4), 1990 (4) also some NW and Cheshire reports.

Info point is staffed tomorrow 10 - 4 (because there's a familly fun day on) though normally 9.30 - 12 at weekends. Enquiries on 0161 881 5639.

---

All GM Reports now gone. Only NW region reports avialable 1990 (5) and 1992 (7).

Old back issues for sale at the Chorlton WP info point at 50p each. The current stock is : 1975 (1), 1977 (1), 1982 (2), 1983 (2), 1984 (5), 1985 (18), 1986 (1), 1987 (7), 1988 (7), 1989 (4), 1990 (4) also some NW and Cheshire reports.

Info point is staffed tomorrow 10 - 4 (because there's a familly fun day on) though normally 9.30 - 12 at weekends. Enquiries on 0161 881 5639.

Judith Smith wrote:

---

I think I have most if not all of the reports I have been responsible for, saved; the problem is that some are saved in a format which no-one else now has! Recent ones are in PageMaker.

---

If it's saved on the computer there's always a way, whatever the format...
Re Paul's reply: Even if I have to type the old reports word by word, page by page, it would be worth doing... Always good to have the data saved on computer, even the technophobes have to agree that computer data is a lot more versatile than a book.

I think I have most if not all of the reports I have been responsible for, saved; the problem is that some are saved in a format which no-one else now has! Recent ones are in PageMaker.

Rob I know Judith has copies of the reports, not certain if the text has been saved, my problem is the very early MOS reports, as the MOS will be disbanding this year, I cannot understand how much history has been lost etc,

This is a passion of mine and I will not let it go, once I obtain all the original copies, I will seek a geek and get it on some modern DVD CD MP3 or whatever you use....

Keep Birding

Out of interest, has the text from all the 'word processed' reports been saved anywhere?

Have I opened a can of worms here?

I originally suggested scanning and creating pdfs because that would mean they could be printed on demand easily that way. It was only then that I thought that some people would prefer to view on screen.

Scanning with OCR would involve a huge amount of editing and spell checking (as other have said below). Have you seen the type size and print quality of some older reports?

Steve

Paul Heaton wrote:

---

Yes thanks for that Judith, may take up the offer, however been the old fashion bugger that I am, not into DVD Scans and other more modern thingy- me- jigs.

So would still like good old fashion original paper copies.

---

Couldn't agree more Paul. The idea of DVD is superb and would be well received but like the BWP and BB interactive dvd's which are marvellous, you cannot beat sitting down on a nice comfy sofa with a good brew (whiskey in you case then!) and book in hand. Personally, I'll be steering clear of any more 'keyboard birding' than is necessary

Yes thanks for that Judith, may take up the offer, however been the old fashion bugger that I am, not into DVD Scans and other more modern thingy- me- jigs.

So would still like good old fashion original paper copies.


Will be in touch to see about getting the missing MOS reports copied, then will project the idea of putting them all onto something modern


Keep birding

Rob Thorpe wrote:

---

Steve Suttill wrote:

---

Another (more ambitious) alternative would be to scan them all and save them all as pdfs on a CD. A bit like British Birds but without all the clever search functions.

Steve

---

You could scan them using some text recognition software so that you would then be able to arrange all the info in a user friendly format and incorporate search functions etc. I wouldn't mind giving it a bash, I've been thinking about mentioning it for some time...

---

OCR software might work - it would certainly result in far smaller pdfs than scanning the originals. It would have to be proof read very thoroughly however, especially when the original text is poor. I OCR'd an old copy of 'The Country Diary of a Cheshire Man' by A.W. Boyd a few years ago. It wasn't too bad but had many mistakes and took some time to correct typos. But, as you suggest Rob, the resulting text files were far more versatile than any scans.

Those were my thoughts too Steve. Argyll Bird Club have done the same thing and sell a CD of all their reports for a tenner a copy. Might be a good idea to scan and pdf old reports anyway, regardless of whether they're later photocopied or not, in case anything happens to the originals. It's also possible to strengthen old, faded text in Photoshop too which would produce better quality prints should one decide to distribute hard copies.

Steve Suttill wrote:

---

Another (more ambitious) alternative would be to scan them all and save them all as pdfs on a CD. A bit like British Birds but without all the clever search functions.

Steve

---

You could scan them using some text recognition software so that you would then be able to arrange all the info in a user friendly format and incorporate search functions etc. I wouldn't mind giving it a bash, I've been thinking about mentioning it for some time...

Another (more ambitious) alternative would be to scan them all and save them all as pdfs on a CD. A bit like British Birds but without all the clever search functions.

Steve

There was a suggestion some time ago, when this came up before, that photocopies should be done (by Steve Suttill at MARC) of the rarer reports. I am willing to lend my copies (ie the ones belonging to GMBRG, we have a complete set) for that purpose if you want to make the arrangements with Steve re cost.

Okay thanks for all the pms will get reports to those who were first in.

I now have most birders missing list and will do my best to help, as for my missing MOS,
reports, no joy as of yet



Keep birding

Hi Paul,
I need quite a few Bird reports!
I've sent a PM
Cheers
Steve

-- Edited by Steve Collins on Friday 19th of February 2010 10:16:13 PM

In my quest to obtain a a complete set of bird reports, I have just been given some old back issues, if any one is missing the odd one pm me with your missing years.


As for me I still would like 1964-1971 MOS reports in any condition please.

Keep birding


oh got a couple of old cheshire reports as well

Been there and bought it. Looks very good - thanks everyone.

Hope there are enough copies left for the "regulars"

Geoff

Might try and buy one at Etherow tomorrow. Meant to try today, but had a senior moment.

Thanks folks. I appreciate it, as I sure Bill Myerscough, Steve Suttill and John Butterworth, the other systematic list writers, as well as Ian and the rest of the contributors do.
Pete, I will send you the missing Corn Bunting para if you will email me privately at judith@gmbirds.freeserve.co/uk

Thanks judith , recieved mine yesterday congratulations to all who produced it, it really is an excellent read.

Bought mine at Martin Mere--Excellent!

Having got the bill for the reports (and paid it), I just thought purchasers would like to know how much it's subsidised! The actual cost per report is £8.93 but you buy it for £6.
Our income from ecological consultants covers the shortfall.

Thanks Judith,

Picked mine up on Saturday, Fantastic read,

Steve

Reports are now at Hollingworth Lake also (15).
Bolton birders please note - all 15 copies which went to Bolton RSPB last Thursday were sold the same evening. I hear also that 6 went at Sale WP this morning in the first half hour of opening (they have 24 to sell).
I have about 45 left, and Martin Mere asked for more this year so they have 40.

-- Edited by Judith Smith at 22:14, 2008-11-16

Reports now at In Focus, Martin Mere (NB not in WWT shop - they want too much commission!)

Reports now also at Etherow CP visitor centre (thanks Rob for taking them) and I will deliver to Hollingworth Lake Sunday morning (Simon H - will leave yours there). Dave Winnard - I will call at your house as I will be passing, and I know you will have certain forms ready for me...!

Collected mine today from Sale Water park and as always an excellent purchase, well done to one and all, I now have got the night off,bottle of whiskey, feet up and report to read.

keep birding

I hope to get to Sale WP Visitor Centre tomorrow (hope they are open, if not I will leave them at the water sports centre), also Stockport Binoculars. I will leave copies for Hale OS at Sale WP.
I hope to get to Hollingworth Lake on Sunday (but am having car problems so it depends if I can get it sorted tomorrow, when I can borrow my husband's for the Sale and Stockport trips). Otherwise it will be next Wednesday at H. Lake. I will leave Simon Hitchen's copy there.
Etherow CP - I'm afraid it will be 27th before I can get there, when I'm there for a meeting anyway.
Bolton RSPB have got theirs this afternoon for their meeting tonight, but they didn't arrive in time for the Wigan RSPB meeting on Tuesday.
In Focus at Martin Mere - one day next week.

Excellent as usual-read mine already

Judith,

Could you advise when they are likely to be around at Sale W.P.
Just with not so many copies about i can grab one quick..


Thanks
Steve

STOP PRESS

The reports arrived back from the printers 15 minutes ago.

Judith will collect them and start distribution as soon as she can, but has a car full of Swans right now!

Copies can be collected from MARC, 28 Edge Street, Manchester M4 IHN - open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.

Steve

My apologies to everyone who is eagerly awaiting the 2007 County Report.
Due to some technical difficulties, and the revised time of publication, printing and binding are taking longer than anticipated. Please bear with me - I can assure you that I'm doing my best!

Please don't nag Judith - she has done her bit. You can nag me if you like - but it won't get you anywhere!

Steve

250 is what it's going to be, so folks will just have to order quickly (but not until I get them, please!)
There will be 36 colour plates - 12 in the usual monthly format, and 24 as plates within the text, plus of course the cover, which will be Desert Wheatear.
All photographers and other contributors of articles will get complimentary copies.

Thanks to the successof this web site i think 250 maybe not enough:
Cheers Ian

I've ordered 250 based on 225 last year (soldout) and In Focus at Martin Mere wanting 15 extra, so should be enough to go round.

Judith,in line with current marketing thingy,s can I pre order 2 copies please.

cheers geoff

Will do.

Judith,

Would you be also kind enough to advise when they are down at Sale W.P.

Cheers Steve

The 2007 report is now at the printers'. If Steve gets them before I get back from Scilly, he will post a message on the forum, so that people in the city centre can get them from him at MARC, 28 Edge St.

Matt Potter wrote

Still it was funny driving your car from the passenger seat when you fancied a lay down

I seem to remember mine was the only head above the dashboard, and I was in the back, navigating

Matt Potter wrote:

---

Mike Chorley wrote:

---

You REALLY don't want to know

---

You can shut up toothpaste legs!!!

---

It wasn't my legs, it was 1 arm

Mark Rigby wrote:

---

Matt,

What ever happened to your kit bag that got filled after a night (late afternoon till 3am if I remember) on the ale in 'The White Horse' in East Barsham-Condemned I hope!

Fancy betting me I couldnt drink a pint of Baileys

Its not in the loft is it!

-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 23:21, 2008-09-15

---

It wasnt me who bet you, it was the stammering landlord! The kitbag wasnt to bad to clean out...... it was the jeans that was the problem when I put my hand in my pocket and discovered your previous evenings meal it it mixed with Greene King and Baileys!

Still it was funny driving your car from the passenger seat when you fancied a lay down!

Mike Chorley wrote:

---

You REALLY don't want to know

---

You can shut up toothpaste legs!!!

Paul Heaton wrote:

---

Now Now Mr Potter lets not dilly dally these reports can be very elusive, so come on what have you got hiding in your loft

keep Birding.

---

I did have quiet a collection at one point of various reports. I dont think i binned them when i moved house!!!

Matt,

What ever happened to your kit bag that got filled after a night (late afternoon till 3am if I remember) on the ale in 'The White Horse' in East Barsham-Condemned I hope!

Fancy betting me I couldnt drink a pint of Baileys

Its not in the loft is it!

-- Edited by Mark Rigby at 23:21, 2008-09-15

You REALLY don't want to know

Now Now Mr Potter lets not dilly dally these reports can be very elusive, so come on what have you got hiding in your loft

keep Birding.