Things were a bit quiet on the BTO stall (maybe I should have tried selling my bins?) but it was good to put some faces to names and finally discover the identity of the infamous "we three"! Nice to meet you all

There was a very vocal Chiffchaff by the visitor centre but, despite the incredible range of optics on show, I didn't get to examine its gonads

Steve

Hi Geoff,

We really enjoyed meeting you guys and we think we are a bit nearer to our choice of scope. The Vortex Razor HD is winning by far at the moment, but the Carl Zeiss is still a contendor. Hope to see you again soon. The events team will soon be at Pennington Flash. October 18th at 9am, with other North West shows to be arranged.

John and Janice

Now "we three" have blown our cover, we had a good afternoon looking through all the gear, and holding each others credit cards; and it was great to meet the two Steve's and John and Janice.
Just need to convince myself I really need a carbon fibre Manfrooto tripod now.
Hope you sort a scope John.

Geoff



-- Edited by Geoff Walton on Sunday 27th of September 2009 09:31:43 PM

Hi Steve,

Janice and myself are also going. We will be on the RSPB stall with the rest of the North West events team. it's going to be busy!!

John

We three + one wife are going, so if you see a 5'3" next to a man with a white beard, please let on.

If you're "stuck for bobbins" next Sunday, why not come along to Hollingworth Lane where Pennine Photographic & Binocular Centre are running a Birders' Field Day? http://www.pennineonline.com/acatalog/Birders_Field_Event_H.html They have generously agreed to BTO having a table at the event which will be looked after by myself and Steve Atkins. No Bill Oddie or Kate Humble so far, but we are negotiating with "Local Birding Celebrities" in the hope of them making a guest appearance! So here's your big opportunity to try out lots of expensive optics and start compiling your lists for Santa (they have got the Xmas lights up in Rochdale, I hear) and while you're at it, a chance to come along and chat about all the bird survey work that you'll be doing next year (don't worry, I won't be taking the thumbscrews!). See you all there! Steve