Hey mate, it's no problem! I was just around Fleet and wondered if you were about- not to worry. Will pop in soon, definitely mate!

Afraid not Nick, my daughter is rowing in the Abingdon Head of the River Race and we are taking the grandchildren for a picnic on the River Thames to support her. So we are away in Oxfordshire.

Sorry mate.

Alright David! Are you about tomorrow?

It's been good so far Nick, much in line with your findings. Previously saw a 60 species foray at Minley with the help of JP, Lief, and Stuart Skeates and co, mostly from 'picking up sticks'; then last w/e again with JP, Leif, the Tylers, Tina and Chris at Bowdown we found more of the same but also Scarlet Elfcup, Fomitopsis pinicola and Alder Goblet. Having a w/e off in order to babysit the grandchildren and clear my loft ready for insulation installation tomorrow. Hopefully back in action again with JP and Sally for a WC outing at Pamber this week. Looking forward to St Georges appearing at Greenham and everything else that event heralds - would be great if you could join us.

Cheers
David

Happy New Year mate - with the ending of 2008 and start of 2009 I am finding my view of fungi tainted with negativity caused by the ongoing personal sleights amongst the top echelon of the mycological fraternity; the stirring of a thin layer of silt on the bottom of WAB's crystal clear pond by ABFG Forayer articles and letters; the heavy handed treatment of John Wright (River Cottage) by MJ back in October re the NT ban in Dorset; still no route for the A.chlorocyenea record (and all our other significant finds) to the NBN Gateway together with the ever ineffectiveness of both National databases in respect of aiding the aims of BAP/Red Data List conservation measures; the loss of key experienced and qualified personnel in top positions not being replaced, and a large chunk of my CATE records being corrupted despite having reported the matter several times. All of which leaves me disillusioned, dismayed and demotivated so the sooner I link up with JP and get the adrenalin pumping again the better I will feel. Hence the recent 2008 Highlights thread I started in an attempt to focus on the positive.

Cheers and all the best for 2009

David

Enjoy your Christmas and may 2009 open up new horizons for you and Ellie, Nick.
Cheers
David

Glad to see you had a great time at Priory Waters and looking forward to seeing your pix

David