In
1961 seven local people with an interest in birdwatching decided
to get together and form a club. They opted to hold their inaugural
meeting on 19th October 1961 in a large room in Emilio Dicerbo's
home. Instead of just the original seven, no less than 22 attended.
The 'Moffat Birdwatchers Club' was born and went from strength
to strength, aiming to show films and to have talks by naturalists
over each winter 'season', also providing birdwatching trips
to various locations.. Emilio Dicerbo was elected as President.
He continues to hold the post as President 50 years later, the
only surviving member of the original seven founders. 'Jock'
(as he is perhaps better known) has published books on birdwatching
('Birds of Scotland' and 'The Birdwatchers Almanac') and is
well known for the many photographs he has taken over the years
and for the many public presentations he has done.
The Green Woodpecker was adopted as the club 'badge' as it
was about this time that it was first recorded as nesting in
the Moffat area. Fourteen years later, in 1975, to reflect the
widening interest in wildlife in general, the club decided that
a change of name was called for and so it became the Moffat
& District Wildlife Club. Under Jock's expert guidance,
the club continues to thrive, now having some 140 members.
In 2001, through the generosity of George and Marion Paterson
of Dyke Farm, the club acquired the use of a piece of boggy
land, covered in scrub willow and alder, measuring some 7 acres
in total. With the help of donations and grants, a digger was
brought in to clear areas, create ponds and hides were constructed,
mostly under the guidance of the 'man with a vision', Jock Dicerbo.
Officially opened in 2003, our Dyke Farm Nature Reserve has
become a haven of interest, not only for birds but for animals,
amphibians, insects and plants - including a few that are quite
rare.
In recent years, the club has actively participated in the
development of the former Dyke Quarry. At the end of quarrying
operations the site was required to be redeveloped as a nature
reserve. It has now become the property of a local trust and
is open to the public as the Moffat & District Community
Nature Reserve. Part of the site immediately adjoins our own
reserve but is of totally different habitat. The two reserves
thus hold remarkable potential as a good area for a wide range
of wildlife. The club will continue to play a major role in
the future of both reserves.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its original incarnation,
a new logo has been adopted, now also including a Nuthatch in
the image. This bird was virtually unknown in the area a dozen
years ago but has established itself beyond all expectations
and is now commonplace.
Also in celebrating our 50th year, the club committee asked
our President if he could put together a book outlining the
whole history of the club since its innovation. This was duly
done and we are publishing a hardbacked book, based on Jock's
experiences of the club over the years and full of photographs,
not only of wildlife but also of the various people who have
played a part in making the club what it is today. Many of these
will stir fond memories for the reader. The book is priced at
£12.99 and is available from A.M.Grieves, Newsagents,
on Moffat High Street. It can also be obtained by mail order
for £16 (including p&p) and we have an order form
(obtainable here, in MS Word format) that you can complete and
return. Price for overseas delivery can be obtained on request.
Contact Iain for information.
Club Membership for the year is £10 per individual (£18 for
two adults at the same address), free for those under 16 years
of age, and is open to all, not just "locals".
Members meet monthly in Moffat Town Hall during the winter
season (September to March inclusive), normally on the second
Friday of the month at 7.30pm, to enjoy guest speakers presenting
wildlife slide or film shows. Visitors and non-members are always
welcome at the meetings, entrance fee £2.50 payable at the door
(under 16's free). We try to be completely informal, catering
for beginners and experts alike. During the interval tea/coffee
is available and there is plenty of opportunity to talk with
friends and guests.
In early May, a 'Coffee Morning' is held in Moffat Town Hall.
There are all the usual stalls (baking, bric-a-brac, books,
etc) and a very extensive raffle - all for a modest entry fee.
The monies raised are spent on various projects at the reserve
and every penny goes towards enhancing it in one way or another.
A selection of nestboxes, feeders and bird food is always available
for purchase at A.M.Grieves, Newsagents, on the High Street
with all profits going towards the maintenance of Dyke Farm
Nature Reserve.
