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In front of a gathering of four hundred and fifty BTO members and internationally renowned ornithological scientists and lecturers ‘our own’ Tommy Holden was presented with the Trusts Jubilee Medal in recognition of his ‘Devotion to the Trust’. In recent years Tommy revolutionized the Trust’s library of bird transparencies with his extensive donations from his personal collection and ongoing photography. Before and after the presentation he was personally thanked by various BTO staff for his input, the Trust scientists and other personnel give hundreds of presentation each year, both in securing ornithological contracts and gaining publicity for bird conservation, suitably during the course of the 20 plus lectures over the weekend most had a selection of Tommy’s images. Recently Tommy’s front page cover of BTO News appeared on TV in the Friday night satire ‘Have I got news for you’, not alas because of the quality of Tommy’s Reed Bunting photo, but because the pop diva Britney Spears also appeared. (According to media hype, Britney is a birdwatcher . . . she isn’t, but it’s a long story!). Along with his medal Tommy was also presented with a laminated montage of his BTO News front covers, ten in total. After accepting his medal, Tommy replied in his typically unassuming Cumbrian style, thanking everyone for their kindness and interest in his work! He charmed the audience relating stories of when a Kingfisher came and sat on his wellie as he stood mid-stream, too close to photograph; how a Tawny Owl fell asleep and keeled over as he observed it; and the frustration of spending endless hours pursuing a juvenile Ring Ouzel, only to find on inspecting the slides that the bird bore one of Callion’s rings!! Finally at the Annual Dinner on Saturday evening Moira and Tommy were suitably seated at the top table with Knights and Ladies. John Callion
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