| Home | The Committee | Field Trips |
| Members Contributions | Links | Sales and Wants |
| Site Guide | Bird Race | Contact Us |
| Photo Gallery |
‘We are here to celebrate Brian’s life,’ said his brother, Ian, at his funeral service, and it is on that life, so tragically cut short, that we must dwell. For Brian lived it to the full – birds, sport and life in general filling the days of his retirement.
For fifteen years, since he left a busy life in England behind him, Brian lived in Santa Pola, waking every morning to a sensational view over the island of Tabarca. He travelled around Spain a great deal, and on one of those trips, met Rosemary, who became an important figure in his life. He was often accompanied by Rosemary, or by his friend Alec, but when in the company of novices, he was a patient and instructive guide, showing a knowledge of ornithology (and people) he was too modest to admit.
Brian had a great sense of humour, and I already miss the unending stream of daft jokes that came from his computer. Together with others, we formed the Costa Blanca Bird Club, and Brian was instrumental in getting the programme of field trips under way. On many of them, he acted as guide, and demonstrated one of his other passions, by finding several memorable restaurants, appreciated by many.
Brian formed a wonderful friendship with Jane and Colin, in the Sierra de Crevillente, and spent many happy hours eagle-watching from their patio.
On our trips together, we shared some great birds, from Terek Sandpiper to Trumpeter Finch, from Wallcreeper to Alpine Accentor. We did daft things, like walking over into France from the Hecho valley – in a blizzard – and scaling a near-vertical dam-wall. Most of all though, I shall miss Brian’s warm friendship and generosity. Thanks, mate!
Malcolm Palmer