The Queketts go Dutch

On 14th September 6 Queketts in two cars travelled to Holland for a meeting with a similar group of Dutch microscopists: Tony Saunders-Davies drove Sam Christofi and Eric Hollowday, while Ken Jones drove Bette and Bill Ells. Earlier in the day Anne Bruce had travelled from by air from Glasgow to Rotterdam. Unfortunately the lead car (me!) got separated soon after leaving Ostende. Fortunately I had a GPS receiver, which Sam made good use of, and we found the hotel on a small road, in the dark and pouring with rain! Technology triumphs! Ken & Co. overshot, but were given directions by Jan on a mobile and eventually we all sat down to dinner.

The meeting had been organised by (Dr) Jan Parmentier and ran with superb efficiency.

We all set off each morning with our collecting gear to visit one of the Fens in the Nature Reserve

The Fens were beautiful, and we had the guidance of the offical Warden, who told us something of their history. We had to be careful which path we took, to avoid treading on rare plants.

We would then return to the hotel to take lunch before settling down in the well-equipped 'Microscope Room' to examine our catch. We were lucky to have a number of specialists with us: Bill Ells and Mike Dingley (from Australia), Eric Hollowday on Rotifers (of course!) and one of the Dutch party who had made a serious study of Water fleas.

Jan had thoughtfully ensured a supply of Petri dishes, pipettes, slides etc., and there were ample microscopes for everyone who had not bought one of their own.

In the evening after a pleasant dinner (complete with wine!) there was a slide show of some sort. To me one of the highlights of the trip was the show given by Wim van Egmond. This talented young artist and photographer used two projectors in synchronization, and polarised light to show a series of slides of insects in 3D. These were 'life'(i.e. our) size and with an astonishing depth of field. To see a predatory Tiger beetle apparently 6 feet (~2m) tall and in all three dimensional detail is quite an experience. Apparently Wim gives shows at various museums and exhibitions. If ever you get the chance to see this don't miss it!

Jan is seen at the far left with Wim van Egmond in the middle and Anne Bruce at the end

 

It was not all hard work however - there was plenty of time for a drink or two in the bar:

A number of desmids were identified by our two experts, Bill and Mike. I show a small selection here:

From left to right:Xanthidium, Bambusina, Cl.lunula and Cylindrocystis.

Most Queketts are familiar with F.ringens, but this rotifer found by Edith Simon, photographed by Tony S-D, and identified by Eric Hollowday is the rare F.conifera. You can clearly see the cone-shaped pellets, which give it its name.

On the final day, Jan somewhat diffidently suggested that some might wish to relax in the hotel, while other accompanied him on a 'Fungal Foray'. I think virtually everybody opted for the latter, and although I am new to mycology I was infected with Jan's enthusiasm and so I was delighted with the great variety we found in the space of a mile or so:

On the left, Ken had had the foresight to bring along a survival sheet to lie on, while I photograhed the colourful Calocera and the elegant Mycena.

All in all it was a splendid four days: we met new friends, learned a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. No one can ask for more!