The Northamptonshire Natural History Society and Field Club

Another cracking good 'do' at this popular venue, although as someone remarked you do tend to see the same faces at many of the different meetings, nonetheless welcome for that.

The semi panoramic view above shows how packed the room became with exhibitors and visitors.

Later on Cyril Sampson (far right) introduced the Mayor and Mayoress (Tim and Gillie Hadland) to the show.

There were far too many exhibitors for me to report on each one individually but here are some of the things that caught my eye.

Joan Tubbs and Vaughan Dodge answer queries about some of their slide mounts they showed

Klaus Kemp is well known for his superb arrangements of diatoms. At a recent Reading Convention he demonstrated his technique - live, using a video feed. He made it look remarkably easy, positioning a diatom in the correct orientation, within a micrometer of the right position - but it isn't! Here is one example of his art, cleverly exploiting the diffraction colour of the striae of a diatom (Gyrosygma?) to provide a blue 'sea'. There is even a small figure on deck!

Colin Lamb showed some colourful lichen (left) and an interesting moss (far left)

Invariably there is a splendid buffet provided at the Northants meeting - I have to admit going back for a second helping of the walnut meringue pie...

Barry Ellam (far left) set up some interesing polarising slides - his visitor on the right is looking at a slide of cholesterol (right)

Mike Samworth and Sam Gill were there in force with some fine slides, and a wide range of CDs at bargain prices

There was some interesting second-hand equipment for sale. John Garrett examines a very reasonably priced Olympus. However it surprises me to find how few X20 objectives there are around these days; it's one of my most used pieces of equipment.

At the end of the day I think everybody went away feeling they'd had a thoroughly enjoyable and stimulating time; and the good news is that already the date for next years meeting has been fixed. Make a note in your diary for the 8th of June!

Our grateful thanks for everybody involved in the organisation of a very successful event.