Webmaster's note - Unfortunately, due to unforessen circumstances, there are no photographs to illustrate what must have been a very interesting meeting. However, these notes, kindly supplied by Brian Darnton give a very good idea of what was on show.

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The meeting was again organised by Derek Stevens and it was very well attended. We have to thank the very favourable weather and a few extra visitors from the “South Today” plug on the television.

 

Klaus Kemp brought along folio sized copies of the famous Moller plates of Diatoms with examples of his own version of the plates, in which he had changed one species just to make the distinction. It was an impressive display!

 

Dick Speight set up a little exhibition of a Biolam microscope modified by means of an excellent sub-stage light guide and two adjustable modern version Lieberkuhn reflectors that could be secured to the objective lenses and adjusted for focus by means of a grub screw. These home made devices were highly successful.

 

Fred Loxdon, with Remembrance Day in mind had brought along the two books by A E. Shipley:

#A ”The Minor Horrors of war” #B “More minor Horrors”

To illustrate them he had old slides of the bugs and insects that tormented our troops, during time of war (and peace).

 

Brian Darnton had a polarising microscope showing the colourful effects of polarisation and examples of his latest foram slides with around 500 tests for the identification from the brochure.

 

Mike and Joan Bingley brought along some objects which illustrated new ideas of creating felt with a new type of needle. Under low power it had a rectangular cross section with barbs protruding from the edges. The scales of the wool fibre which enabled the material to be felted could also be seen under a compound microscope.

 

Derek Stevens demonstrated the attachment of his latest digital camera and also ran an entertaining close circuit TV view of a small container of water taken from his very prolific bird bath.

 

Jeremy Poole had a very impressive range of preparations of mounts in Canada balsam without pressure. They were mostly insect heads These made excellent comparisons when seen alongside more traditional squashed and folded preparations.

 

Peter Weedon who seems to enjoy free access to sites of very special scientific interest brought along the latest fascinating findings of instruments in various stages of completeness.

 

Per Borgesson brought along various adapters that enabled him to take digital pictures remotely, using his PC and various bit of software from manufacturers. The effect was very impressive.

 

Pam Hamer. Had a special rotating needle, or spindle stage in the manner of N.H. Hartshorne, but manufactured by the McCrone Institute USA, for use with a polariscope. This version unlike many home made rotating needles, was very steady, had no wobble and included a graduated thumbwheel for extreme precision. I can also see possibilities in the photography of microscopic appendages generally required for species diagnosis. She also had some fascinating ideas and images of Lichens.

 

W Vatcher. Brought several ringing tables embellished with William’s usual range of innovative, inexpensive but effective add-ons.

 

G D Griffin brought along three microscopes to demonstrate the use of test diatoms in microscopy.

 

Sam Christofi displayed a box of old German slides by Sigmund, which were of the highest quality of mounting and labelling.

 

Tea and coffee was kindly supplied by Rosemary Stevens and Margriet Darnton during the course of the day.

 

Brian Darnton