The Christmas shoot, allowing for the proximity of the date to the 25th, was a great success and much enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to Chris Howard who provided the excellent barbeque at lunchtime.

ASHDOWN FOREST

The work of Ashdown Area Deer Group continues in close liaison with Deer Initiative, ESCC, the Police and the other members of the Group. A meeting should take place shortly. Process is still in hand to identify and contact all landowners, including those who do not permit culling on their land, in order to try and introduce more coordinated management. John Rich continues as coordinator of the Deer Management Groups covering the area on behalf of BDS. You may contact John on .

POACHING

From Sussex Police: Five men arrested (21st Dec) on suspicion of offences under the Deer Act 1991 have been bailed until 8th June.

If anyone has information about poaching, they should contact 0845 60 70 999.

EVENTS CALENDAR

SHOW DATES 2010:

Kent Game Fair 27th - 28th March

Sussex Game Fair 19th - 20th June

Michelam Priory Show 10th - 11th July

Edenbridge Show 29th - 30th August

We are always looking for extra help on our stand - please contact the secretary if you can attend for a full or half day.

SOCIAL EVENING 17th July (details below)

RANGE DATES 2010:

Range Day Saturday 16th January

Stalker's Shoot Sunday 9th May

Range Day (p.m. only) Sunday 11th July

Christmas Shoot Sunday 12th December

INTER-CLUB SHOOTING MATCHES 2010:

Saturday 15th May

Saturday 9th October

Please contact Adrian Dagger (adriandaggersolicitor@yahoo.co.uk), or the secretary, if you would like to shoot for the BDS team.

All shooting events are held at the British Sporting Rifle Club, Bisley, Surrey GU24 0PB, commencing 9.00 am.

STALKER'S SHOOT 2010

Our popular Annual Stalkers' Shoot will be held on Sunday 9th May at the British Sporting Rifle Club's range at Bisley. Full bore, .22, and historic rifle competitions. All BDS members are welcome and we would be especially pleased to see members from other branches. If you are not yet a BDS member you can join on the day if you wish to shoot with us. Don't forget to bring your Firearm certificate, competency certificate, enough ammunition and some money! Those members who have not yet obtained a competency certificate can shoot under one-to-one supervision on the day. A fun day with lots of great prizes - we look forward to seeing you all.

BDS SOUTH EAST BRANCH SOCIAL EVENING

We will be holding a social evening at Waylands Farm, Tatsfield (on the

Surrey/Kent border) on Saturday 17th July 2010. From 7pm.

Bring your photos etc. and your questions. Join us for a chat and meet some new members who have expressed a wish to meet more from the SE Branch. You can also meet our pair of Muntjac in the zoo. Soft drinks and venison snacks provided.

There will be a butchery demonstration by a local Master Butcher.

Venue: Beaver Water World, Waylands Farm, Approach Road, Tatsfield

Nr. Westerham, Kent. TN16 2JT. It would be helpful if you could phone

or email Sue or Alex if you are coming so we have an idea of numbers:

01959 577707 or s.westlake-guy@virgin.net.

TRAILER

We currently use an Ifor Williams small livestock trailer for storage and transport of show materials and are looking to sell/exchange this for a four wheeled box trailer. Any offers or information will be gratefully received.

MUNTJAC STUDY

As members may be aware Marianne Freeman in Belfast is currently engaged in a study and needs small tissue samples, particularly from the SE where information is lacking. Anyone willing to assist can contact Derek Stimpson or Marianne on: mfreeman02@qub.ac.uk

PLEA to Members

Please send us your email addresses, by email of course, to Chairman and Secretary at the addresses below:-

Chairman:

Derek Stimpson 07720 813989 derek_stimpson@generaliglobal.com

Secretary:

Sue Westlake-Guy 01959 577707 s.westlake-guy@virgin.net

Sunday 9^th May 2010

The STALKERS' MATCH at Bisley. Our main shooting event of the year. Lots of prizes to be won. Full bore, .22, and historic competitions.

Sunday 11^th July 2010

Range day at Bisley. PM only.

General Notes

In general we hear very little from our SE Branch members other than a very small number and the hardworking team that run the show stands and other events.

Please let us know if there is something that you would like us to consider - but remember that all this work is voluntary. Come and see us at the Bisley range days.

Also please check that HQ have your correct email and telephone numbers on record. We believe that some telephone numbers are to be out of date and many email addresses are missing. The details HQ have on their records will be shown on the letter you receive with your new membership card.

BDS in your Area

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SOUTH EAST ENGLAND BRANCH