Hi folks, Just a note firstly to apologise for yesterday’s email blunder. Jason and I had a productive few hours anyway preparing for the production of Zoom meetings. I understand that one or two of you have been showing some reluctance to take part in Zoom meetings, but doing so gives us a much wider scope to interact with people from far and wide. There is no limit to our reach, even if you’re lying on a beach in far off lands you can still join in with your fellow members. It gives us the ability to enter competitions anywhere should we desire without the need to travel great distances. It further gives us the ability to stay in touch when it’s not practical to get to a physical meeting which by the way will obviously continue regardless. We shall be experimenting on a few occasions between now and October when we shall launch meetings for real on the first Wednesday of each month. My previous experiences of having Zoom meetings were always fun occasions. Nothing wrong with enjoying a tipple while you are in the meeting so relax and have fun. 

Jason has yet again been working on the website and thanks to his tenacity has cured the bugs on the news page. It’s no longer necessary to log in each time you looked at a click through. If you still notice any glitches please let us know. I would encourage all members to make use of the learning resources now available on the website. Look for KnowledgeBase in the member’s area to avail yourselves of all the great tutorials provided for us. Should you wish to contribute your skills to the KnowledgeBase we would very much welcome the input.

Hopefully we have have gained some new members that I know will be warmly welcomed. Please say hello to Mike, Charlie, Isaac and Thomas. A warm welcome to you all and I hope you enjoy your time with us.

Today a good few of SDFM members said goodbye to our friend Dr. James Anderson. Jim was a great guy with a fabulous history, I had only met him a few times, but each time I did we had great conversations. I’m pleased that I had got to know him a little and very sad that he passed. At 93 he certainly made a big contribution to everything he was involved with and everyone he met. He will be missed. His son John has promised to send us a short bio to include somewhere on the website. 

Our external shows have gone well so far this year and we have had a good few positive comments. We now have a break from them until September when currently there are two booked.

Don’t forget that Wednesday 20th August is our summer get together at Howard’s place.137 Offington Drive BN14 9PU It is a bring your own affair so bring whatever you want to eat and drink. I think Howard will be on teas and coffees and Seagull defence. Bring your bikinis if you fancy a swim ! 

See you all soon 

Ray