A group of nature lovers gathered at a spot that has always held a special place in their hearts for over 50 years Sixty-five guests mingled on the lawn at The Lodge at the RSPB headquarters in Sandy to mark what for many of them was a unique milestone. T

A group of nature lovers gathered at a spot that has always held a special place in their hearts for over 50 years

Sixty-five guests mingled on the lawn at The Lodge at the RSPB headquarters in Sandy to mark what for many of them was a unique milestone.

The RSPB has been a bastion preserving flora and fauna since it was formed in 1889.

Its original crusade was to halt the trade in the plumage of the Great Crested Grebe that adorned ladies hats and other garments of the Victorian era.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the society held a reception to honour those who have supported the RSPB for more than 50 years.

"The event was organised in recognition of long-term RSPB support," said an RSPB spokesman.

"The event came about after a conversation with a major donor who said that this year he will have been a member for 60 years and would like to celebrate by visiting the Lodge.

"We felt it would be an interesting exercise to invite some other long term members to a small get-together."

Of the 65 guests who attended the event, 47 had been RSPB members for more than 50 years with the longest serving member of the group having joined in 1939.

Guests were welcomed by RSPB chief executive Graham Wynne who charted the charity's progress since 1939 and was followed by Lodge manager Peter Bradley who talked about what goes on at the Sandy reserve.