Peter Standley to retire as County Recorder

After almost forty years as Recorder for the ROC and having been the only Recorder for the County of Berkshire, Peter Standley has decided to stand down from 1 January 2005.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to Peter for all he has done for Berkshire’s ornithological heritage. From my experience of working with him on the Birds of Berkshire Annual Report 2002, I have grown to realise how much conscientious effort he has put into his role over many years. The Birds of Berkshire Annual reports are challenging pieces of work and while Peter has produced them almost single handed in the past he has also contributed massively to the county avifauna Birds of Berkshire a landmark publication, published in 1996. While these tasks have been demanding enough his involvement in the many other aspects of a Recorder’s duties, such as answering questions about planning and development issues, representation on committees and advising disparate bodies on ornithological matters have also demanded time and expertise.

Peter will continue to be involved as Recorder in the annual reports for 1998/99, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004 so there is still a great deal of work to be done and we will continue to benefit from his enormous experience and skill.

We are lucky to have Chris Heard available to become the new County Recorder. Chris spent eight years on the British Birds Rarities Committee and has expertise and experience which will be immensely valuable. Chris will also have an Assistant Recorder, Derek Barker who is a member of the Berkshire Records Committee and a highly respected and experienced ornithologist who has made a significant contribution to the county’s annual reports both as an observer and diligent author.

I end this message with a genuine, heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Peter from the members of the ROC and from all Berkshire’s ornithologists for his contribution over so many years.

Colin Wilson - 14 September 2004