Sorry, When is the meeting (which day)?

The Wyre Forest Agenda (www.wfa.org.uk)

The meeting was great (11th Aug 7.30pm )
A lot of useful info surfaced about historical lead foundrys, sulpuric acid production ( in lead vessels ) and metal detecting enthusiasts locating large amounts at times of low water at two of the main areas used by the public to feed the swans.
A facinating fact emerged that in one historical document quoted " Birmingham near Bewdley " such was the level of prosperity and industry in what has become a small town in comparison with the metropolis that Birmingham has become.
The Environment Agency has agreed to follow up these leads ( no pun intended ! LOL) and test.

Although lead shot and anglers had a rough ride, with tempers flaring on numerious occassions, Dr Richard Tailor rang the bell at the end of every round with great strength of character and fairness.
Evidence was provided by several experts with no conclusion as to where the source of contamination was, but swans at Bewdley continue to suffer. Environmental Agency consultant Dr Bruno Broughton tested several towns that in set areas that were fine combed, only 3 small shot could be located in Bewdleys more extensive test area. A line was asked to be drawn under the finger pointing that anglers are to blame, as legally sized shot has to be non toxic since 1986. If you cant buy it, its illigal to import and has been for almost 2 decades and in a study only three small shot was found despite have over twice the test beds of other affected areas, a line should be drawn.
This was disputed time and time again, and just didnt seem to go in closed ears, although I believe that some common ground was found and the proposal of a steering committee for the future. The usage on the River of the use of dust shot ( minute but easily digestable by swans, especiallly cygnets ) was discounted as it is predominently pole fishing on still waters where it is used.
I would like to thank all those who attended the meeting and Gill Holland for organising.

PS. The opening question following an informed unbiased talk by a well known bird expert ( whos name escapes me, but not Des Tailor ! LOL ) was pure class, with a rather elderly lady having the room perplexed with her opinion that the reasons behind the swans dying was due to the number of computers within the area. It really did take at least 10 minuites and a mass of raised captivated eyebrows to actually work out from where she was coming from, and I am not totally sure. I believe she refered to the environmental dumping of unwanted electrical items in our throw away society, singled out at the evil computer with its traces of heavy metals, lead solder etc This was discounted, with the automobile being far more harmful.

So be aware, your computer could be hiding a dark secret, it could have a grudge against swans !