Wednesday 14th September 2016

Obituary - Frank Gribble MBE

Some 60 years ago, Frank Gribble was one, I believe, of a gang of four who thought Staffordshire should have a bird club, but, was persuaded by the likes of Tony Norris, to join forces with the Birmingham Bird Club. That club evolved and Staffordshire became a Branch. Frank chaired the branch committee for many years, and, I understand, the agendas were always busy with projects like the M6 motorway.

There are many of us privileged to have known Frank, to enjoy the tales of the school boy and his pals who would form a human ladder so they could climb the trees to ring the Herons, and to share his disappointment that young birders do not seem to appreciate how talking to others can enhance their birding experience. He was a special person with a huge enthusiasm for wildlife, birds in particular. His knowledge he willingly shared with every one.

Frank was President of the Shropshire Bird group, there was another group in North Staffs which he once ran, he organised three national surveys for the BTO, was a founder member of the SWT, in fact his input to the world of wildlife was enormous. I know the Stafford Branch of the WMBC, of which he was still a member, will miss him, the wisdom of his contributions and his endless willingness to help. I'm sure, too, that there are many Staffs birders who would join us to say "Thank you Frank". 

We send our sympathy to his family.  

Funeral will be on 22nd September 2016.
11:00 Stafford Crematorium (Very short affair, no service, just suitable music)
12:00 Staffs Wildlife Trust, Wolseley Centre (ST17 0WT)
        Everyone who knew Frank invited. Refreshments provided

David Dodd, Stafford Branch Chairman WMBC. 

Middleton Lakes
2x Great White Egret also 2x Curlew Sandpiper (@RSPBMiddleton)

Belvide Resv (WMBC members only)
Black-necked Grebe still also Wheatear (@paulsmith15363)

Blithfield Resv (WMBC members only)
Little Stint this afternoon (HF SE)

Berryhill
Visible Migration this am 1122x Swallow, 247x House Martin, 762x Meadow Pipit, 9x Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit all over south. Also 3x Whinchat, 5x Redstart, 4x Wheatear, 6x Snipe, Goosander, c650 Goldfinch (NDP RT)

Branston GP
2x Greenshank, 19x Curlew (R)