AN ADDINGHAM woman has been presented with a long service award at a recent meeting of the Airedale & Bradford RSPB Local Group.

Ruth Porter was given a signed limited-edition print by the Airedale and Bradford RSPB Local Group leader, Paul Barrett.

Ruth first volunteered for the group in 1994, and during her time on the committee, took on a variety of roles, including sales organiser and indoor meeting co-ordinator before retiring earlier this year.

“The importance of Ruth's role in this group cannot be overstated,” said Paul.

“In the early years of the century, there was a very small committee and Ruth took on the role, in all but name, as group leader. If it wasn't for her efforts during this time, the group would no longer be in existence.”

The Airedale and Bradford Group was founded in 1972, making it the longest continuously existing local group in the north of England and perhaps the whole country.

“Local groups exist to promote the work of the RSPB on a local level and are particularly important in areas like ours that do not have RSPB reserves," added Paul. "The Airedale and Bradford Group organise a series of monthly indoor meetings and guided walks between September and April.

“For many years, the meetings took place in Shipley Library, but due to the on-going refurbishments, the group has relocated to the Kirkgate Community Centre in Shipley. We are delighted with our new venue, in which we are seeing our best attendances in many a long year.”

The November meeting also saw the final visit to the group by Gordon Yates. A very popular speaker with the group during the past 30 years, he made his 28th and final visit before retiring. The occasion was marked with a celebratory cake.

The group's next indoor meeting takes place on December 4, when the guest speaker will be Gianpiero Ferrari, presenting an illustrated talk on The Okavango Delta in Botswana.

The talk commences at 7.30pm, entrance fee is £3 and children get in for free. The meetings generally finish at about 9.30pm.

Details of events can be found online at the rspb.org.uk/groups/airedaleandbradford web page.