ERT Auction Goes Live!

We invite you to participate in our 2010 charity auction.

Auction bids can be accepted from 1st September running through to a grand finale at a fundraising dinner at Naworth Castle on the evening of 18th September. The highest bidder for each lot at the end of the auction on 18th September 2010 will be deemed the winner of that lot.

Download the ERT 2010 Auction catalogue here

http://trust.edenriverstrust.org.uk/auction-2010.html

Postal/Fax bids

We can accept postal and faxed bids which we will place on your behalf if you are not attending the fundraising dinner on 18th September. Postal / fax bids for identical amounts will be placed in the order received. Such bids should reach the ERT office no later than midday on 18th September. Postal address: Eden Rivers Trust, Units O&Q, Skirsgill Business Park, Penrith, CA11 0FA or fax: 01768 866700

Successful bidders

The ERT will contact you to arrange payment of the winning price by cheque or bank transfer. The ERT will also put you in contact with the donor of the lot so you can arrange the details upon clearance of funds.

I am delighted to make public a copy of ERT’s 2010 auction catalogue – our first ever!

Contained within its pages are 47 exciting lots, many of which are rarely available. Full details of how bids can be submitted and terms and conditions are on page 3 of the catalogue.

The current economic climate has created a challenging fundraising environment for charitable trusts. We hope that all those taking part in the bidding will do so generously and in the true spirit of a charitable auction!

If you are lucky enough to be winning bidder you will be in a real ‘win-win’ situation, as not only do you get to obtain some fantastic lots but you’ll also be able to take great pride in the knowledge that you are supporting the important conservation work of ERT.

Lastly, ERT would like to make special mention of the many supporters, sponsors and partner organisations that have so generously donated lots for this year’s auction. Without their continued and unfaltering support the auction and the work of trust would not be possible.

If you have any questions or queries regarding the auction please do not hesitate to contact me at director@edenriverstrust.org.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for your support and good luck with your bidding!"

Steve Henson

I've just received the shock news of the untimely death of one of my old colleagues from Norfolk, Steve Henson.

Steve will not be known to most but I am deeply saddened at this loss. I worked on numerous ground breaking projects with Steve over the years - from mink and voles through to Fisheries Action Plans and River Restoration. We were also at the same University together (UEA - the best!). Steve went on to work for Norfolk Wildlife Trust and I the National Rivers Authority. Most unusually for someone with that background he could see the contribution that fishing and fisheries could make to improving local biodiversity. Our paths crossed regularly and I totalled up at least 6 major projects going back to 1998 we have both worked on. He always offered very pragmatic advice and was willing to lend a hand when required. I still remember marking out a restoration site at Holkham on the River Stiffkey, with garden canes and electrical tape!, which summed up his approach...practical advice and assistance!

Both myself and Steve went onto sit on the committee of the River Glaven Conservation Group and whilst my contribution was minor, I think it is safe to say that Steve's was impressive. Without him I think the Group would have struggled to achieve what they have.

The above picture is of both myself and Steve jetting spawning riffles on the Glaven at Thornage in Norfolk. I will remember him as considered, cheerful, positive and always willing to roll his sleeves up for the task in hand.

Although I haven't seen Steve for about two years I feel terribly saddened by his passing. My heart goes out to his wife,family and colleagues.

Knotty...ash?

We have now started our programme of Knotweed control on the
River Eamont SAC.

At this very moment, the Japanese Knotweed Solutions team (pictured above..sorry guys I couldn't resist!) are on the banks of the river cutting, spraying and finally incinerating (hence the Ken Dodd link) this most unwelcome intruder. The Knotweed problem on the Eamont is in it's early stages and we really hope that this 'stitch in time' solution will save an awful lot of effort and resource in the future. The situation will be closely monitored over the next five years.

Click & Donate!

We have now set-up a Just Giving webpage which is a totally secure way of donating on-line. The link will take you to the Source to Sea Fundraising Walk Page.

All you have to do is click and donate......how easy is that!

www.justgiving.com/edensource2sea