Dot Beeson, champion of the swans, has applauded the youth angling group whose quick fire efforts landed 1,250 signatures to aid her sanctuarys rescue bid. And on a wider scale, she reckons more anglers have opened their minds to birds dangers since the darkest days of the lead shot debates.
As we reported last week, Kingfisher Piscatorials of Sunbury on Thames Middlesex Waded into the battle to stop miracle worker Dots Egham Swan Sanctuary site from being developed upon by the Runnymede Council. I thought my kids would maybe get 500 names but I was amazed at 1,250, said Kingfisher leader Steve Gray. Linda Grundy at the sanctuary broke down in tears when we presented the petitions. She said out of all petitions ours meant the most. Anglers Mail donated a Maver rod for the junior who gathered the most signatures. 13-year-old Ben Voller for 396 names won it. Dot, who has seen local people crying at her gate, said Steves kids have done a lovely job and theyre well educated in wildlife issues.