Dilton Marsh WI was privileged to welcome the most gentle and friendly of mammals, bats, to their April meeting.
Their carers, Liz, Pete and Josh from Frome Bat Care, set up an enclosed see-through area so members could observe these fascinating creatures fly and feed. Their forelimbs adapted as wings, they are the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. Most bats are nocturnal and all bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside acts.
Frome Bat Care take in bats which are injured and nurse them back to health before sending them back to freedom. All bats except one live in our country. pipistrelles live amongst us. so are the most rescued, and the serotine is one of the largest in the UK.
Bats live in family groups like villages and are found in houses, garages, workplaces and railway tunnels. Most of their injuries tend to be caused by cats, but they are good healers with hands and fingers like us. When they shiver they do so to warm up, which enables them to fly.
Applause following the talk was momentous as members were so gripped and fascinated by these creatures and their devoted carers.
President Alison Irving welcomed visitors Lucy, Marian, Cathy, Valerie and Kathy to the meeting and announced the various future activities. Wiltshire Federation celebrate their centenary this year, so there are treasure trails, guided walks, fairs, exhibitions and teas to look forward to. The WI is supporting the homeless, and member Eunice Stride has made a suitable waterproof bag which Dilton Marsh is filling with appropriate goods that have been suggested.
Members also welcomed the idea of a First Aid course, canal trip and ramble. Member Robina spoke of her daughter and friends who, in spite of illness, had just completed a cycle ride of 420 miles from St Davids in Wales to Lowestoft, to raise money and awareness; so proceeds from the raffle were donated to their cancer charity. Next month is a resolution meeting followed by a light supper. Do join us for lots of fun and new friends.
Liz Lee
