'101 Things You didn't Know About Garden Birds' - Chris Ward
Our regular joint meeting with Kintbury Wildlife Group is November this year, not February as usual. We are pleased to have Chris return with this talk giving us interesting and maybe new facts about our garden birds. Meeting starts at 7.30pm in the Coronation Hall, Inkpen Road, Kintbury, RG17 9TX. There will be a raffle.

Blashford Lakes - Roger Frankum
A full day's outing to this area of lakes and woods north of Ringwood where in the past we have found wintering Bittern, Firecrest and many species of wildfowl and grebes. Leaving Newbury at 9am, we should be in the carpark off Ellingham Drove, east of the A338, around 10.15. Bring food for the day. GR 195/SU151083

Farmoor and Bury Down - Alan Lindsay
A morning visit to this reservoir near Oxford where anything can, and often does, turn up! After lunch we will call in to Bury Down on our way back to Newbury in the hope of seeing owls. Meet in the Farmoor carpark at 10.30am (parking charges apply). Bring lunch if you plan to stay for the Down. GR164/SP451061

Annual General Meeting - St Mary's Church hall, Greenham
After the usually short business part of the meeting, we will welcome back ex-member and Herefordshire BTO rep Chris Robinson, who will give a talk "The Birdlife of Herefordshire - better than Berkshire or just different?" Meeting starts at 7.30pm.

Slimbridge - Lesley Staves
A full day visit to this flagship WWT centre in Gloucestershire where the wintering Bewicks Swans and White-fronted Geese should be back, along with many waders and wildfowl. Leaving Newbury at 8.30am, we will aim to be in the centre carpark around 10. Bring food for the day, or eat in the excellent restaurant there. Discount vouchers for non-members available. Post code for satnav GL2 7BT, Grid ref 162/SO723048

Post Christmas "Twitch" - Lesley Staves
A chance to get out between Christmas and the New Year! We will check the local bird guides and see if there are any specialities about, but if not we will still enjoy a local walk. Meet at Terry's in Donnington at 10am.

Donnington and Bagnor - Terry Jackman
As Speen Moor is likely to remain closed, we will continue our quarterly walks in Donnington. This winter morning should find wildfowl on the lake, and finch and thrush flocks in the woods and fields. Meet in Donnington Castle carpark at 9.30am. GR 174/SU461691

Members' Afternoon - St Mary's Church hall, Greenham
Our usual New Year social afternoon with short talks from members and tea and cakes. Please let Lesley know if you have any photographs you would like to show, and gifts of cakes will be welcome on the day. The hall will be open at 2pm for a prompt 2.30 start.

Brownsea Island and Poole Harbour - Lesley Staves
We are planning to join the Brownsea Birdboat for a landing on the island, followed by a cruise around the harbour for wintering waders, grebes and wildfowl. Cost is £25 pp, the boat leaves Poole Quay at 9am and returns at 1pm. Please book direct from 0344 249 1895, or online at national trust.org/events. Please let Lesley know if you are coming so that we can look out for you. Early booking is advised as the trip is very popular!

Haxton Down
We haven't visited this area of Salisbury Plain for many years, but it has been a good spot to find wintering Short-eared Owls and sometimes harriers in the fading light so can be well worth a visit. Meet at the roadside area near Beaches Barn at 2.30pm (GR184/SU189512). Sadly the pub at Everleigh where some would have lunch before the walk is now closed!

Weekend to Essex - Bob Lyle
A long weekend to the Essex coast and other sites. Please use the contact form for more information. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Bob as soon as possible so we have an idea of numbers and accommodation can be booked. Email: lylesatbyles@greenbee.net

'Birding India' - David and Nancy Massie
David and Nancy are very widely travelled and always take superb bird photographs where ever they go. This talk is bound to be fascinating and not one to be missed. Meeting starts at 7.30pm in Greenham church hall.