Ted Wells, Ted Ellis, Babergh

I guess i'd better start - hectic week with a cross channel Marinelife survey, on Tuesday - surveying both ways. A couple of porpoises only, but some Storm Petrels and Manxies, and one or two juvenile Skuas, including one that was convincingly a Pomarine. A long drive back getting home at 03.30, and an early start to get to Hadleigh for the Planning cttee meeting, and then hareing over to Norwich. Canon Ted Wells funeral in Ipswich was a sombre occasion in a full church with 3 Bishops attending. My memory was him coming into the NICU in the early hours of the morning to baptise a critically ill infant. My impression was that the infants often rallied after suvch benificence. He was a strong and positive presence in the Hospital, when it seemed it needed only 3 or 4 people to run it, and the atmosphere was of a family of dedicated people melding to provide the service despite whatever. Now the 'What if' or precautionary principle has taken over, diminishing and demeaning everyone's input.

The RSPB wildlife garden in Flatford was opened by Ronald Blyth, a little gem of an initiative in this eye catching corner of East Anglia. In conversation Ted Ellis came up. Amazing influence.