This Blog covers nature sightings and related news in the Calderdale area.
It includes all groups - Plants, animals and fungi with links to specialist sites.
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Sunday 11 December 2011

Colin Duke

The death of a friend is a terrible thing. A friend with the same interests at heart is a rare thing.
Colin could always be relied on to have a view on the identity of a species, or at least the right family to search in. His knowledge made him a favourite with all, from adults to children.

I'll always remember when he invited me to assist him with a stream-dipping session in the centre of Hebden Bridge. A 3-year old girl took her first sweep with the net and brought out a tiny bullhead fish. It was beginners luck, because that species had not been recorded in Calderdale for many decades.
The little girl was not impressed, but Colin was. He said he always enjoyed most working with children.

He had no children of his own but Colin belonged to the wider family of naturalists and countryside volunteers. He took a leading role as chair of various groups, including the Sustainability Forum and for 10 years the Halifax Scientific Society.

He will be a hard act to follow.



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