Christmas is Coming, and all that...

We seem to be on a rapid-transit-vehicle heading towards the buffers at high speed. I mean, it's nearly the end of the year and I just found out.

There were clues along the way, of course, but we never really had an autumn did we? And winter just arrived this week. Then a Christmas tree appeared in the visitors' centre and this week we have had a ranger dressed as Santa. I am in denial, obviously. Can't we just hold off for a few more weeks? .....Obviously not.

Because the Stevensons are an American-English-Scottish and Dutch family, this is a complicated time of year. We celebrate Thanksgiving, then St Nicolaas and then (reluctantly and expensively) Christmas.

At Paxton Pits, I really enjoyed giving my Thanksgiving talk about turkeys in the wild and in captivity. No presents were involved. Then we celebrated Sinterklaas at home by putting our shoes out in expectation of one, just one, present each. I think that's the way to do it.

No prizes for guessing which ranger this is.

Inevitably, the Juggernaut that is Christmas is now heading our way and my bank manager is either rubbing his hands or having a nervous breakdown. I have no idea who he is so I don't care!

The rangers now know who is on duty when and where, and our most pressing item is to complete a copy of "The Bridge" newsletter before mid month. Sophie is in charge of this project, so make sure that you get your copy before Christmas by e-mailing paxtonpits@huntingdonshire.gov.uk 

The last event of the year is coming up on Sunday. 14th December - from 2:00pm at the Visitors’ Centre
It is our Christmas Birds and Music gathering - our traditional event for everyone.

This year we are pleased to announce our festive music will be presented by a well respected local musical group (but I no idea who they are; the Zombies? One Direction? The Kinks? Come along to find out!)

The programme:

• 2:00pm A volunteer led Guided Wildlife Walk will leave the Visitors’ Centre and return in time for; 
• 3:30pm Live music and seasonal refreshments 
• Tickets are £5:00 for those aged 13 and over,  £3:00 for children aged 5 to 12 years. 
• Tickets are on sale now in the Visitors’ Centre.
• The ticket price includes: the guided walk, musical entertainment, seasonal refreshments, and a hot drink.