This programme has been removed to conserve space on the web server but can still be obtained from WNTV NEWS on DVD.

The last time I filmed otters in the Wye outside the White Lion Inn was just over a year ago and I was actually there for that purpose. This time, although I was hoping they would show at the White Lion sooner or later, they took me by surprise. The film is not really my best otter effort because an otter was the last thing I was expecting to see on Friday. It is still very watchable though.

I had gone to the Lion to see Tina at around lunch time and had left the cameras in the car. It always happens that way - if I leave the cameras in the car at the White Lion, I miss a good bit of footage for my wildlife film in the making. As soon as I walked into the garden, I saw a kingfisher flitting from tree to tree - showing off because I didn't have a camera - as they do.

I did not feel much like working that afternoon so I fetched the video camera and spent the rest of the afternoon trying to film the kingfishers. Frustrating as it is, I love filming wildlife! It was around four hours later when, having filmed nothing more than a branch of a tree, some swans and a diving duck that an otter popped his head out of the water. It was one of those magical moments which only I witnessed. Having not heard of an otter sighting at Wilton since before the July flood, and having seen a dead otter on one occasion, I had imagined they might not be returning to Wilton this year.

Although most of the time, the otters appear at the edge of the screen, there is one really nice shot towards the end of the sequence where, caught in the sunlight, you can see the otter's true brown colour. I have also run a couple of clips slowed to quarter speed at the end of the sequence, to give a chance to see the creature itself, rather than just a 'blink and you'll miss it' splash in the water. Gulls like to follow the otters for scraps of fish and if you are looking for otters, it is a good thing to watch for gulls diving. There are some other White Lion otter spotting tips in the film intro.

It is good to know that the otters are showing up again, now that the tourist season, with the canoeists and river traffic it brings are history for a few months. I shall be on the lookout for some better footage for my wildlife film but I hope you enjoy this short film in the mean time.

I was not comfortable when filming the intro for this film. I am not comfortable in front of a camera myself anyway, but the main reason can be seen if you watch the out-takes, 'Poor Eric'.

Children from Gorsley Goffs Primary School were transported back in time to the Victorian period for the day last Wednesday. The day helped to reinforce the Victorian topic the year 5 children are currently studying.

During the day, the children chanted tables and sentences designed to help diction. They enjoyed cross-stitch and needlework and experienced traditional 'Drill' (PE) lessons. Some of the children, who misbehaved on the day or were not paying attention in class were dealt with in the Victorian way, with the cane.

The children can be seen below, dressed for the occasion with their teacher, Mrs Sally-Anne Vines and Headmaster, Mr. Richard Humphrey. Those who did not come up to scratch were caned by the teacher and headmaster.

Found in Bridstow, this cat was very much in need of food and cuddles.

He / she has distinctive markings on face.

If you believe he / she belongs to you, please contact Rich or Amy on 01989 770860.

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Alan

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