Mick Bailey has been giving talks to local clubs and societies about bird-watching for the past ten years to raise money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

His illustrated sessions aim to show audiences how to recognise garden and other common birds, and as the local reserve at Goldcliff provides good viewing opportunities, Mr Bailey now includes information about wading birds. These talks are aimed at non- birdwatchers and he tries to make the sessions fun and encourages audience participation.

A more recent addition to his repertoire is a talk based purely on bird voices and calls, which is popular with clubs whose meeting places cannot be blacked out to show slides or for audiences with impaired vision.

These sessions last between thirty minutes and an hour, depending on the group's requirements and can be modified by prior arrangement. Handouts and information on feeding birds can also be provided.

Mr Bailey doesn't charge a "fee" but requests a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society for an amount equivalent to £25 plus travelling expenses. He is available to give talks both during the daytime and evening. He is also generally able to stand in at short notice should another speaker cancel, though obviously he prefers a prior booking!

He can be contacted at 17 Wellington Drive, Cwmbran, NP44 5HH, telephone 01633 869580 or e-mail mick@mickbailey.fsnet.co.uk.