6 August 2007

Hats off to the RSPB

Luton will get a chance to re-live its gruesome past when the RSPB and Luton Borough Council host a joint Family Fun Day at Stockwood Park Museum on 23 August. So, what’s so gruesome?  Luton was a centre for the millinery trade in the nineteenth century when birds were killed solely for their plumage.  A group of ladies were sufficiently outraged by the trade in feathers that they started to campaign against the practice.  They were successful, the practice was stopped in the early twentieth century and the ‘Fur and Feather League’ campaign group went on to become the RSPB, the largest environmental charity in the UK and still renowned for its campaigning work at local, national and international levels.
 
Join the RSPB for the day to learn more about birds, nature and the RSPB’s conservation work, including some of its current campaigns. There are no plans to make any hats – but mask making is one of many activities.
 
Catherine MacLeod-Smith, RSPB events co-ordinator, said: “The RSPB enjoys giving people an insight into our work while putting on activities and an enjoyable day for all ages.”
 
The event takes place on Thursday 23 August from 11 am – 3.30 pm. There will be a charge of £1.50 for adults, £1 for children, concessions or members of the RSPB, and under fives are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information please call Stockwood Park Museum on 01582 738714.Ends  

For more information: contact Catherine MacLeod-Smith, RSPB events co-ordinator on 07768 632249 or catherine.macleod-smith@rspb.org.uk

1. The little egret, a small, white heron, was one of the species that suffered greatly in southern Europe as a result of the millinery trade. These birds are now well-established as a breeding species in the UK following a run of mild winters, linked to climate change.
2. Luton Town Football Club is known as ‘The Hatters’ due to the hatting industry in the town.
3. The RSPB has more than a million members – more than the three main political parties added together – and this puts real weight behind our campaigns.
4. There will be an opportunity for all visitors to learn more about one of the RSPB’s key current campaigns, ‘Save the Albatross’.