Alan Dawson

I am shocked and saddened to hear that Alan Dawson, who many of you may have known, died suddenly and unexpectedly just after Easter. 

For several years now Alan was one of the most prolific contributors to this Blog with records and superb photos from the Cholsey area, especially Cholsey Meadows. I met him several times over the past few years and he was always full of enthusiasm. He really put Cholsey on the odonata map of Oxfordshire and was very adept at finding Clubtails at just this time of year along the Thames path at Cholsey, mostly between Ferry Lane downstream to the bridge.

Alan's sharp eyes and extensive time in the field led to many notable records from Cholsey Meadows and other nearby sites. These included a wandering Southern Migrant Hawker (once!) and more regular Small Red-eyed Damselflies, both Willow Emerald Damselfly and Emerald Damselfly as well as many more common species.

He will be sorely missed.

RIP Alan.

Stephen Burch