Another Scilly regular passes away - the REVEREND ROBERT KEMPSTER

Many of you will remember Robert Kempster, a Newton Abbot birder who was a Scilly regular throughout the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's. Robert died recently and his funeral will be held on Wednesday 20th June at St Mary's Church in Abbotsbury, Newton Abbot, at 2.00pm (TQ12 2ND)


Robert spent many Octobers at the Wingletang Guest House in Hugh Town and was a very good friend of mine during his more active years, frequently providing me with updates from his region and especially rarities he had espied or found whilst birding with his long-time friends John & Jean Woodland. We first met in West Cornwall in April 1977, after all four of us met up on an enjoyable Hoopoe twitch, whilst during the vintage years on Scilly post 1999, we spent many memorable times together enjoying the likes of Black-and-white Warbler, Bobolink, Northern Parula, Philadelphia Vireo and Hermit Thrush.

It is getting quite depressing of late having to report such sad circumstances but I guess this is the consequence of so many of us getting that much older

For more information relating to Robert's funeral, please contact Robert's sister's daughter Claire Fry at design@clairefry.co.uk
Best wishes
Lee