21 January 2013

Compelling first-hand account captures the moment of truth in Afghanistan

National events organiser Mel Dellow flanked by two Grenadiers at a GWCT event last yearA rare opportunity to hear the ‘behind the headline’ experiences of a serving officer of the Grenadier Guards while on a recent tour of Afghanistan has been arranged by the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust at a specially organised evening talk in the spectacular Hatfield House in Hertfordshire in February.

The talk will be given at the Old Palace at Hatfield on Thursday 21st February, and aims to raise important funds for both the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT), as well as The Colonel's Fund. The GWCT's invaluable scientific research has yielded important insights into a variety of bird and wildlife species. Recent high-profile projects include a joint initiative with French scientists to investigate Atlantic salmon decline, recommendations for the feeding of starving birds during the 'hungry gap' of winter, and the popular 'Woodcock Watch' website that tracks the elusive bird via satellite tagging.

The Colonel's Fund helps to support both Grenadiers with life-changing injuries and the families of those who have been killed in action. The regiment’s role in Afghanistan has come at a considerable cost, with fifteen Grenadiers killed over the course of three deployments. Most recently, the 1st Battalion spent 2012 protecting the key commercial hub of Helmand Province, the city of Gereshk, while arranging conditions for the handover of security in the province to the Afghan National Security Forces. The GWCT's president, the Marquess of Salisbury, has strong family ties with the Grenadier Guards past and present, as his father, grandfather, three brothers and son have all served with the regiment.

Mel Dellow, national events organiser for the GWCT said, “Raising funds for any charity can be challenging and we were looking at new ways of reaching out to a different audience in order to raise money to support our own wildlife research as well as helping to provide funds for the hugely important Colonel’s Fund. I can guarantee that the audience at this event will be captivated by this deeply personal account, especially as it will go beyond the news headlines to offer an insightful view of the daily dramas that these soldiers face in unpredictable and dangerous situations.”

Doors for the event will open at 6.30pm, with the talk beginning at 7pm. This promises to be a unique insight into the dramatic reality behind over-familiar headlines. Following the conclusion of the talk, there will be a raffle, drinks and canapés. Tickets for the event are priced at £25 each. For more information please contact Letty Glaister on 01279 322519 or by email at lpg@teeslaw.co.uk.

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Photocaption: National events organiser Mel Dellow flanked by two Grenadiers at a GWCT event last year.


Notes to editors

The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust – providing research-led conservation for a thriving countryside. The GWCT is an independent wildlife conservation charity which has carried out scientific research into Britain’s game and wildlife since the 1930s. We advise farmers and landowners on improving wildlife habitats. We employ 22 post-doctoral scientists and 50 other research staff with expertise in areas such as birds, insects, mammals, farming, fish and statistics. We undertake our own research as well as projects funded by contract and grant-aid from Government and private bodies. The Trust is also responsible for a number of Government Biodiversity Action Plan species and is lead partner for grey partridge and joint lead partner for brown hare and black grouse.

For information, contact:
Eleanor Williams
Telephone: 07592 025476
Email: press@gwct.org.uk