So, introduce yourself... Who are you and what did you do before Rainham!
I am Rita Bloys and prior to volunteering at RSPB Rainham Marshes I was a Customer Services Manager for Abbey national at various branches finishing my career at Barking in 2004 after 23 years service. I call myself an Essex Girl having been born in Oldchurch Hospital in Romford and have spent most of my life in Elm Park and Hornchurch. I am married to Ian who is also a Volunteer although I suspect that is another story for him to tell and we have a son and daughter, two grandsons. I belong to various groups including reading, poetry and am in two choirs. I enjoy gardening and have an allotment and of course love my time at the marshes and the birds. Trips out with the local Havering RSPB Group and their talks are also enjoyed by me.
That's me on the left way back in June 2006 on a Wednesday Walk
How long have you been a volunteer, what do you do in your role and what drew you to help the RSPB here?
I have been a Volunteer for over ten years now and work in the cafe on Thursdays. The cafe has evolved over the tears and is very popular. I enjoy the interaction with the staff ad customers, though I miss the baking which we had plenty of time to do in the early years before we moved to our current expanded menu. We all had our signature cakes and I was known for my Ginger Cake and Rocky Road Bar.
A busy cafe at Easter for the Tall Ships - what an atmosphere!
Originally, some 12 years ago I went along to a Wednesday Walk as something to do in my retirement. My bird knowledge was basic but with Howard’s and Sam’s help has improved immensely!
Myself with Norma on the left - June 2006 - new building just visible top right - but no cones!
A particularly wet Wednesday - no northern Trail in those days!
I now wish I had listened more to my Dad but I do remember him telling me about the Skylarks on the marshes. He was born and bred in Rainham and referred to the marshes as his playground. I am sure he would approve of the RSPB ownership and management.
Skylark - Steve Young
Group huddle for a Darter on the path that Howard thought was interesting but was actually just an excuse to take a pic of us!
I always seem to be on the left?? River wall in 2010
I do get to help out outdoors too and always get involved in Bat Nights, Halloween, Hen Harrier Day and the Autumn and Christmas Fairs.
What is the best bird that you have seen on the reserve and what is your all time favourite from anywhere in the world?
I love owls and so the sight of a Short-eared or Barn Owl is always a smile bringer out on the marsh.
Short-eared owl - Ian Plume
Short-eared owl - Steve Lewington
A ghostly Barn owl in the gloom - Shaun Harvey
As for my all time favourite? Well the Red Kite wins hands down. I was often scolded for checking them out whilst driving on the M40 transporting my grandson to and from Oxford Uni!
Red Kite - Bob Cooper
Red Kite - Karl Price
What is your most memorable wildlife encounter out on the marsh?
I just love the Bat Nights that we hold each year. You hope for nice warm still night and then head out in anticipation of not actually seeing anything at all! Your Bat Detector becomes your ears and helps you to pin point and identify the species zooming around your head. Occasionally you will get lucky and see one against the sky or in the lights from the industrial estate or around our car park and it is amazing to think that they are hunting using nothing but a series of high pitched clicks and exceptional hearing. Oh and there is always the chance of seeing one of my beloved Barn Owls too!
Bat Night 2016 - Paul Adams
Why would you recommend that people visit the reserve and volunteer if they have the time?
Come to Rainham, everything is here, nature, great views, friendly knowledgeable staff and fellow Volunteers and an excellent cafe.
Spare a few hours to volunteer and you will not regret it and you will make a whole new circle of friends too!
Rita Bloys - 1st June 2017
Howard Vaughan, Information Officer