For our Summer holiday in 1987, my wife and I towed our caravan and our four children to the Adriatic coast of Italy. We must have been mad. As we drove South along the Rhine Valley, our younger son, James, suddenly announced that he was spotting birds of prey which were rising up out of the forests lining the autobahn. From memory he counted up to 53.

On arrival at our first campsite in Italy he pointed out a bird, which he identified as a Golden Oriole. We were totally unaware that he had any interest in birds, and to this day we have no idea, nor can he explain, how he acquired this knowledge.

Back home we decided that James should be encouraged to develop this new found hobby. I started taking him to local RSPB group meetings and to their field trips and outings. From accompanying James I started to be interested in birdwatching myself. Not wishing to discourage James and make him feel that I was trying to take-over his pastime, I let him continue to take the lead in identification of birds; which is my excuse for still not possessing brilliant powers of identification.
For our Summer holiday in 1987, my wife and I towed our caravan and our four children to the Adriatic coast of Italy. We must have been mad. As we drove South along the Rhine Valley, our younger son, James, suddenly announced that he was spotting birds of prey which were rising up out of the forests lining the autobahn. From memory he counted up to 53.

On arrival at our first campsite in Italy he pointed out a bird, which he identified as a Golden Oriole. We were totally unaware that he had any interest in birds, and to this day we have no idea, nor can he explain, how he acquired this knowledge.

Back home we decided that James should be encouraged to develop this new found hobby. I started taking him to local RSPB group meetings and to their field trips and outings. From accompanying James I started to be interested in birdwatching myself. Not wishing to discourage James and make him feel that I was trying to take-over his pastime, I let him continue to take the lead in identification of birds; which is my excuse for still not possessing brilliant powers of identification.
I was in awe of experts encountered at popular birdwatching locations around Teesside. My inferiority complex grew as I read reports in local group newsletters, where the writer had invariably seen every bird species known to man. I despaired . Even if I ever got to see the rare warblers or waders, how would I be able to identify them?

As I met with more and more birdwatchers I found that they were not all experts; many were just as inexpert as I was and they shared my misgivings. So I started writing articles for the local (Cleveland) RSPB group newsletters, in which I described the difficulties and failures which I encountered while birdwatching, as well as the rare triumphs.

Occasionally I have been complemented on my articles, which led me to consider trying to publish my collected articles.
I was in awe of experts encountered at popular birdwatching locations around Teesside. My inferiority complex grew as I read reports in local group newsletters, where the writer had invariably seen every bird species known to man. I despaired . Even if I ever got to see the rare warblers or waders, how would I be able to identify them?

As I met with more and more birdwatchers I found that they were not all experts; many were just as inexpert as I was and they shared my misgivings. So I started writing articles for the local (Cleveland) RSPB group newsletters, in which I described the difficulties and failures which I encountered while birdwatching, as well as the rare triumphs.

Occasionally I have been complemented on my articles, which led me to consider trying to publish my collected articles.
Twenty-six years ago I had a serious heart attack, requiring resuscitation at South Cleveland (now James Cook University) Hospital. Some years later I became Treasurer of South Cleveland Heart Fund. This charity in its twenty-two years of existence has raised over £2.5 million for equipment and services for the Cardiothoracic Unit at the hospital; items that the NHS either could not or would not buy. Lately the Fund raised £1 million to refurbish the MRI Scanner facilities for the Cardiothoracic Unit. Serving as Treasurer of the Heart Fund has, I hope, repaid some of the debt I owe to the Cardiothoracic Unit.
Twenty-six years ago I had a serious heart attack, requiring resuscitation at South Cleveland (now James Cook University) Hospital. Some years later I became Treasurer of South Cleveland Heart Fund. This charity in its twenty-two years of existence has raised over £2.5 million for equipment and services for the Cardiothoracic Unit at the hospital; items that the NHS either could not or would not buy. Lately the Fund raised £1 million to refurbish the MRI Scanner facilities for the Cardiothoracic Unit. Serving as Treasurer of the Heart Fund has, I hope, repaid some of the debt I owe to the Cardiothoracic Unit.
On 20th July 2016 and again on 20th August 2016 I had more problems with my heart; arrhythmia. Again the Unit saved my life with their prompt action.
Whilst recuperating I hit upon the idea of having my collected articles published in book form and selling the book, with the proceeds going to the South Cleveland Heart Fund, so that you may be sure that your £12 has gone to a good cause, and give you some pleasure, even if you have not enjoyed my stories.

But, I DO hope that you enjoy my stories and the photographs and illustrations.

Keith Robson


'A Twitcher is Born' is available to order online now for £12 + £2 P&P, with all proceeds going directly to the South Cleveland Heart Fund. Click on the link at the top of the page to place your order, or you can email krobson237@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support.
On 20th July 2016 and again on 20th August 2016 I had more problems with my heart; arrhythmia. Again the Unit saved my life with their prompt action.
Whilst recuperating I hit upon the idea of having my collected articles published in book form and selling the book, with the proceeds going to the South Cleveland Heart Fund, so that you may be sure that your £12 has gone to a good cause, and give you some pleasure, even if you have not enjoyed my stories.

But, I DO hope that you enjoy my stories and the photographs and illustrations.

Keith Robson


'A Twitcher is Born' is available to order online now for £12 + £2 P&P, with all proceeds going directly to the South Cleveland Heart Fund. Click on the link at the top of the page to place your order, or you can email krobson237@gmail.com.

Thank you for your support.
Interview - Keith Robson



Keith Robson talks to BBC Tees about the work of the South Cleveland Heart Fund, Birdwatching, and his book 'A Twitcher is Born'
Interview - Dr Michael Stewart



Dr Michael Stewart, consultant cardiologist and chief of cardiothoracic services at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explains how the department benefits from the South Cleveland Heart Fund
Interview - Keith Robson



Keith Robson talks to BBC Tees about the work of the South Cleveland Heart Fund, Birdwatching, and his book 'A Twitcher is Born'
Interview - Dr Michael Stewart



Dr Michael Stewart, consultant cardiologist and chief of cardiothoracic services at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust explains how the department benefits from the South Cleveland Heart Fund
 

 

South Cleveland Heart Fund
Supporting the Regional Cardiothoracic Centre at the James Cook University Hospital
With your help the South Cleveland Heart Fund has been able to keep our Regional Cardiothoracic Centre at the James Cook University Hospital at the leading edge of advances in care for heart patients.
Every penny raised helps our fantastic unit by purchasing equipment, improving facilities for patients and carers, and offering support grants for courses and research.
www.schf.org.uk
South Cleveland Heart Fund
Supporting the Regional Cardiothoracic Centre at the James Cook University Hospital
With your help the South Cleveland Heart Fund has been able to keep our Regional Cardiothoracic Centre at the James Cook University Hospital at the leading edge of advances in care for heart patients.
Every penny raised helps our fantastic unit by purchasing equipment, improving facilities for patients and carers, and offering support grants for courses and research.
www.schf.org.uk