Angmering Royal British Legion visited by feathered friends

Kevin Lochner and Frank Smith, founders of fledgling Rustington company Hawking About – which specialises in up-close experiences with birds of prey – were hosting a talk about their feathered friends, at the Angmering Village Hall.

The pair gave an insight into the daily routine of looking after and rearing the birds of prey – which at times can be a bit of an adventure.

On display were three Harris hawks, an six-and-a-half-week-old barn owl chick and an eight-month-old burrowing owl, as well as a range of equipment used to handle the birds.

After having a hands-on experience with some of the tools of the trade, a few brave villagers stepped outside, and donned the falconer’s glove.

Edna Booker, chairman of the Angmering women’s section, helped organise the day.

She said: “It was a fascinating afternoon and something totally different to the talks we’ve had in the past.

“Kevin and Frank are very knowledgable and insightful and gave us a lovely chance to handle some of the birds.”

The women’s group also sold a number of raffle tickets during the day, to help support their organisation.