History

The Huntingdonshire Moth and Butterfly Group (HMBG) was born out of an informal gathering of local lepidopterists who met together in Somersham, Huntingdonshire, on 30th November 1988. Those who attended the meeting enthusiastically supported the idea that a group should be formed that would meet on a regular basis to share and encourage their mutual interest in Lepidoptera and so HMBG was formed.

Soon after its beginning HMBG meetings were fixed to four bimonthly meetings from October to April each year. Additionally, a number of regular events were established.

Over the years speakers from both inside and outside the group have been invited to speak at the October, December and February meetings. The April meeting has traditionally been a members evening, where we hold our annual quiz and all are invited to bring along slides and other items of entomological interest to share with the Group. One or two summer field meetings have been held each year usually to sites where unusual or rare butterflies and moths can be seen. Several foreign trips to nearby European countries have also been organised over the years.

Soon after the start of the Group a Secretary/Treasurer, Chairman, an Indoor Meeting Organiser, a Field Meetings Co-ordinator and a Butterfly Conservation Contact were appointed to serve the group.

The first Annual Report of the group was produced in 1990 and a report has been produced annually ever since. The first Newsletter was produced in April 1996.