Cover to cover

At work we've all generously been given a hardback book recently completed to document the 114-year history of our organisation. I am looking forward to delving fully in, as it's of particular relevance to me. The former Sudan is where we began work in 1903, albeit undertaking wildlife protection for very different reasons. Then it was colonial settlers trying to preserve game for hunting, whereas the approach has shifted hugely to sustainable grassroots activities that protect wildlife and habitats with full participation of all.

The inside cover of the book is this pattern, reproduced from the menu card of a 1910 dinner hosted by the founders and attended by Teddy Roosevelt.

At last week's event one of the current trustees, a descendant of one of our founders, had had a number of sherries and was espousing the need for every child in the land to have this pattern on their duvet covers. Kids are perhaps more used to glittery ponies and ducks with waistcoats and walking sticks, but I like the idea of these more ferocious realistic beasts adorning bedrooms, ready to pique interest as soon as kids pass the constant howling phase.