PFAS62 This is a rare collectors Norwich 1981 Castle Museum official limited edition first day cover for local naturalist and broadcaster Dr Ted Ellis who sadly passed some 5 years later in 1986. He has personally signed the souvenir where the signature rests perfectly accompanying the special hand commemorative frank. You will never get a better autograph lifetime COA than this listing as the signing has been officially certified by the publishers with full hallmarking and authenticity detailed on reverse, together with its individual hand number (16) from the original limited edition series of only 250 published over 40 years ago. It is in absolute mint condition.
Much of the inspiration for Ted’s writing and broadcasts came from his beloved Wheatfen, which he and his wife Phyllis had purchased. Consisting of 130 acres of marsh carr and woods, Wheatfen is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is one of the last tidal marshes in the Yare Velley and one of the few remaining areas of the once extensive swamp. Sir David Bellamy claimed ‘Wheatfen Broad… is probably the best bit of fenland we have because we know so much about it. That is because one man gave his life trying to understand it’. Since Ted’s death at Surlingham in 1986, Wheatfen has been run as a nature reserve by a charitable trust.