Will Brame, previously of Langer Road, Felixstowe was hastily leaving for work at 4.00pm on Wednesday 20 June 2001, when passing through his front gate he noticed a butterfly perched on one of the posts. From here it fluttered down on to the shingle of his front garden where he recognised it as a Large Tortoiseshell Nymphalis polychloros.
Being in a great hurry, he coaxed it into a clean, dry, empty jar, making a hole in the lid. This was the only receptacle to hand, as he and Linda had packed for an imminent house removal.
As soon as he was able, he spread the news of his find via mobile 'phones and pagers, keeping the jar in the cool of the fridge for a few hours.
Early evening he returned home and moved the jar to his front porch.
Many enthusiasts travelled to admire this lovely butterfly, coming from all parts of East Anglia and further afield. Some even arrived in the small hours of Thursday morning.
On the Thursday, Will decided to release the butterfly at 10.00am at Landguard, this being very close to his home and where a greater number of people could view it.
About eighty people gathered in Landguard car park in beautiful sunny weather to await the insect's release.
When Will arrived there were no parking spaces left so he asked me to take the jar and lead everyone to the Butts. Keeping it safely under my jacket we all trouped off. Will said later that the scene resembled the Pied Piper of Hamelin.
I was given the honour of releasing the butterfly, but it was very reluctant to leave. Eventually it emerged: it was in very good condition, though lethargic and did not feed. It was, however, avidly photographed and admired.
Jim Smith of Essex suggested that I made a collection for Butterfly Conservation, using the now redundant jar.
Most people gave and £35 was collected which was later boosted to £40. This was sent to the relevant treasurer.
Later that day the butterfly was transferred to the herb garden of the Warden's cottage where it was hoped it would feed. It remained there for all of Friday and part of Saturday, with people coming from far and wide to photograph it. It was a lovely insect and a great attraction.
At one time on the Saturday it flew onto the back of a spectator as he was leaving the garden, but he promptly returned with it. It was still in the garden at 5.00pm. However, when the Warden checked at 7.00pm it had vanished and has not been seen since.
I wonder what happened to it?
Thanks to Will for enabling so many people to see this beautiful butterfly and to Paul Holmes for allowing access to his garden.
Lastly thanks to everybody for making this such a happy and memorable occasion and to those who showed their appreciation by giving to the collection.
Jean Garrod
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