 Because the weather was relatively kind to us we were very please to welcome back many members for the first time this year. As Chairman Sybil Saunders opened the meeting she made a special point of thanking Diana Blanchard for stepping in to do the January monthly report for this magazine and other publications. Also, as the village hall caretaker is on sick leave, thanks went to David Jordan for setting up the tables etc for our meeting.
Our speaker this month was the return of an old friend Gordon Gale talking from the heart on 'African Splendour'. Before he started his illustrated talk Gordon also said a special thankyou to Steve Georgii for not only lending a projector but also setting it all up.
Gordon explained in his opening remarks that he was a bit of an African wildlife 'nut' and that included all wildlife from the smallest insect to the giant elephants. That passion was very evident both from the beautiful slides to the fascinating comments that went with each one.
Starting with some beautifully colourful birds like the Turaco, Gordon went on to explain what a nuisance the humble Starling has become since it was introduced as part of a fanciful idea to bring into the colonies one of every type of bird mentioned in Shakespeare!
One of my personal favourites were the Weaver birds who weave their nests, which hang down from the trees, from a variety of materials. I especially liked the fact that if the females didn't like the construction the male bird had to tear it down and start again – how's that for girl power! From these relatively small birds the slide show went to the frightening birds of prey including, Kestrels, Eagles and Vultures.
Of course there are lots and lots of other animals and we were treated to some more wonderful photographs of Zebra, Wilderbeest, Monkeys, Elephants, insects and even Meerkats !
Gordon had by now entertained us for an hour, talking with obvious enthusiasm and no notes, giving us a brief glimpse of the wonderful wildlife from a continent that many of us will never get to experience firsthand.
As usual members then enjoyed a cup of tea and refreshments while the raffle was drawn. If you would like to know more about our monthly meetings in Grayshott please call our Secretary on 01428 643625.
Tuesday March 2nd will be our AGM but this necessary formality will only last about 30 minutes, after which our speaker will be Angela Haine talking about 'The Solomon Islands'.
|
