After Jacqui had welcomed everyone she reported some sad news as some of our members had passed away and there were a few minutes of silence to remember them. One of those was Joan Rogers, a very dedicated member, who would have been 100 years old this month: her family had produced a booklet about her life, a copy of which was given to us. She then introduced our speaker today, Sheila Kennedy.

Sheila's talk was titled 'High Times at Heathrow', a very vibrant and interesting, and also amusing story of 48 years spent working at this airport. In 1961 when Sheila first started there it was barely a row of huts and working conditions were very friendly, relaxed and casual: for instance, there was not much security, a situation which would never be allowed nowadays. Later in the 60s the building of the new terminals began. During the next few years Sheila worked for both BEA and PAA and explained that in those days people still found it exciting to travel to many parts of the world, something we take so much for granted today.

In the 70s there were many changes. Although she did many different jobs, such as customer liaison which meant sorting out various problems of passengers for example loss of passports, luggage etc. One of the most interesting parts of her time was spent as a 'Hunter'. These were assistants who wearing the uniform of the airline they worked for, would have a red carnation in their lapel and would therefore be recognisable as able to help and advise. She said she had met many incredibly interesting people. She also spent time with BA as an 'aunty' looking after unaccompanied children who were travelling abroad to visit their relations. She related many amusing, and one or two sad, anecdotes, and at the end of her talk our members gave her an enthusiastic round of applause.

New members are always welcome on the first Tuesday each month at 2pm

Our next meeting will be on the 7th September. Our Speaker will be Ian Curie and his subject will be Weather Lore - Fact or Fiction.