The visit to the NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS OF WALES on the 16th June was a great success. The weather was unexpectedly kind, except for a shower late in the afternoon, and our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. Many of us were surprised to learn how much work goes on behind the scenes to develop a collection of plants which rivals Kew gardens in many ways and which is getting an increasingly international reputation. It was also interesting to hear of the contributions to the science which have been made by Welshmen. After the guided tour we split up to “do our own thing”, eating, drinking, visiting the cinema and walking at leisure round the many areas of the gardens

A Guide’s Eye view of the party before the great split-up!

SURPRISE, SURPRISE!

The meeting on 23rd June was given the bad news that the planned speaker on the subject of Cilgerran Castle had been forced to send her apologies for being unable to give the talk on account of laryngitis.

We were lucky, however, that last year’s chairman, Mike Perry, who had been Professor of Surgery at Portsmouth Hospital, was able and willing to resurrect a talk he’d prepared earlier!

As a result, we now know a lot more than previously about the development of the diagnosis and treatment of Breast Cancer over the last century. It was a subject which was evidently of great interest judging by the lively discussion which followed and Mike was warmly thanked for the way in which he was able to fill the breach.

STOP PRESS - the Cilgerran Castle talk may now be given in August.

On the 28th July, we had a visit to the RNLI boathouse at Poppit, where we were given a fascinating talk on the history and work of the RNLI, its local crew and demonstrations of much of the equipment used. Following a stimulating question and answer session we were able to go downstairs and inspect the two lifeboats at the station. A truly interesting visit, and we were pleased to confirm that a donation to the institute would be made on our behalf.