Why is it I wonder, in some cases, when there is an afternoon booked to have a talk (and slides) the sun always seems to choose to shine its brightest? Not that we do not appreciate the sun, but it does not exactly help to show off the colours to their best advantage. Never the less with all curtains drawn, with a little light showing through here and there, we the audience, could not detect much imperfection. The subject 'Tasmania' as seen and told by Jessie on her and Norman's latest holiday, as well as visiting their Son Andrew and his family, in Melbourne.

Abel Tasman was the first European to visit the island in 1642. It lies off the south coast of Australia, separated by the Bass Strait, next stop being the Antarctic 2,000 Km, with a temperate climate, it can be similar to England. The capital is Hobart which is built round the harbour and overlooked by Mount Wellington. About 1/3rd of its expanse is made up of National Parks and Heritage Centres.

We saw stunning beaches, the first slide shown was that of Cockle Bay in some places the forests run right down to the beach, there was beautiful Cradle Mountains, alpine lakes and streams and the wild life we saw what was a horizontal tree forest (I cannot just remember the name of them) where trees can be 10 - 20 ft, a death trap for anyone being foolish enough to venture onto them. There were we saw, fields of poppies (I will leave you to guess which type) being only fenced round with wire !!! in stark contract arid landscapes, and a huge dam. We were then transported to ruins of the penal colony, convicts were employed building bridges and roads, hard labour if ever there was, many dying through the years taken and working, in perilous conditions. We saw small cottages/houses in which the settlers had resided all very remote, it makes one wonder how ever they lived and coped in those early days. These and many more which I cannot attempt to do justice to.

Jessie & Norman mixed and mingled with the locals wherever they were, and I am sure this was not your normal 'package holiday'. What an adventure ! There was a short time for questions and a vote of thanks was given by Peggy.

Following this, the usual chat around the tea tables with friends and then the ever popular raffle.

We were pleased to welcome a new member and two other folk are trying us out !

Next meeting June 22^nd when the youngsters from St. James School will be entertaining us, which is always a great pleasure.