ON Tuesday, December 7, 13 members braved severe hoar frost conditions, to hear a most interesting talk, with slides, by Frank Townsend entitled Tale of the Ancient Mariner.

This was based on research he had done into one of his ancestors, Robert Humphrey Ivey, born in l829, who had gone to sea at the age of l2 and become a Master mariner by the age of 28, sailing on brigantynes and barques. His first wife Emma (nee Townsend) had died a month after the birth of their second child, while he was away for nine months, not learning the tragic news until his return. He remarried soon afterwards, his new Scottish bride sailing with him to India, and their first child was born at sea. He had a fourth child, born in Scotland. He retired from the sea at 45, and then worked for the Shipwrecked Mariners Society until the age of 88, before his death at 92, having led a full and varied life. The old birth and marriage certificates, log books, census records, and other documents and photographs were fascinating. President Jill Thompson gave the vote of thanks.

After coffee and mince pies Jill conducted the business part of the meeting, with help from Audrey Lodge, reading the minutes and correspondence, in her present dual role as President and Secretary, high-lighting future dates and events.

Invitations had been received for the Christmas party at Malvern Green WI on Tuesday, December 14.

The annual lunch is to be on February 15, at The Swan, Newland, and will cost £20 per head. Menus to be chosen in January. The annual subscription in January will be £30 per person. The competition for a Christmas stocking was won by Sheila Hawkins, who had modelled two delightful ones from marzipan and the raffle was won by Jill Thompson.

The next meeting will be on January 4, 2011, with a talk entitled Tuneful Tubes by D Wornham. New members and visitors always welcome.