THE first talk of the season was an absolutely fascinating one and was thoroughly appreciated by members and visitors alike.

It takes a special sort of character to become a member of the SAS and an even tougher one to volunteer for an attempt to scale the world's highest mountain. Bronco Lane's account of this expedition held his audience spellbound and his photographs brought home the extreme conditions experienced by the elite team selected for the attempt.

A team of Sherpas and several yaks helped in the early stages, carrying essential supplies of food, fuel and oxygen, but the animals could not endure the conditions at the higher altitudes. Already, one of the army party had died in a fall down a crevasse, emphasizing the severity of the conditions.

A team of six was selected to continue the hazardous climb to the South Col and after setting up camp, two were chosen to attempt the climb to the summit and one of these was Bronco.

His description of that final stage was awe-inspiring and the photos the two of them took of each other showed the triumph that they felt.

For armchair travellers like me, the story and the pictures made me feel very humble: how I envy those with the spirit of adventure, the physical endurance and the commitment to undertake such a journey.

Bronco answered many questions from the audience and was then thanked on everyone's behalf by Allen Conway.

The next talk will be on Friday, October 31 and will be given by David Briggs. Entitled The father of hi-fi: researching the life of a famous relative, the meeting will be at 7.30pm in the Burgage Hall.

MARY WINFIELD