IMAGINE smog bound London and a small boy of seven eagerly waiting delivery of his Eagle Comic.

This was the beginning of a story which took us on a journey to the roof of the world, Shangrila.

David Barrie, the little boy, now grown up and speaker this evening, was captured by a piece on the Darjeeling Railway in India in his Comic and was determined that one day he would ride on it. Much later, when riding and actually being allowed to drive the narrow gauge railway in Fairboune North Wales he was hooked.

One day he heard that his beloved Darjeeling line was about to close and decided this was not to happen. He eventually started a Society with interest all over the World, managing to raise the funds necessary to keep it. With the help of slides he managed to capture our imaginations too. His pictures were amazing as the little narrow gauge British built engine climbs the 55miles from Siliguri Junction to Darjeeling almost to the height of Everest in 40 miles, on a very steep and precarious line and all for the price of a cup of coffee.

I do not have room in this report to describe to you the journey, the monsoons, the people, the diverse religions, the Gods, Health & Safety (or lack of), just to tell you that the views from the roof of the world are spectacular and as David says you have a feeling of serenity, spirituality and peace. He and his wife arrange guided tours and many members were interested in this prospect.

The meeting went well with lots of interesting things ahead, including lunch at the newly refurbished Bhan Thai, Coffee with books, Book Club, Extend Exercise at Hanley Swan Village Hall at 4.30pm on Wednesdays, lots of outings and visits in the pipeline. To hear more you would be made very welcome on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm at the Wells Village Hall or call and speak to either Liz on 01684 569935 or Mary on 01684 561566.