Our first meeting of the year was a very interesting talk given by Gavin Bickerton-Jones. His talk along with some very interesting images was entitled African Safari.

Gavin told us about one of his trips to a reserve on the east cost of Africa used mainly by photographers, with special hides and a device he created to photograph wildlife at ground level whilst travelling in a safari vehicle. This gave us some very interesting photos of lions and other creatures from the angle they would see each other.

Our last meeting was our AGM which was attended by our president the mayor.

Reports were all received, and the committee all re-elected for another year.

Following the official business of the AGM we were given a short talk by David Dent on the plans to demolish Wayland House and rebuild with a Digital and Creative Media Centre. This would include a Cinema – Film and audio studio with editing suite – Game development laboratory and testing facility – Community Café – Serviced business office for local entrepreneurial start-ups. – Meeting rooms, and Housing for Library Service, Art Gallery, Wayland Partnership, Wayland Chamber of Commerce. David answered questions from the floor before we finished the evening with our annual Quiz where all won a prize.

We were given an illustrated talk by Keith Thomas entitled:

 “Life as a Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Helicopter Pilot”

Keith started his illustrated talk telling us of a day’s work for each shift which included how the equipment was inspected and tested every day. He went on to talk about the different types of rescue, along with one or two amusing facts and how they developed a new lifting harness for those who had been in the water for several hours, which increased the chances of survival. A very informative and interesting illustrated talk.

THE WATTON SOCIETY VISIT TO ST PETER’S CHURCH MERTON

On the afternoon of Wednesday, 17^th July members of the Watton Society and the Meet Watton Group spent a delightful few hour at the beautiful Merton Church.  We were treated to a very informative talk about the church history and architecture as well as the village and the De Grey family.  This was followed by a chance to walk about the church and outside to see the lovely views of the grounds and Merton Hall.  To make the visit perfect we were then provided with refreshments including delicious cakes and sausage rolls.  Thank you so much to the Merton group for a wonderful afternoon.  We felt honoured to have been able to see and learn about this lovely church.