Nottinghamshire Masonic Ladies Associate Members - Saturday Morning Group.

A report by Carolyn Hobson

Members provided their own excellent entertainment at our December meeting. Chairman Aileen Wright recited poetry and related stories she had collected over the years. Others enjoyed recounting their own stories and anecdotes. Jo Robbins, told the group of the equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme for the older generation. Consisting of a four part activity, participants work towards gaining Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. As many members expressed interest, Jo will provide more detailed information at a later date.

Following the meeting members adjourned to the Club Bar for a buffet lunch and glass of wine. This was a lovely start to the festive season.

Angela Plumb the speaker at our January meeting gave an excellent and entertaining talk of her ‘Arctic Expedition’ to Spitzbergen. Aided by the use of her multimedia projector, Angela’s beautiful photographic coverage of the expedition brought those remote islands’ to the viewer.

Arriving in Longyearbyen, Angela and her husband, who are RSPB members, could not venture outside their hotel, unless protected from polar bears by people with rifles. With wonderful views of mountains and the islands’ flora and fauna we were able to visualise how existing in these conditions affects all aspects of life.

Once active coal mines are now redundant relics of the past and replaced by tourism as the main industry. There are more passengers on a large cruise ship who visit Spitzbergen for a few hours, than residents.

Part of the holiday was a sea voyage on an expedition ship (formally used as a spy ship in the cold war) around the remote islands. They sailed around the edge of glaciers and saw the retreating ice caps caving into the sea. Land is now visible where a few years ago there had been glaciers. The passengers were delighted when white floating objects in the sea were identified as Beluga whales.

As we watched polar bear families’ devouring their seal kills on the ice flows, and arctic foxes, we knew these animals are fortunate with the food supply but a precarious future awaits many. As the ship anchored at several local stops on the voyage, Angela and her husband were able to disembark and view the small coastal areas and tiny hamlets. Sailing close to the rocky cliff edges they photographed colonies of different birds not seen in the British Isles, an ornithologist’s delight.

A wonderful and enjoyable account of travels to Spitzbergen, we were delighted to share in Angela’s ‘Arctic Expedition’ memories.

Dates of the next two meetings :-

Saturday, February 14th 2009 ‘Rockies to Alaska’. Speaker Gordon Gadsby.

Saturday, March 14th 2009 A.G.M. Followed by ‘Hats Galore’ Speaker Margaret Earley.

EVENTS. Our December outing was once again to Marsh Farm, Rugely. As we made our coffee stop at the Byrkley Garden Centre, there was time for some last minute Christmas shopping. We continued to Marsh Farm for an excellent festive dinner followed by our pianist, Marion Proudlock accompanying us as we sang carols. As our photographs show, the event was enjoyed by everyone.

Meetings are held at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee is at 10.00 am and the meeting commences at 10.30 am.

A warm welcome awaits all existing and potential new members.

For further information on any of the above contact Chairman, Aileen Wright at ladies.saturdaygroup@tiscali.co.uk