In spite of the rather blustery conditions, there was a good attendance at the afternoon meeting held on Friday in the Methodist Church.

Dorothy Pountain, chairperson, welcomed everyone and introduced the guest speaker, Michael Thomas, whose talk was entitled "A funny thing happened on my way to the zoo." He gave his audience a very interesting, entertaining potted autobiography.

He began his working life as a teacher whose aim was to develop and enhance his pupils' studies in a living classroom. He later left teaching and went to work at Gweek Seal Sanctuary. When the owner, Ken Jones, retired, he became the new managing director. He recounted several stories concerning the variety of marine animals which were brought to the Sanctuary during his time there.

He later bought Newquay Zoo from Restormel Council and was greatly involved in the conservation of endangered species and education programmes for school children and older students.

Dorothy thanked him and light refreshments were served by Jean Rashleigh and Judi Mitchell.

The next meeting will be on Friday, February 21 at 2.30pm when Pauline Reed will give a flower arranging demonstration.