The Speaker at the monthly meeting was Pip Wright, whose subject was the transportation of convicts to Australia - ‘For the rest of their natural life’. The earliest voyages, which could take up to a year, were very hard and cruel on the prisoners, who were often weak and ill from the journey. They had to work in chain gangs in dreadful conditions. Later on in the century, conditions improved and the freed men were able to make a good life for themselves and their families. Some did return to England, but this was quite unusual. Pip sang songs which were written at the time, and his many local anecdotes were much enjoyed.

The Christmas Dinner is on Thursday 7th December at the Plough in Hundon.

Next meeting is on Tuesday 16th January 2007, when Jock Whitehouse will talk on the RAF at Chedburgh. Please contact Gillian for more information (01440 820052)