It was nice to welcome everyone to the second dinner meeting of the year particularly new honorary member Judy Duckworth, Sue North (recently returned from overseas) and Heather Savory.
I also welcomed our guest speaker David Dwerryhouse who was going to be speaking to us on “the Camino de Santiago”
It was then my pleasure to the induct new member Sheanagh Noles. Sheanagh has been a visitor to the club for a few weeks and it was finally nice to induct her formally into the club and provide her with her member pack and badges. Barry Nicholle did a great job of welcoming her to Rotary International pointing out all the great things that Rotary achieves in the world and the benefits of an international organization. Once again, welcome Sheanagh.
Following dinner John Savory did the honours of introducing our speaker David Dwerryhouse who John had got to know through U3A.
David a former French teacher who has spent extended time in France started his talk by giving us a background to the Camino de Santiago. As David explained the Camino is actually a pilgrimage journey rooted in medieval times. It is a network of routes that start in many places throughout Europe with all ending in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, North West Spain. The pilgrimage also has the description of the “Way of St James” (one of Jesus’s apostles) with his remains being buried in the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Whilst there are many different walks there are 7 main ones with the most popular being Camino Frances starting in St Jean de Pont in France. It was this route that David and his 13 strong party from Tours Direct took on their journey which David described as a “bus walk”. Everyone had a choice of walking as little or as much as they wanted with the only proviso that get a “Camino” certificate you had to have walked at least 100 km.
David went on to share his many interesting experiences and photos over the 790km journey highlighting the beauty of the countryside, the amazing architecture, at times challenging food and ending in the beautiful Santiago de Compostela cathedral. Somewhat surprisingly we also discovered that one of the traditional musical instruments of the region is the bagpipes (known locally as gaita) from former occupations by the Celts.
All in all, a wonderful look at one of the world’s best-known walks even if David had a bit of issue at the end when he could not find the way back to his hotel. Great travel memories.
John Savory delivered the vote of thanks and presented David with a small gift.
One minute speakers Glenice Yeoman reminded us there is a movie night planned on the 5th Tuesday, 30th July and David Fels gave a debrief and thank you for those involved in Bookarama 4 Kids & Teens.
Have A Go Raffle Winners – 1st Pat Abercrombie, 2nd Mike Stanghan
New World Voucher Raffle Winners – Garry Donoghue, Judy Duckworth.
A big thank you to “punny” Sergeant Steve Lines standing in for Mike while he is “savouring the delights of Bali”.
Keep Well and Keep Warm!
Rob Mouncey
President
