The club meeting of 21st February was special, as we invited friends and family who had helped with the Christmas Post, for a meal. We are indebted to members of the Anstruther Golf Club for allowing us to use their members lounge, where we enjoyed a meal served by The Rockies Restaurant. 

We are delighted that so many were able to join us and it made for a great evening of fellowship and chat.

Following the meal we were treated to a most entertaining illustrated talk by Elizabeth Riches and entitled ‘galloping through the Galapagos’. It must be said that the ‘galloping’ part only became clear at the very end when Elizabeth was to be seen seated on what looked like a rather large horse!

The talk and photographs were from a 2018 visit to those distant islands, which are situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent. These 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’.

We learned something of the history and geography of the Galapagos - and much of the flora and fauna. The photographs were spectacular of tortoises, iguanos, swallow tailed gulls, Darwin finches, frigate birds and blue footed boobies. Rats and goats too - these latter having been brought by sailors. So many exotic plants, as well as abundant colourful fish and other sea life.

It was interesting to see that there is still a letter box there, for passing sailors to leave / pick up mail.

Apart from the island of Floreana there is no fresh water and most is now supplied through desalination units. The islands also remain actively volcanic and we learned that it takes 30 to 40 years for plants to re-establish following an eruption. 

Elizabeth’s talk was hugely enjoyable and altogether fascinating and, following questions, Ian McBain proposed an appreciative vote of thanks.