It was our great pleasure to welcome Rotary District Governor Heather Stuart to our meeting of 2nd May. Following a meal and business Heather briefly spoke about what was going on around the District and then opened an informal question and answer discussion, which was much appreciated. 

Business included the Primary Schools Quiz, interviewing a RYLA candidate from Waid academy and the ‘Gavel’ competition.

We then enjoyed an excellent talk by club member Allan Wood, who spoke about Gibraltar. Allan is a retired RN officer and he brought great insight to a comprehensive, illustrated talk which covered the geology, geography, political history and military importance of this limestone feature of southern Spain. The strategic importance of Gibraltar was made very clear when we learned it had been besieged no fewer that 14 times over a 500 year period. 

The rock has many natural caves, the largest being St Michael’s cave, with evidence of Neanderthal people going back 30,000 years, as well as, much more recently, a long period of Moorish occupation.

With very much a Royal Naval perspective, we heard that the natural caves have, over time, been extended by some 30 miles of man-made tunnels and both defensive and offensive strongpoints. It was interesting to learn that much of the rock from more recent excavations now forms a runway for the airport. Of critical importance during WW2, Gibraltar continued to play a significant role during the cold war years. 

Altogether a most interesting talk and, following many questions, an appreciative vote of thanks was proposed by Eric Dewhirst.