Our January 16 meeting was held at Number 8 and the speaker was Elfred Jones whose talk was entitled ‘Contented Exile’.

His talk encompassed 45 fascinating years as a Welsh exile, teacher, school governor, entertainer, journalist, Tribunal representative and social events organiser. Having crossed Offa’s Dyke, he has yet to return!

Elfred did his teacher training in Newport then moved to Croydon for his first job, working with children with special needs. Feeling homesick, he went to the Welsh Society in Grays Inn Road in London where he met the lady who would become his wife. These were very happy days for him.

He moved to Worcester and was employed in a school in Birmingham teaching boys aged 11 – 12 who had failed basic maths and English. He organised orienteering sessions which helped the boys with their maths. He also taught acting which helped the boys with social skills.

Elfred was a member of an independent disability allowance panel and told us of people coming into the meeting on crutches to get the allowance and then being seen walking down the road unaided.

For the past 40 years Elfred also worked as a reporter on cricket, football and rugby matches. He is a life member of Birmingham hospital radio where he reads short stories, has a record request slot and hosts chat shows.

All in all, a varied and very busy life!

The speaker at our February meeting will be Dr Graham Cope, who will be talking about antibiotic resistance, a ticking time bomb. This will be held on Tuesday 20 February at Number 8 at 2 pm. New members will be very welcome.

JACKIE PEEK