We extended a warm welcome this week to prospective new members Alan Smith and Stephen Sanders and we received an update on Ron Tarry, whom we all miss greatly.

Our speaker this week was Ian Caskie who had us spellbound with his talk about Brunel’s ss Great Britain. In building this, the second of his three great ships, Brunel successfully combined and adapted the very best of cutting-edge technology of the day to create the world’s first transatlantic liner.

This extraordinary ship, launched in 1843, was the first ocean-going steamship with an iron hull and driven by a propeller. She was the largest and fastest afloat and transformed shipbuilding and sea travel forever.

Ian’s enthusiasm for his subject shone through as he told us the story of the ship’s life through the different phases of her working life, her incredible salvage and return to Bristol in 1970 and her restoration and re-launch.

He answered all our questions and Brian Melville thanked him for his superb presentation. Quite how much he had influenced us was evidenced by the number of members who suggested that our Club should organise a visit to the ss Great Britain in Bristol.

Next Thursday, 14 July, Rod Barker will tell us about the City of London and on 21 July Nicholas Clark will tell us about Corsica. Please follow in Alan and Stephen’s footsteps and come and join us. You won’t be disappointed.

Chris Donough