MANUEL Queiroz was the speaker at our January meeting. Manuel’s talk “Chasing the Morning Sun” was the engaging story of his solo flight around the world in a British registered homebuilt single engine aircraft. Manuel took up flying in 1990 and found it gave him a real sense of physical freedom. Spurred on by losing a friend to cancer and a brush with it himself, he was inspired to fulfil his dream of circumnavigating the globe. Ten years ago, in February 2006 he set off from Gloucestershire airport, travelling eastward - towards the morning sun - and after many scares and adventures, he succeeded and arrived back at the same airport 39 days later, and in doing so he beat the British national speed record for circumnavigation. Manuel was honoured by the Royal Aero Club with their highest award, the Britannia Trophy, presented to him by HRH The Duke of York. Our next meeting is on Thursday, February 11 at 7.30pm in the WI Hall, Moreton, when the speaker will be one of our own members, Erika Stevenson, who will talk to us about filming in Afghanistan. Please contact Jo on 01608 650821 for further information.

JOANNE OTTLEY