FRESH from his globe-trotting, President Brian Ireland opened this week’s meeting with news of members.

He then welcomed our guest speaker, John Rockley from Ruspidge in the Forest of Dean. John explained that he has recently joined the Rooftop Housing Group after many years in radio and newspaper journalism.

With passion, sincerity and an obvious ability to communicate easily with everyone, John described his work experience beginning with Radio Nottingham and more recently with Radio Gloucestershire. He argued that local radio and newspapers were more in touch with their readers than their national counterparts although both were being killed off by the Internet. For example, sales on EBay are denying newspapers valuable revenue.

He stressed that we humans have always shared stories and related one that had clearly affected him emotionally. He had interviewed a chap who heard voices and one of these voices had become a particular friend of his over a period of fifteen years. This chap was diagnosed as needing treatment. However, although the treatment was successful, the downside was that he lost his friend.

John also described how producers work and their priorities, but wished that all news could be communicated accurately, honestly and with proper balance.

He responded fully to our questions before Pat Sparrow thanked him for an illuminating overview of his profession. Pat congratulated him for delivering his presentation clearly and sufficiently loudly so that we could all hear what he had to say.

On September 8 we shall hear about the Severn Freewheelers (whatever they are!) followed on September 15 with an intriguing account of Busting Brain Myths.

CHRIS DONOUGH