The President introduced Joe Walk who gave an illustrated talk on “Rwanda The Land of the Thousand Hills” Joe , a retired deputy headteacher and French speaker described how after his retirement he was sent by the Voluntary Service Organisation to work,eventually, in Rwanda in Central Africa. The country is the size of Wales but had a population of 8 million in 1994 when genocide took place of 1 million Tutsi people.

Now after many years of turmoil, poverty and deprivation Rwanda is a democracy and is driving forward although it is still a very poor country with much malnutrition. Two years ago Rwanda became a member of the Commonwealth. When Joe went to Rwanda in 2008 his work involved school administration and the training of persons to become teachers. Then the country was mainly French speaking but now English is commonly spoken. Rwanda’s dominant religion is Roman Catholic. It has no natural resources of it’s own. The main crops are tea and coffee>Rwanda is trying to attract tourists.It is very hilly and has beautiful scenery.

Joe answered questions from members . Mike Burton gave the vote of thanks for a most interesting and informative talk. Members will be more aware of what the V S O charity does and achieves.In particular it does not send money but sends people to the developing world.

The next meeting at the Emmanuel Church Centre will be on Thu 21 June at 10 30 am when the Brian Ashworth will give an illustrated talk on Woodlands and The Woodland Trust.