AT the beginning of the latest meeting of the club, members stood in silence in remembrance of committee member Don Hamer who has recently died.

Vice-president Alex Wright introduced President Gerrard Firth as the speaker. Gerrard's subject was Wrinkly Rambles, and it turned out that the rambles were verbal rather than rural!

Apparently it has been decided that the definition of ‘wrinkly’ refers to anyone over the age of 71, which our president regarded as arbitrary and inaccurate.

Gerrard spoke of his three passions — cars, holidays and dancing.

We heard of his fondness for Mercedes-Benz cars, and in particular of an eventful trip in 1985 to the German factory near Stuttgart to collect a 230E model. After some nerve-racking encounters with officialdom Gerrard managed successfully to bring the car back to Bury.

Secondly Gerard turned to holidays. In their younger days he and his wife went on coach holidays to Europe, USA and Canada, and memorably seven years ago on a strenuous visit to Russia. As he said, not a holiday but an adventure which required a further holiday when they returned.

After the comparative comforts of Belgium, Berlin and Poland, came the spartan conditions of Belarus and parts of Russia. By coach it is possible to see what a country is really like. St Petersburg was a highlight meriting a longer stay, and Helsinki and Stockholm were attractive cities.

Finally Gerrard touched briefly on dancing and the differences between country and ballroom.

After questions which centred on the cars Gerrard had mentioned, Ken Hilton gave the vote of thanks.

At the next meeting on Thursday, December 4, social secretary Brian Ward will speak on Danger - women at work. MCP