AT our last meeting, a one-minute silence was held for British Afghan casualties since the September meeting.
October 3 historical anniversaries marked were 1187 – Saladin captured Jerusalem. 1691 – William of Orange captured Limerick. 1906 – SOS adopted as the international distress signal and 1942 – The Space Age began with the launch of the first V2 rocket.

This month, member Ron Gallivan presented Creoles and Cajuns. This told how these two internationally recognised ethnic, cultural groups, forged by wars and the creation of empires, gravitated towards Louisiana.
The Creoles evolved from a mixture of slavery and piracy within Spanish Hispaniola and along with Napoleon’s influence; slave revolts and rebellion became part of the USA. Here they developed the famous French Creole culture with unique traditions that evolved into the New Orleans Mardi Gras.

The Cajuns, who called themselves Frenchmen with ‘mediaeval roots’ had been settled in Canada since 1592. Even though they were ‘peaceful’ farmers they became pawns in the series of global wars, which involved both Britain and France between 1701-1763 (62 years). These affected North America and Canada and led to the dispersion of the Cajuns across the American continent.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, November 7, at Plymouth Court, Headless Cross and is “Three Eagles”, looking at the histories and comparisons of three remarkable British fighter aircraft – Spitfire, Hurricane and the Harrier – and the role they played in our history.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30 start. (Normal £3 door charge applies). Contact Ron Gallivan on 01527 545450 or e-mail ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk.