MEMBERS of the Ely Inner Wheel were transported from the Old Dispensary to Antarctica on Wednesday evening by means of a beautiful photographic slide show and lecture by guest speaker, Dr Nick Mumford. Dr Mumford has for many years been fascinated by t

MEMBERS of the Ely Inner Wheel were 'transported' from the Old Dispensary to Antarctica on Wednesday evening by means of a beautiful photographic slide show and lecture by guest speaker, Dr Nick Mumford.

Dr Mumford has for many years been fascinated by the endeavours and leadership skills of the explorer Earnest Shackelton, who died in 1922 at the age of 48 and is buried on South Georgia.

Antarctica is a World Heritage Site and is the fifth largest continent in the world, which doubles in size during the winter months. During the summer when Dr Mumford visited the continent, there were five hours of darkness and the temperature ranged from minus three to plus five degrees.

Members were shown photos of the four seal species which can be seen there. As well as five varieties of penguin, two varieties of albatross and some hump back whales.

Gillian Brady gave an enthusiastic vote of thanks to Dr Mumford for his informative lecture.

After the coffee break, president Jenny Axford conducted a business meeting. Reports were received from members who had attended a Gardener's Question Time at Scotsdale's Garden Centre, the district committee meeting at Lynford Hall and the Annual Association Conference at Bournemouth. Members will be attending the District Overseas Rally on May 3, as well as Hunstanton Inner Wheel Club's 30th charter lunch on May 16, Watton Inner Wheel Club's birthday supper on May 11 and Cambridge Inner Wheel Club's annual dinner at Selwyn College on May 12.

The raffle was won by Jenny Axford.

Next month's meeting is at 7.30pm on May 30 will be at St Mary's Church Hall, when members will host their annual overseas supper in aid of the Rainbow Trust.