Travel Talks has 90 reasons to celebrate

Long standing member Gordon Halliwell was about to celebrate his forthcoming 90th birthday, so to commemorate this special occasion, and to thank him for all that he does for Travel Talks, chairman Chris Buxton made a special presentation.

Blackpool resident Gordon, who was born in Wigan in April 1927, came to live in Blackpool at the age of eight.

He attended Blackpool Boys Grammar School where he subsequently began his teaching career as a maths and physics teacher.

Fellow Travel Talks member Les Mason recalls how Gordon welcomed him when he too began his teaching career at Blackpool Collegiate High School, and Les was delighted to be reunited with Gordon at Travel Talks.

He became a well respected teacher, and still maintains links with his former school through the Blackpool Old Boys Grammar School Luncheon Club.

Retirement did not bring rest. Gordon is on the committee of Travel Talks, he is chairman of three other groups - the St Annes U3A, Blackpool Retired Teachers, Blackpool Movie Makers.

He is also a member of the St Annes Twinning Association with whom he has twice visited the twinned town of Werne.

At the latest Travel Talks presentation Chairman Chris Buxton, from Blackpool, said: “Gordon has been a long standing member of the Travel Talks for over 30 years, and is a vital member of the committee, contributing enormously to the successful running of the club.

“We would like to thank Gordon for all his hard work, dedication and loyalty.

“With his technical skills and connections to the College, and with the able support of fellow member Joan Gaffiney, he helps to ensure that our talks run smoothly at each meeting.

“I am delighted to thank Gordon by offering him honorary membership to the club, and on behalf of us all, to wish him a very happy 90th birthday.”

Gordon said: “This has been such a surprise and it has been wonderful to receive so many good wishes from friends, by which I mean committee members and all of you who are members of our club.”

The evening’s presentation, by Ann McCarthy, was entitled “The Rich Cultural Heritage of Ethiopia.”

Ann, a former teacher, was giving her sixth presentation, and recounted her adventures as she joined fellow ramblers on a guided tour of Ethiopia.

Ann explained that Ethiopia is considered to be the birthplace of the human race and home to the treasured Ark of the Covenant.

Ann’s lovely photographs and informative commentary allowed us to learn more about the capital city of Addis Ababa; of the beautiful Ethiopian churches with their brightly decorated walls and stunning religious treasures; of the native wildlife, including gelada monkeys, to be found in the national parks of the Simien Mountains, and of the amazing stone churches built within caves or in specially excavated stone holes.

Member Ken Hall commented, “What a fascinating talk! Ann has really opened my eyes to the wonders of Ethiopia and has shown that we should all be prepared to get out of our comfort zones and explore areas of which we know all too little.”

For further information visit www.fyldetravellers.org.uk or telephone Joan Gaffiney on (01253) 700799.