February Meeting

A Talk by Roger Mason on his trip to the Falklands


On February 7th, Roger Mason, a founder member of Taunton Vale Rotary Club gave a talk to Inner Wheel on his journey to the Falklands in 1982. A journey to the 'bottom of the world'. Travelling through all the climate changes en route from damp England to tropical climes and on to just short of the Antarctic; it was epic journey.

 

The slide show and talk began with the brief history and geography of the Falklands which was first sighted in 1592 and claimed for Elizabeth I two years later.  As we know, the ownership of the Falklands is a contentious matter and a number of nations have claimed it as theirs over the centuries but 99% of the population have now voted to stay with Great Britain.

This fascinating talk could have been called Roger's Ark as he and another Vetinary Surgeon travelled with 220 animals to the Falklands to replace the animals lost in the Falkland's conflict. Animals were chosen for their hardiness and ability to cope in harsh environments such as the north of Scotland and the Scottish Isles, Exmoor etc. They would cope in the Falklands too.

Upon arrival, the number of animals had increased due to births on the journey and only two losses. Pity the poor sheep who had to travel in full fleece through the tropics, as they had to be ready for the harsh climate upon their arrival!  Phew.

 

The story of the Bull was amusing as, when he arrived at his new home he was so relieved to get out of his tight crate, he swam ashore, vanished into the hinterland but was finally captured some time later! Frankly after a journey of 5 weeks and 1 day with two engine problems en route, fog so severe that they were navigating blind and fast running out of water- I don't blame the Bull!

 

The pictures of the islands were revealing as it really is very bare and not a tree  in sight anywhere. However, on one of the islands, a mountain which spends its time with the summit in the clouds thus producing precipitation and scrub, an enterprising man farmed pigs! Talk about adapting to your environment. I trust the animals did too.

Thank you, Roger, for a fascinating talk. 

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