From Llanharan via the Universities of Aberystwyth and Reading, Dr. Robert Williams, plant pathologist, began his varied career in the tropical climes of Africa, thence to India with its teeming millions and from there to the highly organised Switzerland and work for CIBA. After one year as visiting professor at Cornel University, Dr. Williams continued his work in Japan, before finally retiring to farm sheep in Llanglydwen and sing in Whitland Male Voice Choir! Following an excellent lunch, Dr. Williams was introduced to the members by his friend, John Gibbin, president of the club. Dr. Rob Williams enthralled the members at their January meeting with tales of Nigeria's rough roads the dangers of being shot at and the corruption and nepotism of men in high places, the heat, the dust and the flies, whilst he and his team carried out research into plant biology to improve native strains, building resistance to disease and insects. Leaving African tropics for the plains of India, he took over the Research Station at Hyderabad for the next seven years continuing his work in plant pathology. Whilst attending a conference, he was offered a post with CIBA GG, one of the largest research companies in the world in Switzerland. The contrast with India was palpable from seeming chaos of teeming millions to the the most highly organised country in Europe. From Switzerland, Dr. Robert Williams went to America as visiting Professor to Cornel University, after which he continued his work in Japan. Finally, he spoke of his love for Wales and his wish to return. He now farms with a small flock of sheep near Llanglydwen and has taken up singing again with the Whitland Male Voice Choir. In thanking Dr. Williams, Hugh Lewis, a retired farmer, said that the members were delighted with hearing of such a wonderful and varied life in the service of mankind and hoped that he might come again with more tales of the tropics. John Mathias, the club secretary, drew attention to the dates for the Ludlow visits in April and October, while Derrick Charles, the treasurer, made reference to subs outstanding! John Gibbin, the president, thanked Dr. Williams for sharing his life with the club and reminded members of the next meeting on February 22, when Nigel Macall would speak about Antarctica.
