A new season of the Arts Club opened last Friday evening with an illustrated talk by Professor Tudor Thomas entitled 'A Botanical visit to South Africa', which proved to be a completely absorbing. Tudor Thomas began with a brief survey of South Africa's position in the vast continent, together with its climatic conditions and subsequent vegetation. On arriving by 'plane, the speaker's first and lasting impression was of the strong earthy smell of the African countryside. Based in Pietermaritzberg, Tudor pointed out the city's Victorian architectural features, its beautifully designed houses and the environs, with the Drakensburg mountains as a dramatic background. Leaving the city, his audience saw the varied, spectacular vegetation and exotic flowering plants. Some history of the area revealed ancient cave paintings by the bushmen of the era. Moving south to Capetown on the coast with the impressive Table Mountain behind, members noted the huge size of many plants and again the vivid colours and vast species of flowers carpeting the countryside. Particularly outstanding were the proteas. An attractive feature of the area were the beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, very much admired for their excellent presentation of the native flora. With such a huge amount of botanical resources the research work at the university is able to provide valuable information for the medicine and drug industry. The spectacular landscapes, the brilliant colours and the unusual sizes and forms of the plant-life, together with the speaker's knowledgeable commentary provided a fascinating evening. The chairman, Doreen Hammersley, thanked Professor Thomas very warmly at the conclusion of the talk. Today (Friday), the Arts Club welcomes the Mezin String Quartet for an evening of music. Non-members will be very welcome.
