On a cold evening last Friday, Arts Club members were transported to the warmth of Botswana by means of John Archer-Thomson's remarkable photography. His trip began at Livingstone on the borders of Botswana and Zambia in November, with the temperature reading 40º centigrade. The first of many wonderful sights members were to see was the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world. As the party reached the Chobe National Park, the eye was immediately attracted to the vivid red earth, the bright green foliage of the native trees and the expanse of clear blue sky above. Amongst the many animals in this well-managed park were elephants, impala, wart hogs and the conspicuously marked leopard-tortoise. The birds were countless. The beautiful colours of the bee-eaters and the dignity of the grand horn-bill were particularly attractive. On a boat trip across the Chobe River, baboons, crocodile, and more elephants were seen, along with vultures, egrets and heron. At the side of the riverbank, men were ploughing the fertile soil with yoked oxen. On the way to the Moreni National Park, one of the special sights was a pride of resting lions, with their cubs playing in the dusty earth. Reaching the Okarango Delta, the party came across a pack of rare wild dogs and later a group of hippo were cooling themselves in the water. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was the very rare sighting of a leopard resting in the forked branches of a tree. Close-ups of the animal's beautiful coat and his air of complete relaxation was a privilege indeed. Many trunks of dead trees lying on the parched earth formed sculptured shapes. At the base of living trees, exotic flame lilies stood proudly in all their glory. Other notable plants were the tall papyrus reeds at the water's edge and the large water lilies floating on the surface. On the return journey to Livingstone, the party visited the Nxai Pan National Park, a drier area where springbok, oryx and bat-eared fox with their cubs could be seen. The drier conditions suited the thorn bushes with their vicious spikes. Reaching the final stage of the journey, members had another view of the breathtaking Victoria Falls. John Archer-Thomson's excellent photography and his informative and enthusiastic commentary were fully appreciated by a delighted audience. The chairman thanked the speaker very warmly for such an enjoyable evening. This (Friday) evening there will be a jazz evening by old friends, the Memphis 7. Admission £4. Non- members are welcome.
