At the March meeting Duncan Bird’s subject was ‘The Silent Spring’. Written fifty years ago by Rachel Carson, it is a thought-provoking publication, documenting the adverse environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

A woman ahead of her time, highly educated Rachel made the pesticide debate public, attracting the attention of President Kennedy, who promised to investigate the overuse of pesticides. Her name appeared in a Peanuts cartoon and her work is alluded to in the Joni Mitchel song, Big Yellow Taxi.

There are numerous memorials to Rachel worldwide and her name lives on as one of the founders of the environmental movement.

Returning to the present day, do come along to Ston Easton Village Hall. BA3 4DA to hear James Cross on Wednesday, 20th April.

The meeting starts at 7.30pm. A warm welcome awaits members and visitors alike. G. Hipwood