This month Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel club members stepped into the complex world of mechanical engineering at their January meeting when they enjoyed a talk given by Ron Hopkins a local mechanical engineer.

Ron moved to Westfield in Somerset in 2006 and ran his consultancy business from his home, although this required much world travel and long periods overseas in many developing countries.

He unfolded a career starting with working as part of the design team for Concorde, something he is and will always be proud of, and he continued to describe life working, sometime very long term, in India, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Mexico, Egypt, USA, Canada, and Australia.

The work was centred around commercial vehicle design and build, and subsequently helicopter handling and transportation equipment.

Many stories emerged of the often-hilarious moments that accompanied his extensive world travel, leaving the Inner wheel Ladies both intrigued and filled the room with laughter.

A wonderful evening was had by all.