Tattie tales from speakers

East Kilbride Speakers Club gave members the chance to talk on a range of topics at their latest meeting.

It was an evening of speeches led by Isobel Dunlop that were informative as well as entertaining for members.

In a light-hearted and captivating speech to start the night Paul Munday told the history of the humble potato from its origins in Peru to its spread across the globe.

The historical theme facts continued as John Wood told the story of the game of bowls.

John spoke of the game becoming so popular a distraction from military practice that it was banned and technically did not become legal to play again until the 19th century.

The notorious Nurburgring motor racing circuit in Germany was the subject of a speech by Ross Hammond.

Ross told how its setting in a dark, forbidding forest and the distressing fatality rate of the drivers racing on it led to the track being known as the Green Hell and eventually being banned from hosting the German Grand Prix.

Despite all this, it is still open for other motor racing and with the capacity for 150,000 spectators it remains one of the largest and most dangerous car racing venues in the world.

By charting the course of the conflicts that have taken place in Afghanistan over the years Harvey Littlejohn conveyed the essence of what was involved in being a combatant in the horror of modern warfare, calling upon the anecdotal experiences of local servicemen to illustrate his theme.

The subject matter of Ewan McRobert’s topics allowed the spontaneous speakers to express themselves fully and Ken Murray concluded the programme with a general evaluation of the evening’s proceedings.

Anyone who wants to visit the club can get details from secretary Paul Munday on (01355) 223894.