AT its latest meeting member Mr Jim Hopkinson was welcomed with his audio visual programme El Condor Pasa.

The evening's journey began with stunning vistas of misty, snow clad peaks of Switzerland, moving onto north west Scotland with its lochs, sandy beaches and wild open spaces and then to the magnificent Spanish city of Barcelona.

The contrast of these three countries could not have been more marked, the scenery from high altitudes to lush mountain passes, the people, nature in her fecundity with views of the flora and fauna and local produce. Architecture and street scenes from traditional to modern, in town and city, both religious and secular were a feast for the senses. An example of the former being justly famous "Sagrada Familia" cathedral by Gaudi - Barcelona's most famous son, construction began in 1882 and is still several decades away from completion.

Continuing to warmer, hotter and humid climes the journey took us to the windy island of Mauritius. Situated in the southern Indian Ocean, it is justly famous as we could see from the spectacular and wave battered reefs and also for the vibrant Creole culture and excellent cuisine.

Dubai is the only country in the world with a seven star hotel, which is of a modern futuristic design not unlike the sail of an Arab dhow. Other views of the city and its environs were high rise buildings to mosques and the incongruity of 4 x 4 desert rides.

Peru, brought us down to earth, for as Jim explained, the people are very often poor. The air quality is very clear as could be seen from the clarity of the slides. Lima, has a zero rainfall, but is often shrouded in mist from the Pacific. Cusco, was once the Inca capital, from both these cities there are many fine examples, again, of religious and secular architecture. The ten hour train journey, to Lake Titicaca had been unforgettable, crossing wide open plains to the highest point of 14,300 ft. The lake at 13,000 ft is the highest navigable lake and its ferry, designed and built in the north east of England, was required to have no piece larger than could be carried by mule or llama over the Andes where it was then reassembled.

Whilst the early Spanish invaders plundered the ancient Inca sites for building material, they never found Machu Pichu. Here in the high Andes our journey ended surrounded by the monumental and magnificent dressed stone blocks of the ancient buildings. Although the effects of time and weather could been seen, the majesty is still self evident, in this mountain top "Lost City of the Incas". The final piece of music to accompany this last part of the journey was the well known El Condor Pasa, which had given its title to the presentation.

Throughout, the music had represented the classical, traditional and contemporary genres including: Schubert's Symphony No 3, Calverley's Crowned with Ivy, Carulli's Serenade Opus 96, Luz Y Norte for harp, Barcelona (with Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe), Jarre's Oxygene IV, Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade. The final section had many complementary examples of nationalistic styles; all the selected musical items provided understated atmosphere.

The whole presentation was an example of great technical skill and expertise, with an eye for detail and effect. The images were stunning and changed seamlessly, providing a wonderful visual and aural experience.

For information about the Society's activities please contact Mr R W Hall, Secretary by telephone on 01706 823490.

RWH