Chair

I understand that he has had some difficulties with this edition as an initial lack of contributions from members threatened to reduce the content proportionately. Clearly the newsletter forms a crucial part in the benefits to members and as I always ask for contributions it is disappointing that we struggle to put it together on occasion. So, I ask you to consider putting 20 minutes aside and submit to the editor some short article that will interest fellow members. We all have a story to tell or a holiday that we enjoyed or a hobby we have taken up and enjoyed, it’s up to you folks.

Madam and I have just returned from a cruise through the Panama Canal which I recommend as it is a bit different and very interesting. 30,000 lives were lost building it, most died of Malaria. The ship had 2 feet clearance on each side going through the canal, so tricky for the captain. The man-made lake that supplies water to the locks took 2 years to fill and is topped up by a river whose name escapes me. It cost the cruise ship $600,000 to pass through.

The PGA, and therefore the RPGA too, are currently reviewing the continuation of supplying diaries, as currently they are not as important as they used to be. Your views are welcome. I remember when we first made them available. In fact I think it was I who liaised with the supplier. Long time ago.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Graham Smith JP

Chairman RPGA