The monthly Coffee Morning of Sarum U3A was held in its usual venue of St Francis Church Hall on Wednesday 19 April.

Our newly Elected Chairman, Josephine Hawkins, welcomed new members and visitors. Volunteers were asked to add their names to the Coffee Rota for the monthly Coffee Mornings.

Members were informed that membership was now at a thriving 276. Notices included a request to sign up for the Sunday Lunch Club and information in the monthly Newsletter about dates for the Science Forum, the Playhouse Discussion group, the Archaeology group, and the start of the Croquet season. There was also information about the outings to the Houses of Parliament, Windsor Castle and Waddesdon Manor.

The speaker for the morning was Roy Deacon on “The Great Storm of 1987” He was speaking from the perspective of someone closely involved in the mammoth task of the reconnection of people who had lost their electricity supply. He showed a number of amazing photographs, from the archives of Southern Electricity, of the devastation created by the storm (15 million trees uprooted and 19 people killed) and the repair work that was necessary. Not only was it a technical problem but it was also a human story of the hard working linesmen and other skilled people from both our area and other areas who were involved in the clear up process .

Roy could give some amazing statistics of the number of wires lost and the consequent quantity imported from Ireland and the number of poles imported from Norway. He had a host of stories of the dedication and bravery of the people engaged in the clear up and also of the patience and positive response of customers when reconnected. One village turned out in force and applauded the workmen when electricity was finally restored to their village.

The 3-week task of getting everything back to normal took its toll on both men and equipment but it was a catalyst for change in practices to ensure the security of supply and many lessons were learned.
Roy answered most effectively the question in many minds as to why more lines were not underground. He explained that it was not just the cost of burying the lines but also that transmission of electricity generated heat in the wires and there is a cost of overcoming the technical problem of cooling below ground wires.

This was an interesting talk which brought back many memories and allowed us to see this event from the point of view of the organisation involved and the day to day work required to restore normality. The vote of thanks was given by Peter Tee.

New members are very welcome to join Sarum U3A.

The next meeting is on 17 May when the speaker will be Dr Tim McQuiban on the topic “The two Colleges in the Close and Courses offered by Sarum College”.

Information on membership can be obtained by phoning 01722 322570.