THE talk on May 4 was given by Dr Lynette Moss, accompanied by her husband David Moss, a well-known local ophthalmic surgeon (retired).

She told the story, beginning in 1991, of their many trips to Third World countries, under the auspices of the charity Impact Foundation, where David performed life-saving operations – mainly cataract removal while Lynette used her skills, either in helping in the operating theatre or working and advising with women and children.

Among the countries they visited were Kenya, India and Bangladesh, often using a train – the Lifeline Express or boat – Jibon Tari (Boat of Life) – taking the hospital to the patients. To date, 200,000 operations have been completed. It was an enthusiastic and inspiring story about voluntary work with which they obviously felt very well rewarded. The slides showed the very poor conditions in which these people lived but she emphasised, as have other speakers we have heard, how happy they are with so little and again makes me feel that we do not appreciate how lucky we are.

Forthcoming outings include a trip to Weymouth on June 22 and Ham House (National Trust) on July 13. Please ring Kate on 01256 328791.

All civil servants and their partners are welcome at our meetings held on the first Wednesday of each month, at 10am at Brookvale Village Hall, Lower Brook Street, Basingstoke. Coffee, tea and biscuits are available.