1972 - The Vasculum

History of Lndonesia." This dealt mainly with two areas, one on the island of Java
and the other on Celebes. His photographs showed beautifully some of the
specialities of the islands. Some of the oddities such as Rafflesia, Nepenthes, the
Lianes and other epiphytes were quite spectacular. No less interesting were some of
the animals.
After a vote of thanks from Dr. Todd, we then moved to a small laboratory nearby to
take tea, served by Miss Vincent and the girls of Chester-le-Street Deanery
Secondary School. The exhibits were on display in this room. As always at the
A.G.M., Mr. Cooke's show of spring flowers were again a source of wonder and
pleasure to all members. In addition there was a beautiful collection of old books on
natural history, brought by Mr. R. Johnson, pressed plants by Mr. Hird and a
collection of foreign postage stamps showing plants and animals by Mrs. Gibby.
ANNFIELD PLAIN AND STANLEY NATURALISTS' FIELD CLUB
In spite of continued difficulties with his eyesight, Mr. Fred Wade still
sends in details of the activities of the club as reported in the local press.
A series of very interesting lectures continued during the winter session
except for a period during the coal strike when they had to be cancelled because of
difficulties with the central heating. The Annual General Meeting and dinner was
held in the Stanley Civic Hall on January 29th, 1972. During: the business meeting
officials were elected for 1972, then the summer outings were announced. These
showed considerable variation including a bus tour of the Lake District, a conducted
tour round the City of Newcastle and a series of walks chosen from areas between the
Scottish border in Kielder Forest and Wensleydale. There was also a photographic
competition for the best 50 transparencies taken by members on summer outings. The
non-photographers thoroughly enjoyed the show.
After dinner, entertainment was provided by the Song and Folk Dance
Group of the Benfieldside Secondary School under the leadership of Mrs. Muir.
At a special ceremony in the Catchgate Library organised by Councillor Oyston and
the Annfield Plain Reading Room Committee, a portrait photograph of Fred Wade
was hung in the library. This was a tribute to Fred's outstanding leadership in helping
to run the library and the Naturalists' Field Club for so many years. He recalled how
money was obtained from the Carnegie Trust and by local collections to build the
library in 1908. April 1st, 1972 saw the end of the library in its old form, since it has
now been taken over fully by Durham County Council.
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