The AGM in November was held at the Tolmen Centre. After the business meeting the speaker was Tony Frazer whose subject was Sea Salt. When he came to Cornwall some years ago he became interested in local history and this led him to an interest in the production of salt from the sea and the eventual setting up of his business.

Salt is essential for the health of people and animals and the quest for salt has had an immense effect on the history of the world and Mr Frazer cited many examples including wars and the salt marches in India. Until comparatively recently salt was used extensively for the preservation of food for the winter months. In Cornwall it was, of course, used to prepare pilchards, vast amounts of which were exported to the continent.

Although salt was produced from the sea in several places in Cornwall it was not enough for requirements and it is known that much was imported from France. Mr Frazer has done a lot of research and uncovered correspondence about the trade from many sources and he showed many pictures and photographs on the large screen.

Gerald Trethowan thanked Mr Frazer for a fascinating evening, for the information about the history of salt and for the lovely pictures. The evening concluded with pasties and tea served by volunteer helpers. At the next meeting, on January 15 at the WI Hall, the speaker will be Tony Pawlyn on smuggling and wrecking.