STEVE Manning gave a talk on orchid hunting in Ecuador. He recalled travelling on unmade roads threatened by landslides, on trains with most of the passengers sitting on the roof, and along mountain passes on tracks more suited to mountain goats. But the orchids were worth the effort, with masses of Paphiopedilums (Slipper Orchids) growing on the hillside along with tiny Pleurothallis and Lepanthes.

At the next meeting on July 2 Huw James will give a talk on Lycaste. Meetings are held at Arden School, Station Road, Knowle at 2.30pm. New members and visitors are always welcome - call 01564 822897 for more information.