ON Wednesday, October 24 the Salisbury branch of the English Speaking Union heard a talk by Lord Strathcarron of Banchor.

It was entitled Innocence and War – Mark Twain’s Holy Land Revisited and introduced his book of that title.

Lord Strathcarron is a historian and author whose exploration of the Holy Land retraced a similar journey made by Mark Twain in 1867.

He travelled by yacht, crewed only by himself and his wife, which led to some exciting encounters with local naval forces, while he compared the American author’s view with the present situation.

He delighted his audience with splendid slides, film clips and his subtle humour.

The branch welcomes enquiries from prospective members who should contact Nigel Estlick , on 01980 623087 or email nestlick@tiscali.co.uk.