AN EXCELLENT trio of speakers gave the Launceston and District U3A and its visitors a thoroughly informative and entertaining time at the Central Methodist Chapel and Hall on Monday, March 26.

Chair Ann Nicholson welcomed members and visitors from other branches in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.

The first speaker introduced was author, former policeman and Lundy Island guide Simon Dell, who gave a richly illustrated and comprehensive talk on the history of Dartmoor Prison.

As well as French pioneers of war held there, it emerged that a whole contingent of Americans were also buried in the cemetery, having been captured fighting on the French side.

Former Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff Professor Mike Edmunds gave a fascinating talk on the Antikythera Mechanism or 'Aphrodite's Computer', which dates probably to 100 to 150BC. This device had more than 20 geared wheels and was for astronomical calculations.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.