Chez Barry Ellam

The spirit of amateur microscopy is far from dead! One of the Club's most knowledgeable and senior members, who lives too far from London to make Gossip meetings, has set up an informal group who meet regularly at his house. I thought a typical 'Chez Barry' meet was well worth reporting. John Garratt, a regular attendee, turned up with his trusty Nikon digital camera and provided these pictures and most of the accompanying commentary, - thanks, John!

Barry giving the sermon [ed. I prefer 'welcomes his guests!]

As a felophile myself I am pleased to see that Barry's cats get proper respect and a look in...

Right: Vic Diss inspects diatoms with cunning illumination [phase?]
Left: one of the naviculate diatoms.

Cherry cake goes quickly! It's said to be what gets people to go to the meetings! [The meeting ended on a cheery note...]

In a way this echoes how the Quekett was started in 1865. A group of enthusiasts get together to socialise and exchange views (literally!) on matters microscopical. Thus was born the Quekett...