The Seaton U3A have held a talk on Scootra at Seaton Gateway Theatre this week.

SOCOTRA: Island of Dreams, Dragon’s Blood & Desert Roses was hosted at The Gateway, Seaton on Tuesday October 25 by Janice Booth.

68 people came along, 61 existing members and seven visitors, three of whom joined Seaton u3a on the spot.

A spokesman who attended the talk said: "Janice enchanted her audience with an account of her visit to this tiny, remote island, with its beautiful sandy beaches and high, craggy mountain peaks "She spoke of its history dating back to prehistoric times as witnessed by cave drawings, frankincense trade dating back to 1st century BC, and up to more recent times when it was briefly under British control, and now part of Yemen.

"Its strategic position at the meeting of the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean, closer to Africa than Yemen and Arabia "The charming and friendly people that treated this silver haired traveller with great kindness on her visit Janice stressed that the island is safe for visitors who are made very welcome. Mid-September to mid-May is the best time to visit."

The iconic Dragon's Blood trees, the Desert Rose, the oddly shaped Cucumber trees and the abundance of rare flora and fauna that have led to the island being listed as a UNESCO Natural World heritage site After the talk Janice answered questions from the audience and signed copies of the Bradt Guide to Socotra, of which she is co-author.

Seaton u3a has over 150 members and is open to those who are no longer in full-time employment, The Seaton U3A meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month for a talk and a get together at The Gateway in Seaton.

For more information, visit their website nhttps://u3asites.org.uk/seaton/welcome or just come along to the next monthly meeting at 2pm on November 22.