Speaker:                       Mr Norman Henderson  

Subject/theme:              “Another man’s letter”

Time/date:                    1830 hrs, Thursday 29 March 2001

Venue:                         Sjømannsforeningen, Kronprinsensgt. 1, 0251 Oslo  

The subject of this evening’s presentation is a letter posted in April 1840, just a few short weeks before the introduction of the famous “Penny Black” postage stamp. It was posted at a place called Portobello, which is today a seaside attraction for the area around Edinburgh, and later, much much later, was bought at an auction here in Norway.

Those who know Norman Henderson, know that he is a perfectionist with a love for art, history and of course his homeland Scotland. Having read the letter, he found it interesting enough to do a little “research” whilst home in Edinburgh. It was written by a Major in the Duke of York's Dragoon Guards, who although stationed in Edinburgh, was on the march to Bury. The good Major had given his intended route with stopping places, so that a reply could be received while he was under way. Norman’s presentation will follow the Major’s travels, and being supported by a slide show, will certainly be a colourful and interesting re-enactment of a tour made over 160 years ago.

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