Tony Ensom delivered an engaging presentation on Patagonia at Narberth Probus Club, showcasing stunning photographs and insights from his South American journey.

Patagonia is a geographical region that includes parts of Argentina and Chile at the southernmost tip of South America. The area is dominated by the massive Andes range of mountains with lakes, fjords, temperate rainforests and huge glaciers in the west and deserts, tablelands and steppes in the east.

The climate is determined by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Pacific to the West, which, due to severe southerly winds, results in high rainfall which turns to snow on the Andes.

The passage between South America and its southern neighbour Tierra del Fuego is named the ‘Straits of Magellan’ after the Portuguese explorer who discovered it in 1520. Magellan’s expedition force was composed mainly of Spaniards, some of whom settled in the area. Incidentally, in 1825 a group of Welsh setters arrived in the area of Chubut, in Patagonia in attempt to establish a settlement with the aim of preserving the Welsh language, One could claim there was some success in that Welsh is still taught and spoken in the area and indeed occasionally and eisteddfod is held. Apparently during the Falkands struggle, two Argentinians were captured by British forces. They were Patagonians and were able to converse with a Welsh speaking British soldier.

The industry is mainly sheep farming and Tony described the harsh conditions sometimes encountered by farmers and their flocks. Amongst the wildlife are Arctic Terns, Oyster catchers, Chilean Flamingos, Rheas, Penguins, Andean Cranebills. (A few of these birds can also be found at Folly Farm!)

Tony Ensom qualified as a Chartered Building Surveyor in 1964 holding several senior posts with several firms. After 30 years as a surveyor, often appearing as an expert in various disputes, he re-qualified as Chartered Arbitrator and Adjudicator in Construction. Tony was brought up in the South of England but upon retirement in 2013 he moved to East Williamston. He was a member of Round Table for 15 years, and Rotary for 40 years. He is currently a member of Pembroke Probus Club. Mike Richards proposed a vote of thanks and thanked Tony for an enjoyable and informative talk.

The Probus Club of Narberth and District, a club for retired gentlemen, meets on the last Thursday of each month at the Plas Hyfyd Hotel, Narberth at 12.30pm prompt at which time members hear a talk from a guest speaker or a club member. Lunch is served at 1.15pm. The club welcomes visitors and new members. The next meeting is on April 24 when the speaker will be Colin Potter who will talking about researching family history.