On Wednesday, June 15, over 40 members met in Augustus Place Hall, to hear Elly Morgan talk about Mongolia.

Elly said her first visit there was a Charity Challenge for Guide Dogs UK, to celebrate the year 2000. Mongolia is 542% larger than UK and only has 3.3billion population compared to UK’s 68.5billion. She has now been to Mongolia three times, the last time for three months teaching at schools during snow in the winter. Their snow is dry, and with a bright blue sky, the snow falls like big crystals at minus 2.

On the first trip, Elly spent two weeks in a National Park riding Mongolian horses that had been wild. She raised more money and went back in 2001 to give money to replenish livestock so the people could become involved in tourism. She stayed in Yurt Tents, which are warm in winter and cool in summer and are also able to be taken down and moved on for fresh grazing. Elly said the horses have a 5th gear which is a kind of glide/trot. Elly’s friend then modelled a horseman’s hand-tailored coat, hat and waist sash, which is used for pockets! The horsemen have a stick tucked into their boot, but they are quiet and respectful to the horses controlling them with this stick. On her second trip, Elly went as far as the Gobi Desert.

Elly showed us a bridle made of hide, and a wooden shaped saddle (like Genghis Khan would have used.) On to the horse, they put a thick felt pad (she showed us a small one made specially for her) and they use thick bits of carpet, etc. to soften the wooden seat. In the countryside, horses are used a lot, but in the cities, there are buses and trains. On the buses, Mongolian Folk music is blasted out and people hang on to the rails; they are so full. Elly finished her talk by playing some Mongolian songs sung by the children she had taught.

Victor thanked Elly, saying that everyone has enjoyed her talk – you could have heard a pin drop! Members crowded around to look at Elly’s souvenirs and afternoon tea was enjoyed by all. On Wednesday, June 29, there is no meeting in the hall, as it is the coach trip to Aberglasney.