Around 50 members of Hemyock Men welcomed South African speaker Dave Powrie, a man who had a very big subject to talk about. After a great breakfast at the Catherine Wheel, Dave fascinated the group with his knowledge of working with elephants close up. Researching behavioural patterns, getting involved with post contraception trials on female elephants, understanding how the elephant family works. This meant he would go on foot, following the breeding herds all day long, to note behaviour and interactions and being just a little aware of the lions and snakes, knowing that elephants too can turn and charge without giving much warning.
Dave also worked closely with vets on contraceptive schemes which were a better method of keeping the herd sizes to manageable numbers - firing contraceptive darts at females from the safety of a low flying helicopter or carrying out vasectomy on bulls.
His talk also included the original “Elephant in the room!” the one men are not too keen to talk about – the issue of faith in God. Dave gave the group some insight into how he came to faith in Christ which led to him deciding to give up his research work and come to the UK to study for an MA in Christian youth-work whilst on an attachment with Queensway Chapel in Melksham.
Hemyock Mens coordinator Steven Reed said that in a long line of very good speakers David talk was particularly special. We felt like we were right there with him in the bush, sensing the excitement and the fear, feeling the heat and dust, hearing the silence.
Picture attached. From left to right: Elephant Man Dave Powrie, Neil Howe, Nigel Atkinson, Philip Nowell-Smith, Mac McDonnell, at rear Colin Popham and Tony Butler.
Hemyock - A Village on the Blackdown Hills
http://hemyock.org/article.php/20081126073114178
