Dr Rob Adam a leading world scientist, spoke on South Africa's motivation for joining the SKA Project.  The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, up to 50 times more powerful than any existing facility.

Dr Adam is a leader of the project.

He explained that 135,245 ha of farmland was purchased and declared as the Meerkat National Park for this project.

Members of Forum were indeed honoured to have Dr Adam address them.

His talk also emphasized the immense value that the project brings, not only globally but also to South Africa.

The project makes South Africa one of the leaders in Astronomy Science.

The talk was attended by Dr Anne Stevens of the Science Dept as well as Mr Mitchell and his partner Jos Taylor and Mr Wood the OD Exec Director.

Mr Mitchell is the Head of Societies at Bishops promoting co-curricular activities.

Four societies meet termly at The Mitre, with Dr Paul Murray as the teacher in charge.

Apart from Dr Adam's talk the following talks were held at The Mitre this term:

THE HISTORICAL BENCH: CHAIR – CHRISTOPHER REID

Monday 13 April 2026

1PM – The Mitre Lounge

Christopher Reid who is the Chair of the society presented on the rise of China with the title: "From factory to superpower, The Rise of China".  This took the form of a slide presentation with discussion.

FORUM – CHAIR – HARRY MORGAN

Tuesday 14 April 2026

1PM The Mitre Lounge

Dr Rob Adam OD presented a talk on the topic: “South Africa’s motivation for joining the SKA radio-telescope project”.

LINGUA FRANCA: ALEC ALFARO

Tuesday 21 April 2026

1PM The Mitre Lounge

Matthew Skade of the WCED addressed us on “Planet Youth - a programme that empowers communities to work together in supporting young people to make positive life choices and build bright futures by creating safer and healthier environments”.

[The Western Cape Government officially launched the Planet Youth initiative at Mondale High School in Mitchells Plain on Thursday, 24 July 2025, taking a fundamental step towards building healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for our young people. The launch took the form of an open and interactive dialogue with families, caregivers, teachers and changemakers of Mitchells Plain to work together to support young people growing up in the area].

ARCHIVES AND MUSEUM SOCIETY: ALEC ALFARO

1PM The Mitre Lounge

 Thursday 16 April 2026

A in-depth dicussion of the Architecture of the War Memorial Chapel from the article by OD Geoff de Wet in the latest edition of The Old Diocesan.

ODs keen on presenting talks can contact Paul Murray pmurray@bishops.org.za

ODs are welcome to attend and can contact Paul for details on forthcoming society meetings held at The Mitre.

Members of Forum at the talk (photo credit, Bishops Archives).