Local teacher Philippa Patterson isn’t just an expert in classrooms.

She’s also a person with considerable knowledge of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, buried under tonnes of ash when nearby Mt Vesuvius exploded in AD 79.

Philippa has been to the site recently on a study tour and will bring to the function on May 30 details and photos of current excavations.

Although Philipa’s presentation at the Old Vic Inn is the main focus of the AFUW at present, it has other upcoming events it is planning.

Their first function of the year was held at the Cowra Golf Club with guest speaker associate professor Alison Biddulph, who presented a spellbinding address of law and order in contemporary China. This function was also their awards night and presentation of the scholarship to the young woman in the Central West with the highest UAI, this year, Stehpanie McCabe from Hennesy College in Young. Stephanie has commenced studies at ANU in a Bachelor of Science (Advanced Honours degree and intends to continue on to study Medicine.

Also, Emily Puddicombe was recently presented with the annual Central West AFUW award at the graduation ceremony at Charles Sturt University Bathurst.

This award is given to the most meritorious woman graduate.

In August, the group will be hosting well known media identity Caroline Jones, who will speak at a lunchtime event on Sunday, August 23.

For more information on the Australian Federation of University Women’s Pompeii and the Herculaneum presentation, at a cost of $35 per person, contact Anne Holloway on 6345 1819, Uma Kumar 6344 1591 or Alison Biddulph on 6344 1324.