A VIEW of the river Danube, one of Europe's busiest waterways, winding its way through the two halves of Hungary's capital Budapest was the start of a captivating talk by Gordon Thorne, given to Prestwich and Whitefield Probus club.

Hungarian Rhapsody was the talk's title and it was obvious that Gordon is hooked on the country as his knowledgeable talk unfolded. This stemmed from regular visits following upon friendships formed when two young Hungarians fled to Manchester, after the youth-led uprising against their Russian dominators in 1956.

Hungary's people are freedom-loving and great talkers, forever wanting to see their country, catch up with much higher living standards enjoyed by others throughout the European Union. With incomes about one-fifth of what we accept there is a huge gap to be made up in this predominantly peasant-led agricultural country. Between towns there are huge expanses of undeveloped land in which fire can easily consume dry scrub in the summer.

A feature of many towns is the rising tower from which the firewatch is maintained. As a retired professional architect, Gordon opened up so much of buildings' decorative features, even the iron grilles which protect open windows from possible intruders in the summer's heat. Sweeping staircases with highly ornamental lighting standards have been preserved and restored, along with the buildings, to former glories you would expect in a part of the former Austro-Hungarian empire. External painting in a sulphurous yellow was typical of many fine buildings. Simple but lavish internal decor in white and gold was very striking.

Deliberately designed features concealed the central heating system. With so many folk heroes in a strife-torn past there are many fine bronze and marble statues to remind folks of their history. Away from urban life basic country dwellings were shown too, with their high-pitched timber roofs with more overhang than we know. Outside galleries covered in vines lead to the rooms within. You could almost smell the acacia as Gordon waxed eloquently on the vegetation and wildlife.

Those young men befriended 50 years ago now have extended families widening our speaker's Hungarian friendships. A music lover himself, the rhapsody of his talk's title was music throughout an enthralling talk. Many questions followed.

B.H.