Speaker for 19th January 2016
20/01/16 18:02
Photo: Club President John Graham greets Hugh McGrattan, with club members Reggie Patterson (L) and Graham Kane (R)
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Coleraine Probus had a special look into the past at their recent club meeting. The well known former journalist, photographer and local historian Hugh McGrattan, came along to give the members an enthralling talk and slide show, all about 'Old Portrush'. The subject of the talk was very close to Hugh's heart, being born and brought up in 'the port on the promontory', as the town was originally known as (and coincidentally is also the title of Hugh's latest book on the history of Portrush! - *see below).
The development of Portrush really started in 1806, when Coleraine needed a good harbour as the Bann was continually silting up and ships were having difficulty in docking. Enlarging the small dock at the port on the promontory was seen as the ideal solution. As with the time honoured procedure of acting on council decisions, it took another 20 years before work began, and about another 20 before it was completed and looked similar to what it does today.
Hugh showed members a splendid selection of 35mm slides of old photos, postcards and shots he had taken over the last 40 years. These traced to growth of the town, it's famous buildings and it's visitors - holiday makers, golfers, ships, trains and even 'curtsey visits' by navel warships like HMS Hood.
A particularly interesting part of the talk was the section Hugh gave to remarkable people in the town's history. These ranged from various Ministers; the first station master; hoteliers; Henry Hamilton (of 'The White House' fame); a selection of entertainers, and a surprising number of extraordinary women who were years ahead of their time and did so much to develop the town.
The vote of thanks was given by Graham Kane, who vividly remembered jumping off the harbour wall, to splash into the sea on his holidays. These happy memories were all brought back to him by Hugh's fascinating and enlightening talk.
For a look at 'Old Portrush' yourself, just 'Click' the button below to see some photos we have gleaned from the Internet similar to the selection shown by Hugh.
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Talk by Mr. Hugh McGrattan who takes us to 'Old Portrush'
Coleraine Probus had a special look into the past at their recent club meeting. The well known former journalist, photographer and local historian Hugh McGrattan, came along to give the members an enthralling talk and slide show, all about 'Old Portrush'. The subject of the talk was very close to Hugh's heart, being born and brought up in 'the port on the promontory', as the town was originally known as (and coincidentally is also the title of Hugh's latest book on the history of Portrush! - *see below).
The development of Portrush really started in 1806, when Coleraine needed a good harbour as the Bann was continually silting up and ships were having difficulty in docking. Enlarging the small dock at the port on the promontory was seen as the ideal solution. As with the time honoured procedure of acting on council decisions, it took another 20 years before work began, and about another 20 before it was completed and looked similar to what it does today.
Hugh showed members a splendid selection of 35mm slides of old photos, postcards and shots he had taken over the last 40 years. These traced to growth of the town, it's famous buildings and it's visitors - holiday makers, golfers, ships, trains and even 'curtsey visits' by navel warships like HMS Hood.
A particularly interesting part of the talk was the section Hugh gave to remarkable people in the town's history. These ranged from various Ministers; the first station master; hoteliers; Henry Hamilton (of 'The White House' fame); a selection of entertainers, and a surprising number of extraordinary women who were years ahead of their time and did so much to develop the town.
The vote of thanks was given by Graham Kane, who vividly remembered jumping off the harbour wall, to splash into the sea on his holidays. These happy memories were all brought back to him by Hugh's fascinating and enlightening talk.
For a look at 'Old Portrush' yourself, just 'Click' the button below to see some photos we have gleaned from the Internet similar to the selection shown by Hugh.
*To read a review of of Hugh McGrattan's new book, just 'Click on the book cover below (this will open in a new window).
