Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club
Attendance: 35 members were in attendance.

Apologies: (8) Robin Blackford, Noel Finlay, John Graham, Billy Holmes, Des Johnston, Cecil Leitch, John O'Neill and Reggie Patterson.

The President, gave a warm welcome to the members. He then introduced this mornings speaker, Alan Sharp, the topic of his talk being “Why Versailles 1919 is still important.”

Alan Sharp, a Professor of History at The University of Ulster for 49 years, retired as Provost of the Coleraine Campus in 2009. The Treaty of Versailles 1919 to '23 attempted to successfully reduce Germany's military capabilities and provide German repatriation payments within a long term context. Alan's brilliant analysis of the Treaties outcome gave the members a crystal clear understanding of the history and resultant reorganisation of the various Empires extending even to Israel the Balkans and the Middle East. The continuing instability in Europe cannot be wholly attributed to the Peacemakers of 1919 - 1923.

A further summary of this talk is available in the speaker's record book and here on the club website.

A question and answer session followed the talk. A vote of thanks proposed by Ian Murray was passed on to Alan by The President.

Weekly Business:
Minutes: The minutes of the 3rd September 2019 were, with the approval of the members, taken as read and signed by the President. These can be viewed on the Club website.

Matters arising: None.

Correspondence: None.

Reports:
Social. Joe Alcorn reminded the members that the Club Carvary Lunch will be held in The Lodge Hotel on Tue. 24th Sept.12:00 for 12:30 pm. See the attendance sheet on the signing in table.

Welfare. Cecil Spotten has nothing to report.

Treasurer. Nigel Semple has nothing to report.

Any Other Business.
1. Ken Parkes reminded members that the Summer and Autumn Editions of the Probus Magazine are now available. Mike's excellent report on the visit to the Railway Museum can be seen in the Autumn edition. A small donation to cover the cost of postage would be appreciated.
2. Equipment Storage. The President confirmed that there is a waiting list for lockers at the Golf Club and none would therefore be available for Probus. A delegation will discuss the matter with the Golf Club representatives.

Next Meeting: The next speakers meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th September 2019. when James McDowell will give a talk on “Rathlin and its Wildlife.”

Closing Remarks. The President, thanked members for attending. He will be on holiday for two weeks and the chair will be taken next week by the Vice President.

The meeting closed at 12:00 noon.

Signed: Derick Woods
Vice President
Date: 17th September 2019