Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club
Held in Portstewart Golf Club on Tuesday 17th September 2013

Attendance: 36 members were present.

Apologies: Robert Campbell, Jim Foote, Noel Finlay, Ronnie Gray, Jack Henderson, Hamilton Houston, John Leslie, Aubrey McElhinney, Norman Maxwell, Ian Murray, Gareth Parry, Robin Semple and Gordon Ward (13). Also Dermot Jennings, Bob McIvor and Nigel Semple for having to leave early.

Club President Graham Kane welcomed club members and guests Mary Sinnamon (our NI Rotary Liaison Officer and Rally advisor) and Paddy Fitzpatrick. The President then introduced our speaker for the morning, Mr Derek Ewing MBE, who gave a highly entertaining talk about 'the life and times of a professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies'. A brief summary of this talk, is available in the Speakers Record Book, and on the club web site for members interest. A vote of thanks was proposed by Ross Torrens and was passed on by the President. The members showed their appreciation.

At the start of the 'business' part of the meeting, the President welcomed new member James Dinsmore and presented him with his Probus Pin, club name badge and club information.

Minutes: The minutes of the meeting on 10th September 2013 were taken as read.

Matters arising: None not covered by the agenda

Correspondence: Our speaker from the previous week had written to thank us for the opportunity to come along to talk to us, and he had very much enjoyed the morning - as we all did!

Rally 2014: The President asked Rally Chairman Jim Gordon, to give the members a brief update on the state of play following our early morning meeting, which Mary Sinnamon had be able to attend and give considerable help. A copy of the notes from this meeting, are available in the general club 'Minutes Book'.

Social: Jim Gordon reminded members about the Club Lunch on 24th September, and also about our special 25th Anniversary meal on 26th November at he Lodge Hotel. The club would be inviting guests from other clubs and organisations; asking founder and long standing members to participate; providing some musical entertainment. It was hoped that all members and their partners would make a special effort to support this unique event in the club's history.

Welfare: Cecil Spotten said that there was little change to the previous report, but added that Ronnie Gray was absent today as he was quite poorly. It was also sad to note that Jim Foote and John Leslie were absent due to a death in the family.

Treasurer: No report as Nigel was absent.

A O B: New Member: Jim Archer proposed Paddy Fitzpatrick for club membership. This was seconded Cecil Spotten and agreed by all the members.

Club Ties: The Secretary had been asked about making new club ties available for the 25th Anniversary and All Ireland Rally. It was agreed that a order sheet should be started at the next speakers meeting for members.

Next Club Meeting: Would be the September Lunch, 12.00 for 12.30 meal at the Golf Club.

Next Speakers Meeting: Would be on 1st October, when the guest speaker would be Mr Robert Alcorn who will talk about being a 'resident magistrate'.

Meeting closed at 12.15pm

SIGNED: Graham Kane
DATE: 1st October 2013