Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club
Attendance: 37 members were in attendance.

Apologies: Joe Alcorn, Jim Archer, John Graham, John McGlade and Reggie Patterson. (5)

The President, Mike Turner, welcomed members to the meeting. He was also delighted to introduce this morning’s speaker Robert Spotten the topic of his talk being the “The Craft of a Goldsmith.” Robert is of course the son of Club Member Cecil Spotten.

Robert on leaving school, and after completing a basic jewellery course at the Technical College, served a five year apprenticeship with a local jeweller. This led to seventeen years of learning his trade and developing his skills as a goldsmith. The closure of the business was the impetus Robert and his wife needed to go into business themselves as designers and makers of fine jewellery. On viewing examples of his exceptional work it is easy to see why Robert has gained the reputation of being one of the most experienced and talented designer goldsmiths in N. Ireland.

A question and answer session followed the talk. A summary of the talk is available in the speaker’s record book and here on the club website.
A vote of thanks, proposed by John Ludlow, was passed to Robert by the President. The members showed their appreciation of an excellent presentation.

Weekly Business:
Minutes: The minutes of the 17th October 2017 were read, approved by the members, and signed by the President.

Matters arising: None not covered by the agenda.

Correspondence: None.

Reports:
Social: Des Johnston confirmed that 11 bookings have been received for the club lunch on Tuesday 31st October. Reservations must be submitted to the caterers by Friday 27th October. Members wishing to book should contact Joe or Des as soon as possible.

Welfare: Cecil Spotten reported that Jim Foote was in hospital for two weeks. He is now at home and is making good progress.

Treasurer: Nigel Semple indicated that he has nothing new to report.

A.O.B: Details of “Carer Support Groups” from the Alzheimer’s Society can be viewed at the signing in table.

Next Meeting: The next meeting will be held on Tue. 7th Nov. 2017 when the speaker will be Jay Nethercot on the subject of “The Ulster Gliding Club”.

The President reminded members of the Club lunch on Tuesday 31st October and hoped for a good turnout. He also reminded committee members of the committee meeting to be held on Tuesdasy, 7th Nov. at 9:30 am in the Dalzell room at the Golf Club.

The meeting closed at 11:58 am.

Signed: Mike Turner
President
Date: 7th November 2017.