Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club

Attendance: 41 members were in attendance.

Apologies: James Dinsmore, John Dobson, Norman Irwin , Des Johnston, Reggie Patterson, John Tan, Jim Torrens and Gordon Ward. (8)

Club President Jim Archer welcomed members and guest Richard Russell to the meeting. He extended sympathies to Danny Kennedy on the recent death of his brother John. This morning’s speaker, John Moore, was then introduced, the topic of his two talks being “The History of Portrush Railway Station followed by Post Cards of the First World War.”
The President thanked John for stepping in at very short notice to replace Clare Sugden, MLA. who had to attend today at the N.I. Assembly.

Talk no.1. THE HISTORY OF PORTRUSH RAILWAY STATION.

With the development of the Railway System between 1848 and 1855 Portrush developed into a substantial tourist resort. John gave an interesting history of the development of Portrush Railway Station. The railway building, in a half timbered Mock Tudor Style, was designed by engineer and architect Berkley Deane Wise. The building was completed in 1893 and closed as a station in 1960. Since then the building has been used as an amusement arcade, a night club and is currently a retail outlet. After 120 years it deserves a new lease of life to continue to serve Portrush, hopefully as a railway station.

Talk no.2 POST CARDS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR.

In his second talk John gave a fascinating view of the heritage and development of 1st World War postcards which were aimed at boosting the morale of both troops and civilians. His interest was fostered by a find of old postcards while clearing out his father’s house. Some cards depicted flags of the nations, romantic scenes and war ships of the navy, but always with a message of encouragement. Cartoons also played an important role. Bruce Bairnsfather, a soldier who was hospitalised in Belgium in 1915 used his time of recovery to create the cartoon character “Old Bill” who featured in many of the postcards. Whether used for propaganda or as a means of encouragement, these postcards provided a cultural record at glance of what people were thinking at the time.

A question and answer session followed the talks.

A brief summary of these talks is available in the speaker’s record book and here on the club website.

A vote of thanks proposed by Des Moore was passed on to John Moore by The President. The members showed their appreciation.

Weekly Business:

Minutes: Because of time limitation it was agreed that the minutes of 8th March 2016 be taken as read. These were then signed by the President.

Matters arising: None not covered by the agenda.

Correspondence: None.

Reports
Social: Joe Alcorn said that the Menus for the Club Lunch on Tue. 22nd March are now available Menu choices can be returned by phone up to Friday 18 March.

Welfare: Cecil Spotten reported that Alex Elliot is in good health but has difficulty in walking. Arthur Nicholl is at home and is now blind. Norman Austin is very frail. He would appreciate visits at the Cottage Nursing Home.

Treasurer: Nothing to report.

A O B:
1. The President proposed that Richard Russell be admitted to membership of Coleraine Probus Club.The proposal was seconded by Norman Maxwell and approved unanimously by the members present.

2. Please note that there will be no Probus Meeting on Easter Tuesday 29th March.

Next Speakers Meeting: Will be on Tue. 5th April 2016 when the guest speaker will be Fiona Watters the topic of her talk being “Council Waste and Recycling”
The President thanked members for attending and hoped to see them at the next meeting.
The meeting closed at 12:13pm.

Signed Jim Archer
President.
Date 5th April 2016