Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club
Held in Portstewart Golf Club on Tuesday 7th October 2014

Attendance: 40 members were present

Apologies: Leslie Brennan, Eric Fulton, Jim Gordon, Jack Henderson, Dermot Jennings, Billy Platt, and Cecil Spotten (7)

Club President Gordon Ward welcomed members and guest, Christine Turner, to the meeting. The President said that he was especially pleased to see club member Jim Hillis, and that he knew that he was talking for all the members when he offered his sincere condolences to Jim on the sad passing of his wife Avril. On a lighter note, the President noted this being October, it was just 26 years ago the club was founded, in October 1988. To mark the occasion, he had a special gift to our oldest regularly attending member, Norman Irwin, who was heading towards his 96th birthday. Also, there was another special gift, for another long time supporter of the Club, Peter FitzGerald, who had just passed another milestone and celebrated his 90th birthday. Both the members were presented with a 'Happy Birthday' balloon. The President then went on to introduce our speaker for the morning Mr. Tony Bareham, who told the very interesting 'Story of Tea'. A brief summary of this talk is available in the Speakers Record Book, and also on the club web site. A vote of thanks was proposed by Ian Scott and was passed on by the President. The members showed their appreciation.

Minutes: The minutes of the 23rd September 2014 were taken as read, as we were running a little late.

Matters arising: None not covered by the agenda.

Correspondence: None.

Social: John Graham reported on the Club Lunch on 23rd September. There were 26 people attending this very enjoyable occasion. The quality of the meal was markedly better than it had been on previous occasions.

Welfare: Cecil Spotten being unable to attend had phoned his report to John McHenry. John told us that Jack Henderson had taken a fall and cracked two ribs. Jim Foote was still in hospital but continuing to improve. Don Bell had worsened and was now in Cornfield Nursing Home. Finally, Arnold Carson had fallen after he had received a hip replacement. He is in Altnagalvin, quite confused and needs three people to help him walk a few steps.

A O B: 1. CPR Demonstration, The President said that this will be in two weeks time, and we would like members to bring along their wives and partners. Please let us know next week, so we can make sure there are sufficient chairs available.
2. Concert. The Causeway Chorale and soloists would be giving a free concert at the Methodist Church, Coleraine, starting at 8pm on Thursday 16th October. Donations would go to the Church building fund.

Next Speakers Meeting: Would be on 14th October, where the guest speaker would be Mr. Robert Park, telling us about 'The Skelligs'

The President thanked members for attending and hoped everyone would be along next week.

Meeting closed at 12.00 am

SIGNED: Gordon Ward
DATE: 14th October 2014