Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club
Held in Portstewart Golf Club on Tuesday 8 April 2014.

Attendance: 34 members were present.

Apologies: Peter Fitzgerald, Eric Fulton, Ivan Gough, John Graham, Jack Henderson, Norman Irwin, Des Johnston, Aubrey McElhinney, John McGlade, Mervyn Patterson, Michael Turner, John White

Club President, Gordon Ward, welcomed members to the meeting. The format of which is slightly changed with the weekly business coming first, to be followed by a special presentation relating to the Probus All Ireland Rally.

Minutes: The Minutes of the 1 April 2014 were read, agreed and signed by the President.

Matters arising: None not covered by the agenda.

Correspondence: None.

Reports:

Social: Jim Gordon distributed the menus for the Club lunch to be held on Tuesday 29 April 2014. These should be returned at the next meeting to be held on 15 April. It should be noted that there is no Club meeting on Easter Tuesday, 22 April.
The President commented that the standard of catering has improved and he would encourage members to book in for this next lunch which will be the last before the summer break.

Welfare: Cecil Spotten reported that Sam Barr is currently in rehab. Ross Torrens further commented that the family are now caring for Sam at home and the doctors’ prognosis is not good. The thoughts and prayers of the members are with Sam and his family.

Treasurer: Nothing to report.

Next Speaker’s Meeting will be held on Tuesday 15 April 2014 when Mr Peter Semple will give a talk on “The Plantation of Ulster”. This will be very appropriate since Coleraine, a Plantation Town, has recently celebrated 400 years of history.

All Ireland Probus Rally 2014:

The President introduced the Presentation dealing with the Rally and reminded members that the decision to organise the All Ireland Rally was made as part of the 25th Anniversary of the Coleraine Probus Club. He was impressed by the progress made to date and wanted to make sure that as many members as possible are involved.

Slide Show:

John McHenry gave a brief introduction of the slide show entitled "Scenes of the North Coast”.
The slides, assembled by Des Moore, gave an intriguing view of the North Coast area from Londonderry to Cushendun. The show to be located in a room off the Hotel Foyer, runs for 10 minutes, each slide remaining on screen for 7 seconds, all operating on a continuous loop.
Tourist information leaflets will also be suitably displayed in the Hotel.

The members made the following comments.
• The 7 second timing is satisfactory.
• Can slides illustrating the following be included -
The Dark Hedges (“Game of Thrones”)
Map covering the geography of the slides
View taken from Gortmore on Bishop’s Road
Milk Cup – photographs giving a flavour of the International status of this competition.

DVD of Slide Show – could this be produced for distribution.

Background music is very suitable, although repetitive. Reduce slightly the volume.

Check the spelling of Mussenden and check the spelling of Padraig Harrington.

Causeway tram shots are repetitive.

Remove the slide of the Bertie Peacock statue. The background is unsightly.

Include a slide of the Joey and Robert Dunlop statues in Ballymoney.

The blue and yellow background reflects the Probus colours.

John McHenry and Des Moore were appreciative of the members comments and will include the recommendations where technology permits.

Volunteer Task Forms

Jim Gordon was encouraged by the number of task forms completed to date. 30 to 40 lunch table hosts will be required to give direction and advice to delegates. A good response was obtained from the local Portstewart Club.
In reply to Joe Alcorn, it was confirmed that two guides will be provided to usher tour guests from the hotel to the tour coaches on Thursday morning.
There will be an opportunity for those who have not already signed up to do so after this meeting.

Registration of Club Members

The President outlined the details contained on the Registration Forms. Delegates who attend the Rally Lunch will provide menu details for the starter and main courses. (It was later confirmed that Guests may come to the Rally Lunch on payment of the £36.00 (48 euros).
Numbers for the Mayoral Reception are limited to 200 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Delegates and Guests are eligible to attend the Reception. Should the applications exceed the capacity, then Coleraine Club members may have to forgo their place at the reception. Preference will be given to those who have travelled a long distance.
Members will be able to register after this meeting.

Cost of Registration

In appreciation for the support of Coleraine Club members there will be a reduced registration fee of £30.00, a discount of £6.00. This has been budgeted for in the Coleraine Probus Club accounts. Cheques to be payable to “Coleraine Probus Rally”..

The President thanked everyone for attending and hoped to see all the members at our next meeting.

Meeting closed at 11.50am.

Signed: Gordon Ward
Date: 15 April 2014