Minutes of the meeting of Coleraine Probus Club
Attendance: 30 members were in attendance.

Apologies (14) Joe Alcorn, Sam Boyd, Norman Gallagher, Jack Henderson, Billy Holmes, Des Johnston, Graham Kane, John McGlade, John McHenry, John McKegney, John O’Neill, Reggie Patterson, Nigel Semple and Stanley White.

The Vice President, Derick Woods, gave a warm welcome to the members on this sunny morning. He then introduced this mornings speaker, James McDowell, the topic of his talk being “Rathlin and its Wildlife.”

James, a volunteer with the RSPB, spends time on Rathlin between April and September, The RSPB Nature Reserve is a stretch of basalt cliff along the North coast of the island. The viewing point at the West Lighthouse, constructed between 1912 and 1917, provides spectacular views of the large nesting colonies of Guillemots, and Kittiwakes with the off shore stacks providing a safe haven for Razorbills, Fulmars, Puffins and Pufflings (Junior Puffins). Each year 250,000 sea birds arrive on the island.

Rathlin is served by two ferry boats which during the season transports 24,000 tourists to the island to visit the West Lighthouse Visitor’s Centre. A sensitive farming regime provides succour for wild flowers including wild orchids which grow in profusion providing cover for Irish Red Hare and the rare Golden Hare, a species unique to Rathlin. Corncrakes, meadow pippin and a selection of butterflies and moths are also attracted to the area.

The rocky eastern shore, close to the East Lighthouse, built in 1924, and the famed Bruce’s Cave, is home to both common and grey seals. James’s presentation, illustrated with superb atmospheric photographs, brought to life the wide variety of wildlife on Rathlin.

A further summary of this talk is available in the speaker’s record book and here on the club website.

A question and answer session followed the talk. A vote of thanks proposed by John Graham was passed to James by The Vice President.

Weekly Business:
Minutes: The minutes of the 10th September 2019 were read, approved by the members and signed by the Vice President.

Matters arising: None.

Correspondence: An email from Pearl Hutchinson publicised “An Evening of Scottish Music” on Thursday 19th September at 7:30 pm. in Kilrea Orange Hall, Admission £5:00.

Reports.
Social. Club Carvery Lunch will be held in The Lodge Hotel on Tue. 24th Sept. 12:00 noon for 12:30 pm. See the attendance sheet on the signing in table.

Welfare. Cecil Spotten reported that Jim Gordon is now in Cookstown and has settled well into the Nursing Home.

Treasurer. Nigel Semple has submitted an apology.

Any Other Business.
1. Limavady Probus Invitation, Wed. 25th Sept. in The Drummond Hotel, 10:15 f0r 10:45 am. Speaker David Stephens; “Navigating the Perfect Storm”.
2. Equipment Storage. There is a waiting list for lockers at the Golf Club and none would therefore be available for Probus. A delegation will discuss the matter with the Golf Club representatives.
3. The Big Breakfast. In support of the Coleraine Fife and Drum Band who have been invited, in their 100th year, to take part in The London Lord Mayor’s Show. Breakfast on Saturday 21st Sept. 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Next Meeting: The next speaker’s meeting will be held on Tuesday 1st October 2019. when Matt Scrimgeour will give a talk on “The National Trust North Coast Impact Study.”
Closing Remarks. The Vice President thanked members for attending. He reminded them to sign. the attendance sheets if they hope to go to the Club Lunch or accept the Limavady Probus Invitation.
The meeting closed at 12:12 pm.

Signed: Derick Woods
Vice President
Date: 1st October 2019