Speaker for Tuesday 19th February 2013 - Sir Robin Masefield
21/02/13 18:30
Photo: President Graham Kane greets Sir Robin Masefield, with Press Officer John Dobson and Talks Co-ordinator John McHenry
Talk by Sir Robin Masefield - ‘The Grey Point Fort’
President Graham Kane introduced Sir Robin Masefield the speaker for the day.
Sir Robin, who before his retirement had been the Director of the N.I. Prison Service proceeded to give a fascinating and most informative talk, using a power point presentation on Grey Point Fort.
Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th Century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles, and is unique to Northern Ireland. Grey Point Fort houses a most unusual hands-on military museum. The fort was completed in 1907,with at its heart two massive 6 inch diameter guns which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough. However during the German air attacks of 1941 the guns were of limited value.
There are still 2 magnificent 23 feet long guns replacements for the originals which had been sold for scrap in 1957,when the fort largely closed down. However with an army of volunteers, Sir Robin being one, a museum of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weaponry are now on display.
There is also a unique collection of radio equipment spanning over 100 years, including a Bletchley Park receiver and material from a Lancaster bomber together with a section devoted to the Titanic.
Sir Robin concluded his talk by taking questions from members which he handled with aplomb and a neat sense of humour.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Joe Wishart who congratulated Sir Robin on his talk which had been both very enjoyable and most informative. This was duly passed on by the President.
Talk by Sir Robin Masefield - ‘The Grey Point Fort’
President Graham Kane introduced Sir Robin Masefield the speaker for the day.
Sir Robin, who before his retirement had been the Director of the N.I. Prison Service proceeded to give a fascinating and most informative talk, using a power point presentation on Grey Point Fort.
Grey Point Fort is one of the best preserved early 20th Century coastal forts anywhere in the British Isles, and is unique to Northern Ireland. Grey Point Fort houses a most unusual hands-on military museum. The fort was completed in 1907,with at its heart two massive 6 inch diameter guns which commanded the entrance to Belfast Lough. However during the German air attacks of 1941 the guns were of limited value.
There are still 2 magnificent 23 feet long guns replacements for the originals which had been sold for scrap in 1957,when the fort largely closed down. However with an army of volunteers, Sir Robin being one, a museum of military memorabilia, including medals, uniforms, photographs and weaponry are now on display.
There is also a unique collection of radio equipment spanning over 100 years, including a Bletchley Park receiver and material from a Lancaster bomber together with a section devoted to the Titanic.
Sir Robin concluded his talk by taking questions from members which he handled with aplomb and a neat sense of humour.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Joe Wishart who congratulated Sir Robin on his talk which had been both very enjoyable and most informative. This was duly passed on by the President.
(Press Officer, John Dobson)
