THE meeting on Monday, August 11 was the first time the new sound amplification system created by member Robin Whittlestone had been used.

It worked well, and ensured that everyone could hear clearly the absorbing talk given by Brian Harper, who is a leading member of The Transition Gasketeers.

The Gasketeers were set up by Transition Malvern Hills - which is a volunteer group which supports community responses to climate change - to improve Malvern's remaining gas lighting.

Brian explained that in Malvern, gas lamp provision had started in the mid 19th century and was the initial reason for providing a gas supply. Domestic use had followed. At the beginning of the 20th century Malvern had well over 1000 gas street lights. As time went on, though, and particularly after electric sodium lighting became popular, the gas lamps ceased to be well maintained and many were scrapped. There was enthusiasm in some quarters for getting rid of them all. However, in 1999, when something over 100 lamps remained, they were listed. Their future as objects in the streetscape was thus secured, but listing did nothing to improve their inefficient fuel usage nor the inadequate light they gave.

The skilled and capable Gasketeer volunteers investigated the feasibility of improving the lanterns. A survey was carried out, and new optics and electronic controls designed, using electric ignition instead of pilot lights. Better burners are available from Germany and North America where gas lighting is still used. The refurbished lights are now working. In addition to vastly improved optical performance, gas consumption has decreased by about 70%. All this has been generally welcomed, albeit one of our members made it clear that he does not consider gas lighting to be a good idea.

However, Malvern Link Probus is a friendly club, where members are not expected always to hold similar views. A Malvern man thinking about joining a local Probus Club has a few to choose from. Malvern Link Probus, which welcomes new members, in addition to friendliness, offers at its meetings high quality talks and a minimum of formality. No chains of office here.

Our next meeting, at the United Reformed Church hall in the Link, will start at 10am on Monday, September 1, when John Nixon will be talking about China. Please telephone Paul Dunleavey 01684 565190 for further details.

PAUL DUNLEAVEY