THE PROBUS CLUB OF MALVERN

THE Annual General meeting on April 27 was opened by the Chair Bill Major.

A number of business matters were speedily dealt with including new criteria for Honorary Membership before the election of Officers for the coming year. Mike Taylor, the new Chairperson, thanked Bill for what had been an excellent year with many new members, noting that it was going to be a hard act to follow!

Arthur Elliott, our speaker was then introduced. Arthur is a Malvern Probus member who for many years was Director of Electrical Services for Blackpool, retiring in 1988. Step by step, or rather light by light, we were taken on a journey that stirred so many memories. From 1879, when the first display of 8 arc lamps were switched on, to 1912 when there was a record 10,000 light illumination switched on by Princess Louise. At this point the Chamber of Trade realised what a money spinner this could be and thus in the mid-war period the display, together now with animated tableaux extended the length of the Promenade. In 1949 the lights were allowed to be switched on again and very soon Blackpool Illuminations became a major attraction with thousands of coaches and special trains bringing visitors from all over the country and well known celebrities including Gracie Fields, Jayne Mansfield and Dr Who, accompanied by Daleks switching on!

Our next meeting is on Monday, May 18 when our guest speaker is Dr Chris Upton telling the story of The Lunar Society: the Men who made the Modern World.

Our meetings are held in the Abbey Hotel. Tea and coffee is available from 10am and the meeting begins at 10.30am. Guests are very welcome to join us. Our programme for the second half of 2015 will shortly be posted in Malvern Library, and individual leaflets are available the small cabinet on the right hand side as you enter the main library. For further information please e-mail the Programme Secretary, t.batesworc@btinternet.com.

TONY BATES