Press Release Dursley ‘91 Probus Club. Monthly Meeting Monday th 13 February 2017.

The Club held their February meeting at the Dursley Community Centre, with approximately 60 members present. In the absence of President Mike Robinson the meeting was chaired by Vice President Martin Lee. As a mark of respect, the meeting stood in silence to mark the passing of Bryan Davies, a long time and regular member. VP Martin then welcomed guest speaker Tony Conder, Mike Griffiths, guest of Ted Collett, Les Duncum, guest of Derek Browning and Robert Jenkins, guest of Edwin Nuttall. With some delight, VP Martin then changed the status of Les Duncum from guest to full member, presenting him with a new membership badge to the clear approval of the members present.

Club Secretary Martin Budden was asked to report on the recent Club Social evening when members and partners were entertained by Chris Evans of the Butterfly Garden. Martin viewed the talk by Chris as captivating and inspirational, this together with quality refreshments made for a memorable evening. The calendar of forthcoming events was then reviewed. February brings a visit to the Medieval Library in Gloucester Cathedral. A number of us will follow this with lunch at “The Vinings” in Gloucester Docks. In March we pay a return visit to the Morgan Factory in Malvern. This “boys day out” is being managed by Committee Member Peter Jenner who has also arranged a trencherman’s lunch at a local hostelry. April brings a visit to Renishaw when we will be able to look around their Showroom and the impressive display of cutting edge products of this highly successful local Company. Our Annual Lunch has now been fixed for May 4th at Bowden Hall, Upton St Leonards. Uptake has been immediate and enthusiastic, with over half the places booked at the first offering.

Guest speaker Tony Conder’s topic was “Gloucester Docks, Then and Now.” Tony was well qualified on this subject, have first come to Gloucester to open the National Waterways Museum. Originally the Docks were a river port, subsidiary to Bristol, the seagoing port. Traffic had to negotiate the hazardous passage on the Severn, operations were of necessity seasonal with passage in winter and summer almost impossible. Despite this, trade developed to the point where the port was awarded Customs status in 1580, the Customs House remains to this day. Development of the Gloucester- Sharpness Canal was pivotal. Conceived during the peak of canal development in the late 1700’s, it took 34 years to build, survived bankruptcy and ended 4 times over budget, “plus ça change” was Tony’s wry comment! Supported by some quality historic visuals, Tony traced the waxing and waning of the Dock’s life, noting the effect of the nation’s major historic events and the changing economic demands of the region.

The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Past President Brian Lamerton, VP Martin then closed the meeting and members retired to the Bar followed by lunch.