Meeting reports 2023 - 2024
AGM 2023, 26 April 2023.
The financial review was given by Treasurer Keith, with a recommendation that the subscriptions for the year be raised to £50. This was accepted. Hon. Auditor Derek confirmed that the statement was accurate, and suggested that the attendance fee should also be increased from £2 to £3. Both increases deemed necessary owing to speaker fees increasing & the probability that the charges by Masonic would go up too.
Retiring president Brian gave his review of his year & thanked his team for their support. He then passed the Badge of Office over to incoming president Donald, who then took over the meeting.
The other Officers & committee were then duly elected.
There being no further business, the meeting was closed, and those staying for lunch enjoyed their meal & fellowship.
Bletchley Park, Jan Hicks. 10th May 2023
Jan gave us a slightly different approach to the now well documented activities at Station X. Her approach focussed more on the people, rather than the technicalities. Interesting & informative.
Desert Island Discs, 24th May 2023.
This year's subject was Donald Fletcher. From his early life in Oldham, to his time in the Merchant Navy & then the legal profession, Donald shared an eclectic mix of music. Starting with 'On Oldham Edge' by the Oldham Tinkers & concluding with the Hallelujah chorus.
The Art of Letter Writing, Paul Neston. 14th June, 2023.
The art of writing is being lost, as Paul pointed out. Much of what is written today will not be recorded on paper, and will disappear... He read out examples of many interesting letters, including some by the Queen and Lady Clementine Churchill. Another interesting speaker, who held our attention throughout.
Northeners - Ice Age to 21st Century, Brian Groom. 28th June 2023.
Based on his book of the same name, Brian used his experience as a journalist at the Financial Times to produce an exellent talk. Several members chose to purchase his book after he finished. Highly recommended!
Medicine & Music, Dr. Chris Babbs. 13th September 2023.
Not quite what we expected! Chris opened by commenting that many physicians throughout history were also competent musicians, especially surgeons, when manual dexterity was particlarly relevant. The reverse was often true too, when music was the primary ocupation. He went on to give many examples, and then turned to the questions most of us had anticipated - is music beneficial to health? Well yes, is the answer. He cited several examples of early surgery, with no anesthetic but music being played, where the patient appeared to have no pain. Suitably soothing music in the operating theatre also helps doctors perform better, being more relaxed.
An interesting & informative talk.
Mary's Musical Interlude, 27th September.
Non of us knew what to expect. No, not a musically themed quiz, but a very interesting talk based on Mary's family tree & the several composers that were related to her. A very competent audio visual presentation, tracing her history over several generations. It's surprising what a bit of genealogy can turn up!
Nostalgia - memories of the 50s & 60s. Peter Watson. 11th October 2023.
An interesting person, Peter. He challenged us with several questions about only perhaps 8 or 10 products of the 50s & 60s.
Just one example - why is the liberty bodice so called? Those of a certain age may recall wearing such a garment in childhood for winter warmth. Well it originated in America in the late 19th century for housemaids, who found trying to work in the traditional corset difficult, as bending down was very uncomortable.
Six Wives of Henry VIII. Rev. Canon Fleur Green. 25th October 2023.
Whilst we are all familiar the wives of Henry VIII, Fleur's presentation was original, very well presented & held everyone's attention throughout. The story brought out many interesting connections between the wives & their relations. Fascinating...
Great Uncle Percy. by Glenda Shaw. 8th November 2023.
I'd never heard of Percy Shaw - until this talk. Born in 1890 in Halifax, he was an invetor & businessman. We all know what 'cat's eyes' are, marking the centre of the road, but did you know that Percy Shaw invented them, and that they are still manufactured in the same factory in Halifax? Glenda's story was humorous and and Percy's life story was remarkable!
Star of Bethlehem. 22nd November 2023. Martin Lunn. MBE
An intriguing story of a story. What was the 'Star' at the time of Christ's birth? Martin put forward several possible explanations, and why they were unlikely to be correct. A challenging exercise, as calendars changed throughout history - even Christmas is not where we celebrate it!
His research - which took several years - is still not conclusive, but has successfully eliminated several ideas. Halley's comet & planetery conjunctions just two. His thoughts are that it was a super nova event...
Two Farmers and a Lancaster. Brian Furness. 10th January.
A film about the restoration of an Avro Lancaster to near flying condition. 'Just Jane' has taken many years of hard work, and tha aircraft could soon be the third example to return to the air.
Why Have You Got No Hair? Paul Nester. 24th January.
Following early retirement, Paul turned to being a spport worker, helping people with learning difficulties. His story of the joys & humour of this vocation reminded us to be thankful to be 'normal'.
A Quiz or Something Completely Different. Mary Christine. 14th February.
Well it was something completely different. All about ancient Egypt! Interesting, informative and well presented.
Shaun Greenhalgh - Master Forger of Bolton. Frank Vignon. 28th February.
Whilst the story about Shaun's mischievious fakes has been on television, Frank's presentation revealed a lot more about the man & his family. Not to mention the what goes on in auction houses behind the scenes! An eye-opener which, with Frank's slick presentation, made this Wednesday one to remember.
The Jewellery Collections of Wallace Simpson & Liz Taylor. Rev. Canon Fleur Green.
An unusual subject, mixed with historical facts & figures about two weathly ladies. It did raise the question of why own such valuable articles, if they have to kept in a bank vault?
Charles Darwin & the Galapagos Islands. Dr. Chris Babbs. 27th March.
A well thought out & researched account of the well known trip of the 'Beagle' - indeed one of several, to many of the islands. Another very interesting morning.
Rhymes for Our Times. Ian Aitchison. 10th April.
Ian has been writing limericks for the Rochdale Observer for several years, and, following requests from readers, has now produced a book of them. Using local events & public figures, Ian amused us with his witty limericks.
AGM 2024.
Retiring president Donald opened proceedings, before handing over to treasurer Keith for his report, which confirmed that the club was in a good financial state, and that the subscriptions for the next year would remain at £50. The accounts were approved by auditer Derek, and adopted by the members.
Following the secretary's report & the retiring President's report, incoming President Keith was duly appointed, and gave his opening address before presenting retiring President Donald with his Past President's badge.
After installing the nominated officers & officials to the committee, the members then enjoyed lunch before closing the meeting for another year.