Myrddin Probus Carmarthen

THE club held a business lunch meeting on Wednesday, October 3.

Chairman Percy Jones welcomed members to the first meeting of the autumn term. Guest and potential new member Arthur Davies was welcomed to the meeting.

Treasurer Roger Mitchell reported the club’s bank balance was satisfactory.

He explained that when members have to withdraw from organised events it places an addition financial burden on the remaining participants. It was recommended that all future deposits would only be refunded in exceptional circumstances. This recommendation was accepted by the meeting.

On future events and trips, it had become clear that members were more reluctant, following Covid and cost-of-living worries, to sign up for trips involving overnight stays. Meeting deadlines for deals agreed with tour operators was also an increasing problem.

Ideas for day trips would be most welcome.

Percy announced that Christmas lunch will be held on December 19 at the Falcon Hotel. St David’s Day lunch, with an invited guest speaker, will be held on March 1, 2023 in the Plough Hotel, Rhosmaen. Details will be circulated later.

Cooking sessions in the College’s Task Kitchen are launching on Friday, October 7, starting at 9.30am. Ten-pin bowling takes place on the first Monday morning of every month in Xcel Bowl.

Tony handed out hard copies of two competitions. He reminded members that he is happy to receive entries on the day of the meeting. He thanked committee members for their work over the summer.

The speaker for the day was Bruce Wallace, a Bancyfelin resident and local historian. Bruce captivated members with his illustrated presentation entitled ‘Old Carmarthen’.

Since his retirement, he has brought together a large collection of old photographs, many of which were originally postcards.

Many of the street views Bruce showed had changed markedly over the years, some disappearing altogether. However, members were able to identify many of them – particularly those where public houses had been located! Street scenes containing people provided additional interest and gave a real insight into when the photograph was taken.

Views of large sailing ships offloading cargo at the quay showed how busy and important Carmarthen Quay had been in days gone by.

The vote of thanks for a most enjoyable talk was given by Howard Thomas.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 9, when the quest speaker will be Nigel Mccall.

Anyone with interest in the club is welcome to attend as a guest. Please contact the club secretary on 01267 231642 for further details.