PROBUS CLUB OF EVESHAM On 14th November 57 members and partners enjoyed our annual lunch at Three Ways House Hotel, Mickleton. Owing to numerous flooded roads nine were regrettably forced to cancel. Luckily on 21st November, although our regular venue, The Boathouse was still mopping up after being flooded, we were able to meet as usual on the first floor. Our speaker was Tim Cooper on “The Art of Persuasion”. He started by explaining the complicated and highly skilled art of producing lithographs which was used amongst other things for producing pictures to advertise theatrical performances. The process continued to be used until the early 20th century. Colours were done separately and the method was used to mass produce posters as newspapers didn’t do colour. Many examples of poster design were shown and Tim pointed out how few colours were used. Theatrical, exhibitions and transport featured, many being classics by well-known artists. Particularly well-known are the railway and London Underground posters, which later became very stylised, but we also saw shipping adverts and those advertising seaside resorts such as Scarborough, Bridlington Southport and North Berwick. The posters commissioned by the railway companies covered a multitude of subjects, including air services, camping coaches, industrial scenes and country properties for commuters. Another topic covered was Shell motoring adverts which featured in exhibitions at Upton House near Banbury and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu. Finally, Tim thanked us for his fee which will be donated to the East Cheshire Hospice at Macclesfield. This was an excellent presentation, much appreciated by members. We meet at 10:00 every Thursday at The Boathouse, Evesham Rowing Club. On 28th November John Dixon will be “Tippling by the Tun”, or at least talking about it. On 5th December Peter Willerton will be introducing us to British freshwater fishes, hopefully not on the premises. Full details can be found on our website www.eveshamprobus.co.uk Alan Smith