Members of the Bridlington Augustinian Society ended the season with their AGM after a successful season of entertaining and informative talks; albeit with some quick shuffling of the programme now and again necessitated by the resurgence of Covid.
The retiring Prior, Maureen Bell, remembered how delighted and humbled she felt on election three years ago ready for her two year term of office. What could go wrong? She reported that despite the pandemic upheavals the society remains in a good position with a strong membership in this its 102nd year of existence.
The members who have active roles where thanked by both the Prior and the Scribe. The retiring speaker finder Christine Gatenby, and Bro Frederick and Michelle Stephens deserve particular mention. The Stephens introduced the popular “Breviary”, a newsletter cum magazine during the first lockdown.
The Scribe, Bro Garry Sunley, also reported that the society has over 60 members with a high attendance rate at meetings. He whetted the appetite of members with a glimpse at the topics arranged for the next season.
Bro John Walker was elected as the New Prior. This is his third term as Prior in his 60 year plus membership of the Augustinians. What a coincidence that those terms coincided with the Queen’s Silver, Golden, and now Platinum jubilee years.
Mrs Michelle Stephens was elected as Sub Prior. Bro John welcomed her as a good researcher with the society’s wellbeing at heart. Bro Max Lunn and Bro Keith Kaye were welcomed as new members of the Chapter.
The AGM business over, the new Prior Bro John Walker gave a picture show entitled “An Evening of Nostalgia” showing Bridlington as it was in days gone by. The fair on High Green, the harbour, Princes Parade, Sewerby Hall and Fort Hall, Clough Hole, the Beach, the Spa, Old Town, and High Street all featured.
The earliest images shown were paintings from the early 1800’s. The earliest photographs predated the construction of the Princes Parade in 1867.