The first meeting with the new title was in Blackley’s Café on Thursday 30th January, 1969. Perhaps the new title appealed to ladies as suddenly
they started to enrol including Miss Leeper, Miss Grey, Miss Miller, Miss Spence and Miss Staples. New objectives and rules were shaped.
Membership fees stayed at 10s for adults, and 2/6 for children, Mr. McMillan said policy should be to interest young people in
wildlife and conservation, he put forward the idea of an Education Officer. It was hoped Mr. Rutherford would undertake this role!
and that club would continue association with Drum Manor by rearing ducks for release at Drum. Miss Staples was appointed Press
Officer. By April 1970 there were 31 members and the number of ladies had increased, with Mrs. S. McIvor, Mrs. Donaghy, Mrs.
Scott and Miss Bell joining.
Drum Manor was opened to the public on 01 May 1970. Waterfowl had been acquired from the Trust, Cookstown Wildlife Trust
was looking promising.
By 1971 however, Sir Robert Staples had died,lectures were poorly attended and outings and field trips
attracted little support. It was agreed to present the motion to close the Trust at AGM in “The Glenavon”
on 13 April 1971. After debate, it was decided to continue temporarily. The Chairman and committee
resigned,and Mr. Jones elected temporary Chairman.
One month later the decision was reviewed. Mr. Jones wanted to keep the Trust going. The previous Chairman, Mr.
McMillan and committee gave reasons for resigning and proposed the club be wound up. A counter-proposal came from
Mr. Getty. Mr. McMillan lost and the Trust was reprieved.
Mr. Jones became Chairman, Mr. Irwin Secretary and Mr. Rutherford Treasurer. Mr. Jones concluded the evening by
saying that it was up to members to bring back enthusiasm and spirit back to the club.
Founded: November 1960
Ladies and Disputes
© R.Irvine2019
C.W.T. 1960-2020 60 YEARS
Some photos from the past-thanks to Pat Rutherford (a founder member).