JIM Cooper was the guest speaker at the second, meeting in June where he gave an illustrated presentation entitled 'The Art of Persuasion' which related to the advertising business.

He said that in the early days printing was a laborious task, firstly by a method of wood cutting, followed by etching and later lithography.

However progress and developments meant poster printing became commonplace and was quickly taken up by the various railway companies extolling the virtue of travelling by train to places of interest.

He showed numerous examples of the railway advertising, mainly to seaside resorts, although two were at Cheltenham, one showing the 'Devil's Chimney' at Leckhampton, and another of the Promenade.

Bath was another inland place featured but he said he had been unable to find one for Stroud.

The London Underground proved a popular place to advertise specific items as well as fashionable shops.

This was a look back in time and it was unfortunate that because of time restrictions the presentation had to be curtailed but there was universal agreement this had been an extremely interesting morning.

In thanking members for his fee he said all monies raised from giving talks was donated to The Cheshire Hospice.

He was thanked by the president, Peter Nairn.

Probus meet at 10.15am on the second and fourth Wednesday every month at the Cotswold Indoor Bowling Centre, Dudbridge, Stroud.

It is open to all retired ment and ample free parking is available on site.