Ex-police inspector talks at Probus Club

AT THE weekly meeting of Coleraine Probus Club, member Cecil Spotten stepped into the breach to replace the original speaker who could not attend.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Jan 2010, 08:34 BST

Updated 23rd Jan 2010, 11:25 BST

Cecil, a former Inspector in the RUC, recalled his fifty years service with dignity, humour and a most refreshing frankness. He began by telling members about his birthplace in County Leitrim. Leaving school at 14 he made his way to Enniskillen and joined the RUC in 1954.

He mentioned that one of his instructors was John Dobson, father of present member John.

When he left the depot he was sent to Lack RUC station with all its ‘mod cons’ like oil lamps!

He then moved to Londonderry before moving to Coleraine in 1975. Cecil told members of some harrowing details of the terrorist attacks.

Cecil concluded by taking questions from members.