The society was formed  by fourteen gentlemen and one lady on the 21st of March 1895. The first meeting was held in the newly completed Mechanics Institute (this building was not far from the present day House of Fraser building)

All of the members were professional people, with the exception of the first president, Mr Josiah Drinkwater, who was a proprietor of a decorating business which was located where Station House is now. Other members were doctors, chemist, parsons, plus an army surgeon, and of course the lady. The membership grew steadily over the years.