THE PROBUS CLUB OF KIDSGROVE
The FIFTH Year – July 2000 to June 2001
| The President | Roy Smith (ref 1) |
| The Presidency | Past Presidents (Ref 2) |
| Vice President | Peter Groom |
| Honorary Secretary | Aubrey Lowndes |
| Honorary Treasurer | Derrick Bradshaw |
| Speakers Secretary | Ken Walker |
| Social Secretary | Jim Ellis |
| Ordinary Members | Maurice Colclough, Graham Skellern |
| Archivist | Doug Whiston |
(Ref 1) President Roy held his first meeting on the 26th July. During the day following he was taken ill and admitted to hospital, where he died on 12 August.
(Ref 2) The meeting held on 30th August was chaired by newly elected Vice President Peter. It was agreed that the Presidency for the rest of this year would be undertaken by the four Past Presidents taking it in turns to preside.
At the meeting held in July, the archivist presented all members with four pages covering the club’s history for the FOURTH year.
TALKS
Talks were given on the following subjects:- The Internet, Acupuncture, Christian Broadcasting, Friendly Societies, Hank Marvin’s Music, Horse Racing, The Graf Spee. Holidays in Scotland, Holiday in South America.
OUTINGS
On the 14th September some of our members and some from Audley had a coach trip via the M6 to Preston – then Settle. From here we travelled the 80 mile journey by Diesel train to Carlisle. This Roman town near the Scottish – England border has a Cathedral and Castle. In the clean and tidy pedestrianised marker place were some attractive floral displays and a well stocked indoor market. After spending an enjoyable 3 hours on a warm and sunny afternoon in the town we caught the train back to Settle and there rejoined our coach for the return journey home.
On the 13th November members, including partners totalling 41 had a 3 night stay at the Charlton Lodge Hotel Paignton. Members experienced (at a very reasonable cost) a popular “Turkey and Tinsel” holiday giving a foretaste of Christmas. Entertainment involved Music, Singing, Dancing and Comedy. There was an abundance of good humour and friendliness with everyone taking part.
Excursions were made to Torquay, Babbacombe, Brixham and Plymouth. Historical information was provided by the knowledgeable coach driver.
On 5th December some members visited the JCB factory at Rocester which employs 2,000 people. During the 2 hour tour we saw the sub and final assemblies of the excavators and similar equipment involving painting, computerised welding and profiling machines. We also saw a 650 ton press Brake in operation, fusion welding and a laser profiler. The interesting tour ended with a much needed sit-down and to enjoy coffee and biscuits.
On the 27th February, members and partners totalling 48 took part in a well organised 4 night stay at St. Brannocks Hotel, Newquay. The hotel in Narrowcliff is close to the sheer cliff below which is Tolcarne Beach. The Atlantic Hotel can be seen on the Headland.
St. Brannocks provides good food and accommodation and almost every facility including a swimming pool, sauna and games room. We were treated to a feature film, a “miner’s lunch” of, a pasty, a glass of cider and an afternoon cream tea.
Excursions were made to Truro, Padstow and Falmouth. The main attraction in Truro is the Cathedral, built between 1880 and 1910. The Central Tower is 250 feet high. Padstow was formerly an important ship building and trading port. It has some attractive stone buildings in and around the inner harbour. A passenger ferry operates across the estuary to the village of Rock. Falmouth is a pleasant and clean town and resort. It maintains and repairs large ships and oil tankers etc. In conclusion, it is fair to say the holiday was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and many expressed a wish to revisit Newquay and in particular St. Brannocks Hotel.
OTHER EVENTS
Members again assisted the Rotary Club with the Santa Claus Collection on 16th and 23rd December.
On 20th December we held our usual and well attended Christmas Luncheon at the Rifleman Inn. Acting President Jack Poole, in his address, referred to the deaths of President Roy Smith (August) and Founder Member Norman Steele (October).
On the 7th March (and or the first time) the Rotary Club of Kidsgrove invited members of our Club to join them for a meal at the Rifleman Inn, and to take part in a quiz thereafter. It was an enjoyable event.
On the 17th May, members and partners, friends and entertainers totalling 69 attended a “Social Evening” at the Alsager Golf and Country Club. Words of welcome were given by Vice President Peter. The MC for the evening was Past President Jack Poole. He performed the task in his usual and talented manner, and created much laughter with jokes (the old ones are the best – apparently). First class entertainment was provided by Rotarian Roy Yates – Guitarist and accompanied by Guitarist – Laori Garside and singer Leesa Rhodes. A good time was had by all.
In Place of Presidents Remarks
Roy Smith was a Rotarian and as such the prime mover of our Probus Club. He was our Interim Chairman, Founder Member, Vice President and finally President. He was a very friendly and active member and through his endeavours an inspiration to us all. However members were grateful to Vice President Peter and Past Presidents – Tom, Roy, John and Jack for maintaining the business of our Club following the sad and unexpected loss of our President.