THE PROBUS CLUB OF KIDSGROVE
The SEVENTH Year – July 2002 to June 2003
In accordance with the Constitution the following were elected:-
| President | Maurice Colclough |
| Vice President | Fred Cotton |
| Honorary Secretary | Peter Davenport |
| Honorary Treasurer | Aubrey Lowndes |
| Speakers Secretary | Ken Walker |
| Social Secretary | Jim Ellis |
| Ordinary Members | Bill Washington, Peter Lowe, Arthur Cumberbatch, John Manley |
| Archivist | Doug Whiston |
At the meeting in July, the Archivist presented all members with four pages of the Club’s history covering the SIXTH Year, together with a copy of the Constitution revised at the A.G.M.
TALKS
Talks were given on the following subjects: – Pipe Organs, Pandora’s Box, Local History, Magistrates, The Antarctic, Community Wardens, Bradford Fire, Violins, and Schools in Gambia.
OUTINGS
On the 14th November, a coach party of 50 involving members, partners, and others left Kidsgrove for a 5 day holiday to Dunoon, Argyll on the Cowel Peninsula. We travelled via the M6 and M74 passing Gretna and Lockerbie before stopping at the popular Woollen Mill at
Moffat. The trip involved a 20 minute ferry crossing across the Firth of Clyde. We arrived at McColls Hotel late afternoon and received a warm welcome from the management. The Hotel provided good accommodation; service and all meals were self service of a good standard and variety. Entertainment was provided each evening. We had two excursions: a ferry crossing to Gourock and then by coach to Glasgow. Here we had an interesting visit to a Museum which displayed vintage cars, tricycles, and bicycles. On the first floor was a magnificent display of motor boats, ships and passenger liners, and various warships. The second excursion took us north from Dunoon travelling along Loch Eck to Strachur. We then joined the road alongside Loch Fyne and continued on to Inveraray taking in some breathtaking scenery and some perfect reflections in the Lochs. Inveraray is a small town with houses, a harbour, shops, a church, a community hall and a Jail now used as a visitor attraction. The prison built in 1820 offered barbaric conditions to all prisoners. The new prison built in 1848 offered much better conditions. In 1953 the court was transferred to Oban. We were quite lucky with the weather and this together with all the other good aspects resulted in a most enjoyable holiday
On Monday 27th January, about 40 members and partners spent a 5 day holiday at the Grand Hotel, Sandown, and Isle of Wight. Due to sickness among our members the original number was depleted and therefore, the Hotel arranged for other passengers (not connected with us) to be picked up at Longton and Wolverhampton. It was a low cost holiday, with full board, entertainment and excursions. The food, dining room, lounge bar, and ballroom were very good. However, some bedrooms were inadequately heated, too small, very little storage, only a few twisted wire hangers, and no spare pillows or blankets. Compared with the rest of the hotel, some bedrooms were bordering on the ridiculous. Tours were arranged to Newport market, the ‘Amazon Rainforest’, Black Gang Chine, and the Rosemary Vineyard where we sampled the wines. We also visited the Isle of Wight Pearl Company, Shanklin town, the old village, and the village of Godshill. The weather was quite reasonable for January and we all enjoyed the holiday.
OTHER EVENTS
On the 13th August, a party of members, partners, and friends went on a coach trip to Salford Quay to visit the War Museum and the Lowry Centre. Not everyone appreciated the design and layout of the museum or the controversial work of Lowry. It was a w arm and sunny day which helped to make a pleasant and friendly day out.
On the 10th September, the annual bowls match was held at Clough Hall between the Kidsgrove Rotary Club and our Probus Club. The ‘Roy Smith Memorial Trophy’ was presented to the winner. Some 54 attended and afterwards enjoyed a well prepared buffet at the Clough Hall Hotel.
On the 18th December, the usual Christmas Luncheon took place at the Rifleman Inn. Some 67 attended. The President extended a warm welcome to all. Following the Luncheon the President presented bouquets to the Vice Presidents wife Joyce and to the Social Secretary’s partner Margaret.
Members assisted the Rotary with the Santa Claus collection.
On the 7th May, a coach full of members, partners and friends visited Liverpool. On arrival, the party were free to go wherever they wished. Visits were made to the Albert Dock, the Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Liverpool Life. Some members of the party enjoyed a cruise on the River Mersey taking in the interesting sights on both sides of the river. A commentary was given over the loudspeaker system. It was an enjoyable event which ended in an unexpected two and a half hour long journey home.
On the 15th May, members, partners and friends totalling 70 attended the President’s Evening held at Alsager Sports and Country Club. The President extended a warm welcome to all. After dinner, bouquets were presented to the President’s wife Gladys and to the Vice President’s wife Joyce. We were entertained by the odd Rode Sliver Band.
DEATH
W. (Bill) Washington. Founder Member. d. March 2003.
PRESIDENTS REMARKS
President Maurice Colclough had this to say about his Presidential Year. My year as President has passed rather quickly with only one down turn – the sad loss of Probian – Bill Washington. Many thanks to the Council and the Club Members for their support. I hope that during my year, I have been able to put something back into the Club which has given me so much enjoyment.