THE PROBUS CLUB OF KIDSGOVE
The TENTH Year – July 2005 – June 2006
The Officers, Council Members and Organisers for the year were:-
| President | Michael Johnson |
| Vice President | Bill Booth |
| Honorary Secretary | Michael Painter |
| Honorary Treasurer | Aubrey Lowndes |
| Social Secretary | John Manley |
| Speakers Secretary | Alan Henshall |
| Assistant Secretary | Michael Nield |
| Archivist | Peter Groom |
| Ordinary Members | John Crutchley, Len Harrop, John Podmore, Ken Evans |
| Bowls Organisers | Frank Timmis, Len Dale |
| Web Site Administrator | Michael Nield |
| Walks Organiser | Peter Lowe |
| Club Photographer | Peter Lowe |
| Internal Auditors | Len Harrop, Derek Morris |
TALKS
A wide range of Speakers were provided by Alan Henshall and among the subjects were:- Coroners, Cranks and Crime, Stonemasonry, Arnold Bennett, The American Civil War, Scientific Support for Police, Driving Standards Agency, D-Day Landings, Cave rescue, Apedale Countryside Project, The Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall.
These were found to be most interesting and informative. The whole of the membership much appreciated Alan’s endeavours on their behalf.
OUTINGS AND HOLIDAYS
On Wednesday the 7th September, members, ladies and friends visited the Black Country Museum and this was found to be a most interesting and enjoyable day. The size and diversity of the site surprised those of us who had not visited before, and all agreed it was an excellent choice.
Fifty nine members and friends spent a holiday at the Lakes and Glens Hotel, Loch Tummel in October. The hotel is superbly located with excellent facilities, and the meals were of a high standard. Daily trips took us to Pitlochry, Culloden, Loch Ness and Dundee. There was nightly entertainment, and although the weather could have been better, the jovial and friendly company ensured the success of the holiday.
On Monday 5th December, Probus members, their wives and friends travelled to Birmingham, visiting the Bull ring centre, museums and art galleries and T.V. centre. Birmingham offers a wide range of interest for the tourist and we certainly took advantage of this. An excellent and enlightening trip was had.
On Monday 17th April, a full coach took members, their wives and friends to the Crown Hotel in Weymouth. The hotel was clean, friendly, with good food and obliging staff. There were trips to Salisbury, Dorchester, Swanage, Portland Bill and Bridport. After dinner strolls were well attended and a very enjoyable and mainly rain free holiday was had. We returned on Saturday 22nd, stopping at Gloucester docks for a break. The holiday was another social success.
Thanks to John Manley and his helpers Peter Lowe and Maurice Colclough.
WALKS
Varied and interesting walks were experienced by Probus members, wives and friends. Although numbers were down on previous years due to a variety of reasons, including weather, aches and pains, age etc; the enjoyment and morale was still high as they tramped over hills and dales and by canal and rivers, grassy parkland and quaking mud (occasionally in). The pubs used were many and good and Peter Lowe and his henchman Mike Painter are thinking of rating them in a book.
BOWLS
No competitions were held during the year as the Rotary Clubs were unable to raise teams. However, the club members enjoyed three meetings at the Crewe Leisure Centre playing on the long mat and with two lunches at the Angel and one at the Merlin. In the spring and Summer there were three meetings at Clough Hall Bowling Club playing Crown Green Bowls, followed by lunch at Clough Hall Hotel. Usually twenty five members and lady partners attended the indoor meetings and all the lunches, with some sixteen attempting the outside green. Very enjoyable, with good bowling and lots of laughs.
Many thanks to frank Timmis, Len Dale and Michael Nield.
OTHER EVENTS
The annual Remembrance service at St Thomas Church was well attended by Probus members, and John Podmore laid the wreath on our behalf. In December, members and their ladies attended the annual Christmas lunch at the Rifleman. The President’s evening at the Alsager Golf Club was well attended. Lapel badges were presented to former Presidents before the entertainment which was a talk and demonstration by Peter Cooke and his son on Street Organs. This was most enjoyable and afterwards a number of Probus members showed an alarming natural ability.
There was an extra celebration this year as 2006 is our tenth year. Members, together with wives enjoyed an interesting talk on the Victoria Hall and Regent Theatre. This was followed by a buffet lunch at the Rifleman Inn and thanks were given to the Landlady and her Staff.
MEMBERSHIP
During the year, we welcomed Trevor Proudman into full membership and Norman Hankey as an associate member. Sadly, we lost our friend and member John Bailey.
SUNDRIES
Some of our members helped the Rotarians with collecting at various functions. The topic of forming a second Probus Club in Kidsgrove was mooted, and Ken Evans diligently sounded the waters, but found at this moment in time there was insufficient interest.
Len Dale received an award from Newcastle-under-Lyme Sports Council for his dedication, commitment and achievements as a valuable senior member of Clough Hall Bowling Club over many years.
Derek Morris was awarded a prize by a local newspaper for his photograph of Target Wood bluebells which now appears on our Birthday Cards.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
President Michael’s thoughts about this year:-
Our tenth year proved to be an excellent year for our fellowship yet again – long may this continue. I thank you all for giving me the opportunity and assistance whilst at the helm.
Our year was marred by the sad loss of John Bailey in October 2005, a member who has been greatly missed.