President’s Remarks
The outing to Leeds and the City Varieties Music Hall was a new venture and enjoyed by all; our thanks to Peter Lowe for his excellent arrangements.
I attended the Rotary Club of Kidsgrove Annual Community Day on Saturday 12 April 2014 where the local and peoples clubs were entertained and treated to light refreshments. Our assistance with the Reindeer collection at Christmas helped to fund this event and it was pleasing to see a good number attending.
Our spring holiday to Great Yarmouth again proved to be a great success. Good weather, good hotel, good coach driver and good outings all ensured a great time. In addition we celebrated three birthdays during the week in respect of Eddie Bates, Gladys Colclough and Margaret Dunn who I am sure celebrated an unforgettable 80th birthday party.
I now look forward to the President’s Evening at the end of May where I trust all members, partners and friends will again have an enjoyable social evening at the Lawton Memorial Hall.
| The Speaker today is: – Mr Bob Kermeen who will talk to us about Iraq. |
Dates for your Diary
Wednesday 30 April 2014 Probus Ordinary meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am for 10.00am start.
Wednesday 7 May 2014 Probus Walk
Wednesday 14 May 2014 Probus Bowls at Clough Hall B.C at 10.30am. Meal at the Fifth on Fourth afterwards.
Wednesday 21 May 2014 Probus Council Meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am
Wednesday 28 May 2014 Probus Ordinary meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am for 10.00am start.
Friday 30 May 2014 Probus President’s Evening at Lawton Memorial Hall. Meet at 6.15pm for a 7.00pm start.
Birthdays during May 2014
Peter Smith, Ernest Beckett, John Lowe
***************************************************************************************************
Congratulations to Barry and Pat Knapper who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 29 March 2014
***************************************************************************************************
Nominees for Office 2014 – 2015
Please complete the nomination form if you wish to propose someone for office at the A.G.M in June. These forms are being distributed to members at the meeting on 30 April 2014.
News From Across the Water
Harvey Snider our Honorary American Member was recently recognised with Nami Ohio’s highest honour – ‘The Herb Reisenfeld Hall of Fame Award’.
Receiving this award is a true honour, as only eight of these awards have been presented since its founding in 1982. He was honoured for his work and dedication to people and families living with mental illness. Whilst serving as President of Nami – Greater Cleveland – Nami Ohio connections and currently as Chair of Cuyahoga County. (Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services).
Congratulations Harvey from all of us at The Probus Club of Kidsgrove!
Probus Holiday to great Yarmouth – April 2014
Probus holiday to Great Yarmouth was a great success with almost wall to wall sunshine. The drawback was the cold wind which cut out the sea bathing or deckchairs.
The diver of the coach was Kieran a Welshman, living now at the Wirral. He adjusted the route and also the days of the trips out to meet local conditions. Very pleasant and obliging he made journeys very smooth and enjoyable.
The Hotel was directly opposite the Britannia Pier. First impressions were not good as the ground floor was in the process of complete renovations. However we were all of the opinion that the rooms and service were very good. The entertainment and lounges were as good as you can get, this made for a very friendly and social atmosphere enjoyed by all
Great Yarmouth offers all the usual entertainment although the season had not commenced and the bowling greens and shows had not opened. The weather was perfect for brisk walking. There are two piers, good shopping and well-kept gardens, parks and churches. Most of us inspected a retired trawler making us wonder why people go to sea in such a vessel. Plenty of slot machines but not as bad as the town is painted. Ten pin bowling was a popular choice.
Trips
Cromer – This was on a very cold day. No doubt it is a pretty small seaside resort with crab fishing from the pier its main claim to fame. We were all covered in hoods and gloves and it was difficult to recognise your own friends. We did spend some time at the life boat station with its films showing the difficult seas they cope with. From there we went for a two hour stay at Wroxham. This included a boat trip through part of the broads. An excellent commentary informed us of the making of the Broads and the feathered friends who live or visit the area. We were out of the wind and enjoyed the experience greatly.
Norwich – Great city for a day visit. We had a Blue Badge Guide that came onto the coach to give us an hour long tour and professional view of the East Anglia Capital and history. The Castle with its numerous displays. The Cathedral – it was Maundy Thursday and so there was a service in progress. Excellent shopping, cafes, museums, art gallery and The Forum. A great choice for a day out!
Lowestoft – A flying visit on yet another chilly day. Again a long promenade which the fit ones walked. The rest of us inspected the harbour and the small town shopping. Unusual water feature, by the RAF memorial; was interesting as the teenagers risked a dash across an area with spouts of water shooting up at different times. Music accompanied the spouts, a sort of dancing water.
Overall an excellent holiday with dominoes, dancing and singing a feature. The singing, led by Ken showed what a talented group we are. The quizzes however showed we were not so bright.
Margaret would like to thank the entire group for making her 80th birthday so memorable and joining her for cake and Buck’s Fizz.
Frank Timmis
Probus Walk Report
The April report is now available to read on the club’s website.