PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Welcome Gentlemen Xmas is soon upon us and this awful year will soon be over.
I sadly have to report our member John Crutchley passed away last week and I’m sure that you all will join me in condolences to his wife Barbara. Funeral arrangements have been emailed to you by Michael Nield.
Many thanks to our Vice President Victor for agreeing to judge our photo competition, winner to be announced next month.
I feel there will be no meeting for Probus or the Lawton Manor Retirement Club until at leat the spring. I leave you with an old Bobby Ball joke; –
I went to the greyhound track and bet 100 to one on the rabbit. It won – “Rock on Tommy”.
Have a good xmas everyone and keep yourselves and your families safe and well.
Regards
John Dunn.
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BIRTHDAYS IN JANUARY 2021
David Birchall (10th), Graham Tunnicliff (20th), Barry Knapper (28th).
THANKYOU
Margaret Davenport has been in touch to say that she appreciates all the cards, phone calls and best wishes that have been sent to her following the passing of Peter.
JOHN CRUTCHLEY
John passed away peacefully at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on Monday 7 December 2020 with Barbara by his side.
He joined Probus in 1999 when the club had its meetings at the Rifleman Inn in Acres Nook. A perfect gentleman to the end. He enjoyed the company of his fellow members and made many friends on the club’s social events and holidays.
John was a keen photographer and always took part in the competitions which he won on more than one occasion. He was a keen sailor in his early days and had his own boat but later on more relaxed enjoyed cruising.
Always on the go, John was a member of the sequence dance club at Whitehill and a member of the Kidsgrove Indoor Bowling Club.
During his time at Probus, he held the following positions: –
2007-2008 Vice President
2008-2009 President
2005-2006 Council Member
2006-2007 Council Member
2015-2016 Council Member
2016-2017 Council Member
John reached the grand age of 90 in October 2020 and Probus had arranged to have a party for him at the Cricket club. Unfortunately, this had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus along with other family parties at home and another with friends and neighbours in his own Grove.
John will be greatly missed by all of us in Probus but never forgotten. His funeral will be at Bradwell Crematorium on Tuesday December 29th at 12.40pm.
Michael Nield
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BANK CARD
This old lady handed her bank card to the teller and said “I would like to withdraw £10”. The teller told her “for withdrawals less than £100, please use the ATM.
The old lady wanted to know why… The teller returned her bank card and irritably told her “these are the rules, please leave if there is no further matter. There is a line of customers behind you”.
The old lady remained silent for a few seconds and handed her card back to the teller and said “please help me withdraw all the money I have.” The teller was astonished when she checked the account balance. She nodded her head, leaned down and respectfully told her “you have £300,000 in your account but the bank doesn’t have that much cash currently. Could you make an appointment and come back again tomorrow?
The old lady then asked how much she could withdraw immediately. The teller told her any amount up to £3000. “Well please let me have £3000 now.” The teller kindly handed £3000 very friendly and with a smile to her.
The old lady put £10 in her purse and asked the teller to deposit £2990 back into her account.
The moral of this story is….
Don’t be difficult with old people, they spent a lifetime learning the skill.
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SOCIAL REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2020
We have not had a very good social time during this COVID-19 19 year, however looking back over this terrible year there are some good things that have happened to remember and think about. The early Spring and Summer weather was warm and dry and we were able to walk and exercise our leg muscles. During the Summer Season we were able to demonstrate our Bowling skills at Clough Hall Bowling Club, some better than others I might add. Best of all without the coach trips and holidays you did not have to repeatedly sing three verses. three choruses and an encore of Blue Bells are Blue Bells in tune and word perfect. What is more you had no opportunity of singing Lloyd George Knew My Father, My Father Knew Lloyd George? Hopefully your chance will come again next year. With the Christmas lunch being cancelled you did not have to put up with Christmas Cracker jokes nor my funny anecdotes like the story of the couple who went shopping at TESCO wearing masks and keeping safe social distancing and when they completed their shopping and returned home and removed their masks discovered that they had the wrong partners! Sent separately is a little ode by the well-known poet Pam Ayres, which really sums up the year I hope that you find it amusing. To all my readers Marjorie and I would like to convey warmest Christmas Greetings and trust that 2021 will be healthier and happier. Keep safe, keep well and keep smiling. Ken Williamson
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Michael Nield has compiled and published the Probus Newsletter. Articles of interest to members should be sent by Email to Michael at michael.nield@btinternet.com or phone 01782 782004 in the first instance. For an inclusion in the next newsletter, articles should be delivered to the editor at least 7 days before the monthly meeting