President’s Remarks April 2018
We have all been saddened to hear that another of our long serving members Len Harrop passed away on Monday 12th March.
Len has been a major part of Probus over the years, serving as president in 2009, and a council member. He was our resident expert on any matters constitutional and of course he was a regular competitor at our bowls matches. I really feel that our long established members like Len and John Manley helped to shape the successful club we have today. Pauline and I have many happy memories of Probus holidays and outings we have shared in the company of Len and Barbara over the years. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to Barbara and her family at this sad time. Len will be greatly missed.
Len’s funeral will be held at Bradwell Crematorium at 11.20am on Tuesday 10th of April. Family flowers only please. Donations accepted to The British Heart Foundation.
It was pleasing to see Probus members so well represented at John Manley’s funeral. It was obvious from the high attendance that John was highly respected and very popular. He was a real ambassador for Probus and will be long remembered.
On the 6th March 18 members and wives enjoyed a visit to the Woodford Avro Heritage Museum near Stockport. We were given tours by well informed staff most of whom had spent many years employed in the aircraft industry and had a wealth of knowledge about the aircraft on display. Little did I think whilst having my breakfast that day that 3 hours later I would be sitting in the pilot’s seat of an Avro Vulcan. It was good fun. Thanks to Graham Brown for organising the visit.
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Later in the month on a very cold and snowy day, 26 members, wives and friends enjoyed a very nice Sunday lunch at the Kidsgrove Masonic Hall. Thanks again to Ken Williamson for organising this on our behalf. As I’ve said before these lunches are proving very popular with our members. We now look forward to the next one.
On the 21st March we celebrated the official Spring Equinox and despite the latter really wintry days at last we can say that Winter is behind us and hopefully we will have some warm sunny days to look forward to. The Spring lambs are in the fields, daffodils are in abundance and there is a hint of green in the hedgerows. Even my own garden which has looked pretty desolate over the winter period is showing signs of new life, with bulbs and perennials pushing through. If these warmer conditions continue it could well mean that the lawnmower makes its first outing within the next few days!
Unfortunately I won’t be joining you at the March meeting as I have an appointment with a consultant at The University Hospital. However I am sure that you will have an enjoyable meeting in the capable hands of our Vice President John Vardon.
Terry Dale, President.
Today’s speaker is Mr G Dodd
whose subject is ‘The Story Of The Nantwich Brine’
Birthdays in April 2018
Eddie Bates, Chris Brough, Andy Dimelow, John Hughes and Steve Jenks.
Social Report April 2018
SOCIAL REPORT MARCH 2018
A visit to Woodford Aero Museum was arranged by Graham Brown and eighteen members and friends travelled by car to Stockport on Tuesday 6th March for a guided tour of the site.
The tour guide was excellent and explained the history of the Avro Aircraft Company founded by engineer A. V. Roe and conducted us around all the exhibits including a seat in the cockpits of a Lancaster and a Vulcan bomber.
A sandwich lunch was taken in the refectory before making our way back to Kidsgrove having had a very enjoyable outing.
Twenty-six members and friends made a repeat visit to the Masonic Hall for lunch on Sunday 18th March and all enjoyed a nice social occasion in pleasant surroundings.
,We now look forward to the holiday to Eastbourne with Alfa Travel departing on Sunday 1st April 2018 at 9.00am from the Town Hall Kidsgrove with the usual pick-ups at Clough Hall Road (9.10), Cedar Avenue (9.15) and Liverpool Road West (9.20).
Further social outings have been suggested as follows but viability would of course depend on numbers wishing to participate.
Middleport Pottery, Llandudno, Llangollen and Bala Railway, Liverpool Tall Ships and Terracotta Army, Southport or Shrewsbury Flower Show, Blackpool Lights, Leeds Variety Theatre, and a possible Turkey and Tinsel short break in November/December to St Anne’s or Southport. A list will be circulated at the March meeting.
Ken Williamson
Walk Report – March
The walk in March was an extended version of the one in February, albeit without the ice. The April walk will take place in Eastbourne. I hope the weather lives up to it’s reputation down there! Graham Tunnicliff
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Council Members Please Note:-
Future council meetings have now been rescheduled to take place at 10.00am on Wednesdays at the Clough Hall Pub as announced.
On Saturday 14th April Kidsgrove Community Choir will be giving a concert at All Saints Church in Scholar Green (Odd Rode Church) at 7.30pm.Tickets are available from Joyce Brown or Grace Lowe and the cost is £5.
Club Photographer
Peter Lloyd is now the official Club Photographer.
Vice President
Members are asked to put themselves forward for the above position, which is an essential office to ensure the continuity of the club.
Bowls
The Probus bowls winter season took place at Biddulph Leisure Centre over the months from October to March (excluding December). Forty-three members, wives, partners, and friends took part in the competition, which consisted of four teams of 3/4 people. The top two teams at the end of the season played each other for the cup, which was won by Andy Dimelow’
John Manley
Following the sad news last month it is only fitting that we pay tribute to John and his membership of our Probus Club.
John joined the Kidsgrove Probus Club during the 2000 millennium and in 2003 was elected as vice president and becoming president in 2004-05. From 2003 to 2006 he was also newsletter editor. During the same period he joined a small group who organised the clubs social activities and not one to rest on his laurels he became social secretary in 2005-06 a position he held for 2 years. Latterly he was elected to serve on the clubs council from 2010 to 2015.
During all this time John was a keen member of the probus walking group. Always one with a sense of humour and one to speak his mind, John was always a gentleman to the end. We will miss him
Graham Tunnicliff – Archivist
Further information and events can be found in
‘Dates For Your Diary’ which is available on the Probus Web Site.
Have you seen the recent photographs of members and recent events on our
web site?
The Amateur Philosopher.
I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life!
Rita Rudner, American Comedienne, Actress and Writer.
Newsletter Editor
Chris Brough compiles and publishes the Probus Newsletter.
Articles of interest to members should be sent by Email to Chris at :- chrisjbrough@talktalk.net or phone 01782 784075 in the first instance. For any inclusion in the next newsletter, articles should be delivered to the editor at least 10 days before the monthly meeting.
Our next Probus meeting is on Wednesday 25th
of April at Kidsgrove Cricket Club, 9.30 for 10am.