Probus Club of Kidsgrove > Newsletters > February 2018

February 2018

President’s Remarks February 2018

One newspaper this week reported that February thus far has been one of the coldest on record and this despite global warming!  However I’m sure that like me, you have noticed in your gardens and along the roadsides the harbingers of Spring, with the daffodils and primroses starting to appear, hinting that it is just around the corner. The evenings are also drawing out a sure sign that we are almost through the dark winter months.

I can’t believe that I am already in the eighth month of my presidency, that time has certainly flown by and I am pleased that we continue to be a successful and thriving club with a good membership and club officers and members who provide us with a varied and stimulating social programme.  On that note I would like to thank Barry Rogerson and Terry Cook for organising our latest Luncheon at the Legs of Man. These lunches have long since proved their popularity and this again was an occasion enjoyed by all the 28 members and wives who attended. We now look forward to the next one!

 We continue to be on the lookout for new members and I am pleased to report that a new potential member will be joining us at our February meeting. Michael Lloyd who is the brother of Peter Lloyd will be helping swell our ranks and we trust that he will enjoy his time with us.

Some of our members continue to struggle with health problems. Chris Brough has now completed five courses of chemotherapy and will shortly be attending hospital for a further review regarding his condition. Unfortunately a recent scan discovered a blood clot on his lung and Chris is self-administering injections to correct this.

Peter Lowe is continuing to have blood tests and if the recent test proves successful there is a chance that he could start on a reduced course of chemotherapy in the near future. We continue to hold them in our thoughts.

        It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that John Manley passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday 24th February. John was an active member of Probus for many years. His warmth and cheerful personality were a regular feature at our meetings and he will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Norma and family at this sad time.

I look forward to seeing you all at our February meeting.

   Terry Dale, President.

            Today’s speaker is Mr A. Eastwood

whose subject is ‘History of the English Pub’

Birthdays in March 2018

Peter Davenport, Norman Hart and John Vardon.

Social Report February 2018

 The balance payment of £219.00 per person in respect of the April Holiday to Eastbourne is due on the 28th February 2018. Sadly there are only 23 passengers booked in, so we may not have all the benefits of previous holidays when we filled the coach.

With our aging members and health problems it may not be viable to arrange future group holidays and this will be a matter for the committee to consider at their next meeting.                               

On a brighter note a good number were interested in the visit to Middleport Pottery, the Avro Museum at Woodford and a Sunday Lunch at the Masonic Hall Kidsgrove. Details of these will be advised.

                                                                                      Ken Williamson

Walk Report – February

Snow and Ice does not deter our band of walkers, despite the recent atrocious weather fourteen of us headed over to Ford Green Hall for a very enjoyable stroll in the sunshine.

Ford Green Hall is a rarity in Stoke on Trent, as it is the only surviving medieval building in the city, dating back to the 1600s.

Not only that but it now forms the gateway to a series of walks and cycle paths over what was once an area of dereliction left behind when the Chatterly Whitfield Colliery closed down.

Signs of slag heaps have all but disappeared and a pleasant stream now flows through the valley interspersed with small lakes which are now home to a variety of waterfowl, which were also enjoying the sunshine and making ready for the spring in the reed beds.

We took one of the numerous paths meandering across the sculptured landscape and eventually arrived at the derelict buildings that are all that is left of the Cities bold attempt to create a mining museum. 

Following the stream we passed through a pleasant wooded area and then by the lakes to arrive back at the Hall’s car park.

Lunch was taken at the Moorland Inn and enjoyed by everyone.

The next walk is on Wednesday March 7th. Meet on the terraces at Heathcote Street at 9.30am

                                                                                   Graham Tunnicliff

For more information on the Hall see www.fordgreenhall.org.uk

Council Members Please Note:-

 Council meetings have now been rescheduled to take place at 10.00am on Wednesdays at the Clough Hall Pub,  with the exception that the March Council Meeting will take place at the Cricket Club, due to the refurbishment at The Pub.

Visit to Woodford Avro Heritage Museum

The date for the visit to Woodford Avro Heritage Museum has been confirmed for Tuesday 6 March 2018. We will be travelling by our own vehicle and will meet at the museum at 10.00am for a tour at 10.30am. The Sat-Nav post code is SK7 1QR. It is suggested we leave Kidsgrove at 9.00am.

The cost is £10 per head and tea, coffee cakes and sandwiches have been requested which will be paid for individually, as required.

Graham Brown who has organised the visit will collect the money on the day.

CREAM TEA ON THE CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY ON WEDNESDAY 8 AUGUST 2018

Find a little piece of Devon here in the North Staffordshire Moorlands. Come with us to indulge in a “Traditional Clotted Cream Tea” whilst riding in our dedicated First Class dining carriage, “Diana,” pulled by one of our heritage locomotives. Enjoy the beautiful 11 mile journey through the Staffordshire Moorlands countryside, soaking up the breath taking scenery as you sip your tea or coffee, and savouring the delights of fresh scones, clotted cream and jam.

Wave to the boats as you pass by the Cauldon Canal, and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife along the banks of the River Churnet.

We will travel to Froghall Railway station in our cars for the 13.30 departure. The tickets cost £22.50 per person and include both your food and all-day train travel.

If you want to come along, please append your name on the list and note a £10 deposit is required to be paid at the February 2018 meeting to secure the booking.

___________________________________________________________________________

Club Photographer

Peter Lloyd is now the official Club Photographer.

Vice President

Volunteers are required for the above position, which is an essential position ensuring continuity of the club.

Bowls

The next bowls event is at Biddulph Leisure Centre on Tuesday March 13th, further details from Len Dale or the Probus web site.

Further information and events can be found in

‘Dates For Your Diary’ which is available on the Probus Web Site.

The Amateur Philosopher.

      Anything that parents or grand parents have not leaned from experience they can now learn from their children or grandchildren.      

Anonymous

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 28th of March 2018 at

Kidsgrove Cricket Club, 9.30 for 10am.