President’s Remarks
It is with deep regret that I have to formally record that this month we have lost two of our members, Fred Cotton who passed away on July 16th and Ernie Langford who passed away on July 18th.
Both men had been original members from when the club was founded in 1996 and Fred was also President during 2003 to 2004.
Both men will be remembered as being fun loving active members participating in most of the club activities and whilst entirely different in their personalities, both will be remembered as adding to the camaraderie of the club in their own unforgettable style.
Thank you to all those who attended Peter Smith’s funeral after our meeting in June.
It’s very easy to slip into a doom and gloom mood at times like this especially with the world news that surrounds us every day, so apart from the wonderful summer weather we have, what other things do we have to cheer us up.
I got onto Google and typed in “Good News Today”, and numerous sights came up with uplifting, happy stories as their news. One such sight has a section on heroes. You can read about people who have done things like save someone’s life, or a dog that helped lead firefighters to a fire. These stories are heart-warming and happen as often, if not more than the awful murdering, raping, war filled, stories that we hear about 24/7 on regular news.
July has been a relatively quiet month for activities with bowls and the walk the only club activities taking place, although I know that the Social Secretary and his team have been busy arranging the forthcoming Southport Trip, which I am sure we are looking forward to.
G. Tunnicliff
The speaker today is Mr P. Hayes and his topic is entitled “Bank Manager’s I have known
| Birthdays during August 2014Jeffery Parker, Clifford Triner. |
Dates for your Diary
Wednesday 30 July 2014 Probus Ordinary Meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am start.
Tuesday 5 August 2014 Probus Bowls at Clough Hall B.C. Meet at 10.00am.
Wednesday 6 August 2014 Probus Walk
Tuesday 12 August 2014 Probus Bowls at Clough Hall B.C. Meet at 10.00am.
Friday 15 August 2014 Probus coach outing to Southport and Flower Show
Tuesday 19 August 2014 Probus Bowls at Clough Hall B.C. Meet at 10.00am.
Tuesday 26 August 2014 Probus Bowls at Clough Hall B.C. Meet at 10.00am.
Wednesday 27 August 2014 Probus Ordinary Meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am for a 10.00am start.
HOLIDAYS ABROAD
There has been some interest in Probus organising an additional holiday abroad next year. A brochure which is being circularised today proposes a visit to Lake Garda (Italy). The holiday is being arranged through Regent Travel at Stone. If you are interested in joining to go away with your fellow members, please add your name to the list.
There is an alternative offer to Lake Garda being advertised at a lower price by Italian Getaways http://www.italiangetaways.co.uk which has been recommended by our member David Birchall which we can also consider.
Interest has also been muted about a holiday to Ireland or a visit to Edinburgh next year to see the Military Tattoo.
These are additional proposed holidays to those being considered by the Social Committee.
Probus Walk Report – July 2014
COOMBES VALLEY NATURE RESERVE was the destination of the clubs July walk.
Thirteen proved to be far from an unlucky number, for that was how many of us enjoyed this high summer foray into this woodland that lies at the heart of the Churnet Valley.
I am pleased to say that although we are always happy to be joined by members friends and family it was especially gratifying to have the PROBUS members out numbering the others, their being eight members and five wives.
Coombes Valley Nature Reserve offers an amazing variety of wildlife. The RSPB bought land at Coombes Valley in 1962 they now manage 112 hectares of woodland, pasture and hay meadow.
There are thousands of species of birds, mammals, insect’s plants and fungus offering a very diverse habitat. There are many paths and nature trails to observe this abundant area. Although we saw and heard very little of the fauna I suspect it was because we were making too much noise ourselves.
We managed to complete two of the trails, both the Valley Woodland trail and the Woodcock trail, stopping to admire the various view points along the route. We were surprised to see that the pond was virtually dry.
With the sun blazing down and the temperature in the mid-20s it was quite a relief to have shelter under the trees, although some of the inclines were taxing, everyone managed easily and all enjoyed the walk.
After two hours we were back at the car park to make the journey back to Leek and lunch reserved at the White Lion. The White Lion is located next to Leek Town Football Club and has an excellent menu, here we were joined by four who could not manage the walk but who wanted to have lunch with us. I think all will agree that the food was delicious, promptly served and more than enough, definitely recommend!
Graham Tunnicliff
Funerals
Fred Cotton – Fred’s funeral service and interment will take place at Lawton Church at 10.00am on Thursday 31 July 2014.
Ernie Langford – Ernie’s funeral service will take place at Butt Lane Baptist Church at 11.30am on Thursday 31st July 2014 followed by cremation at Bradwell Crematorium. The wake will be at Kidsgrove Athletic Football Club.