PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Welcome Gentlemen to another hitherto Probus meeting.
Summer weather is here at last and we are now able to resume the Probus walks and bowls events which have begun with some good attendance numbers.
Please note the President’s Evening in May at the Manor House Hotel has been cancelled again but I hope that when the lockdown rules are eased, I can arrange a President’s Lunch this summer.
Meanwhile a Probus Council Meeting is arranged for Wednesday 26 May to discuss proposals to move Probus forward. Details from our Secretary Michael Nield will be sent to Council Members.
I am concerned at the fall in Probus members and would ask if you could help in anyway to recruit new members to Probus.
I hope that we will all be able to meet together for our Probus A.G.M on 30 June 2021.
Until next time, keep yourselves and your families safe and well.
Regards
John Dunn.
__________________________________________________________________________
BIRTHDAYS IN MAY 2021
John Lowe (12th)
SOCIAL REPORT FOR APRIL 2021
Sorry we are not able to arrange any holidays at present but we have had some excellent holidays in Devon and Cornwall in the past staying at Weymouth, Exmouth, Torquay, Newquay and St Ives. Marjorie and I and the family spent many happy holidays at Newquay swimming and surfing and playing cricket and football on the sands at Lusty Glaze Beach and afterwards even able to walk up the 140 steps back to the roadway.
However, one holiday in Newquay that I do recall was a visit with Audley Male Voice Choir in 2010 to compete in the Cornish Male Voice Choir Festival. We were booked in at the Kilbirnie a splendid hotel overlooking Tolcarne Beach. The organisers had arranged for competing choirs to give concerts in various localities in the area and our first excursion was to Bude to give a joint concert with an Austrian Boys Choir, we also sang at Padstow and the Eden Project The Festival Competition was held at Truro Hall and there were a number of choirs from Cornwall as well as other choirs from Great Britain and Europe taking part. Before our own performance we were given strict instructions by Philip Broadhurst our Musical Director to sing well stand up straight and not to display bottles of water but to conceal them in our trouser pockets. I must say that the apparently well-endowed front row were the envy of all the ladies but unfortunately they were not the judges so we did not win the competition. Our final concert was at the church in Newquay before returning to our hotel where after the Musical Director had retired we all joined together for some impromptu storytelling and singing accompanied by our pianist Ian Riddle before adjourning to our bedrooms for a well-earned sleep. The following morning after breakfast we boarded our coaches for the long journey home but stopping and singing at Exeter Cathedral on the way. It was an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Hopefully when circumstances permit, we shall be able to join together for another holiday.
In conclusion can I thank all who have telephoned and sent get well messages to Marjorie following her operation and stay in hospital, she is now improving well and I am pleased to say relieving me of my domestic duties.
Keep safe, keep well and keep smiling.
Ken Williamson
PROBUS WALK – WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL 2021.
The governments milestone on 29 March gave us the opportunity to attempt the first Probus walk since February 2020. Seven of our group started out from the Clough Hall on a 5-mile local ramble (wait for it) in the sunshine, albeit a little chilly.
We completed our walk by lunchtime, returning to the Clough for lunch. Unfortunately, the Clough was very disorganised and the least said the better, hopefully things will improve in time.
The next walk is planned for May 5th and it is our annual Bluebell walk, I do not intend having lunch as we will be unable to dine inside until 17 May. Meet on Freeport car park 10.00hrs
Graham Tunnicliff
BOWLS
Len Dale had arranged the second bowls event of the season, (which has now become a weekly event).it was held on Tuesday 20 April and was attended by 14 members and partners.
Adhering to government guidelines we split into 3 groups, which is a format we will continue with throughout the season.
Following Bowls most of us had lunch in the Beer Garden at the Bleeding Wolf (kindly arranged by Grace Lowe). The food was excellent and the staff were well organised
Despite the sun shining on both of our al fresco experiences, to me, it really did confirm, that dining al fresco in April is not an experience to be recommended.
Graham Tunnicliff
__________________________________________________________________________
HOLIDAY – EVANS HOTEL – LLANDUDNO –
FRIDAY 18 JUNE – MONDAY 21 JUNE 2021 – COST £132.00
Frank Timmis reports that the Hotel is now open and 13 members together with partners are booked in to attend. Table service both in the bar and restaurant. Covid Rules apply but there will be some entertainment. Make your own way to the Hotel.
__________________________________________________________________________
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.
__________________________________________________________________________