Probus Club of Kidsgrove > Newsletters > October 2014

October 2014

President’s Remarks

Thank you to everyone who sent get well wishes, cards and flowers to Joan following her recent fall and resulting fractures. I am pleased to report that she is almost back to normal with only occasional twinges. 

The accident occurred on 18th September which of course was “The Musical Evening with FREE BUFFET”.

Thanks to Frank and Ken for stepping in for me as DJs and from what I hear who did such a good job.

I believe the whole event was a success, despite the treasurer’s apoplexy every time he heard the word “free” especially as Peter kept increasing the estimated costs.

Thanks to the raffle, which was so generously supported by those donating prizes and those buying tickets, I believe we made a small profit. Thanks also to Sandra and Bernadette for preparing such a feast.

As I write this we are suffering the effects of hurricane Gonzalo, I hope you are all damage free and look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting.

Graham Tunnicliff

The speaker today is Mr Martin R. Francis and his topic is “Colditz – Glider Escape Scheme”.

Birthdays during November 2014

Peter Lowe, Barry Rogerson.

Fred Cotton’s Proceeds

Following Fred’s funeral on 31 July 2014, a sum of £1,100 has been donated to the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in his memory.

Ernie Langford’s Proceeds

The North Staffs Hearts Committee is better off from a donation of £667.52 from Ernie’s funeral on 31 July 2014.

Funeral Costs

In case you were thinking, the Probus Newsletter has been advised that the cost of a funeral today will cost around £4,000.

Probus Holiday at Weston Super Mare 

The hotel tucked away at the southern end of the bay was built approx. 1850. Originally a crescent of 19 upmarket dwellings it backed onto the beach. It appears that the last four houses were converted into this split level hotel.

Parts of the hotel were excellent but with many stairs and only one small lift maybe not so convenient. The staff were very good and obliging. The food left a lot to be desired, but was varied.

There was entertainment each evening mainly vocalists concentrating on the 1950’s onwards. It is fair to say that our members added to the fun with the performers appreciating our input. Terry, the coach driver was good.

The trips out were to the 11th Century Dunster Castle perched 600 ft. above a wooden hill and terraced garden run by the National Trust. It has views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel. The old yarn market sits in the middle of the town. At Street some people visited the Clarks shoe factory and village outlet shopping whilst others took a tour around Glastonbury Abbey ruins. A few climbed 500ft to the top of Glastonbury Tor and were rewarded with magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. The medieval city of wells was a very popular stopping off point where nearly everyone visited the splendid Cathedral. It is also the smallest city in England. There were also trips to Minehead, Cheddar Gorge and a free day in Weston. Some people went to Bristol’s harbour side and S.S Great Britain whilst on another day a visit to Burnham-on-Sea was on the cards. Terry varied the route to take in the lovely countryside and pretty villages. The trip to Bath was improved by taking on board a guide. She was very knowledgeable and with the coach taking us round we got to the Crescent and the Circus without the long walk. Excellent value!

Just a short note about a holiday which I would not have liked to have missed. The whole party linked in so well at times doing their own thing and then coming back together again. Thanks to all and best wishes to Graham Brown who joined the ranks of the over eighties. The organisation was again superb thanks to Ken Williamson and Peter Lowe.

Frank Timmis

Pictures and News Articles

Members’ contributions to the club’s website in the form of photographs, or suitable articles such as anniversaries that can be published in the probus newsletter are always welcome. Contact the Secretary.

Walk Report – October 2014

The Magnificent Seven rode out from Kidsgrove at 9:30 on the 1st October towards the dizzy heights of the Staffordshire Moorlands. Yes that’s right only seven of us, the usual regular walkers all either away in sunnier climes or dealing with family crisis.

Our walk this month was around Tittersworth Reservoir, or you could say what is left of the reservoir as it is exceptionally low. We arrived at The Lazy Trout car park just as a much larger group were about to set off, having pre ordered their lunch at the Inn.

So, not to be outdone, we seized the opportunity and pre ordered ours also. We set off about 10:30 in glorious sunshine to begin our circumnavigation in a clockwise direction and were soon enjoying the walk and each other’s company, apart from a few dog walkers and a couple of joggers it was very quiet and pleasant going until were within site of the dam.

Assembled on the dam were the group of walkers whom we had seen previously at the Lazy Trout and much to our surprise they turned round and headed back towards us, the two groups passing each other before we had reached the dam. After a brief refreshment stop on the Dam we continued up the steps to join the track that passes a farm and onto the lane leading back to the Inn arriving at 12:45 just in time to see the other group entering the Inn for their Lunch.

Despite it being very busy with local farmers, as well as other groups we had our reserved table and were efficiently served with our delicious food and drinks. As has become a regular occurrence once we were indoors the heavens opened and it poured down.

The food and company were so good it was after 2:30 before we finally left and headed home, we may not have been many, but it was magnificent and we did find out who the other group were; they were “Neckenders”and ex PMT drivers.

Graham Tunnicliff

Dates for Your Diary

Wednesday29 Oct 2014Probus Ordinary Meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am for 10.00am start.
Saturday1 November 2014Clough Hall Bonfire & Firework Display.
Wednesday5 Nov 2014Probus Walk.
Friday7 Nov 2014Clough Hall Resident’s Association quiz night at Butt Lane Community Centre. Meet 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start. Tickets are £5 each which includes a Pie and Peas supper. Tickets available from Chris Brough.
Sunday9 Nov 2014Remembrance Sunday. Meet at Kidsgrove Town Hall at 10.00am for the parade to the cenotaph opposite St. Thomas Church.
Wednesday12 Nov 2014Probus Council Meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am.Note: Change of date.
Thursday13 Nov2014A charity concert at Kidsgrove Town Hall to raise funds for Fighting Blindness Research. Featuring Stefan Andrusyschyn and Denise Leigh, Churnet Valley Male Voice Choir, The North Staffs Accordion Band (Website address www.northstaffsaccordionclub.co.uk)with compere Phil Eardley. Starts at 7.30pm. Door opens at 7.00pm. Bar available. Admission £5.00. For Tickets contact 01782 787935. Text 07939 362294. 
Monday – Friday17 – 21 Nov 2014Probus Tinsel & Turkey 5 day holiday to Bournemouth. Cost £220.00
Friday21 Nov 2014Clough Hall Bowling Club has a Race Night at the Cricket Club. Start 7.30pm. Tickets from Len Dale or Derek Cross.
Tuesday25 Nov 2014Probus bowls at the Victoria Centre, Crewe. Start 11.00am.
Wednesday26 Nov 2014Probus Ordinary Meeting at the Cricket Club. Meet 9.30am for 10.00am start.
Thursday27 Nov 2014Probus Music Night at the Cricket club. Meet 7.30pm. Bring along a music C.D to play a track of your choice.
Wednesday3 Dec 2014Probus Walk.
Thursday4 Dec 2014Probus Christmas Lunch at Lawton Memorial Hall. Meet 11.45am for 12.30pm start.
Saturday20 Dec 2014Probus assisting the Rotary Club of Kidsgrove with the Annual Reindeer Collection at Home Bargains in Kidsgrove. Volunteers required. Names to Peter Groom who is co-ordinating the collection for this major charity fund raising project.