President’s Remarks September 2017
Dear members,
We are moving into that lovely time of the year when nature is slowing down and some of the trees are already starting to show their autumn colours. In the words of John Keats, “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”. Our lawns are at last having their final cut and the lawnmower can be put to bed until next season.
Our musical evening on the 20th was enjoyed by everyone with over 60 attending. It was bolstered by the fact that we were of course celebrating Frank’s 90th birthday and it was lovely that we were joined by some of his and Margaret’s family for the celebration. Frank certainly enjoyed the occasion leading us in song and ending the evening with a waltz. Where does he get the energy?
Here in the Probus club there exists a great bond of friendship and support and Frank has been at the heart of it. He is a founder member of Kidsgrove Probus and very much part of its fabric and has undertaken many roles in the club. Pauline and I have enjoyed many holidays and day trips which were organised by Frank when he served on the social committee with Peter Lowe (currently under Ken Williamsons stewardship). I would like to say a huge thank you to him for the major contribution that he has made to the club over the last 21 years.
On the home front Chris Brough continues to make steady progress. Chris goes for his biopsy report on Monday 25th. Peter Lowe has had an appointment with the oncologist and has been advised that, dependant on the result of a biopsy which he will have in the next few days he may be able to commence a course of radiotherapy which will hopefully improve his condition. Our thoughts are with Peter and Doreen, Chris and Christine at this very worrying time.
Finally, just a reminder gentlemen for those going to the Turkey & Tinsel holiday to Criccieth in November, please bring a cheque to the September meeting for £164 per person for the people you are paying for – the outstanding amount!
President Terry Dale
Todays speaker – T B A.
Birthdays in October:-John Crutchley, Kenneth Williamson, Michael Woodcock.
Social Report
ARBORETUM OUTING
Thirty-two members and friends visited the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas on Thursday 7th September 2017. The site was originally a stone quarry and when exhausted it was donated to the Local Authority to set up the memorial gardens. The British Legion has greatly assisted to make it the National Memorial Arboretum as it is today.
It rained while we were travelling by coach but the sun shone when we arrived at Alrewas and it remained warm and dry for the rest of the day. Most people enjoyed the walk around the various memorial gardens, although some boarded the land train for a conducted tour of the site with commentary.
The main central memorial to all those who had died in conflict post World War 2 contained over 16,000 names engraved on the surrounding walls, with new ones being added every month in respect of servicemen killed in accidents, terrorist incidents or conflicts abroad.
Surrounding the centre are other smaller memorial gardens provided by the Navy, Air Force and Army regiments, both British and Commonwealth as well as other organisations like British Railways, the Red Cross and the Women’s Institute etc to commemorate the contributions made by their own members.
Some of our party lunched in the restaurant at the New Remembrance Centre and nearly all of them gathered there for afternoon tea and scones before getting on the coach for the journey home.
The outing proved to be a different but moving experience.
MUSIC EVENING
The Music Evening held at the Cricket Club on Wednesday 20thSeptember 2017 was a very special evening for Frank Timmis who celebrated his 90th Birthday. Over 65 people attended and participated in a splendid buffet and a special birthday cake. Frank, never one to be subdued, excelled himself with a solo performance of songs on the ‘open mike’ and everyone went home having thoroughly enjoyed a special evening.
We now look forward to the 5 Day Turkey and Tinsel Holiday to Criccieth departing on Monday 20th November 2017. Remainder of the payment £164.00 per person will be required at the meeting on Wednesday 27th September 2017. There are still some vacancies and any late bookings from members or friends will be very welcome.
Menu selections for the Christmas Luncheon at the Manor House Hotel on Friday 1st December 2017 will be circulated at the September meeting and must be completed and returned by 14thNovember 2017 in order to arrange table place cards and provide food requirements to the Hotel.
Ken Williamson
Dates for your Diary
Tuesday 10th October Indoor Bowls season starts at Biddulph Leisure Centre 11am – 1pm.
For other events check ‘Dates for your Diary’ on the Probus web site.
Len Dale
Walk Report Wednesday 6th September 2017
Despite recent torrential rain, once again the Probus walk took place in dry weather. Our destination this month was Dane in Shaw. Parking was arranged at the Castle Inn and 9 of us set off down the valley following the Dane in Shaw brook which was flowing rapidlyover the various weirs, remnants of a previous industrial age and activities long gone.
Joining the Macclesfield Canal towards Buglawton we continued along the towpath before heading towards Congleton to join The Biddulph Valley Way and our route back to the Castle Inn where sustenance was happily partaken before going our separate ways.
The next Walk will be on Wednesday 4th October. Meet at the tiered car park in Heathcote Street, Kidsgrove at 0930hrs. Destination, Knypersley Pool / Greenway Country Park area. Lunch to be advised.
Graham Tunnicliff
Comprehensive Information on Government Grants and Benefits
A lady researching benefit entitlements for older people came across our ‘interesting’ web site and has supplied us with a link to a website, that, along with a house and garden DIY guide and offering a facility to contact the services of a local tradesmen, also has a comprehensive leading page on grants and benefits available to older people from the government. If nothing else this information should make us aware of our entitlements and benefits from the welfare system. Using Copy and Paste on the link below will take you to a comprehensive listing of benefits and grants on this website.
Mike Nield
http://householdquotes.co.uk/benefits-and-grants-for-oaps/
The Amateur Philosopher
May our choices reflect our hopes not our fears.
Nelson Mandela
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 October at
Kidsgrove Cricket Club, 9.30 for 10am.