News letter
Autumn 2005
Can you honestly believe how fast this summer has gone! I was reading a newspaper article forecasting a cold winter, and suddenly realized autumn was already here.
Recycling household waste! "Recycling" is one of the most important words of this decade. There is a nation wide initiative to reduce the demand for primary materials, which are becoming scarcer throughout the world. We must reduce our demand to cut down trees for the production of paper, and reduce our need to quarry primary aggregate for roads.
We must slow down our need to mine our diminishing stocks of iron ore,
and coal, by recycling our metal cans and tins, and not just throw them
into the bin, to end up in land fill sites.
Today most of our paper, metal cans, quality plastic, and glass are
being reused. Bottom ash from incinerated waste, glass, plastic, iron
and steel slag, demolished buildings, old kerbs and flagstones, and
rubber tyres are all being used to build and resurface our roads.
Garden waste is being converted into humus for our parks and gardens,
and hopefully soon everything, every waste item known, will be recycled.
Everything will be reuseable, hopefully it will save our planet,
and hopefully ourselves from drowning in our own waste.
Welcome to Conwy and District Probus Club who have recently sent us
details of their web pages, for us to link into www.probus.org the
international pages of Probus Clubs all over the world,
Conwy tell us they have a luncheon on the second Thursday at the
Castle Hotel, Deganwy, when they have a speaker. They also have a coffee
morning on the fourth Thursday when when wives and sweethearts
can attend.
I am sure many probus members can remember seeing Conwy Castle from
the train even if they were not staying in the town. However the
club kindly invites visiting holiday probus members to come along to
the meetings, and of course they look forward to seeing new members who
live in the district.
Welcome also to The Probus Club of Fleet who meet on the last Friday of
each month at the Lismoyne Hotel. Potential new members in the area
should contact Chris Waller
It is always interesting to see the small differences of
how each Probus Club operates. Please click on to their pages in the
left hand column to see the details.
If you would also be kind enough to click on to my club which is Filey and District Probus Club, you will see the new photograph of most members. Some of their families live across the world and it is always nice for them to see a picture of what Grandpa gets up to.
Recently I was surprised to note from the membership list of my club Filey and District Probus Club, that 20% of the membership are now widowers, and looking back over our records it seems the number has been steadily rising over the years. Once it was always us men that took our leave first, now it seems the ladies may be catching us up.
Bereavement is a sad and lonely business I lost my wife in 1998. and learning from friends we all go through the agony of the experience. Seven years later I still ask her advice on a regular basis. Now I keep busy to enjoy life, as a County Councillor, a Speaker Finder, Membership Secretary, look after the Probus UK web pages, Chairman of the Conservative Branch, walk every Saturday with a friend, and go to church. If you are a widower, best wishes I am sure you doing the same.
Recently I received the following email, which seemed a worth while cause to pass on to you.
I am the secretary of the Yeovil branch of a charitable organisation called REMAP. We design and make special equipment for disabled people when suitable items are not otherwise available.
I sometimes describe ourselves as a club of retired engineers who can't stop inventing things! If you access our web site www.remap.org.uk you will see some examples of the work we do.
One member of our group has suggested that this work might well be of interest to Probus members and it would be useful to know if there is a branch in the Yeovil and Sherborne area. We are looking for one or two new members to join us, and it does seem the Probus and Remap both appeal to people with the same interests. My e-mail is Robertmccreight@aol.com
We do receive genuine requests such as the above, which is of general interest to us all.
Best wishes
GC
Summer 2005
Here in the north Saturday June 18th, and the Sunday at last heralded
the start of some hot the summer
weather.
Which then caused a mighty thunderstorm, seriously flooding
the towns of Thirsk and Helmsley, and many Parishes in North Yorkshire.
Some of the minor roads were just washed away.
Our thoughts and best
wishes go out to those people who were hurt, and flooded from their
homes. Heavy rain and subsequent flooding are now becoming a more
serious hazard, and perhaps a new study into the problem should now be
commissioned.
Welcome to Petersfield & District Probus Club in North East Hampshire
who were founded in 1977 and have recently joined the pages of Probus
International on probus.org.
Their club also serves the villages of Buriton, Froxfield, Hawksley,
Sheet, Liphook, Liss and Milland, and meet monthly in the evening for
dinner on the last Thursday of the month at the Half Moon public house.
They also meet for a short walk and a pub lunch with their ladies on
the second Tuesday in the month. Please look at their website in the
index it sounds a lovely part of England.
Welcome also to Berwick probus Club who were founded in 1986 and meet
every Wednesday in the Parish Centre at 9.30am. They tell us they spend
a whole hour speaking about their weeks exploits enjoyed with a
cup coffee, and then they listen to a speaker.
Annual fee is £5.00 and £1.40 per visit. Please visit their pages which
also encourages us to find a soulmate.
Weather wise its been a mixed sort of year, certainly much wetter in the north so far than in the south, which we hearing some parts are now suffering a drought.
Just a reminder to those clubs who have had their AGM to send us the names of their new officers, or change themselves if they have their own web-sites.
GC
Spring 2005
This is the first week of spring, and today March 23rd is a warm spring day. Speaking as a northerner it is a wonderful change from the wet cold weather we have endured this winter. No I am not complaining. because I think it is so wonderful to see all the changes in the various seasons. Many years ago when I was in the RAF in the Middle East we used to dream of the lovely frosty days in England, so now I am quite content to stay just where I am.
In my business years in the capital, I always remember a Londoner telling us there was heavy snow in the north! where about in the north I asked? Nottingham he said "you know, north!" he said. His colleague laughed, Albert lives south of the Thames, even where I live in Welwyn is north to him.
This year is an election year; no I don't mean the National Elections although they could be taking place as well. I mean the County Council Elections on May 5th; there is still a few days to put your name forward. No you are not too old! And I am sure you have a lot of experience of life, which is much needed when dealing with local issues. I have been a County Councillor for just two years and have enjoyed every minute of it.
As you probably know the only comprehensive list of probus clubs
is the one produced on the UK pages of probus.org. This was of
course the choice of many probus clubs years ago, because they did
not want to be deluged by spam mail. However if you now think a list
would be useful
please let us know, and we will attempt to ballot the members.
However for potential members seeking details of clubs in their area, or members seeking
old friends in new areas,
please consult the local library who keep records of all local clubs.
This season we especially welcome The Guildford Probus Club who are the fiftieth probus club to join our United Kingdom pages on probus org of Probus International. This is an auspicious occasion, and we are delighted to welcome you. You will read members of the club meet on the third Friday of each month at the Holiday Inn for lunch, and listen to a speaker.
Welcome also to The Berwick Probus Club who have just joined the UK pages of probus.org. Berwick were founded in 1986, and meet every Wednesday at 9.30am in the Parish Centre in Berwick. They tell us for the first hour of the meeting members catch up on everyone's news and exploits over coffee, then they listen to a speaker.
Please don't forget if your committee would like your club to be illustrated on the Internet pages of Probus International then let us know. If your club has its own website then we will link your club to the international pages of probus.org free of charge.
If your club needs help to produce your own illustrated web page, furnish us with all the details in a word document, and we will produce your club web page free of charge. We will then upload your page on to the UK site and make your annual updates all for a small rental charge of £20 per year, until your club acquires its own website, then we will link your site direct to the international site.
All this of course is in the firm belief that as a world body we can by international exchanges of ideas and visits enhance all our lives. A certain Australian gentleman has promised to visit me in August, which I look forward to immensely Arch.
Dr Richard Shephard Director of Development at York Minster wrote to tell us that "York Minster is just at the beginning of a Development Campaign which seeks to restore and conserve the Great East Window (the largest mediaeval work of art - the size of a tennis court) and to provide support for musical and educational activities within the Minster.
He writes "I know that Probus club meetings include a presentation from a speaker and myself or one of my colleagues would be delighted to speak at meetings, not a fund-raising venture, but in order to spread the word about the projects we are engaged in, and the challenges we are facing."
If any clubs would like to hear about the York Minsters project for the Great East Window, please contact Richard Shephard at richards@ogleforth.co.uk
GC
Winter 2004 / 2005
In the first paragraph of my Autumn news letter I quoted an article in the Telegraph saying it was going to be a cold winter. Well its certainly been wet, yes and windy too, I have had to prop my garage door open more often recently, but not desperately cold. This year I have definitely come to the conclusion that forecasters can spot changes in the Atlantic coming our way, but cannot possibly forecast for a whole season. Even the weather itself doesn't know so far ahead! I will stick to spotting Holly Berries!
The other bit of nonsense that is becoming apparent is that I have always admired touch typists! I use two forefingers, but recently I have noticed most of the letters are wearing off the keys on my computer keyboard, but I am still typing away quite happily. Yes I know I should have taken the lessons it would have been quicker wouldn't it.
A warm welcome to the new web site of Fugelmere Probus Club, who has recently joined the UK pages of www.probus.org, congratulation. Colin who is their Webmaster has produced very, smart, concise, informative pages, and the pictures are beautiful, I like the staircase! I have told our auditors they are really account inspectors, and the Monday Club lunching at the Fox & Hounds is what we all should do. Well done.
GC
Autumn 2004
In spring I wrote of longer days, and hopes of summer to come! Well this summer did not turn out to be a scorcher, in fact it didn't turn out to be very good at all, but we enjoyed the sun when it appeared. We Brits are phlegmatic race, we make the best of most things as they come along, with possibly cold winters as the exception. I say this because I read the article in the Telegraph dated October 13th, prophesying a much cold winter, I do hope they are wrong.
Welcome to The No.1 Probus Club Of Bath who meet for lunch at The Bath Rugby Club on the third Thursday every month, and afterwards listen to a speaker. The President of the club is Mr Robert Saunders, and the club Secretary is Mr Ronald Rapley. They will be pleased to hear from potential new members, and full details can be found on their web-site listed in the index.
Welcome also to The Probus Club of stockport South who meet at the Brookdale Social Club on the first and third Thursday of every month. Members have coffee, a chat, and listen to a guest speaker. Stockport South's Chairman is Frank Johnson, and the Secretary is Gwyn Phillips. The colour of the web-site is excellent, it is concise and spontaneously informative, well done.
And finally an exciting club web-site still in the making. Peterborough Probus '02 Club meet in the Elton Furze Golf Club for lunch on the first Thurday for lunch, and for coffee on the the third Thursday. I am sure you will have a speakers as well. The President is Doug Mager, and the Secretary is Brian King. Mr President we will watch your developing site with interest.
For those clubs who would like to have a website, but dont have the expertise to produce one please read the summer new letter. We have produced about five club sites so far after we made the offer.
GC
Summer 2004
Summer started wet! Regarded as good by farmers whilst we were still in late spring, but now in mid July with harvest approaching we are hoping for more signs of this global warming. Small tourist coastal economies such as here in Filey, and the tourist industry generally across the country are in desperate need of the sun. For the walkers amongst us, that investment in wet weather gear has certainly paid dividends, and allowed us to stay out there to enjoy that explosion of growth in the woodlands and hedgerows . Predictions? Most long range forecasters say it will become dryer, We all certainly hope that will come true
More and more clubs are keen to illustrate their presence in the UK pages of Probus International in probus.org on the internet, so you can inform potential members locally of the activities they could enjoy, as well as keeping members updated on forthcoming events with monthly newsletters. It is also interesting to know that many children, and Grandchildren, working or at school abroad log on to probus.org to find out what grandpa is getting up to.
If your club does not yet have the expertise to design a web page, we will produce it for you free of charge, but we do have ask for a small charge for lodging it on our home-site, and updating it for you annually. Just send me a word document attached to an e-mail, with full details of your club, including which county you are in. Then later when your club has its own web site, you can take it over and we will link your site to probus.org
Welcome to Rhinefield Probus club who meet in the Forest Park Hotel in the New Forest, which is such a beautiful part of England especially for walking, we must come and walk there. Welcome also to The Probus Club of Worksop who are situated just north of Sherwood Forest. Your digital photographs look beautifully clear, I would be most interested to know what type of camera you used.
The new pages of the Probus club of St. Albans look very professional, and
especially the outings page with its descriptive pictures of your visits.
,
Welcome also to The Probus Club of Mendip, who meet on the first
and third Monday in the Royal British Legion Club in Mendip.
And a
special welcome to Alton & District probus Club who meet on the last
Friday in
the month at the Alton House hotel, and! and this is the bit I like,
they have informal meetings every Wednesday in "The Cedars" public
house in Binstead, over a pint and sandwich.
More Ex-Pat Probus members from around the world are coming to visit the UK this year. They are coming especially from Canada, America, Australia, and New Zealand. Many are seeking relatives, and they naturally hope to find the local club on the UK pages of probus.org. I have had three e-mails this week from Canada trying to find local Probus Clubs in Northern Ireland! Sadly there are no probus clubs in Northern Ireland listed in the UK internet pages of probus.org Perhaps this kindly meant reminder will stir their warm hearts to do just that!
I always pass the relative information on to the clubs abroad, because I know most clubs in the UK are pleased to welcome probus members from over the water to their meetings. Perhaps you may think it a good idea to add a greeting to your web pages, "overseas probus members welcome". Some clubs have sister clubs overseas, and already have exchange visits.
It could be a good idea to have a Probus Conference in a different part of the country every year! Perhaps a world conference?, and as we remember the aims of probus is to "Promote Friendship, Talks, Discussions and the Exchange of views" a world meeting could be very exciting, it could go on for weeks! (Grin!). However it would be interesting for everyone who kindly reads this newsletter both here in the UK and other countries, to let us hear your ideas.
GC
Spring 2004
There is a great feeling of joy when we actually write the word "Spring" as a title. A feeling of longer days, and summer to come, of new growth , yes and almost relief, as we wipe a forefinger across our brow, and perhaps mutter the words "made it again". But joking aside I think this feeling has been inherent since early man, knowing that food for them would soon become more plentiful, or perhaps in our case spring gives us new life, we start to feel better, and begin to get out more.
The Lion Inn on Blakey Ridge, North Yorks Moors was full of walkers on Saturday lunchtime. With newly discarded walking boots piled high in the lobby, as their owners downed a pint of Old Peculiar. Certainly the serious talk was comparing the weather of last spring with the present, and of course hopes that this year will be as good, or even better than last year. And then there is the usual questions, which is the best way to get down into Rosedale, and preference for all leather boots. Serious stuff indeed, but wonderfully relaxing for a taxed brain.
Welcome Bristol Cabot Probus Club to the UK pages of probus org your club was inaugurated in 1996, and meet for lunch in the Pavilion Suite in Southmead Road, Filton, on the third Wednesday of every month.
Welcome also to a pride of probus clubs, who have all decided to join
together in one website. This is a brilliant idea, and I am sure we
will see more of this in the future, they are
Probus Club of Harpenden
Probus Secundus Club of Harpenden
Village Probus Club of Harpenden
Probus Forum Harpenden
The Probus Club of Harpenden, Herts, meet in the Royal British legion Club
every first Thursday for lunch with a speaker. They were founded in
1974, and occasionally visit the races at Ascot or Newmarket, as well
as playing golf, bowls, and walking. I think we should invite you
to walk with us on the North Yorks Moors
The Probus Secundus Club of Harpenden, also meet at the Royal British
Legion Club in Leyton Road, every third Thursday. It is interesting to
note that both these clubs also have associated ladies clubs.
I am sure other UK members will be interested to visit all you're new
pages.
I was very interested to read Secundus that you also have a computer club; the subject is amazingly diverse, and a computer club is the best way to pool all the knowledge which each of your members are studying. I am sure the members would advocate all probus clubs to have computer clubs, it is a very enriching experience for our age group. Tesco shopping delivered to your door, and buying washing machines etc, I am told by one of our members are bought cheaper on the internet
Welcome also to Reading and District Probus Club, who are one of the very earliest probus clubs, being formed in 1969. Reading Club meet for lunch on the second Monday of every month, at Caversham Heath Golf Club in Mapleduram Village. I am sure they would be delighted to see new prospective members, or any visiting probus membners from the other shires.
GC
Winter 2003 / 2004
Wow! Winter came in like a lion on the first night of winter December 21st 2003, blanketing the north east coast, causing chaos for a morning. Where now are those warm, balmy days of summer! They are but a pleasant memory, and we all hope next summer will be just as good.
However a warm welcome to the two new probus clubs joining the UK pages of Probus International, which can be found on the internet website of probus.org Swelling our ranks to thirty-five clubs.
The first is The Garstang Probus Club, serving Garstang, Catterall, and the districts of wyre, and Fylde, near Preston, North Lancashire. The club is based at the Golf Club Hotel in Garstang, and was started in 1972, with a limit on membership of 40 members. If you live in the area and would like to know more about the club please contact the Secretary Mr Derek Penketh on Tel. 01995 679354.
Our other new club joining the UK pages of International Probus is The Surbiton Probus Club serving the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, and meets monthly at the Antoinette Hotel for lunch and a speaker. Gentlemen wishing to join this club should contact the Secretary at surbprob@aol.com
Well do I remember the visits of Kingston upon Thames Rowing Club, coming annually to the regatta's of Bradford Amateur Rowing Club in the 60s. They were a friendly bunch, great rowers, and used to go off with all the pots! We seniors should have a fours return match!
GC