On Wednesday 11th July Retford Ladies Probus was treated to a quintessentially English afternoon tea party to mark their 20th anniversary. The event took place in Sturton Le Steeple Village Hall which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Bunting by Dawn Madine,. table arrangements by More Than Flowers and catering in the very able hands of Joan Goodman and her team, made it all the more special. Flowers were also presented to Anne Yorath for keeping a meticulous photographic record of the club’s progress.
As if this wasn’t enough, talented composer and multi-instrumentalist Simeon Wood brought his gentle brand of humour and anecdotes. Who would have thought you could play 500 Miles by The Proclaimers on an NHS walking stick or Land of Hope and Glory on a bicycle pump! The first being a tribute to the National Health Service and the second a nod to the Tour de France starting in Yorkshire. Primarily a flautist, Simeon’s other pieces included John Denver’s Annie’s Song, Henry Mancini’s Moon River (which was written in one octave because Audrey Hepburn had such a small range) and Leroy Anderson’s Typewriter song. Interestingly Anderson was actually a code breaker at the Pentagon. Simeon finished with an emotive piece from Ennio Morricone’s score for the film The Mission.
It was a perfect ending to a perfect afternoon with many thanks to all the committee members who helped to make it such an enjoyable success and one which will be fondly remembered. The club next meets at Westhill Community Centre, Ordsall on Wednesday 12th September at 10.00am for 10.30am, when Sue Clifton will be looking at ‘Birds in our Gardens’. All are welcome.