Retford Men’s Probus Club has been running since 1971 and meetings take place at the Westhill Community Centre, Ordsall at 10.00am every other Friday. If you want to get involved, please see www.retfordmensprobusclub.org.uk.
The club’s last two speakers gave members really interesting presentations. Firstly, Eugene Gunn who gave a talk on guns and ammunition used in the Second World War. He brought along examples of grenades, pistols, rifles and machine guns, from the British, German, Russian and American armies. He went through these weapons describing their various good and bad points. Next was Drew Lilleker, a third-generation funeral director, from Chesterfield. Drew told members the history of his family’s business and finished his talk with one or two humorous anecdotes about his profession.
Dave Otter gave his presentation based on his life as a tree surgeon, and had a wealth of funny stories. Our local MP John Mann was due to speak to members about his time in Parliament but, unfortunately, John had to go to London and do his ‘day job’ and so Claire Monk, came at very short notice from Welbeck Abbey Brewery to tell the group the history of the brewery and their excellent products.
On 8th December members are having their annual Christmas Lunch, then in the new year the club meets on 12th and 26th January. The first speaker will be Tony Kerswell, whose intriguing talk has the title ‘The Invisible Affliction’. Then on the 26th, Andy Smart will be presenting a talk entitled ‘Their Names Live On’.
Both these talks look as they are full of promise, and if you like the idea of an extremely informal group who meet once a fortnight, have a look at their website. It is a non-political, and not a fundraising organisation, members just meet for good old-fashioned fellowship.
The club meets every other Friday morning at Westhill Community Centre, in Ordsall at 10.00am. If you are interested in joining, please email secretary Dennis Beevers at dennis@denboy.plus.com and he will give you more details.