Barrie Tulloch: 2021 – 2022
I must admit that when I accepted the post of Stuart’s Vice President, over 3 years ago, as someone who has never been comfortable with public speaking, I had mixed feelings about the Presidency!
However, much to my surprise I have enjoyed my year, and this is mainly due to the goodwill and support of the members generally, but especially to my colleagues of the Executive Committee.
I think it has been a good year, indeed a memorable year for Probus 02, and I would briefly like to list our main events.
The year started with our Christmas lunch at the Queens Head, culminating in an entertainment by Toby Wood.
A day trip to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, thanks to Terry.
In Spring, Stuart organised a Treasure Trail followed by Sunday Lunch.
A tour of Burghley House was arranged by Ian.
To celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee, we had a special lunch at the Queens Head with entertainment by John Dewis.
This was quickly followed by a day out to Kilworth Hall to see a production of Carousel, preceded by a picnic, a brilliant day out. Many thanks to Stuart for organising.
Dick arranged an afternoon “back stage” at Tolethorpe Hall.
The President’s Summer Party coincided with Probus 02’s 20th anniversary, which we celebrated with a special lunch at The Black Horse at Elton.
Another Theatre trip, an evening at Tolethorpe to see Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, preceded by a picnic.
Finally the Quiz and Fish and Chip supper, many thanks to Terry.
As you know my Charity for the year was The Light project, Peterborough, a local charity whose aim is to help get rough sleepers off the streets. Many thanks to all of you for raising £850 which has been presented to the Charity. I hope that you will continue to support them, as I fear that the economic outlook for the next couple of years is fairly bleak.
In terms of the viability of our club, although we have gained 2 new members this year, we have also lost John Stones, and former President of 02, who sadly died in the summer and will be much missed. Again, with increasing ill health at least 2 members feel unable to attend meetings. While we used to average about 24 members attending our lunches pre covid, we are at present struggling to get 20. This has been balanced by an increased attendance of our Ladies at the coffee mornings, which I would like to encourage.
Although I think there is still a Covid effect in our attendances, I reiterate that we must all try and encourage our friends and acquaintances to come and join us for lunch with a view to recruitment.
As with all clubs like Probus, the viability and success depends very much on the hard work of the committee members who organise our day to day running, and events, and I would like to thank them on your behalf, and while I am loathe to mention individuals, I would personally like to thank Terry, who is no longer a member of the Executive, although he has been acting Deputy Steward for long periods this year, as well as organising 2 of our events.
You are probably aware that most of the present committee have been on the executive for a number of years in a variety of roles, and I would like to thank them on your behalf. However, they would like to be the first to encourage members to consider putting their names forward to join the executive, as it is unfair to expect the same individuals to be involved in our management year on year. It is indeed good practice to have new blood coming in, possibly with new ideas on how the club should go forward.
At this point I should like to thank Jackie Knaggs for continuing to organise the Probus Ladies’s lunches, which are indeed very popular events.
Finally, it has been an honour and a privilege to be your President, and I hope my successor, Chris Coakley, has an equally enjoyable year.
Barrie Tulloch
Stuart McGill: 2019 – 2021
It is a privilege to be your President for 2019-2020 and it is my aim to maintain the high standard set by all the previous Presidents.
On behalf of all Probus02 members I thank and congratulate Terry on such a successful past year in office as President. His hard work, dedication and organisational skills have been greatly appreciated by everyone. It was a pleasure to have had Terry as our President and I was pleased to present him with his well-earned Presidents tie and badge.
Since my early involvement with Probus02, attending many events before retiring, and then becoming a member, I have enjoyed the camaraderie, friendship and fellowship of this unique group. The variety of events, including various speaker subjects, visits to a wide range of places with different interests, country-side walks, having lunch and coffees in a great venue, have all maintained and strengthened my interest over the years. However, to develop this club, members should make every attempt to become more involved.
Nearly all of the trips/events for this coming year are being organised, and run by members of our Executive Committee, which leads me to encourage all members to become more involved in the organisation and running of this, their club. Can all members in the future look into organising a trip, event, or giving a talk for the club? After all this is an expectation of every member joining Probus02.
It has also become apparent in the recent past that lunch and coffee attendances are reducing, which we can all rectify and do something about. Can I urge members to make every effort to attend our monthly meetings and also to introduce new potential members, so as to increase our numbers?
A big thank you to all of the Executive Committee for remaining in their posts for this coming year. I really appreciate this and see this as a great benefit to me, as President, and also to the club. The Executive Committee perform many of the tasks that keep the club alive, and as you may notice this committee include two past Presidents who keep contributing to keep our club moving forward. I would also like to thank Barrie Tulloch for accepting to be my Vice President for the coming year and wish him well in this post.
Probus is a club consisting of men of a certain age, and for that reason, and also knowing that current members are suffering from this – I propose to name my Presidents Charity for this coming year as Prostate Cancer.
I know I can count on your support to raise a good amount for this very worthy cause.
Thank you
Stuart McGill
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Terry McCarthy: Presidential review of 2018-19.
My Presidential year has, in some ways, been mixed. The first formal function, the Christmas lunch, was progressing quite well until poor Ted had another ‘turn’ and required medical attention. However, feedback (excuse the pun!) indicated that attendees enjoyed the meal and carols afterwards.
‘My’ next formal event was the President’s Barbeque. It was blessed with good weather, so much so, that shade was (as in 2018) eagerly sought by most guests. Then, reports were received that many attendees complained that the chicken drumsticks were not properly cooked, something quickly confirmed by Veronique. Even though some money was returned, it took the edge off the day. The President was alright though, he had chicken from one of the later batches, which were cooked fully!
The year saw a continuing decline in numbers attending lunches and coffee mornings. Much is inevitably due to our “demographic”, i.e. ill health of either members or partners. Thanks to the efforts of a few members, we managed to recruit a couple of new members. It is also concerning that relatively few members are prepared to volunteer to assist the running of Probus 02 – we need more members to volunteer to fulfil tasks of various sorts to keep the club going; e.g. organising a trip or an activity.
Several day excursions were organised, even if the President’s suggested trip to Twickenham, came to nought, due to lack of take-up. However, later trips met with more success and included visits to Holkham and Elton Halls, although take-up on the former, was barely viable. A summer visit to see ‘Cats’ at Kilworth House also proved popular and enjoyable, as did the trip to Cromer Pier Theatre undertaken by a small number of members (organised by Paul England).
The final event of the year was the President’s Quiz night at St. Andrew’s Church Hall. Numbers were relatively small but were boosted by the presence of family and friends of Probus 02 members. The winning team was an invitation team from Probus 91, one of the first joint Probus events organised of late. Conversations with Probus 91 President afterwards suggested we shared a desire to have more joint Peterborough Probus events. This is proving easier said than done, as several of Peterborough’s other Probus Groups do not seem to publicise themselves, making contact “difficult”. Overall, the evening was successful, and most enjoyed the fish (or alternatives) and chip supper, besides raising a lot of money (£259) for the Railway Children; the President’s Charity.
Lunches and Coffee mornings went well, culminating in the September meeting, when a cheque for £1,000 was presented to David Maidment, founder of the Railway Children Charity, on behalf of Probus 02. This followed his fascinating talk telling how the organisation was started, its aims and progress to date.
So ‘my’ year comes to an end. It has been a privilege and an honour to be your President for 2018-19 and I wish my successor, Stuart, every success for his term of office. I thank the Executive for their support, particularly Eric our trusty secretary and Ian for his work as treasurer. Finally, thanks to all the members of Probus 02 who supported me and events in 2018-19.
Terry McCarthy
Terry McCarthy: President’s statement 2018-2019:
For the year 2018-19 I have the privilege and honour of having been elected President of Peterborough Probus 02. I have been a member for almost eight years and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The main aim of Probus 02 is for us to meet, talk, share experiences and generally enjoy each-others company. This aim is further promoted by our organising a range of other activities, including a monthly walking group, excursions to places of interest and other past-times, of which bowls is presently the most popular.
We usually meet formally, twice a month, at the Queen’s Head in Nassington. On the first Thursday of each month we meet for a lunch, while on the third Thursday (apart from December) we meet for a Coffee morning, the focus of which is usually a presentation. The latter might include subjects of direct relevance to the membership, such as health care or Enduring Powers of Attorney, while others consider topics of more general interest e.g. Falconry, a career as an Air display pilot or post cards.
The membership comprises gentlemen of a certain age, most of whom spent their lives in some management capacity in a wide range of occupations, e.g. the armed services, education or business, nevertheless, we welcome our wives/partners to Coffee Mornings and at least two of our lunches.
Although we have a membership of around forty, we are always looking for new members to share our enjoyment, indeed it is my aim during my presidential year to try and increase membership. We have no entry qualifications, no secret codes and no initiation ceremonies, just a desire to enjoy ourselves in company, with whom we can share our life experiences, past and present.
If you are interested in joining us, please use the e-mail address to contact us.
Terry McCarthy
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John Stones: President’s Report 2017 – 2018
Dear Fellow members
Yet another Probus year begins and I thank you all, once again, for accepting me as your President. I deem it a great honour and will do all I can to ensure a happy and successful year ahead.
First of all I would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of all the members, the immediate past President, Tony Elsey, for all his hard work and efforts over the past year – congratulations Tony and well done.
Our first ‘Special Occasion’ of the year will be the Christmas lunch at the Queens Head . It is hoped that an informal atmosphere can be created where members and their partners can meet, enjoy a festive lunch, the singing of traditional Christmas carols and continue socialising and chatting over a drink or two in the bar. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Stuart (McGill) for all his hard work in arranging and finalising details with the Queens Head
I understand that Terry (McCarthy) has a full programme of speakers for our coffee mornings for the ensuing year and I thank him for all his hard work in putting this programme together. Also for accepting the position of Vice- President.
The bowls group continues to be successful and the current winter indoor league programme is well under way, playing once a month at the indoor bowls facility in Peterborough. No doubt we will continue in the summer with a ‘roll up’ once a month at Longthorpe.
I understand that the ‘Walking Group’ has been surveyed by Barrie (Tulloch) and his findings suggest that it may be prudent to move the monthly day from a current Wednesday to a Thursday (the Thursday following the coffee morning). Hopefully this should make it possible for more members to participate and thus increase numbers. We await his recommendation and I understand he should be reporting back to the members in January
Regarding future trips, I advise that the visit to Southwell Minster and the Workhouse has been scheduled for Thursday 26th April and is being organised by Ian Stuart.
Dick Harrison has arranged for tickets to see ‘School for Scandal’ at the Tolethorpe open air theatre on Tuesday 21st August. An estimated cost of £20 is envisaged which will include a picnic tea on the lawns late afternoon.
No doubt Paul England will be arranging a ‘Cromer Pier Show’ visit (July) and also the Christmas Spectacular at Thursford (December) For details please speak to Paul.
Other visits / trips will, hopefully, be arranged for the ensuing year, eg. race meeting or river trip, but if a member has a particular interest or request please see me and I can make enquiries as to the feasibility.
Please also be advised that my charity for the year is the RNLI and any monies raised will be presented to a representative from the RNLI at the coffee morning in September.
For those members not attending the Christmas lunch may I, on behalf of Alison and myself, wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and contented New Year
Regards
John Stones (President Probus 02)
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John Brett: President’s Report for 2015-2016
I took over the Presidency of Probus’02 at the 2015 October A.G.M.
My first task was to present the immediate Past President, John Dewis, with his tie and lapel badge, and to welcome Tony Elsey as our new Vice President.
I also had to find a new Steward to replace John Brentnall who had moved to the new position of Web Secretary. I was pleased to welcome Stuart McGill to this important position.
Stuart proposed and introduced a new system for lunch time seating. No longer would the same groups sit together. Each member would draw a table number on entering the dining room. This enabled seating to be random. Following a 3-month trial period, it proved very popular and is still in use today.
Our annual Christmas Dinner Dance was held in December at The Marriott Hotel in Peterborough and was enthusiastically supported.
In the New Year, we learned of the sad death of one our members, Bryan Morris. He had only been a member for a short time, but had settled in well. He was a good friend and neighbour of mine.
Also, we sadly lost Gordon Steels, a long-time member, after a period of illness.
In the first week of March we arranged Ten Pin Bowling at the Bretton Bowling Alley, this was followed by lunch at the Boathouse Restaurant.
We celebrated the Queen’s ninetieth birthday in April at the Queen’s Head. They did us proud and though over-subscribed they found seats for everyone.
We were pleased to welcome one of our Past Presidents, Derek Marston and his wife to the lunch.
Very quickly we were into August and the President’s Lunch. This again was held at the Queen’s Head and was well attended.
September saw the handing over to the Royal British Legion (the President’s charity) a cheque for two hundred and fifty pounds.
Thus, my year as President came quickly to an end, with Tony Elsey taking over.
There are many members of Probus’02 who organised various events.
Richard Harrison: the outdoors bowls teams.
Keith Warrington: the bowls cup event.
Geoff Bridgefoot: the indoors bowls events.
John Douglas: walks.
Paul England: the annual trips to Thursford and Cromer.
We had a variety of speakers organised by Terry McCarthy our Speaker Finder.
No organisation can run successfully without a good committee and I would like to thank our Executive Committee for their outstanding work over the past year.
A special thanks to Ian Stuart, our Secretary, who kept me on the straight and narrow during the year and our Treasurer, Ian Rogers who kept us solvent, and last but not least, Ken Green our Welfare Officer, who never missed anyone.
During my year as President I realised just what an honour and privilege it is to be President of Probus’02.
Thank you all.
John Brett
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John Dewis: President’s Report 2014 -2015
Probus Clubs work to provide regular gatherings to those retired or semi-retired business or professional people who, in retirement, appreciate and value opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances and with similar interests.
It was therefore after a career of Human Resource Management in the Engineering Industry, I joined Probus 02 shortly after it was founded in 2002, and have continued to enjoy the fellowship and social activities provided by the club. I am a great believer that we should all do our part in ensuring that this great organisation is self-sustaining and continues to run effectively. We have a great group of individuals from varied professions and business or service. We enjoy sharing both our experiences and expertise. The challenge of every President is to ensure that during the year of office, members of the club provide a varied and high quality speaker programme and participate in a small number of outside trips. This year is no exception in that we have an excellent programme for the year. The Bowls and Walking sections continue to provide challenges for the more active members.
Our meeting venue is excellent with the Queens Head, Nassington, continuing to provide high quality meals and refreshments at a reasonable price.
Probus is primarily a Social and Fellowship organisation , however The President each year nominates a charity of his choice. The charity for 2014-15 is the Y.M.C.A. Youth Counselling Service. My view is that Peterborough is well served in providing facilities for the elderly in terms of Friendship Clubs, U3A, Rotary and Probus. I believe one of the major local problems is the high number of young people that are being deprived of a normal family life and are either homeless, in care or in temporary accommodation. Our object must be to ensure these people are provided with appropriate opportunities to thrive. The donation that we will give to the Y.M.C.A will make a difference.
We look forward to a year of fun and fellowship
John V. Dewis
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John Douglas: President’s Introductory Report 2013–2014
I am looking forward to my year as president and thank you for the confidence expressed in me.
All the preliminary arrangements for the Christmas dinner on 16 December have been made by Terry and I will be able to finalise these when the menu selections are to hand. I am sure that we will have an enjoyable evening.
Following the AGM, I am very pleased to welcome the new members of the committee – John as vice-president, Colin as secretary and Norman as speaker-finder. Barry and Geoff have done outstanding work over the past 5 years – they will be hard acts to follow! Joe, of course, has had a successful year as president and the amount of £2085 raised for the East Anglia Air Ambulance was a tremendous achievement.
Paul and I have put together a list of suggested social events and trips for 2014 and I look forward to your comments on those so that Paul can concentrate on the most popular choices to provide you with final costs and dates.
I confirm that I have nominated Prostate Cancer UK and the new Sue Ryder hospice as my joint charities for the coming year.
With the tremendous support of the committee in the past and the future, I am expecting an enjoyable and ………………… to be completed
John Douglas
Joseph Boulton: 2012 – 2013
I am pleased to have been invited to serve as your President for the year 2012–13. I hope to be able to live up to the high standards as set by previous Presidents.
Many congratulations to Peter Knaggs on his year in office – a hard act to follow!
My thanks also go to John Brett who has retired from his post as Treasurer after 2 years.
The Committee is very supportive and fully functioning. Barry Cockshott, Geoff Bridgefoot, Peter Taylor, John Brentnall and Richard Jay are all working hard to ensure that the Club functions purposefully. Paul England is most efficient at organising our social outings.
Congratulations also to Terry McCarthy who has been selected as Vice President for this year.
The Club exists entirely for the members. Please support the programme of events and put forward new ideas for excursions, etc.
We are always in need of new members to ensure that Probus 02 continues to thrive into the future.
Joseph Boulton President 2012 – 2013
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Peter Knaggs: 2011-12
12 months ago I was honoured when Keith placed the Presidents collar of Probus O2 around my neck, and I quietly wondered “now what”, recognising that 2012 was the 10th anniversary of Probus O2 and Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.
I had a hard act to follow with the success of the previous 8 Presidents but I was prepared, as Wilfred Pickles used to say “to have a go”
After 12 months of what I think has been a reasonable year I would like to thank every member of Probus O2 and your Ladies for giving Jackie and I full backing throughout 2011/2012.
I have been ably supported by a positive Executive and I would like to thank each and everyone of them for making my reign that much easier to handle and whenever I was not sure Mr Secretary Barry was there to advise me as well as ;- Mr Money John, Mr Welfare Peter, Mr Steward John, Mr Speaker Finder Geoff, Mr Past President Keith and Mr Vice President Joe and of course not forgetting Mr Social Paul who has always been one step ahead of me whenever a social suggestion was made, Gentlemen thank you very much.
I must thank Brian King for keeping our website up to date with copies of photographs and reports from the various functions and visits, and Past President Ian who has kept the walking group on their feet fully supported by John Douglas who picked up the mantle when Ian retired through health reasons, again Gentlemen thank you very much.
I am pleased to say our membership did not stagnate during the year, quite the contrary, whilst our overall numbers might be the same now as in October 2011 we have been able to recruit 5 new members to which I would like to say thank you Gentlemen and I hope you are enjoying Probus O2, Unfortunately 2 members passed away during my term, Michael Scotney in November 2011 and John Graham in July 2012, they are always in our thoughts.
During the year we set out an extensive programme which included visits to:- Canterbury and Rochester Christmas Markets in November, the Olympic Venues in April and Warner’s at Holmes Lacy in September and of course not forgetting the regular annual visits to Thursford in December and Cromer end of Pier show in July all of which proved very enjoyable.
Our Christmas Dinner at Elindon in December was well attended as was the Fish and Chip Supper Quiz Night at St.Andrew’s Hall Netherton in April, again more enjoyable evenings.
It was decided to have a Diamond Jubilee Celebration in June in honour of Her Majesty The Queen but where and what theme, the result was a wonderful Jubilee Party courtesy of Janet and John Dewis in their garden where red, white and blue was the vogue and hog roast with all of the trimmings was the fayre and I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the photo’s will soon be on e-bay to prove my point!!.
Janet and John decorated their garden and we were lucky to have some “able bodied” members to erect and dismantle a marquee and luckily the weather was kind to us, thank you Janet and John and Dicks erection team.
The Presidents BBQ held in August, with our Ladies and Widows present was, I believe, successful with some 68 people enjoying food, wine and good company. To celebrate our 10th Anniversary we had an anniversary cake professionally made and iced in Probus colours and logo.
It rained when we had our BBQ photo shoot but Brian’s “Ready, Steady, Go” photo showed everybody enjoying themselves so the weather did not “rain on our parade”.
As you know the Presidents Charity this year was Macmillan Cancer Support and with your generosity and commitment and Paul’s drive we were able to present Macmillan with a cheque for £1530.40p.which was raised from raffles held at various functions.
Jackie and I have enjoyed my Presidential year and I hope we have fulfilled your expectations.
Thank you once again to all members of Probus O2 and I would like to wish Joe every success during his Presidential year.
Peter Knaggs
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2010-11: Keith Warrington
At our A.G.M. on 21st October I was installed as president for 2010-2011 by past president Dick Harrison after he had a very successful year with trips to various locations and telling us stories of his career in the police force. Peter Knaggs was also appointed vice-president.
At the November lunch meeting I was invested with the new Probus 02 president’s medallion of office which was purchased by the past presidents.
I joined Probus 02 in 2006 and to be asked to be president after such a short time is indeed an honour. The high standards set by the past presidents will be hard to maintain but I will do my utmost to meet them.
Probus 02 was formed in 2002 as its title suggests. We now have a membership of 39 but would like bring this number up to 45 so if you know of anyone interested in joining us please contact our secretary.
We have an executive committee of 8, all with demanding duties. Together they are responsible for the smooth running of the club.
We meet at Elton Furze Golf Club on the first and third Thursdays of the month the first Thursday is our lunch meeting and the third Thursday is our coffee morning . Once a month a walk is organised and ends at a village Inn for lunch. Outings and short holidays are taken throughout the year and Bowls roll ups during summer months. All these events include our ladies
I consider Probus 02 to be an active and very friendly club and I am proud to be a member.
Keith Warrington
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2009 – 2010: Dick Harrison
Gentlemen it is a great honour to be inaugurated as president of Peterborough PROBUS 02, following the line of distinguished processors’
Bill Hustwayte, Doug Magor, Peter Taylor, Ian Stuart, Derek Marston and Tony Benns
I congratulate Tony on his stewardship and a very successful year, you have followed on from previous presidents who have all brought something to the organisation and left their mark. You are all a difficult act to follow I hope to be able to live up to your high standards, and to guide the club through the coming year. I would like to add my good wishes to Derek Marston as you know has moved to Norfolk, I have already invited him to our Christmas dinner, Derek has been a committed member of our club and was responsible for nominating me to the post. I hope that has nothing to do with him leaving.
I look forward to working with your executive particularly Mike and Barry who have worked extremely hard on your behalf. Geoff Bridgefoot has had a difficult year personally but has nonetheless still managed to deliver a first rate service by sourcing some first class speakers and remained within budget. I welcome Keith Warrington to the post of vice president and look forward to working closely with him through the coming year.
I remind you the members that this is your club and the executive are keen to provide wide ranging and different activities. Please support the programme and make suggestions for days out or short breaks. Help by organising events and introduce new members to ensure the continued success of PROBUS 02 as we move into the second decade of the millennium.