The Probus
Club of Nailsea
Welcome from our President, Peter Harrowell
I joined Probus over 5 years ago, and like most of our members, enjoyed it so much that I continued to attend and now I am serving as President! Many have been with us for much longer which shows the appeal of the Probus Club of Nailsea.
Probus performs an important function for retired and semi-retired men as it provides a great social focal point, with a wide range of talks which are informative, fun and entertaining, covering a wide range of captivating topics, as well as occasional visits to local places of interest. At a time when many organisations are struggling, our group continues to thrive with a strong membership, but we would love to welcome new members. Why not give it a try - I am sure you won’t be disappointed!
It is a great honour to serve as president and whilst it carries a degree of responsibility, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, supported by a willing and able committee team.
Peter Harrowell, President
Upcoming meetings and activities
Travelogues - less talk, more pictures!
Thursday 23 January
Peter Holt
Peter will treat us to a series of audio / visual presentations which will transport us to a range of destinations around the world.
Subjects will include wildlife in Africa, birds in the Caribbean and a mountain railway in North America, all accompanied by appropriate music.
Operation Carthage; Mosquitos over Copenhagen
Thursday 13 February
Nigel Turner
Nigel will tell the story of the RAF raid on the Gestapo Head Quarters in Copenhagen in April 1945.
He will cover the development of the Mosquito, the political situation in Denmark during WWII and finally, the raid itself
James Webb Telescope
Thursday 27 February
Jo Richardson
More details to follow.
Visit to Oakham Treasures
Thursday 6 March
After an optional lunch stop at a suitable venue (to be decided) we'll spend a few hours exploring this amazing place.
Oakham Treasures is one of the largest privately owned museums of retail and farming history in the UK. O
You’ll be fascinated by this vast and unique collection of memorabilia from the last century. There really is something for everybody, from the thousands of items in the historic stores, to the impressive display of vintage tractors and farm equipment.
Recent events
6th (Territorial) Battalion Gloucestershire Regt. in WW1
Thursday 9 January
Jeremy Banning
The 6th (Territorial) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment was one of the six territorial battalions raised by the regiment during World War I.
Jeremy gave us a very interesting talk and told us more about the history of the battalion and about its creation and deployment in the First World War.
James Cook: from the farm to the fleet
Thursday 12 December
Barry Hamblyn
Barry gave us a really interesting talk about the extraordinary life of one of our greatest explorers.
We hear how from humble beginnings on a farm in Yorkshire, James Cook chose a career at sea and a life of exploration and discovery, to become one of our country's most well-known heroes.
Much of the pioneering map making he carried out in the 18th Century remained in use for the next two hundred years.
Annual Festive Christmas Lunch
Thursday 5 December
Masonic Hall, Nailsea
Members and guests had an excellent lunch at the Masonic Hall.
As always, the food and service was first class, and the speeches were entertaining and greatly appreciated.
Thanks to Gareth Griffith and all those involved in putting the event together.
Next lunches to look forward to:
Summer lunch -
Thu 3 July
Christmas lunch - Thu 4 December
The First British Empire
Thursday 14 November
Garry Gowans
Garry treated us to an interesting talk about the first British Empire which was established during the 3rd century AD by Carausius.
Carausius was from a working class background in Belgic Gaul, and rose to become commander-in-chief of the Roman fleet in Britain and then broke away from the Roman Empire.
Bristol Aerospace Museum visit
Thursday 31 October
Nailsea Probus members visited the Aerospace Museum at Filton on the 31st October. Many of the members have been before, but there is always something new to find tucked away from the main exhibition.
Shortly after our visit, the Museum put on a display of Concorde staff uniforms showing the changes of style from the early days.
The visit was a great success and our thanks go to Barry for organising it.
