Event Reports

11th June 2025

The monthly Fundraising Raffle for the Cuddle Bed Appeal took place at the start of the meeting with four prizes to be won; winners were Gareth Shelton, Gill Helliwell, Sue Hyde, John Bateman with £45.00 being raised from sale of tickets.

Chairman’s Welcome:
Chairman Gareth welcomed 28 Members and 1 guest (Val Fairhurst) to the meeting. Gareth then spoke about Rainsu (the young child members voted to sponsor through the Nepal Education Fund) and read out the piece which Gerald Massey had prepared giving more information about her (and showed the picture of Rainsu and her school). As more information is received it will be sent out to members.

Sick Members:
Tony Harris, John Sharman, Ron Thompson, Denise Massey.
Gareth mentioned the funeral of the Reverend James Anderson, which took place on 10th June. Fifteen Probus Members attended, along with many others, at St. Martin’s Church in Burton Agnes. His wife, Pat, was there, as well as James’ children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Refreshments were served straight after the service, in the Dining Hall in Burton Agnes Hall, whilst the family attended a private ceremony at the East Riding Crematorium

Correspondence:
At its last meeting, the Committee voted to invite Pam Woodcock (from the Recreation Club) to the Annual Dinner, again, in October (Probus benefits from having a good relationship with her); she has replied saying she would be delighted to accept.
Also from Pam Woodcock:- there are funeral refreshments booked to follow the next meeting, on 25th June, and it would be appreciated if our meeting could finish a little earlier. Gerald has suggested we meet at 9.45am for refreshments with the meeting beginning at 10.15am, so allowing us to finish earlier.
Graham Thurlow, who is our speaker for 23rd July, has contacted Gerald to apologise that he is now unable to make that date. Gerald has suggested that this meeting be swapped to 13th August, as it would be the Massey’s ‘True or False’ Quiz; he is awaiting confirmation from Graham Thurlow.

Minutes from the previous meeting, 28th May:
Taken as an accurate record of the meeting.

Matters arising:
‘Probus Got Talent’ was a great success at our previous meeting, with some ‘acts’ of a high standard; although some were a bit risqué, they all made everyone laugh! Gerald has already got the first entrant for next year’s repeat performance.
The request for an Emergency Contact telephone numbers for all members has had limited response so far, with only 16 replies! As previously mentioned, this information will be kept CONFIDENTIAL, and only used if an emergency arises e.g. if a Members is taken ill/has a accident at a meeting or on a Probus trip, and a family member has to be contacted.

AOB:
Stuart Nelson, who is walking 1,100km and raising money for donation towards the Cuddle Bed Appeal, is sending Gerald daily reports about his progress so members can be updated at meetings. Liz Smith has Sponsor Forms for anyone wishing to help Stuart raise money.
The Driffield Support Group for Saint Catherine’s Hospice have another event arranged for 1st September – a ‘Pimms and Puds’ afternoon, taking place from 12 noon onwards in the garden of 25 Orchard Lane, Hutton, at £20 per person. Gerald already has 7 names, but tickets are going quickly as this is limited to only 60 guests, so if you are interested, please contact him as soon as possible.

With the business meeting concluded, Gareth introduced member Ron Stark who would be giving an illustrated talk about ‘Searching for New and Better Medicines.’

Ron began by thanking Denise for her help in preparing his talk for the presentation.

• He told members about his home town south of Aberdeen, in Scotland, and about his early life, including his school which was very strict with a Headmaster who set high standards.
• Having always been interested in science, he went on to the University of Aberdeen where he studied Medicine. Part of the medical training was to deliver a baby, and Ron related the story of his eventful experience of this.
• During a typhoid outbreak in Aberdeen, he met his future wife, Sandra, who was a nurse at the hospital.
• He went on to do medical research, and was particularly interested in ‘blood and blood vessels’.
• He moved on to join a research group in Birmingham, with a particular focus on lung disease; it was during this research that he was involved in the development of a machine that could deliver a constant supply of oxygen to help patients breathe more easily.
• He then moved to ICI Pharmaceuticals, in Cheshire, and worked on many projects over the years.
• However, he still wanted to concentrate on chronic bronchitis and worked on a project for the development of a drug to help alleviate ‘breathlessness’. Various options were tried for delivering a drug deep down into the lungs, but all were unsuccessful, and so ICI cancelled the project.
• Ron then joined a project looking into the delivery of anaesthetic drugs by injection, and that could also be ‘broken down quickly in the body’. After much work there was an eventual breakthrough, and the drug involved became the ‘go to’ drug for anaesthesia worldwide.
• Some years later, the lead scientist on the project that Ron worked on was awarded the 2018 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Research Award (comparable to a Nobel Prize); this was for the research into ‘Propofil’, now used for anaesthesia throughout the world, for humans as well as animals.

Gareth thanked Ron for such an interesting and informative talk, saying that it can sometimes be quite remarkable discovering what members have done or been involved with in their lives. He asked the Club to show their appreciation with a round of applause.

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28th May 2025

Chairman’s welcome:
Gareth Shelton welcomed 27 Members to the meeting, plus Speaker Susan Marshall and her husband, Bob.

Sick Members: John Sharman – now back home but struggling, somewhat. (John is the first Member to have sought help through our Wellbeing Support Group; a couple of tweaks were needed but hopefully it will work as had been hoped, and that others will seek help, as necessary!). Ron Thompson – really struggling at the moment & finding things difficult. Tony Harris - still much the same. Denise Massey – has seen medical team and had treatment available explained to her. (Gerald Massey also told Members that, as he will be very busy after Denise’s operation, the Committee Members had decided to co-opt Liz Smith onto the Committee to help, as she has helped out at meetings in the past.

Correspondence:
Barbara Hall mentioned that Driffield in Bloom had a Plant Sale arranged for Saturday 30th June, 9.30am at the Train Station.
At its last meeting, the Committee had agreed to invite the new Mayor of Driffield to the Annual Dinner and the Christmas Party; acceptance for both had since been received.

Minutes of the last meeting, 14th May:
Taken as an accurate account. [Tina Shelton just mentioned that, due to Microsoft issues, she had had to send out the Minutes in a different format (Open Document Format), hoping that everyone would still be able to open this – if not please contact her.]

Matters arising: The funeral for the Reverend James Anderson would take place on Tuesday 10th June at 12 noon, at St. Martin’s Church in Burton Agnes.
GM said he had received many good reports about ‘Probus Got Talent’, and what a good performance all those who took part gave. He said it is already on the agenda for next year, although the standard has now been raised!

AOB:
GM mentioned that Stuart Nelson had sent a link to his Daily Blog about his ‘Unknown Camino’ walk; these can be forwarded to anyone who may be interested. GM had prepared sponsorship forms for anyone wishing to take one, as Stuart is using his walk to raise money for the ‘Cuddle Bed Appeal’ for Saint Catherine’s/Driffield Support Group.
Emergency Phone Contacts: an incident happened recently whereby a contact number for a relative would have been useful to have. In view of this, at their last meeting, the Committee decided to ask for one or two Emergency Contact numbers for all Members, just in case something should happen in the future, i.e. at a meeting, on a Probus trip, or any other occasion. These numbers will be completely confidential and kept only by the Chairman and the Secretary.

GS then handed over to Susan Marshall to give her presentation
about her Charity work in Nepal.

• Nepal – between India and Tibet – had population of 30 million in 2024.
• Nepal is predominately Hindu and Buddhist; the ‘caste’ system is still very much in evidence and limits ‘social’ progression, leaving many in great poverty, e.g. families living in tin shacks, or in just a single room (sometimes no wider that 4 feet), and very few possessions.
•  In 2001, after a trekking holiday to Nepal with her daughter, Susan was very much affected by the poverty they encountered and began to think about ways to help.
• In 2006 her charity, Nepal Education Fund, formally began operating.
• Susan became very involved with the Charity and the sponsoring of children after her daughter adopted a small Nepalese child; Susan sponsored the other children in this family.
• Nepal Education Fund helps families struggling with poverty by funding children through school and into Higher Education.
• Children are ‘sponsored’ by individuals, or organisations, by funding their education for a designated amount annually.
• It also helps through ‘Women’s’ Literacy’ enabling mothers to get some form of education.
• The Fund has also helped some blind children get an education – something they would never be able to get access to (there is currently one girl who is now doing her Master’s Degree).
• After an earthquake, in 2015, destroyed all the tin shack homes in a particular village, the NEF was able to access funds to help rebuild many of the homes, as well as the school – it was the first time the Fund had carried out this type of work.
• Susan has visited Nepal many times since the NEF began, and is in regular contact with many of the children that have been helped.
• Many of these children that have been sponsored through their education, some going on to Higher Education and gaining degrees, have their own successful businesses, or are working in good jobs; some have even moved abroad, e.g. to Germany and to Canada.
• One thing that Susan kept mentioning was that the children love getting letters from their sponsors, and the older ones are always very appreciative of the opportunity they have been given.

David Holman gave the vote of thanks, saying that he thought Susan was “amazing”, especially with regards to the education “for if you can educate a child, you can open up the world for them!” to which all Members present responded with a rousing applause. Susan then answered a number of questions, one, from Marjorie Battams, being “how much does it cost to educate a child, Susan?”, to which Susan replied “£100 per year!”
Gerald Massey stood up to say as the Club were giving a cheque for £50.00 towards Susan’s charity ‘Nepal Education Fund’, he proposed we increased it to £100.00 and sponsor a child! He asked all those present “what do you think?”, to which there was resounding agreement and unanimous applause. Susan was quite moved by this, saying she would contact Gerald with details. The meeting then came to a close.

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14th May 2025

Before the meeting officially started, Marjorie Battams announced the drawing of tickets for the May raffle with proceeds going towards The Driffield Support Group’s Cuddle Bed Appeal for Saint Catherine’s Hospice. The winners were: Tina Shelton, Liz Wiles, Anne Firth, Gill Helliwell.

Chairman’s welcome: Gareth Shelton welcomed 34 Members to the meeting.
Gerald Massey then had some sad news to advise Members of; Pat Midgley had contacted GM previously saying that Reverend James Anderson had been taken ill and rushed in to hospital, was awaiting tests, but had been ‘too frail’ for them to be carried out straight away. Pat had then emailed GM early on Wednesday morning to say that, sadly, Reverend James had passed away. Gareth asked for Members to observe a minute’s silence out of respect. (Any further information will be sent out as soon as its received.)

Sick Members: Tony Harris, John Sharman (had been taken ill and rushed to hospital, but back home now), Ron Thompson (also taken ill and rushed to hospital, and now back home), Denise Massey (should know decision of medical team by Friday 16/05 or Monday 19/05).

Correspondence: GM had received a letter from Gill Helliwell stating she was unable to do the Parachute Jump on medical grounds.

Minutes of last Meeting, 23rd April: accepted as an accurate record of the Meeting.

Matters arising: GM had received many comments from Members saying how good the Police Dog presentation had been. Stuart Nelson - GM has permission to put a piece in the local newspaper with information about his walk and explaining that he will be raising money for the Saint Catherine’s Appeal.

AOB: GM mentioned that 5 Members had attended the Saint Catherine’s VE Day luncheon held at The Community Centre in Foxholes. There had been information given out about other events to follow, including a ‘Pimms and Puddings’ afternoon on 1st September – contact GM as soon as possible if you are interested, as tickets are limited to 60.

With Club business finished, GS introduced ‘Probus Got Talent’ (which had proved successful last year), with the following ‘Acts’ to entertain Members:-

Peter Grant & Ray Jones: sang a song about ‘A Year’s Weather’ (before Climate Change!)
Harry & Brenda Holdsworth: sang a parody of ‘Goodness Gracious Me!’
Brenda Holdsworth: read a poem about ‘An Unwanted Brassiere’.
Bill & Marie Strath: gave a performance of ‘Let’s Do It!’ (by Victoria Wood).
David Holman: gave a rendition of ‘Abdul Abulbul Amir’ from 1877.
Liz Smith: read a piece entitled ‘Fifty Shades of Grey – from a husband’s point of view!’
John Eldret: read an extract from ‘A View from a Hill’ by John Sommerville, also ‘Pronunciation!’ a light-hearted poem about speech, and ‘Spelling!’ a poem about a spell-checker (and he informed us that all the words were spelt incorrectly!)
Malcolm Winn: read out several humorous stories based in Yorkshire, plus a few others.
Richard Hornsey: recited ‘A History Lesson about the Battle of Hastings – a Parody’, and also ‘Horace’ from Monty Python.
Mike Robert: read his own (humorous) poem ‘The Wedding Day’ followed by ‘A Senior Citizen’.
Peter Grant: read ‘The Wonky Donkey’ (with audience participation), saying this had originally been bought for his great-grandson!
Ray Jones: read a piece from the May 1952 edition of Housekeeping Monthly, entitled ‘The Good Wife’s Guide’ and included ‘10 golden rules for when your husband comes home from work!

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23rd April 2025

Chairman’s welcome: Gareth welcomed 38 Members to the meeting, as well as Guest Speaker PC Andrea Frampton and her colleagues Shaun and Alistair; he said how nice  it was to see everyone, and that it was lovely weather to see the Police dogs working.

Sick Members: Tony Harris; James Anderson.

Minutes of the last meeting, 9th April: accepted as an accurate record, with no matters arising.

AOB:

• Tina Shelton reminded Members that the date of all future meetings can be checked by referring to the ‘Yellow (Membership) Booklet’.
• Gareth gave an update on the ‘Theatre Trips: three productions had already been booked (To Have and To Hold, Chicago and Miss Saigon); three others (Buddy, Two Pianos and Fawlty Towers) Gerald would be booking soon so if interested please contact him ASAP.
• The VE Day Lunch in aid of the Saint Catherine’s ‘Cuddle Bed’ Appeal would take place in Foxholes on 7th May; Gerald had only 5 names.
• The details for the Burton Constable Hall trip early in June would be sent out soon, once details had been finalised.
• Our next meeting, on 14th May, would be another ‘Probus Got Talent’ session. Gerald had only a few names for ‘acts’ and asked if anyone else was willing to take part.

With the business completed, Gareth introduced PC Andrea Frampton and colleagues. She began with a short introductory presentation about Humberside Police Dog Handlers and what they do:-

• There are two distinct sets of dogs: General Purpose Dogs and Specialist Dogs.
• There are 16 General Purpose Dogs, and comprise German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois (a similar looking dog to a German Shepherd).
• They can scent/track people in buildings or open spaces; ‘apprehend’ aggressive individuals.
• The Specialist Dogs used are Cocker Spaniels and Labradors.
• They can track Drugs (6 Class A drugs)/Cash (coins & notes)/Firearms (residue); Explosives Detection; Victim Recovery (alive or dead!); Digital Detection (anything that uses ‘a memory’).
• We then went outside to watch a demonstration of Obedience Training, using two of the General Purpose Dogs, then saw how one of the dogs would ‘take down’ an aggressive individual (the Police officer was suitably garbed for protection).
• We watched a demo of how one of the Specialist Dogs would search for a packet of hidden drugs

After each demo, the dogs were rewarded with a treat and/or a ball, and seemed to treat all the tasks as though they were games.
It was a most interesting , enjoyable and informative talk and demonstration, with John Ford, himself a former Police Officer, giving the formal ‘thanks’ and the Members showing their appreciation with a round of applause.

Our next meeting, on Wednesday 14th May, will be ‘Probus Got Talent’.
On Wednesday 28th May, Susan Marshall will talk to us about ‘Tibet’, and the charity there with which she is involved.

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9th April 2025

Before the meeting started, tickets were drawn in the April Raffle for the Driffield Support Group/Saint Catherine’s Hospice Appeal. The draw raised £83.00, with winners Anne Firth, Sue Hyde, David Woolley, Charles Stephenson

Chairman’s welcome: there were 37 Members, plus 1 guest (Julie Millier).

Sick Members: Tony Harris.

Correspondence:
Hilary Walker (speaker form our last meeting) had donated her fee of £50 to the Saint Catherine’s Cuddle Bed Appeal.
Gerald had received notice of another Saint Catherine’s fund-raising event – a celebratory V.E. Day Lunch to be held at Foxholes Community Hall, cost £20.00 each; please contact Gerald if you are interested. (See end of Minutes.)

Minutes of Last Meeting, 26th March: accepted as an accurate record with no matters arising.

AOB: Gerald mentioned a fund-raising quiz for the Saint Catherine’s Appeal to be held at the Rec. Club on Saturday 12 April.

At the next meeting there would be a talk from PC Andrea Frampton on her work with Police Dogs. She would be bringing her dog, and accompanied by two colleagues with their dogs. However, this would be subject to any operational restrictions.

Gerald gave an update on prospective Theatre trips:

To Have and To Hold (9 attending).
Chicago (9 attending) already booked.
Miss Saigon (9 attending).
Buddy booking soon, if interested.
Two Pianos (6 names).
Fawlty Towers (14 names) contact Gerald asap.

With the business meeting completed, Gerald and Denise then organised Members into teams of 4, gave out answer sheets, and proceeded with a game of ‘Probus Family Fortunes’.

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26th March 2025

Chairman’s Welcome: Gareth Shelton welcomed Members to the meeting, as well as guests Hilary Walker (speaker) & Chris Bolton (prospective Member).

Sick Members: Tony Harris, James Anderson.

Correspondence: Gerald Massey had received a letter from Stuart Nelson giving his apologies for the next few meetings, but also advising that he would be embarking on a Camino walk in a few months (700+ mile walk through Spain) and would like to give the donations he receives to the Saint Catherine’s Hospice appeal for the ‘Cuddle Bed’. GM also mentioned that the Rev. Robert Amos gave his donation from the Club at a recent meeting to the Saint Catherine’s appeal.

Minutes from the last Meeting, 12th March: accepted as an accurate record with no matters arising.

AOB:
Treasurer Mike Battams had to advise Members that when the Club had to commit to paying deposits, or on occasion the full cost if trips in advance, it will generally not be possible to offer a refund for non-attendance.

David Holman is hoping to organise a trip to Skipton, through Ashley Adams, on Friday 5th September, and will include a 2-hour canal trip and a fish & chip lunch, for the cost of £57. He asked for a show of hands from those interested, but also asked for anyone interested to contact him.

Barbara Hall informed Members of a forthcoming concert from New Wave Pop Singers & Theatre Group, entitled ‘Pop Music from the Decades’ on Saturday 12th April at 7.30 pm in The Community Centre, in Driffield. Tickets cost £7.00 (including refreshments), in aid of Driffield Men in Sheds group.

Ray Jones mentioned a forthcoming concert from the Middle 8 Singers, and in aid of the RNLI, taking place on Saturday 12th April at 2.00 pm in the Driffield Methodist Chapel, with tickets at £6.00 (including refreshments).

GM mentioned a list of theatre productions in Hull (previously emailed out to Members), which he will be booking tickets for over the coming months, asking those interested to contact him to   reserve a ticket. The first production ‘To Have and To Hold’ takes place on Monday May 12th and he will be booking for this very soon, so please contact ASAP.

The business for the day came to a close and GS handed over to Hilary Walker to present her illustrated talk ‘Sewerby Hall’.

Hilary began by informing Members that Sewerby Hall opened to the Public from the following weekend (29th & 30th March).
Sewerby had been owned by the Carleill family since Tudor times, and had changed hands over time with some ‘profitable’ marriages having taken place. It was sold to Bridlington Corporation in 1934.
A symmetrical Georgian house was built on the Tudor footprint, with the Tudor undercroft being the only remaining part of the original building.
In 1934 Philip Greame sold the house for £42,000 (not as profitable as it had been before WW1); Bridlington Corporation were interested in developing the grounds as a tourist attraction, and although not particularly interested in the House, used it for a café, shop, art gallery and Council offices.
The House was officially opened to the Public by (local girl) Amy Johnson. When Amy’s parents moved from Hull to Bridlington years later, they donated the items Amy had received as gifts from her flights around the world; these are on display in a special cabinet in Sewerby Hall.
In 2000 it was decided to improve the House buildings, starting with the roof. Then, in 2012, with an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund, £1.5m was received, which was matched by the Council, enabling the interior of the House to be improved and upgraded.
A major problem with the improvements was that the contents of the House had been sold off when the House was sold (Bridlington Corporation had not been interested in them at the time). It became necessary to source furniture, contents, etc. from elsewhere.
It was decided to give an ‘Edwardian feel’ to the interior of the House, and since the Victoria & Albert Museum, in London, had vast stores of furniture, etc. available to loan, the interior of the House could be finished.
Hilary finished by saying that she volunteered at the House on a Tuesday during the open season. She also gave mention to the various exhibitions on at Sewerby during this year:-

• Servants Now!   - On at present
• Wildlife Photographer of the Year – from 3rd May
• Pop-up exhibition about WW11: relating to the Anniversary of VE Day
• Inspiration for Murder incl. adult trail: related to life in Country houses – mid-July
• Treasures: from Beverley Treasure House – Sept. – Nov.

Hilary was thanked for her very interesting talk, with Members showing their appreciation with a round of applause.

The next Probus meeting will take place on Wednesday 9th April,
when Members will have a fun game of
‘Probus Family Fortunes’.

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12th March 2025

Chairman’s Welcome: Gareth Shelton welcomed Members to the meeting; Guests today – Gwen Middleton (friend of John Sharman), John Robson (his 2nd visit.); Gareth also welcomed back Pete & Sheila Robb. He welcomed The Handbell Ringers of Nafferton, who were to entertain the Members after the business meeting – there would be the opportunity for Probus Members to ‘have a go at ringing!’

Also announced were the winners of the first raffle, organised by Marjorie Battams and Sue Hudson, to raise money for the Driffield Support Group/St. Catherine’s Hospice special event; winners were Joan Hill,, Sam Walton, Sue Southcoat (bell ringer), with £83.00 being raised.
Finally, Gareth mentioned that Liz Smith would be collecting any forms + payment for the North York Moors Railway trip, on behalf of Gerald Massey.

Sick Members: Tony Harris, James Anderson, John Bateman.

Correspondence: there was nothing to inform members of.

Minutes of the Last Meeting (26th February): were taken as an accurate record, with no matters arising.

New Members: after attending the last meeting, Liz Wiles had made an application to join the Club; this was proposed by Sue Hudson, and seconded by Deirdre Crane; with unanimous agreement from Members, Liz was welcomed as the 62nd Member of the Probus Club.

AOB: there was nothing particular to mention to Members, in Gerald’s absence. However, Tina Shelton told Members that Gerald had now arranged the trip to Burton Constable Hall, booked for July, and details would be sent out in due course.

With the business for the day completed, Gareth handed over to
Steve Southcoat, leader/conductor of The Handbell Ringers of Nafferton.

Steve introduced the bell ringers: Sue, Jo, Janice, Jenny & Chris, saying that it was only their second public performance, and that most of the ringers could not read music beforehand. He had previously asked for names of any Members who had a birthday, and then the Bell ringers played ‘Happy Birthday’ for Sarah Ryalls and Gareth Shelton.
The ringers then played several popular tunes they had been learning. After the final one – London Bridge – Steve asked for volunteers from amongst the Members to ‘come and have a go’ at ringing London Bridge! After a bit of hesitation, Marjorie Battams, Sue Hudson, Deirdre Crane, Sue Hyde and Tina Shelton all got up to ‘try their hand’ at ringing, aided by some instruction from the Bell Ringers; they all seemed to enjoy the experience, as did the audience who gave a round of applause afterwards.
Gareth thanked the Bell Ringers for entertaining the Club, and a cheque for £30.00 was presented to help with their funds.

With time to spare before the end of the Meeting, Gareth and Tina presented a short quiz for Members, with the Meeting finally coming to an end at 11.50 am.

The next meeting will be on 26th March, with the speaker, Hilary Walker,
presenting an illustrated talk about ‘Sewerby Hall’.

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26th February 2025

Chairman’s welcome: Gareth welcomed 39 members , 2 guests (Liz Wiles, Nick Heald) and our Speaker – Rev. Robert Amos.

Sick Members: Tony Harris, James Anderson.

Correspondence:

• With reference to the Driffield Support Group for Saint Catherine’s Hospice special fund-raising for this year, it had been suggested that perhaps Helen Sharman (daughter of Member John Sharman) could be approached as a Special Guest Speaker for the evening; sadly, she has sent a letter saying that she is unavailable at that time (this will be passed on the DSG).
• The Tickton Tarts are starting a new project, ‘Painting with the Tickton Tarts’ and asked if any Members would be interested in this – please contact Gerald about this.
• Gerald mentioned that he has now booked tickets for both ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Chicago’ showing in Hull later in the year.

Minutes from the last meeting (Feb 12th): These were agreed as an accurate record, with no matters arising.

New Members: Stuart Nelson was welcomed as a New Member. (The Club now has 61 Members!).

AOB: Gerald took the names of those interested in going on the North York Moors Railway trip to Whitby on Wednesday 2nd April at a cost of £40 return: Pickering-Whitby-Pickering (30 people are required for a group booking, along with a deposit). He also mentioned that dates of trips shown in the Probus Year Book unfortunately do have to be changed at times to accommodate venues/schedules.

As the business for the Club had come to a close, Gareth handed the meeting over to the
Rev. Robert Amos for him to give his talk ‘It’s Good to Laugh’.

He related to Members lots of episodes from his earlier life, his life spent as a Methodist minister, and also since he has retired; he told Members that he “couldn’t believe it was 5 years ago” that he had retired! He related many funny tales about things that had happened and things he had heard, as well as many ‘Famous Names’ he had met along the way.

When the Rev. Amos had finished speaking, Gareth said it had been a very entertaining talk, and such fun to listen to, and that everyone present must be going home feeling happy! He asked Gerald to give the ‘vote of thanks’, who agreed, saying that “looking around at all the faces, I’m sure everyone has enjoyed your talk; it was superb!”  This was followed by a rousing round of applause for all Members.

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12th February 2025

Chairman’s welcome: Gareth Shelton welcomed 34 Members and 3 guests (Stuart Nelson, Martin Millier, John Robson) to the meeting, saying how good it was to see so many at the meeting; he introduced the guests to Members.

Sick Members: Tony Harris; James Anderson.

Correspondence:
Gerald Massey mentioned the invite from Burlington Probus Club to attend their Annual Spring Dinner; this was to be held at the Expanse (in Bridlington) which has since closed, and we are awaiting alternative venue details. (Burlington PC is an all-male Club, but have agreed that our lady Members would be welcome to attend.)
GM informed the Club that he had invited Chris Cade to speak in next year’s programme; he had received a reply that Chris Cade “was delighted to accept the invitation” and will be talking about Brodsworth Hall, again in character as ‘The Butler’.
A letter of thanks had been received from the Driffield Support Group (for Saint Catherine’s Hospice) for the donation of a cheque, at the previous meeting. They also stated that there would be special fund-raising events during the coming year, to raise £15k for a ‘Cuddle bed’’ for use at the Hospice. (These are special beds whereby a spouse/partner of a patient can share the bed without interfering or affecting and medical apparatus used by the patient.)

Minutes of the last meeting, 22nd January: agreed they were an accurate record of proceedings, with no matters arising from members; however, GM thanked TS for the detailed record of Chris Cade’s talk about Arthur Walker’s Great War.

New Members: after attending the last meeting, Bill and Marie Strath had each submitted an application to join the Club. Mike Battams proposed their acceptance, with Denise Massey as second, and all Members present were in agreement, therefore Bill and Marie were welcomed to the Club.

AOB:

• In relation to the earlier mention of special fund-raising events organised by Saint Catherine’s Hospice, Marjorie Battams suggested that an evening event to help raise money could be organised by the Club. Whilst GS and GM thought it was a good idea and would give their backing, both thought that it would be better if this was organised by Members. A raffle was also suggested, with Members, who were willing to, donating prizes and any money raised donated to Saint Catherine’s.
• GM mentioned that it was the last date to book for anyone interested in joining the two groups going to see ‘Chicago’ and/or ‘Calamity Jane’ in Hull.
• It was also the final date to book onto the Probus trip to the National Railway Museum in York.
• GS also mentioned the recent ‘quiz night‘ organised to raise funds for the ‘Driffield in Bloom’ group; he said that the Cricket Clubroom had been packed, whilst Denise Dunnington said the evening had raised £595 which she had been very (pleasantly) surprised by!

The business meeting came to a close and GM introduced the ‘Speed Chatting’ event which was to take place for the remainder of the meeting. This had been suggested by Member Peter Hyde because he had noticed that “the same groups of people always sat together and didn’t necessarily get to know any others!”
Members were split up into groups of four per table, a sheet of suggested questions (to help start conversations) was put onto each table; groups were given 3 minutes to ‘speed chat’ amongst themselves, before The Official Timer rang a bell, at which two people moved on to the table on ‘the right’ whilst two stayed to meet the new chatters.
This seemed to go fairly well, and there was a lot of laughter amongst Members. Everyone seemed quite happy for this to be added to the programme for another year (with a bit of refining for the procedure to be considered!)

The next Probus Club meeting will be on Wednesday 26th February
When the Reverend Robert Amos will give a talk entitled
‘It’s Good to Laugh’

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22nd January 2025

Chairman’s welcome: 34 members were welcomed to the meeting, along with 5 guests [Penny Walker & Janice Walker (Farmers’ Daughters), Jill Ullyot (Saint Catherine’s Driffield Support Group), Bill & Marie Strath], and Speaker Chris Cade.

Sick Members: Tony Harris, Rev. James Anderson (now transferred to Beverley Community Hospital).

There followed the presentation of a cheque to Saint Catherine’s Hospice Driffield Support Group, made by the Probus Club on behalf of the Farmers’ Daughters for their entertainment at our Christmas Party in December; Penny Walker & Janice Walker presented a cheque for £200 to Jill Ullyot (£100 from Probus/Farmers’ Daughters, plus an anonymous £100 donation). The photographer from The Wolds Weekly took a photo of the presentation.

Probus Club business then continued.
Minutes of the last meeting, 8th January: accepted as an accurate record, with no matters arising.

AOB: David Holman reminded Members that he was still accepting any suggestions of destinations for the proposed ‘Away Days’.

The Chairman then handed the meeting over to Chris Cade for his talk (in character) entitled ‘Arthur Walker’s Great War’.

• The Wolds Wagoners Special Reserve came about after Colonel Sykes (of the Sledmere Estate) realised that experienced and efficient handlers of wagons & horses were needed to deliver supplies & ammunition to troops on the Front Line during the First World War.
• 1200 men volunteerd from the Wolds, first travelling to Aldershot, then on to Channel ports for the crossing to France where they then travelled to Belgium via the Menin Road.
• Young men from 16 years old were eligible to enlist, and Arthur Walker’s brothers had already done so. However, Arthur was under 16 yrs, but he lied about his age (not uncommon) to enlist, becoming ‘Wagoner 1049 Walker’.
• Regiments were amalgamated, and so, Private Walker 12483 found himself part of ‘The Leeds Pals’ and heading for The Somme.
• Horses were harder to replace than men, if they went down.
• The soldiers had to dig the trenches before they could be used.
• The rain was incessant, and duckboards were used to walk on ‘to keep their feet dry’ – but these were useless as there was ‘just so much mud’.
• Soldiers were instructed to keep their feet washed & clean, but this was impossible & feet were always wet, leading to ‘trenchfoot’.
• The troops were ordered to go up the ladders and “over the top, lads!” with just their Lee Enfield rifle and a 17” bayonet, having to run or crawl through mud & barbed wire.

• 1916 – The Grand Push.
• Orders came on 1st July to' go & finish off the enemy!’ who had been bombarded and were demoralised.
• Sadly, ‘the Hun’ were more than ready, with machine guns firing 500 rounds/minute!!
• On the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the chances of surviving was ‘toss of a coin’ – ‘heads or tails…live or die!’
• 1917 came and went.
• 27 March 1918 – the enemy had crept through ‘No Man’s Land’ & barbed wire, right up to the British line; Arthur Walker & his fellow soldiers were ordered to surrender.
• Troops were marched to trains, transporting them to POW camps.
• They received mail from home; had individual beds; there was even a wash-room. They worked in a factory chopping up straw, which a friend told Arthur ‘was for explosives’. There was sauerkraut for meals every day – Arthur vowed never again to eat cabbage.
• One day came when “there was no noise, the gates stood open and there were no guards” – it was 11 O’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month! “The war was over, we had survived”
• They all started marching ‘to France’, but instead had gone round in a circle, coming back to the camp gates. They were eventually picked up by the Red Cross, and transported back home “to a land fit for heroes!”
• Arthur initially took a job at Grimethorpe Colliery, underground. He eventually got back to the Wolds, taking a job as a farm hand.
• He married a young girl in Malton in 1938, and they had their first child – a daughter – in 1939, just a day before the outbreak of war!.

Chris told the Members that this was based on the experience of a real person – Arthur Walker – whose photo was the one Chris showed at the beginning of his talk (Arthur in his uniform), and his records could be found in official books. Arthur Walker and his wife, Dot, are both buried in Foston cemetery. Chris said that he had originally prepared this talk for the children of Foston School.

David Holman gave the vote of thanks, saying there was obviously a lot of research needed to find the information to put this talk together, and that the presentation was really excellent. The Members showed their appreciation with a big round of applause.

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8th January 2025

Chairman’s Welcome: Gareth Shelton welcomed 31 Members to today’s meeting, plus 2 guests – Brian and Margaret Batty.

Correspondence: A Christmas card to the Probus Club had been received from the Mayor of Driffield, Cllr. Georgina Lucas (& cats!).

Minutes of the last meeting (27th November): were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.

Matters arising:
Christmas Party – a good number of Members had said how good it was! The Farmers’ Daughters had not taken a donation, but were happy for the Probus Club to make a donation on their behalf to Saint Catherine’s Hospice. (The Committee had agreed that a donation of £100 could be made. There was also an anonymous donation of £50 to be included.)
Penny (a singer with The Farmers’ Daughters had agreed to come along to the next Probus meeting when the cheque would be presented to the Saint Catherine’s Driffield Support Group (who would send a representative).
The ‘cut-off’ date of 1st January for renewal annual Club subscriptions was now in effect.
Mike Battams reminded Members that when paying for trips, etc, it would be appreciated if this could be cash, rather than cheques, due to an increase in the cost charged by Lloyds for deposits..

AOB:
Barbara Hall informed Members that Driffield-in-Bloom were to hold a Quiz Evening on 6th February, 7.30 for 8.00pm, at the Recreation Club. It is fine to ‘just turn up’ on the evening!
Lunch at The North Star – quite a few Members have booked; this meeting is the ‘cut-off’ date for booking.
The Brighouse & Rastrick Brass Band concert taking place in Hull which Gerald Massey mentioned recently had received some interest, and he would be booking tickets (£14.50) later in the day.
David Holman reminded Members that he had asked previously if there was any interest in his arranging Day Trips to places of interest further afield & in addition to those currently organised; these trips would be organised for the Probus Club by a local coach company. He asked for a show of hands, and as there was interest, said he would send out a brief questionnaire for suggestions of places we could go (anywhere that is accessible by coach, with return the same day). He also asked for a couple of volunteers to help him.

The meeting was then handed over to Question master
Malcolm Craggs for one of his ‘famous quizzes’!

The next meeting would be on Wednesday 22nd January, when Chris Cade would tell the Club about ‘Arthur Walker’s Great War’, a story of a Wolds Wagoner.

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Previous reports from 2020-2024 are archived and available on request.