Author: P83WPAdmin

As a result of the covid-19 pandemic our last luncheon at Weybourne House was on March 5th 2020. There were hopes that some form of an appropriately “social distanced” lunch might have been possible this month (1^st October) but the continuation, indeed resurgence, of the pandemic, and safety concerns of our own, dictated otherwise.

But we are still up and running, albeit in a virtual form, thanks to the wonders of Zoom. Details of these virtual meetings, held first Thursday of the month, are sent to members via email. We have explored possible ways forward for our club but have also enjoyed an excellent talk by Steve Palmer and hope to repeat that with further talks from club internal speakers and perhaps external speakers, given sufficient interest.

Steve, our Vice-Chairman and erstwhile bold aviator, took us from his joining the RAF straight from school through to his experiences as a BOAC Boeing 707 Fleet Manager. After flying training he was judged to be an especially bold aviator and was accordingly assigned to a De Havilland Venom squadron, these being the RAF’s then current fighter-bomber type. But, after three years’ service, the politicians decided that the RAF had far too many pilots, landing Steve in BOAC, initially as a radio/navigation officer on Douglas DC7Cs but then as a pilot on jet-prop Britannias and then Boeing 707s. Navigation in his early BOAC days was often by star sightings before gyro based inertial navigation simplified the process. We were treated to insights on the work of an airline pilot and some intriguing background to Royal flights in those early long haul jet days.

It may be some months before “normal service” is resumed but we are determined to keep the club active. In particular our Family Finances Group is holding virtual sessions via Zoom, for which see separate posts.

Keep safe!

As is the case with all social clubs like ours our normal activities are suspended during the Covid pandemic until further notice.

However members are able to stay in touch via the ever popular Zoom meetings held monthly , hosted by our Club Secretary.

In the meantime we are investigating the ability to have scaled down meetings at Weybourne House , in line with Government guidelines until such times as normality prevails again.

Any non member wishing to join us once we resume may still do so during this period by filling in an application form in readiness for that happy day.

Stay safe.

Dear fellow Probus 83 members. Happily the FFG is still running, albeit on line. This is the invite from John for any of our members to join the virtual meeting this Thursday (May 21st) morning.

Gentlemen, it seems a very long time since we had our last FFG meeting on “Arranging suitable care” back in February when the world was a saner and safer place. Our next FFG meeting was scheduled for Thursday, 21 May, when John Devine of Charles Stanley was due to speak to us. Fortunately, John has volunteered to give us a “virtual presentation” via the internet instead of the usual face-to-face meeting. So if you wish to hear the views of Charles Stanley following the turbulence and uncertainty in the stock market caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, collapse in the price of crude oil and ongoing clashes between the USA and China, then be ready to join a virtual Meeting at 10.00am on Thursday 21 May.

Would those interested in joining please email John Coleman to let him know so that he has an idea of likely numbers.

Details are given on Mike’s email, sent to all members on Monday (18th) evening.

Regrettably, but in line with the recent Government recommendations, it has been necessary to cancel at least the forthcoming Probus Meetings for April and May.

We will advise when the next meeting is to be held when we are clear to do so. We look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime, stay safe.

We welcomed back Paul Whittle for this month’s talk ROCK STEADY THE GIBRALTAR STORY and what an interesting story it turned out to be. Paul a regular visitor left no stoned unturned to deliver the Rocks History especially the last 300 years which covered the British involvement. For those who have not visited Gibraltar before the first thing you notice is the British feel about the place, Red Pillar Boxes British style Policeman and of course Fish and Chips.!! Pauls’s tour took to us all the main points of interest, with the aid of many photos, and commentary you almost thought you were there. He covered the 30 miles of tunnels, with its interesting gun emplacements, the cable car trip, Botanical Gardens, and the Rock itself together with legendry Apes. A very interesting morning which was enjoyed by all.

One of the hairier inhabitants…

And the famous Rock itself.

Fred J Knopp Speaker Secretary

We welcome back Paul Whittle whose talk this month  is  entitled Rock-Steady- The Gibraltar Story. The talk covers the Rock’s history, heritage and fortifications and the role it continues to play both economically and militarily.  Gibraltar a British territory since 1704.  I am sure many of us have been to Gibraltar and will relate to this subject.

Fred J Knopp     Speaker Secretary

 

 

A message from Mike Sinclair:

Dear fellow Guildford Probus ’83 members.

At our last meeting in his talk of “The Devils Chariots” we did not see all of John Glanfield’s slides, especially the ones where highly imaginative but impractical machines were tried out. John has kindly offered and that he provides you with an opportunity to see these missed slides.

John will extract these slides from his presentation and give those of us who may be interested a half hour pre our next meeting starting at 11:00 in the dining area.

The next Family Finances Group (FFG) meeting will be on Thursday 20 February, when our Guest Speaker will be Chris Cain of Grace Consulting, based in Albury, which specializes in advising families in connection with choosing appropriate care when it is needed – often with little warning or preparation.

Chris will talk about their experience in helping their clients choose “what is best for the person”, which ranges from care in their own home to choosing a suitable Care/Nursing Home close to the family that has the best facilities and staff who are experienced in the particular needs of the person concerned. He will also briefly discuss the funding of care, including the potential support available and considers that the “Best” is not always the most expensive.

The Grace Consulting team sometimes works with families who need assistance “convincing the family of what is best for the Client” – and, in this context, remember the old adage “Keep your relationship with your children strong, because it is they who are likely to eventually choose your Care Home!”

Grace Consulting offers a UK-wide service, so it can help in connection with relatives living in any part of the country.

So why not come along to the Family Finances Group meeting next Thursday, when you will be free to ask any questions that you may have on this difficult and sensitive topic and will be better prepared if “Care” is ever needed within your family.

We gather for coffee and biscuits at Weybourne House from 9.45am for a 10.00am start of the meeting and aim to finish by noon.
All Probus ’83 members are welcome.

This month we welcomed John Glanfield, his talk was entitled The Devils Chariot. John had written a book by the same name which gives the history of WW1 tank.
The talk was very informative and interesting.
The original tank was designed from agricultural equipment at the time, The Generals were reluctant to change after all the Cavalry was King but with the war at stalemate with no progress being made and horrendous losses, something had to change,
H had to become HP mechanized!!
The leading light of a mechanized armored vehicle was Lt Col Ernest Swinton and with the support of Winston Churchill, the General Staff finally agreed. Their specification for vehicle included top speed 4mph with the ability to climb a 5 ft parapet.
Finally, Mark 1 arrived although unreliable changed the outcome of the war. For the crew inside the Devils Chariot, it was not a pleasant experience for many, they never recovered, but it was said, it was better than being in a trench and at the sound of a whistle scrambled out and mown down by well placed German machine guns.

Oh oh oh What a lovely War…….I don’t think so.!!!!!

Fred J Knopp Speaker Secretary

I lived in Dorset for 40 years and I often visited the Tank Museum in Bovington.  Of all the many vehicles on display, one that took my eye was a First World War Tank.

My immediate reaction was, anyone who got inside deserved a medal. It was very cramped, very noisy, extemely hot,  full of fumes and almost impossible to get out in a hurry.  In other words a mobile death trap, but helped to turn the war in our favour.

Our speaker today has written a book entitled The Devil’s Chariot and many of these points will probably be covered.

John will explain  who designed and built the Tank. and how did it evolve. Although originally meant for the Navy for use by the Royal Marine crew, it was switched to the  Army,  why the change?  How did it perform in battle?…..with many more questions with  answers.!!!  Get yours ready!!!

Fred J Knopp Speaker Secretary