10-00am for a 10-30 start
PROGRAMME
SUMMER TERM 2024
IMAGES FROM PAST MEETINGS
An example of the work of Ray Lonsdale, "Tommy", on the North Terrace at Seaham Harbour, being admired during a Probus visit some years ago.
Right -
February featured a talk by Freda Thompson about Laurel and Hardy focussing on Stan Laurel's early local connections and his subsequent meeting with Oliver Hardy. Their career together was full of fascinating facts and anecdotes which kept everyone thoroughly entertained throughout.Our thanks to Freda for her talk.
Below - Probus members enjoyed an excellent visit to the Greencroft Bottling Company near Lanchester. where we had a talk by Tony Cleary, Group CEO, followed by a tour of the bottling plant. Afterwards, an excellent lunch was followed by wine tasting with expert knowledge imparted by Tony himself. Our sincere thanks to Tony and everyone who made it such an enjoyable visit.
Members enjoying an illustrated talk by Mike Thornton about the celebrated local painter Norman Cornish
Clockwise - Benny Graham doing what he does best - song, poetry and "crack" drawn from our local area. The four stalwarts were the Nevilles Cross Battlers who amazed us with their description of swimming the English Channel to raise funds for Nevilles Cross School. Another musical event was Will Marx who performed a selection of hits from the past. Suitably attired member Mike Foreman provides the music for an annual post AGM quiz. Mike was our 2018/19 Chairman, a man of many talents ! Sadly since then Mike has passed away but is much remembered by all at Probus for his enthusiasm and energy.
Members were recently entertained by Peter Stemmer who is the official Town Crier of Darlington. Peter gave us a fascinating insight into the history of town criers as well as describing his modern and varied role. He came across as someone full of enthusiasm for his role as a communicator of information.
Our 2018/19 Year ended with another fascinating talk by Probus regular Prof. John Derry who combines his historical expertise on all topics with an unrivaled skill as a speaker.
2019 AGM with President Keith James presiding supported by our outgoing Chairman Mike Foreman delivering his "end of term" report. Sadly Mike has since passed away but is much remembered by all at Probus for his enthusiasm and energy in supporting our activities.
Below - Our speaker John Lowe who ended the Autumn 2021 Term
Three of our past 2022 guests, author Jane Gulliford Lowes, Lt Ami Burns RN and Joy Allen, Durham Police & Crime Commissioner
