Probus Christmas Lunch 2013
The Chadwick Hotel  -  Thursday 12 December

 

Surprisingly, we had a sudden surge in bookings for this Christmas Lunch after a decline over the past few years.  There were 83 bookings this time, up by eight on 2012 but unfortunately two couples and one member's wife had to drop out at the last minute due to illness.  Once we've given the hotel our final numbers for catering we're committed to paying so are unable to refund last minute cancellations, which makes it additionally unfortunate for those missing out, but sadly there's nothing we can do about that.  However, on a brighter note, we were pleased that the price was only 50p more than last year, which was an increase of well under 3%.

Our Speaker Secretary Geoff Hayman had promised to entertain us at last year's Christmas lunch but unfortunately was hospitalised just before the event so Roy Winter stepped into the breach at the last minute.  But, now fully restored to health, Geoff was able to tell us all his jokes and keep us all smiling very successfully!

Our President’s wife was unfortunately unable to be with us on this occasion so the bouquet of flowers was accepted instead by the Vice President’s Lady, Mrs Kath Hall.

Very many thanks to everybody who supported the Lunch and special thanks to Keith Barlow, who printed the souvenir menus and was again our photographer; to Geoff Hayman for being our standup Comedian; to Roy Winter for handing all the bookings and paying the hotel and to Matthew Willey, who can always be relied on as MC.

From the feedback I’ve had so far, everybody seemed to have enjoyed it so we expect to be back - in December 2014.

Cliff Elliott
Social Secretary

 

1) Vice President Les Hall with Mrs Kath Hall and President Mike Glassock.

 

2) Doreen and Harry Widger, Sheila Payne, Past President Eric Burrell and Mrs Joy Burrell.

 

3) Rob Wilkinson and Avril with President Mike Glassock.
 

4) Mrs Sylvia Gittins with Elfyn.

 

5) Speaker Secretary and Past President (and Entertainer this time) Geoff Hayman with Mrs Jeanne Hayman and President Mike Glassock.

 

6) Treasurer Roy Winter with President Mike Glassock, Mrs Gill Willey and Secretary Matthew Willey.

 

7) Past Presidents meet up!  Eric Jones, Brian Johnstone and Geoffrey Gee.

 

8) Speaker Secretary and Past President Geoff Hayman with Jeanne.

 

9) The Chadwick Christmas Fairy with Past President Harold Stokes

 

10) Social Secretary Cliff Elliott presents the bouquet to the Vice President’s Lady Mrs Kath Hall (as the President's Lady was unable to attend).

 

11) President Mike Glassock, Mrs Gill Willey and Secretary Matthew.

 

12) Mrs Audrey O’Connor with Bill.

 

13) Past President Brian Johnstone with President Mike Glassock.

 

14) Formal portrait:  President Mike Glassock.