OUR last meeting of 2017 was on 14 December when wives, partners and guests joined us for our Christmas Party at the Boathouse.

Our entertainment was provided by Phil Collins and Richard Watson, aka Professor Collywobbles. For over an hour they amused us enormously with songs, music and comedy. Isabel Young spoke for all of us when she thanked them and the Committee for the best party we have had for many years.

We then settled down to devour our buffet lunch organised by Martin and Kelly who were thanked for their help throughout the year by President George Bourne.

2017 has been a highly successful year for us. We have heard talks on a wide variety of topics, including the slave trade, female convicts, the Bloody Vikings and boiling mice in urine.

We have gained several new members and Messrs Lawrence, Senior, Smith, Lang, Richardson and Redman have shared their fascinating life stories with us.

We have also enjoyed lunches at the Kings Court Hotel and the Three Ways House Hotel and have paid visits to the SS Great Britain and the Hook Norton Brewery.

We next meet on 4 January 2018. Check out our programme on our website: www.eveshamprobus.co.uk

CHRIS DONOUGH