ONE of our traditions, at the Probus Club of Evesham, is to encourage members to give an autobiographical talk.

On Thursday, June 25, we were treated to a remarkable, frank and thought-provoking example of this tradition from Steve Swarbrick.

Steve spoke without notes and held his audience spellbound for an hour. He talked about his employment in the insurance business, his sporting interests and his endeavour - following the breakdown of his marriage - not to remain single.

His earliest years were spent in suburban Manchester but his father's return from the Korean War prompted a move to Gloucester. Steve's sporting interests were not reflected by activities available at grammar school but he eventually discovered hockey and acquired an enviable local reputation for scoring goals.

Steve told us about his employment with Eagle Star in Cheltenham and his gradual ascent into management which came to an end when the company was taken over by Zurich and his job disappeared. A hip operation made him immobile and to ease himself back into working life he took a job as a ward clerk in a prison hospital. His comments about prison life were sobering.

The last part of Steve's talk was devoted to his experience of internet dating. There was nothing salacious about this; he spoke about people's loneliness and need to feel of value. And the need to refrain from alcohol when there may be an imminent invitation to drive a hundred miles for an evening meeting.

Steve's talk had been preceded by a rant from Grenville Burrows about the use of satellite navigation devices.

The subject of the next meeting of the Club, at Evesham Rowing Club, on July 2, will be The Road to Little Big Horn with Richard Eggington.

GRENVILLE BURROWS