WE WERE privileged this week to have Alison Harris as our speaker. She described her experiences of working on local free newspapers, starting as a hack using typewriters through to becoming editor with access to all the latest technology.

With great wit and supreme confidence, she explained the intricacies of producing a newspaper, from reporting through compositing to printing. She has worked for a number of local publications, has interviewed many celebrities and also writes for local and national papers. Integrity, trust and establishing good relationships were her key strengths.

She then ventured into the public relations world, which suited her experience and aptitude admirably and promoted a range of products including chocolate and baby’s rusks! In the midst of her busy life, she also raises funds and awareness of Macmillan Cancer Support.

However, her latest claim to fame, apart from attending a Buckingham Palace garden party, is as editor of the national Probus magazine for club members and she reminded us that the 50th anniversary of Probus Clubs nationally will be celebrated in March 2016.

Following her response to our many questions, Pat Sparrow thanked her on our behalf and congratulated her on disproving his belief that newspaper reporting was all a bit ‘iffy’

On Thursday, December 17 our Club’s committee members will entertain us with a Christmas Cracker. We next meet on the first Thursday of 2016. Do join us.

CHRIS DONOUGH