OUR newest member, Christian Lang of Broadway, was soundly applauded by all when President Brian Ireland conferred his membership at our meeting on Thursday June 9.

Guests are particularly invited to join us on June 23 at the Evesham Boathouse to see if membership of the Probus Club of Evesham is for them. Birmingham - City of Culture will be the topic of our talk on that day. The Boathouse is a splendid location for our meetings, overlooking the River Avon with ample free car parking, biscuits, coffee, tea and stronger beverages available as well as lively debate.

Cliff Blackborrow reminded members that bacon butties or even full breakfasts were available prior to our meetings and congratulated us on warmly welcoming new members.

Our speaker this week was Ray Sturdy of Worcester, a long-time supporter of Cancer Research. His subject was the real Dad’s Army of the Second World War or the Home Guard as it was properly known. He described the lead up to the beginning of the war and the preparations to repel enemy invaders. Unfortunately, he appeared to have failed to observe that the vast majority of members had experienced at first hand the period he was describing. Nevertheless, most members were reminded of the privations and hardships they had suffered although they had been unaware of some of the secret preparation details that Ray described.

Andy Richardson thanked Ray on our behalf and made reference to the role of women during the war.

On June 16 we will be having our summer lunch at the Beckford Inn accompanied by our wives, partners and guests.

CHRIS DONOUGH