Intro
Rochdale Probus Club
Retired, semi-retired businessmen and women, meeting together socially to listen to talks and see slide-shows on mutually, interesting subjects; to learn and share opinions of life, past, present and future. Cameradery and friendliness are the main themes discussed over coffee and biscuits in the pleasant surroundings of The Masonic Rooms. Members meet to make new aquaintancies and to 'know a few more people in the locallity of Rochdale' with whom to form further friendships.
This year the Club celebrates 40 years of existance. Come and join us, we're sure you'll enjoy the experience. No age limit is imposed, maximum membership is set at seventy persons and currently 32 members enjoy the facilities and attend.
History
Inaugurated initially by the Rotary Club of Rochdale in January 1982. A letter was raised as an 'invitation to membership' on the 11th January 1982 and sent to various colleagues and aquaintancies of the Rotary Club. This letter was signed by Mr John RG Grice, then Chairman of the Steering Committee, Rotary Club of Rochdale. After acceptance letters arrived, the first meeting was arranged for Wednesday 27th January 1982 at the Masonic Rooms, Richard Street, Rochdale. This meeting was chaired by a Mr William Harding and Mr Frederic Holt acted as secretary.
Founders (19);- John RG Grice (Founding-father); William Harding; Harry Shenton; Harry Bucknell; Jack Whitehead; Keith Page; Felix Milns; Thomas W Taylor; Walter Lee; Ronald Watson; Wilfred Wild; Albert Dewhurst; Max Miller; Kenneth Blackham; Arthur Strong; Arthur Buckley; Robert Pearce; George Kenyon; Arthur Blackham.
Hon. Life-members;- Trever Chadwick; Keith Broadbelt; Peter Richardson; Derek Lord; Alan Hall; M Parkins; John Carter; Derek Lord; Len Whittaker.
Remembrance;- It is itended to place a wreath at the Rochdale Cenotaph again this year; 10.00am at The Rochdale Town Hall on the 17th November 2025.
As usual we will participate with the Mayoral Procession.
Team for year 2024/25
President - Mr. Keith Banks
Past President - Mr Donald Fletcher
Vice-President - Dr Selwyn Hodge
Hon Secretary - Mr Brian Furness
Hon Treasurer - Mr Keith Banks
Hon Support Officer - Dr Selwyn Hodge
Hon Auditor - Mr Derek Hanley
2nd Vice-President -
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday in-the-month; coffee is served at 10.15am. We then have a Speaker for one hour; departing normally around 11.45am.
Subscriptions for 2024/25 - £50.00
You are welcome to visit us to see if it is for you. Please contact:-
Hon Secretary, Mr Brian Furness, Tel; 01706 344894 & brian.furness@outlook.com
Meetings this season.
Wednesday 8th May.
'A World of Mules & Minders' by Brian Topping
Retired customers officer Brian continues with part two of his amusing & informative talk about his time at Heathrow.
Wednesday 22nd May.
'A Brief History of the Isle of Mann a land of myth & magic'.
by John Cannell.
A personal journey...
Wednesday 12th June.
'Mancunians', by Brian Groom.
Brian takes us on an historic journey Manchester's history.
Wednesday 26th June.
'My life as an Able Seaman' by Paula Bradbury.
Paula's life on several cruise ships in the 1970s. Stress, fun & freedom...
Wednesday 10th July.
'Blackpool Ship Wrecks' by Barry McCann.
Barry tells of the many ships that have come to grief on our local coast line.