Rochdale Probus Club

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;-  Canon Alan Shackleton; Geoffrey Howard; Trever Chadwick;  Norman S Frisby; Neville Westerman;  Keith Broadbelt; Peter Richardson; Derek Lord; Alan Hall; M Parkins; John Carter; Derek Lord; Barrymore Pinfield; Len Whittaker.

Last years' Bowling Trophy was won by Mr Derek Lord of Whitworth.

 

Remembrance;- It is itended to place a wreath at the Rochdale Cenotaph again this year; 10.00am at The Rochdale Town Hall on the 12th November 2023.

As usual we will participate with the Mayoral Procession.

 

Forthcoming Meetings;-

Come and join us, give us a try, bring a friend along; tea/coffee is served at 10.15am.

2023

Wednesday 23rd August.

Short Film, introduced by Brian Furness.

A nostalgic journey through the early post-war period of rapid, country-wide, infrastructure development.

Friday 8th September.

Annual Bowling Competition

Weather permitting, the annual bowling competition will be held at Falinge Park. The winner will hold the Harding Trophy for a year, presented by the president.

Wednesday 13th September.

Medicine & Music Dr. Chris Babbs.

Chris explores the interesting, but little researched, links between music & general wellbeing.

Wednesday 27th of September.

Mary's Musical Interlude. Mary C.

All we know, is that May's talk will have a musical connection!

 

Wednesday 11th October.

Nostalgia - memories of the 50s & 60s. Peter Watson.

In his own unique style, Peter takes us  back to the heady days of the 50s & 60s. A trip down 'memory lane'.

Wednesday 25th October.

Six Wives of Henry VIII. Rev. Canon Fleur Green.

Despite his many achievments, Henry VIII, is probably best remembered for the linked issues of his break with the church of Rome & having six wives. This is the subject addressed by the Rev. Canon Green.

Wednesday 8th November.

Great Uncle Percy. by Glenda Shaw.

Inventor Percy Shaw's story is facinating, as told by relative Glenda. To discover what was the Halifax man's greatest invention, you will need to be at the meeting!

Sunday 12th November.

Remembrance Sunday

The president, as has become customary, will lay a wreath on behalf of the Club, in memory of those who gave their lives in the two World Wars. All members are welcome to attend.

Wednesday 22nd November.

Star of Bethlehem Martin Lunn

Astronomer Martin looks into what could have been fact in the story.

Tuesday 12th December.

Christmas Meal.

The Club's traditional Christmas celebration held at the Masonic Hall. Visitors & friends are welcome to join members to enjoy good food & entertainment.

 

 

Team for year 2023/24

                 President   -    Mr Donald Fletcher

           Past President   -   Mr William Jenkins

            Vice-President  -   Mr Keith Banks

         Hon Secretary   -    Mr Brian Furness

         Hon Treasurer -    Mr Keith Banks 

 Hon  Support Officer  -   Dr Selwyn Hodge

               Hon Auditor  -   Mr Derek Hanley

    2nd Vice-President   -    Mr. Selwyn Hodge

                                                                  

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 2023/24  - £50.00

Please come and join us, contact;-  

Hon Secretary, Mr Brian Furness,  Tel;  01706 344894 & brian.furness@outlook.com  

 

Contact Information

Rochdale Probus Club

Rochdale Masonic Rooms
2 Richard Street
Rochdale
OL11 1DU

Tel: 07434 703972

Meeting times

We meet at 10.15am on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday in the month in the Masonic Rooms and we have a speaker for one hour; departing normally around 11.45am.