The Probus
Club of Nailsea
Peter Harrowell, President
Welcome from our President
I joined Probus over 5 years ago, and like most of our members, enjoyed it so much that I continued to attend and now I am serving as President! Many have been with us for much longer which shows the appeal of the Probus Club of Nailsea.
Probus performs an important function for retired and semi-retired men as it provides a great social focal point, with a wide range of talks which are informative, fun and entertaining, covering a wide range of captivating topics, as well as occasional visits to local places of interest. At a time when many organisations are struggling, our group continues to thrive with a strong membership, but we would love to welcome new members. Why not give it a try - I am sure you won’t be disappointed!
It is a great honour to serve as president and whilst it carries a degree of responsibility, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience, supported by a willing and able committee team.
Upcoming meetings and activities
James Cook: from the farm to the fleet
Thursday 12 December
Barry Hamblyn
A fascinating talk about the extraordinary life of one of our greatest explorers.
We hear how from humble beginnings on a farm in Yorkshire, James Cook chose a career at sea and a life of exploration and discovery.
6th (Territorial) Battalion Gloucestershire Regt. in WW1
Thursday 9 January
Jeremy Banning
The 6th (Territorial) Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment was one of the six territorial battalions raised by the regiment during World War I.
Jeremy will give us a very ineteresting talk and tell us more about the history of the battalion and its creation and deployment.
Travelogues - less talk, more pictures!
Thursday 23 January
Peter Holt
Peter will treat us to a series of audio / visual presentations which will transport us to a range of destinations around the world.
Subjects will include wildlife in Africa, birds in the Caribbean and a mountain railway in North America, all accompanied by appropriate music.
Aviation Topic
Thursday 13 February
Nigel Turner
More details to follow.
Recent events
Annual Festive Christmas Lunch
Thursday 5 December
Masonic Hall, Nailsea
Members and guests had an excellent lunch at the Masonic Hall.
As always, the food and service was first class, and the speeches were entertaining and greatly appreciated.
Thanks to Gareth Griffith and all those involved in putting the event together.
Next lunches to look forward to:
Summer lunch -
Thu 3 July
Christmas lunch - Thu 4 December
The First British Empire
Thursday 14 November
Garry Gowans
Garry treated us to an interesting talk about the first British Empire which was established during the 3rd century AD by Carausius.
Carausius was from a working class background in Belgic Gaul, and rose to become commander-in-chief of the Roman fleet in Britain and then broke away from the Roman Empire.
Bristol Aerospace Museum visit
Thursday 31 October
A group from Nailsea Probus had a great few hours exploring this amazing museum.
More than a century of incredible achievements and fascinating tales of human endeavour.
More than twenty years on from the final flight, we were able to step aboard the last Concorde ever to fly.
Bristol's Lost City
Thursday 24 October
Clive Burlton
Clive introduced us to a major transformation to the Bristol landscape which was short-lived, and for most now completely forgotten.
The amazing tale of the 1914 Bristol International Exhibition. It closed prematurely at the start of World War One, when the site became a barracks for Bristol's volunteer soldiers.
