Probus Clubs are for the retired and partially retired who have followed a career in the professional and business world. They are non-political and non sectarian. Meetings and social functions are held with the object of promoting fellowship amongst members. Probus Clubs spread world wide in the 1970s.
Based in the market town of Garstang, the Club meets on a monthly basis on the first Tuesday of each month at the Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club
We aim to promote friendship and fellowship amongst members, and to arrange activities for their mutual benefit. Many professions are represented by our membership which includes a very diverse range of careers, occupations and vocations such as teachers, architects, managers, chemists, engineers, shop owners, doctors etc.
At our monthly meetings pre-luncheon drinks, conversation and lunch are followed by an informative/entertaining speaker. Club business is dealt with at the end. Members also meet for organised social outings or other events. The social events are open to guests, and attendance is optional.
Probus membership provides self-generating goodwill, a sense of belonging and a diverse background of interests. The fellowship and cordiality evident within Probus Clubs ensures a highly successful future for Probus as a firmly established part of the community.
If you are retired or semi-retired and wish to meet like-minded professional and business people, then our Club could provide you with an excellent opportunity to talk, enjoy an excellent meal and share social occasions with friends.
1st October 2024 | Recollections of the Miners Strike 1984 | John Nickols | |
5th November 2024 | Rural Policing | James Pinder | |
3rd December 2024 | Christmas Lunch | ||
7th January 2025 | Slippery Slope | Jeff Pateman | |
4th February 2025 | Complaints I Have Had! | Gordon Bell | |
4th March 2025 | Tales of the East End - Part 3 | Tony Hargreaves | |
1st April 2025 | 70 Years of Bagpiping | Stuart Lyell | |
6th May 2025 | TBA | John Clough | |
3rd June 2025 | Summer Lunch | ||
1st July 2025 | AGM |
We normally meet at the Garstang Country Hotel and Golf Club
Other venues and trips are occasionally organised.
See the Programme for details
President
John Nickols
Vice-President
Keith Croston
Secretary
Ian Dickinson
Treasurer
Gordon Bell
A most interesting day. After a sail down the river we were able to admire this fine example of Victorian engineering as we were taken on the lift up to the canal above. The skill of the boat's crew was obvious as she manoeuvred the craft out of the very narrow lift and did a 180 degree turn to face back towards the lift ready for the return trip. Here are boat lift details
After a good look around we set off for Arley Hall. The reason for the somewhat unusual route taken by the coach driver along narrow country lanes was explained later. It was to avoid the heavy traffic on the normal route due to the annual Cheshire Show which was being held on the same day.
The Hall was typical of the many houses of its type - oil paintings of ancestors, old furniture, library and so on. The gardens were well laid out and Arley is well worth visiting for these alone. After a welcome cup of tea and cake we returned home tired but happy. Arley Hall details here.
photos courtesy Keith Croston
A sunny, warm day. The competition was conducted with the seriousness that crazy golf demands - much hilarity and banter. No rain and grey skies this time.
The winner was Hayden Evans. Did the fact that he is a regular 'proper' golfer have anything to do with it?
This was a trip of two halves. We met in Blackburn at the Radio Lancashire studios in time to be members of the audience for an edition of the Sally Naden programme. It was fascinating to see the informal way that the programme is put together with a mixture of chat, live music and guest interviews. Audience participation is encouraged and some members duly obliged. We were impressed by the professionalism and the confident way that Sally put the guests at ease and brought in the audience at the appropriate time.
After the programmme we had lunch in the cafe in the crypt of Blackburn Cathedral, just across the road from the studios. On our return we were given a talk about the history of Radio Lancashire from the early days when it was Radio Blackburn. This was given by Gerald Jackson who has been with BBC local radio since he was a tea boy and now devises the jingles and presents a Sunday afternoon programme. Then it was time for a tour of the open plan 'office' where each presenter has their desk, phone and computer terminal. We were shown by the news presenters how they assemble the relevant news items and keep an eye on the opposition, Sky News.
All in all a very interesting few hours. Now when we listen to local radio we know how much work goes into putting each programme together and can imagine the presenters' gesticulations, face pulling and the friendly informality of it all.
Photo reproduced by permission of BBC Lancashire
photos courtesy Barry Till
This is turning out to be an annual event. Though rain threatened, it was not enough to dampen our spirits and the crazyness proceeded with much concentration and merriment. There was food in the cafe afterwards and a good time was had by all.
photos courtesy Ian Dickinson
A good trip to Holland to see the festivities and superb floral exhibition.
photos courtesy various members
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« topThe journey to Haworth turned into a mystery tour to Halifax, the driver had missed the turn in Hebden Bridge. The walk around the area adjacent to the Parsonage was cancelled due the rain, instead a talk about the Brontes' life was given by the tour guide.
The rail trip on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway took us from Haworth to Keighley and back.
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« topAfternoon visit to Salford Quays and evening performance of the Moscow State Circus in the Lowry Art & Entertainment Centre.
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« topThe event was very similar to the previous year.
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« topThe coach left Garstang at 0900 heading for the drop off/collection point at the Albert Docks. With the return time of 1700, the a whole days exploration in Liverpool was waiting.
The Albert Docks and shops/coffee were the first port of call.
Later visiting such places as the two cathedrals, members came across each other around the next corner. It made the day more friendly and interesting.
A very large area opposite the docks was under re-development and some roads were closed to everyone.
The "trippers" were Probus Members, Members of Garstang Camera Club and friends/relatives. Everyone agreed on the return coach that a good day had been had by all.
No photographs submitted, pictures scanned from postcards at reduced resolution
« topA hot summer's day saw 31 members, spouses and friends take the coach to Ravenglass.
We were entertained along the way by the reminiscences of our Treasurer, Dennis Livick, who was born and bred in West Lakeland. Some of his recollections and anecdotes about local characters of the past were very amusing - the farmer who habitually wore only a flesh coloured body stocking as he drove his tractor was a particular case in point.
We arrived at Ravenglass in good time for a cup of tea or coffee before setting off on the 1130 La'al Ratty steam train.
We were treated to glorious scenery along the Mite and Eskdale valleys before arriving at Dalegarth for Boot spot on time (Sir Richard Branson please note!). Most people had lunch, either in the new Fellbites café, or as a picnic on one of the benches nearby.
The return journey by train (also on time) was followed by the short coach journey to Muncaster, in good time for the Owl and Bird of Prey display - "Meet the Birds" - on the lawn outside the castle. We were treated to flights from a buzzard, a kestrel, a European eagle owl, and a Barn Owl - who turned out to be the famous "Sparky", star of several television shows. Truly elegant birds.
Most people then went inside the castle, home of the Pennington family for the last 800 years. Some of us were fortunate enough to have a few words on the way out with Patrick Gordon-Duff-Pennington, the present incumbent, who had spent the afternoon gardening on the terrace. A charming man.
Finally, we watched as the herons were fed from the cannon bank. The view over Lakeland from the cannon bank is most spectacular. I counted 15 herons at one time - the record this year is apparently 25. The hour and three quarters journey back to Garstang passed very quickly, and the day was voted a huge success.
Photographs courtesy of Robert Haythornthwaite
« topOn an overcast morning around 9.00am the coach left Garstang on time for Martin Mere (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) via Preston.
Upon arrival there was a presentation by a WWT staff member, of long standing, about the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the history of Martin Mere. Even though the talk was a trifle too long the history was very interesting.
With the provision of a map and bird food, members were sent on their way with a proviso to be back at the coach by 2.00pm. Although the wind was a little chilly the forecasted rain kept away.
Groups of Probiens and Camera club members could be spotted taking photographs and studying the wild fowl together with the very informative story boards.
Some of the members managed to spend some time in the numerous hides and most had lunch in the cafeteria or had sandwiches. In all a splendid outing.
The coach departed on schedule bound for Rufford Old Hall.
Upon arrival at Rufford Old Hall the members were greeted by a NT representative who spoke about the Hall and asked that as a large group would we split into two main grouping, one to look around the gardens and the other to enter the house.
Walking through the formal gardens was very pleasant and the path seemed to lead to the shop and cafeteria, so for those who had not yet been into the house it was a great temptation to partake of a cream tea. The scones and cakes were delicious.
The time spent in the house is relatively short as Rufford Old Hall is quite small. The coach left for home around 4.0pm, arriving in Garstang around 5.0pm
Many thanks to Peter Western, our Social Secretary, for organizing this outing.
Photographs courtesy of Mike Baker.
« topOn a cold and crisp Garstang evening our coach left on time for Preston. Upon arrival we had a tour of the "Preston Illuminations", actually it was a round trip to enable our coach to locate a parking at the side of the Guildhall.
Our arrival was early and there was plenty of time for a drink and convivial conversation before the performance.
The spectacle of the orchestra dressed in period costume was a delight to behold and the music and carols were very enjoyable with the audience participating in some of the carols.
The conductor gave an animated performance and made everybody in the audience stand and sit to order. In all, a delightful evening as a prelude to Christmas.
Many thanks to Peter Western, our Social Secretary, for organizing this outing.
Photographs courtesy of Mike Baker
« topOur Christmas Luncheon was held once again at the Garstang Golf and Country Club, and as is usual on this special occasion Ladies were invited as guests. Special guests were the President of Garstang Rotary Club, Mike Bradley and his wife, Lynne.
An excellent meal was provided, along with crackers, hats, balloons and even party poppers, during which carol music was played by harpist Patricia Lewis.
Following the luncheon, we all enjoyed an interlude of relaxation, provided by the ensemble Musical Options played carols on hand chimes, (a very pure and haunting sound), when members, wives and guests were invited to do a spot of carol singing!
Our President, Joe Relton, his wife, Dorothy, and Mike Bradley then entertained us with festive and amusing speeches. A very enjoyable occasion which left us well and truly in the Christmas spirit!
Photographs courtesy of Mike Baker
Mixed weather greeted the 26 intrepid Probians, wives and friends who set off from Garstang to Haverthwaite railway station in Cumbria on 14 September 2004. Our steam train left at the appointed hour towards Lake Windermere. Fond memories of the days of steam for many of us!
All too soon, we pulled in to Lakeside station, disembarked, and walked the short distance to the Aquarium of the Lakes.
Our conducted tour was made extremely interesting, and we saw many fresh and seawater specimens, and some very charming otters.
Our next short walk took us to the steamer pier, where our steamboat bound for Bowness awaited us. The weather was relatively kind - almost, but not quite, raining - typical of the Lakes.
We then had a couple of hours in Bowness for lunch and retail therapy before we set off back to Garstang by coach. Three very different forms of transport in one day was a fine experience, and a great success.
Photographs courtesy of Windemere Lake Cruises
« topA bright sunny May morning saw 10 Probus members together with a further 23 wives and guests gather outside Garstang library for the coach trip to Settle in North Yorkshire. But no-one had forgotten to bring their passport, so we were able to cross the border without incident.
We had the best part of an hour to pass before our train was due, and although a few walked the short distance into the town for a look around, most of our group went along the platform to visit the signal box, restored by the Friends of the Settle - Carlisle Line. A most interesting talk and demonstration was given by Derek, one of the Friends who had started his 51 year career in the railways as a junior porter, and finished it in this very signal box. Two of our members, Ken and Steve, set the dials and pulled the levers to allow an imaginary train pass through our section of track. They managed not to crash their imaginary train!
Our train arrived precisely on time, and we boarded with Patrick, our guide supplied by the Friends. Many of us knew Patrick - he had delivered an amusing talk about his experiences as a coach driver to our January meeting - and he pointed out the many places of interest along the route. His talk also covered the history of the track, which was most illuminating. Patrick had to leave us at Appleby, as he had a meeting of his own Probus Club later in the day.
We arrived at Carlisle on time after passing through and close to some magnificent scenery and interesting places, including Pen-y-ghent (hill of the winds); Ribblehead Viaduct (yes, you can actually see it from the train, as the track curves gracefully before crossing the viaduct itself); Dent station (the highest mainline station in England at 1150 feet, and 600 feet above the village of Dent, 4 miles away); and of course the beautiful Eden valley as the line descends from its highest point Ais Gill, 1169 ft above sea level) with magnificent views across Wild Boar Fell, the Howgills and the distant Lakeland Fells.
We went our separate ways in Carlisle, most people exploring the Cathedral, the museums and/or the Castle, whilst finding time to indulge in the variety of shopping available in the City. Everyone was on time for the meet up back at Citadel railway station for the enjoyable coach journey back alongside scenic Ullswater and through Glenridding, Patterdale and the Kirkstone Pass, all of which Ron, our coach driver, managed to negotiate without incident.
A very happy and memorable day out in excellent company.
« topOur spring theatre trip saw 10 members and 15 wives and guests set out again for Blackpool - this time to see the well known thriller/horror "The Woman In Black", Stephen Mallatratt's adaptation of Susan Hill's novel, on tour following 15 successful years playing in the West End.
The pre-show publicity surrounding this two-handed (three-handed if you count the Woman herself!) play promised "you will scream". Well, we did just that! In fact the terrifying suspense thriller was so well acted out by Paul Webster and Damien Matthews as the story unfolded that at one point several Probus members actually jumped out of their seats involuntarily!
As we left the magnificent Grand Theatre, the suspense continued, as our coach trip back to Garstang across the Fylde was undertaken in patchy fog, reminiscent of the misty atmosphere created earlier on stage. We half expected the ghostly Woman to appear before us, just as she had appeared before us on stage only an hour ago! But of course the journey back home passed without incident, and we were left to reflect upon a most brilliantly spine-chilling performance of unremitting drama.
« topIt was very refreshing to see such a good old-style variety show - the entertainment from all of the artists and artistes was excellent.
Compere Stu Francis held the show together so well that it over ran by a good half hour, and we nearly had to miss our viewing of the Illuminations.
However, John the driver was able to use his local knowledge of Blackpool's back streets to ensure that we saw everything there was to see along the Prom and still be back in Garstang by 11.30 pm.
Eleven members and nine guests gathered at the Garstang Marina for a club cruise, our first social outing of 2003. Although no exotic Caribbean islands were visited (on this occasion - maybe next time!) the three-hour journey along the Lancaster Canal was very much enjoyed by all who boarded the vessel Ashanti Gold.
The weather was kind to us, and we saw many parts of our delightful market town from an angle not often seen these days - the canalside. We even went past former President Joe Relton's back garden!
The on-board bar was opened for pre-meal drinks, and a genuine Lancashire hotpot with pastry crust (accompanied of course by beetroot) was served whilst we relaxed and enjoyed the rural views from the comfort of our narrowboat.
All too soon we were back at the marina; everyone agreed the event had been a great success, and one that would be repeated at some time in the future.
Photograph re-printed by courtesy of the Garstang Courier (ref 16415) © Johnston Press.
« topA grey day in Garstang saw eleven Probus Club members and seven guests scurrying across the car park (to avoid the rain) into the Dew-Lay cheese factory Visitor's Centre. We were met by Mary, our guide, and she told us of the history of cheese-making in Lancashire and explained to us the basic principles of the process.
The ancient machines and other artefacts (mostly from the 1930s) used by previous generations of cheese makers were of special interest. This was followed by a tour of the factory along the viewing gallery, which followed the cheese-making process from the arrival of the milk to the packaging of the product.
We were joined by Neil Kenyon, Dew-Lay managing director, and his explanation of the various parts of the process was lively and informative.
Finally, we were given an opportunity to taste different cheeses, ranging from very mild to extra mature - and we were also able to sample some "blue" cheeses as well as others with additives, such as chives. Most members used the opportunity to purchase a portion of their favourite cheese before we thanked Mary and Neil and took our leave.
Photographs courtesy of Dewlay.
Our Probus Club was started in 1972 by the Rotary Club of Garstang. If anyone has items of interest from the past history of the club please contact the secretary.
Andrew Collier
2023-2024
Stuart Lyell
2022-2023
Evan Gray
2019-2022
David Birtwistle
2018-2019
Howard Abbott
2017-2018
Ian Dickinson
2016-2017
Peter Arrowsmith
2015-2016
Peter Beatson
2014-2015
Tony Olsen
2012-2014
Hayden Evans
2011-2012
John Whalley
2010-2011
R. Haythornthwaite
2009-2010
Richard Swift
2008-2009
Ian Drummond
2007-2008
Mike Hall
2006-2007
Mike Baker
2005-2006
Joe Relton
2004-2005
Don Yule
2003-2004
Peter Western
2002-2003
Dennis Livick
2000-2002
William Aldred
1999-2000
Ben Andrews
1998-1999
Malcolm Locke
1995-1996
There are no photographs available for the following:
1997-1998 R. WadeGarstang and District Probus Club held their bi-annual lunch at the Crofters on Tuesday. President Mr Bill Rawlinson. (right of centre) pictured with members and their wives. Bill Rawlinson became President in 1973 and served for 14 years.
Three members recognised so far are Cyril Schofield (joined May 1982), Richard Alexander (joined February 1984) and Harry Kenyon (joined March 1986)
Reproduced with kind permission of the Garstang Courier (ref number 9191)