2024 -2025 Date - Speaker - Title/Activity
27 Mar 2024 AGM
24 Apr 2024 Prof Marc Reichow Volcanoes
29 May 2024 Ian Clarke Financial Scams and how to avoid them
26 June 2024 John Douglas Lord Nuffield - the man and his motors
31 July 2024 S Jones Macmillan Nurses
28 Aug 2024 Prof Aftab Khan Reversals of the Earth Magnetic Field
25 Sept 2024 Brian Johnson Resting in Peace, Welford Rd Cemetery
30 Oct 2024 Prof Martha Clokie The enemy of my enemy is my friend : Viruses to help with with our growing antimicrobial resistance problem
27 Nov 2024 Sir James and Lady Nicola Perowne Life as Governor of Windsor Castle and memories of Her Late Majesty
21 Jan 2025 LPC Hosting : Prof Mark Lester The Aurora
26 Feb 2025 Mike Taylor: Kenneth Browne and Townscape in Leicester
26 Mar 2025 AGM
President’s Day Out, Friday 13th September 2024
Although depleted in numbers by holidays, other commitments, and some illness, a small group of us set off for Boughton House (only about 25 miles away) - and fortunately the sunny weather was kind to us. The stately House has a history dating from the time of the reign of King Henry the Eighth, and is the home, (or rather one of the homes), of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. From a simple Tudor manor house, the first Duke, when Ambassador to France in the 17th century, had been much impressed by French architecture, and sought to replicate their designs at Boughton. His successors continued in that vein, in both the buildings and the gardens: and, much later on, Boughton became known as ‘The English Versailles’.
After coffee when we arrived, we were taken on a private tour around two floors of the House by a very knowledgeable guide, and saw a vast amount of portraits of the families who had lived there, and of royalty. The extensive art collection also includes paintings by El Greco, Gainsborough, and a series of Van Dycks: together with many items of 15th century tapestries and carpets, and other ornate furniture and porcelain - some gifted to the Dukes’ families, and some collected by them.
We then had a delicious buffet, after which we were free to inspect the privately held armoury - (of almost any weapon you could think of!) - and to explore the expansive, immaculately tended, grounds … and, of course, we had our photograph taken for posterity! All in all, a very enjoyable and interesting day.
Carl Gaskell
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THE BOB CLAYTON MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AUGUST 2024
Seven members of Leicester Wyvern Probus Club met, along with nine guests to compete for the Chris Wilks Trophy. The members present included Aftab Kahn and Peter Reichenbach, who had not played for many years but willingly supported David Mitchell in the Leicesterians team. Amongst our guests was a team led by Stephanie Jones, wife of our long standing member Len Jones. Len is unwell and unable to be present, however he sent his best wishes to all Probus members.
We met at Rutland Water Golf Club, on what appeared to be a bright late summer’s, day for coffee and bacon rolls. Four teams were informed of the rules of the Tournament. The rules were designed to encourage rapid play and that, not necessarily the best golfers should win, as we assembled on the first tee. At this point black clouds descended upon Rutland Water. Despite wet weather gear all competitors were drenched and became unseasonably chilled.
The weather improved after about a couple of hours and we were able to enjoy the surroundings but at a reduced tempo. The quality of the golf was up to the usual Probus standard, mediocre, but the scores were enhanced by the presence of our guests who showed us how golf should be played. The Rutlanders team, led by Richard Ward, overall score of 53, was enhanced by two younger guests who beat all members to the prizes for The Longest Drive, Phil Wilson, and Nearest the Pin, Richard Martin.
Steph Jones, leading The Indestructibles, won The Ladies Prize with a score of 62 and The Misfits, led by Brian Marlow won the Booby Prize with a score of 65.
The overall winner, with a score of 51, was The Leicesterians led by David Mitchell, because the adjudicator could not find a way of disqualifying his team. David accepted The Chris Wilks Trophy on behalf of the team including Aftab and Peter. David Mitchell proposed a vote of thanks.
Charles Stewart
August 2024
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Wyvern Probus: Report of the President's Day Out, Thursday, 19th October 2023
On a crisp and sunny President's Day morning, members of Wyvern Probus eagerly gathered on the platform of the Great Central Railway at Loughborough. We were all geared up for an exciting journey and lunch aboard the ‘Midlander’, a beautiful steam train that promised a trip back in time.
The train itself was a remarkable sight. Steam hissed, and the engine let out a nostalgic whistle as it prepared to depart, creating a sense of adventure and excitement. The carriages were a true throwback to an era of elegance and luxury and the dining car offered everyone a glimpse of a time when the world moved at a slower, more enchanting pace. The journey commenced, and Probus members enjoyed the picturesque countryside as the train meandered through Quorn, Rothley, culminating at Leicester North, pausing for lunch adjacent to the great expanse of Swithland Water.
As the train chugged along, the onboard uniformed dining staff provided impeccable service. Wine and soft drinks accompanied a two-course lunch with a choice of pork, salmon or beef pie, followed by cheesecake or hazelnut tart. Over coffee, members chatted about their shared experiences and recollections.
The train paused at the beautifully preserved Rothley station, built on the classic country station layout of the Great Central Railway, a testament to the dedication of volunteers and railway enthusiasts. Passengers were invited to alight briefly to explore the platform, tearoom and waiting room.
As the afternoon drew to a close, it had been a day of delightful memories, shared stories, and a deep appreciation for the history and charm of steam railways. Our President’s Day outing on the Great Central Railway's Midlander, organised by our President, Andrew Gill, was a truly memorable day to be cherished by all who participated.
Patrick Holligan
Secretary
Wyvern Probus
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BOB CLAYTON GOLF TOURNAMENT, Tuesday 15th August 2023
The Bob Clayton Golf Tournament was held at Rutland Water Golf Club on Tuesday 15th August on a beautiful summer’s day. Ten Wyvern Probus Club members, along with 10 guests, assembled to complete six teams of 3 or 4 golfers to compete in a Texas Scramble.
The course was in excellent condition aiding to competitive scores. The following prizes were awarded during the lunch after the competition:
Highest Gross Score: Richard Ward, Richard Martin and Ian Munro
Ladies’ Prize: Steph Jones, Geoff Phipps and Pauline Foster
Nearest the Pin: Mahmed Asra, Mike Jerman and Andrew Swann
Longest Drive: David Caines, David Mitchell, David Walker and David Johnson
Chris Wilks Trophy for lowest Nett score:
Runner-up: Geoff Hall, Paul Mitchell and Neil Fowler
Winner: Brian Marlow, Martin Waddington, Martin Wheelwright and Charles Stewart.
As well as the Chris Wilks Trophy, all prize winners were awarded prizes generously donated by Philip Parkinson.
Brian Marlow proposed a vote of thanks.
Charles Stewart
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The Bob Clayton Golf Tournament, Tuesday 6th August 2022
The Bob Clayton Golf Tournament was held at Rutland Water Golf Course on Tuesday 16th August. The number of participants was sadly reduced due to the wives of both Brian Marlow and Martin Waddington being indisposed. We wished both Madeleine and Barbara speedy return to better health.
Three teams of 3 golfers took part in a Texas Scramble in warm and slightly overcast conditions. The course was noticeably parched.
The prize for Closest to the hole was won by Barry Davis and that for longest drive by Geoff Hall.
After adjustment of the final gross and net scores, the winner of The Chris Wilks Trophy was the team captained by David Mitchell including David Caines and David Johnstone.
Charles Stewart
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Bob Clayton Golf Tournament, Tuesday, 16th August 2022
The competition
The Chris Wilks Trophy will be awarded to the team which wins the Texas Scramble, played over the Normanton 18 hole course, the rules of which are:
All team members drive, the captain chooses the most favourable ball and second shots follow from that point and so on until holed. Team members must have at least four drives chosen in the round. In order to speed up play teams may decide to take the ball of one member before the others have played if it is thought that that shot is unlikely to be bettered.
Handicap
Each team records the average handicap of the three members and that is deducted from the gross score. The net score will be adjusted on the final reckoning by the adjudicator (who happens to be myself). All decisions made by the adjudicator are final and may not be disputed even if wrong!
The teams are as follows:
WANDERERS
Tee off 10.15
GEOFF HALL (CAPT)
BARRY DAVIES
MIKE JERMAN
NOMADS
Tee off 10.23
MARTIN WADDINGTON (CAPT)
BARRY WEBSTER
CHARLES STEWART
LEICESTERSHIRES
Tee off 10.31
DAVID CAINES (CAPT)
DAVID MITCHELL
DAVID JOHNSTONE
RUTLANDERS
Tee off 10.39
RICHARD WARD (CAPT)
JEFF WILCOX-SMITH
IAN MUNROE
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