The Probus Club of Hemel Hempstead
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Programme for Meetings 2012
January 19th
Olympic Games - Past & Present
Roger Askew
An insight into Olympic Games past and present makes this a highly topical talk and a fitting follow-up to the Club’s recent visit to the 2012 Olympic facilities.
February 16th
World War II Destroyers
Colin Gent
HMS Caprice, a War Emergency Class destroyer saw service on both Russian and Atlantic convoy escort duties in WWII and has seen post-war service in the Mediterranean and Far East. Colin served on this vessel as Electrical Officer.
March 15th *
Opera Interludes
Pat Pucell
Patricia Purcell joined Sadler's Wells in 1961, and appeared in a number of productions. After a period of study at the London Opera Centre, she joined Covent Garden, working in the chorus, singing small roles and covering larger ones.
April 19th
‘If Only I’d Said ‘
Vic Botterill
Ever said to yourself after an encounter, ‘If only I'd said...’? Vic Botterill makes a welcome return to explain how to break through the embarrassment with a few simple rules that could change your life.
May 17th
Living & Reporting the Front Line
Daniel Bruce
International journalist and media development consultant, Colin introduces the concept of using media to help impoverished and conflict affected areas of the world and sheds light on the activities of BBC World Service Trust.
June 21st *
Aspects of Health
Dr. A. Maisey
Dr Tony Maisey is a retired general medical practitioner who was once an active sportsman but is now accepting the ravages of time and an unhealthy lifestyle. He has always been interested in health education and trying to explain
complicated medical issues to the general public with humour as well as information.
July 19th
Mr Punch
Professor Bob Sacco
Professor Bob Sacco is the Honorary Secretary of the Punch and Judy Fellowship and an international Punch Showman of wide experience and excellent reputation. He has been interviewed about Punch on radio and TV and has arranged and organised a number of Punch and Judy Festivals. That’s the way to do it!
August 16th
The Cornish Riviera
Ron White
Three years ago Ron spoke to us about railways in the Chilterns and now brings his own inimitable style to his account of a trip to Cornwall in the days of steam.
13th September *
NB 2nd Thursday in the month
NB 2nd Thursday in the month
The Pyrotechnic Priest
The Revd. Ron Lancaster MBE
Ron's handiwork has been watched by tens of millions. At the Hong Kong handover in 1997 the British Empire went out with one almighty bang and it was Ron who lit the match and when he blew up 18 tons of fireworks on the Thames in front of the Queen in 1995 to mark the 50th anniversary of VJ Day, he set a new British record.
18th October
41st Annual General Meeting
November 15th
The Nickey Line
Dave Abernethy
Approximately 7 miles long, the Nickey Line footpath and cycle way is a former railway line (the Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead Railway) and still links Harpenden, Redbourn and Hemel Hempstead but is used now by railway history enthusiasts, walkers and cyclists from many parts of the country. It was opened as a footpath and cycleway in 1985.
December 20th *
Christmas Social
* Ladies are invited to meetings marked with an asterisk