I thank you all most sincerely for electing me to be your President for the forthcoming year.

Looking around and seeing perhaps 12 past presidents, I am most conscious of the high expectations of holding the office of President of The Probus Club of St Annes-on-the-Sea.  It is indeed a great honour.

I joined Probus in 2003, and immediately enjoyed the friendship and involvement in assisting whenever I possibly could.  I became involved with other members in making and painting yellow a very sturdy and large storage cupboard.  I then continued the tradition of providing tea/coffee/biscuits refreshments.  I have to say how seamlessly members have taken on duties in providing these refreshments, particularly Ken, Dave, Peter, John and Mike.

And three years ago, in 2011, I was pleased to become a committee member.

Meantime, since becoming Vice President, I have been looking at the history of our Club.

In 1971 a group of businessmen met, including our Secretary Matthew’s father.  That group in 1971 were instrumental in the planning that went on within the Rotary Club that led to the formation of this, The Probus Club of St Annes-on-the-Sea.  Sir William Cocker OBE formally moved that the club be formed and Sir Herbert Pollard CBE was our first president, with meetings held at the YMCA on Thursday mornings.  The yearly subscriptions was 50pence; coffee was 8p a cup.

I have now acquired various Probus Magazines, thanks to our Speaker Secretary Geoff, Google website and John Thewis (a new member).  Did you know that some UK Probus Clubs contribute newsworthy items on a regular basis to the magazine and our branch could well have the UK’s largest number of members?  May be our website www.probus1.co.uk is indeed a good indicator of the success of this club??

Now FINALLY -
It is my turn and it is indeed an honour and a pleasure to follow in their footsteps, to continue the tradition of a friendly comradeship amongst our members, helped by the Members' Photos and Brief Biographies now on display - a terrific effort by our Publicity Officer, Keith Barlow.

I feel confident in achieving my commitment, secure in the knowledge of having an experienced Vice President, experienced Club Officers and SIX good men in committee.

I now look forward to making my contributions to the The Probus Club of St Annes-on-the-Sea,
to ensuring its continuing success.
.
THANK YOU!

Les Hall
27th Mar 2014