New chairman ushered in

The silver jubilee year of Bognor Regis Men's Probus Club concluded formally at its AGM in January when chairman Bill Davies handed over his collarette of office to incoming chairman Neil Harris.

A well attended meeting heard Bill outline all that had been achieved during his year of office.

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He paid tribute to the hard work of committee members and to the membership for its unfailing support throughout.

He also thanked the Observer newspaper which printed in detail each and every event or occasion so making known the affairs of the club to its wide readership and enhancing recruitment.

Once in the chair, Neil thanked Bill for presiding over a really splendid jubilee year and promised that his year would do its best to be equally successful with a full list of speakers covering a wide spectrum of interest.

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His chosen charity for the club would be Chichester Hospital Radio.

At this point all officers and post holders gave a brief account of their stewardship including Brian Vaughan, travel committee chairman, who announced that a five day visit to the Forest of Dean in May was confirmed as was the annual three day visit to the near continent in December. There would also be a day visit to Hampton Court in September. The annual travel club coffee morning in June, lunch with ladies and guests in May and garden party in August were all confirmed.

There being no nominations from the floor the election of officers and committee for 2008 was unopposed.

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Vice chairman Derek Barnes, secretary Wilf Archer, treasurer Colin Hopcraft, membership secretary John Dyson, almoner Bill Davies, press officer Michael Tice plus Martin Judd, Basil Tellwright and Brian Vaughan.

The travel committee comprises chairman Brian Vaughan, administration Goff Hine, finance Rob Sparks, publicity Neil Harris plus Derek Barnes and Wilf Archer.

Members Mike Collins, Jack Nicholls and Dr Peter Cole were thanked for their services to the travel club, the auditing of the club accounts and compilation of the membership booklet respectfully.

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With business completed Lynda Ryan, head of Age Concern information and advice, was welcomed as speaker, briefly referring to its structure at national, regional, county and local group levels.

In West Sussex the service started in 1957 as the West Sussex Association For The Elderly with two staff members and a handful of volunteers.

It is now Age Concern West Sussex based in Littlehampton with 50 staff, 300 volunteers and fields some 5,000 inquiries each year.

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Its 0800 019 1310 freephone number will bring an immediate response via detailed information packs or leaflets, confidential interviews or home visits which might solve welfare, health, housing, family, financial or 'just getting out of the house' concerns. Lynda's concise and informed presentation was most appropriate to her audience and applauded warmly.

The Bognor Regis Men's Probus Club meets in the Royal Norfolk Hotel every third Wednesday of the month except August. Details are available from secretary Wilf Archer on 01243 821388.

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