Graham Snowdon We’ve all been there, haven’t we? You’re coming home from a fortnight’s holiday on the Costa Packet with nothing more sinister in your suitcase than a kiss-me-quick sombrero or a doll in traditional costume, and as you walk through the green channel you are struck by a feeling of unease. Do you look the customs … Read more
Professor Gill Valentine is a leading player in the world of academia, locally and nationally. When she talks about matters of education, especially further education, people listen. And that was certainly the case when Stumperlowe Probus Club members were fortunate enough to be given almost two hours of Prof Valentine’s valuable time for our latest … Read more
In a reference to the often complicated tactics involved, cycle racing has been described as ‘chess on wheels’. So it was perhaps appropriate that Dr Phil Judkins’ presentation on technological developments in air warfare during WWII should include an illustration of a rather Heath Robinson adaptation of an upturned bicycle used to rotate a radar … Read more
Our own member Tim Stephenson gave us a chilling insight into life – and death – under the Mafia, based on research rather than experience. He has a special interest in Italy, having already given us two interesting talks on the wealthy and immensely powerful Medici dynasty who first came to prominence in the 15th … Read more
The mention of Icelandic volcanoes takes most people back to the 2010 eruption, when fine ash caused widespread disruption to air flights over northern and western Europe from April to July. But the eruptions of Eyjafjallajökull in the south of the country were but a drop in the ocean – probably literally for most of the … Read more
Once again highlighting the depth of knowledge within our own membership, we were treated to the second half of Tim Stephenson’s exploration of the immensely powerful and wealthy Medici family. Prior to his retirement Tim, a professor of pathology, was Clinical Director of Laboratory Medicine at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and an honorary professor at … Read more