After the best part of three years of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and an enforced change of venue, 2023 looks like being the year when things finally get back on an even keel for Stumperlowe Probus Club
On the membership front, things could not be healthier. After losing a handful of members for one reason or another during the time we spent in limbo, we are now back up to our full complement, with a very small waiting list.
The days of ‘Zoom’ meetings proved a very useful exercise, and the technology we embraced – thanks largely to our webmaster Peter Jackson – will hopefully not be wasted as we adapt to changing times, with the possibility of speakers from farther afield being brought to a screen near to us.
However, the return to face-to-face meetings at our new location, Fulwood Sports Club, has been warmly welcomed as a chance to enjoy a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee (and thanks for that to Douglas Grubb and Barrie O’Brien) before some truly inspiring talks in orderly comfort (and thanks also to the man who is out of bed early to set out all the seating, Robert Guttridge).
Attendances at the Sports Club are currently nudging 40 people most weeks, representing two thirds of the membership on any one day. We recognise that members have other commitments, and this is proving to be a very comfortable figure in our new surroundings. Meetings are currently every first and third Monday in the month, with the occasional extra speaker (see ‘Speaker schedule’ for full details).
The coming year will also be when we return to our popular series of outside visits after an enforced three-year hiatus. Our last such excursion – and very popular it proved – was to the Sheffield Assay Office little more than a week before lockdown was imposed. Watch this space for details of trips during 2023.
Our Chairman, Graeme Beck, our Chairman Designate, Dick Birks, and all the committee wish everybody a happy and successful New Year.
Graham Snowdon (Hon Sec), on behalf of the committee.