News

1st August 2023

Recent Events

A visit to Shoreham Fort.

The fort, which is currently being rebuilt and maintained by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, has a fascinating history. It was originally built to ward off the threat of an invasion by Napoleon. One of its unique features is that cannot be easily seen from the sea, as it blends in with the countryside in the background  

A visit to the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club

The trip to Wimbledon involved a tour from a Blue Badge guide, Caroline (who lives opposite Laki & Pat). She was extremely informative and “opened our eyes” to the size of the complex, the club’s history, financial workings, site maintenance and fascinating stories associated with some of it members and players.

Monthly Walk Shoreham

We had an interesting walk organised by Ted Fisher around Shoreham harbour and were lucky that the weather didn’t spoil the tour of the decorative and varied house boats, some in a state of disrepair and restoration.

Monthly Club Lunches.

The regular monthly gentlemen’s lunch has been booked at the Roundabout Hotel until the end of the year.

The next lunch will be Friday 1st September and the speaker, if he can get transport, will be Colin Chambers, a previous pastor at Robben Island, South Africa and his topic is Nelson Mandela.

Note that in October the monthly lunch is replaced by the Chairman’s Invitation Lunch which this year is at Avisford Park Hotel. (see below)

It is hoped to determine a more permanent venue for the regular monthly lunches from the New Year. Options are currently being considered by the Management Committee.

Future Events

Monday 21st August, the Inter Probus Croquet

Tuesday 12th September, a walk up to Cissbury Ring and lunch at Findon.

Wednesday 20th September, a visit to Parham House and Gardens

Wednesday 11th October , The Chairman’s Invitation Lunch

Chairman’s Invitation Lunch,

This was originally booked for Thursday 12th October at Angmering Manor. Personally, Gill and I had an excellent meal there, but subsequently we had been given some not so favourable reports, specifically, from some of our members. There were a few other issues, so we have changed the venue to Avisford Park Hotel for Wednesday 11th October. The date had to be changed at the last minute as the hotel was waiting for confirmation on a wedding and a large conference booking.

1st May 2023

The May lunch meeting will take place on Thursday 4th May when this year’s Annual General Meeting will be held. Each member of Probus will already have received a copy of the agenda from the Club Secretary for this event together with the rest of the AGM pack.

The Club’s Annual Dinner took place on Friday 21st April. It was a pleasure to see everyone who was there and all credit is due to Graham Moss for organising it. Beyond Graham’s control on the night was a very slow service from an understaffed golf club restaurant, a pity.

The next Club Walk is on Tuesday 9th May with Alan Price leading it.

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 16th May at the Roundabout Hotel.

Reminders for your diaries:

Thursday 13th July:          Ladies Summer Lunch at Random House near Slinfold.

Thursday 12th October:  Chairman’s Invitation Lunch at Angmering Manor.

And finally: The holding of each year’s Annual General Meeting marks the end of another Probus year. On 4th May, I look forward to seeing John Gilbert and Peter Bowen-Davies installed as the new Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. I wish them both the very best.

1st May 2023

The birthday boys for May are:

Roger Millard              3rd

Paul Chislett-Trim       13th

1st April 2023

The April lunch meeting will take place as usual on Thursday 6th April. The Speaker will be one of our own members, Steve Denham, who will be giving a talk with the title of “Retail is a People Business”.

In a few weeks’ time, our Club Secretary, Tim Healey, will be sending every member the usual AGM pack in readiness for the Club’s Annual General Meeting taking place at our lunch meeting on Thursday 4th May. The pack will contain the meeting’s agenda, minutes from last year’s AGM, a financial report from our Treasurer for the Probus year ended 31st March 2023 and the list of nominated officers for election at the meeting. In the meantime, each member should try to control his excitement about this until the email containing the pack arrives in his inbox. Would you also please notify Roger Millard if, for any reason, you are unable to attend this year’s AGM.

There is no Club Walk taking place in April. (Please refer any queries to Mike Brett).

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 18th April at the Roundabout Hotel. 

1st April 2023

The birthday boys for April are:

Michael Carroll             7th

Arthur French               8th

Keith Hamson               25th

Rob Golding                 26th

(Please note that young Keith will be celebrating his 90th birthday on the 25th).

1st March 2023

The birthday boys for March are:

Steve Denham             12th

Peter Bowen-Davies   13th

(Both Queen’s Coronation year babies, Steve is just one day older than Peter!)

1st February 2023

The February lunch meeting will take place as usual on Thursday 2nd February. Our Speaker will be Nicholas Coysh, an osteopath with a practice in Storrington. Nick will be speaking on “Staying Active and Mobile in Retirement”.

For the first time for over eight months, the Club now has a Secretary. Tim Healey has kindly volunteered to do this job and he was co-opted into the role at the meeting of the Management Committee that took place on 24th January.

The next Club walk takes place on Tuesday 14th February with, as it happens, Tim Healey as the organiser. If you intend to join the walk, would you please contact Tim directly.

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 21st at the Roundabout Hotel.

Sadly, I have to report that Francis Midmer’s daughter has informed us that he “is now very frail and in poor health and due to very limited eyesight is unable to send or receive emails himself or to participate in (Probus) events”. We send him our best wishes.

The Ladies Spring Lunch is taking place on Thursday 16th February at Tottington Manor. On the same day, there is the Past Chairmen’s Annual Lunch.

Please note: Friday 21st April 2023 is the date of the Club’s Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club. Full details will follow soon.

One early date for your diaries: Thursday 6th July - Ladies Summer lunch.

1st February 2023

February’s birthday boys are:

Derek Hiscoke               6th

Clive Jones                   21st

Rick Borrett                  22nd

Simon Powlson              27th

1st January 2023

The January lunch meeting will take place as usual on Thursday 5th January and the Management Committee will be holding its next meeting on Tuesday 24th January.

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 17th January at the Roundabout Hotel. The Chairman’s Christmas coffee morning in December was very enjoyable with over fifty of us getting through gallons of tea or coffee plus mince pies.

There is no Probus walk planned for this month.

Probus Ladies will shortly be receiving an email and flyer giving details, including the menu choices, of the Ladies Spring Lunch taking place on Thursday 16th February at Tottington Manor. I do hope that you all might be able to attend it. Your replies will be requested by no later than 28th January, please.

Other reminders for your diaries:

Thursday 16th February: Past Chairmen’s Annual Lunch.

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

 Full details will follow soon. 

!st January 2023

The birthday boys for January are:

Ted Hooker     13th

Mike Brett       16th

Tim Healey      24th

1st December 2022

The December lunch meeting will take place today, Thursday 1st December. Instead of a Speaker, Roger Millard will be conducting the traditional quiz for this particular meeting of the year. (One “housekeeping” matter: would all members who know that they will not be attending a monthly Probus lunch meeting and who have not been able to enter their absence in the Blue book at the previous lunch, please let Roger know beforehand each month. This will then avoid the continual over provision of table settings).

On Tuesday 6th December, there will be a special Christmas round of “Call My Bluff” wine tasting quiz. For further details, please contact the organiser, Laki Marangos.

The Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 20th December at the Roundabout Hotel complete with mince pies and biscuits. (As usual for the Christmas event, there is no charge to those attending. However, starting in January the charge per person will be going up from the current £2 to £3, still a very reasonable price. This is the first price increase for a coffee morning for several years).

Please note that Mike Brett has informed us that there will be no Probus walk in December or January.

Further reminders for your diaries:

-Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

-Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

1st December 2022

The only birthday boy for December is a Founder Member of the Club, Francis Midmer, who will be celebrating his 95th birthday on the 14th.

Francis is one of the Club’s three surviving Founders. (The other two are Jim Heath and Peter Welch)..

We all wish him a very happy birthday.

1st November 2022

Our next Lunch meeting takes place on Thursday 3rd November, now back to normal at the Old Tollgate after our very enjoyable October “away day” at Southlands Barn in West Chiltington. This month’s Speaker is Graham Moss. Several years ago, he gave a fascinating talk on his role with the Samaritans and we shall be hearing more about it on Thursday.

The November walk takes place on Tuesday 8th and will be meeting in Shoreham. Please contact this month’s organiser, Ted Fisher, for further details.

On 10th November, the Club will be paying a second visit to Christ’s Hospital.

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 15th November at the Roundabout Hotel.

In October, a very small contingent travelled to Biggin Hill to visit the Heritage Hangar and saw over a dozen Spitfires in various stages of being rebuilt or refurbished.

-A much larger group toured backstage at the Chichester Festival Theatre and learnt a lot about the complexities of running a theatre. The tour was followed by a leisurely lunch in a Slindon pub.

Further reminders for your diaries:

Tuesday 6th December:  “Call My Bluff” wine tasting quiz evening.

Tuesday 20th December: Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning at the Roundabout

Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

1st November 2022

This month’s birthday boys are:

Bruce Tompson             6th

John Gilbert                 6th

Alan Price                    17th

Ray Dawe                     18th

Stuart Pullen                18th

Graham Moss                27th

1st October 2022

Would members please note that the usual monthly Club lunch meeting will not be taking place this October. Instead, we have the Chairman’s Invitation lunch on Thursday 13th October at Southlands Barn in West Chiltington.

 The November lunch meeting will take place as usual on Thursday 3rd November where it will be a strange experience for us all when, in the loyal toast, we raise our glasses to the King!

Sadly, we mark the recent death of former Club Member and then Associate Member, Victor Swanwick. We send our condolences to his wife, Josie.

At the September lunch meeting I was able to induct Ray Dawe into the Chanctonbury Probus Club and he was welcomed by all those present.

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 18th October at the Roundabout Hotel.

Club Visits for October include:

20th October – Biggin Hill revisited

27th October – Chichester Theatre backstage.

Further reminders for your diaries:

Tuesday 6th December 2022: “Call My Bluff” wine tasting quiz evening.

Tuesday 20th December 2022: Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning at the Roundabout.

Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

1st October 2022

The October birthday boys are:

Peter Comben             2nd

Dennis Harris              22nd

John Maunder             24th

Jeff Ward                   25th

1st September 2022

Our September Monthly Lunch meeting will be held as usual at the Old Tollgate this Thursday 1st September. The Speaker will be Mr Alan Kingshott, a former Chief Yeoman Warder, who will tell us some of the “History of the Tower of London”.

Members attending this lunch are reminded to take a Lateral Flow Test for Covid to reduce the risk for all those travelling to Normandy a week later.

The next Coffee morning will take place on Tuesday 20th September at the Roundabout Hotel.

Club visits for September include:

• “D-Day is to be re-enacted when a crack squad of Probus members, wives, partners and friends are set to storm the Normandy beaches during their trip between 8th-  12th September”. This has been a long postponed journey and thanks are particularly due to Laki Marangos for his management and organisation in getting the visit at last underway. We wish them all a really “bon voyage”!

Details of the forthcoming Chairman’s Invitation Lunch at Southlands Barn on Thursday 13th October have now be sent to all members and associates.

Continued reminders for your diaries:

Tuesday 20th December 2022: Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning at the Roundabout

Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

1st September 2022

Birthday boys for September are:

Tim Hulbert     6th

John Howard   7th

Ted Fisher       8th

Chris Davies    16th

1st August 2022

Our August Monthly Lunch meeting will be held as usual at the Old Tollgate on Thursday 4th August. The Speaker will be a former geography teacher from Christ’s Hospital and he comes highly recommended (West Chiltington WI). His talk is entitled: Why is Church Lane So Steep?

Gentlemen, please be reminded of the convention that if you are not intending to be present at an upcoming lunch meeting, you should notify Roger Millard of this as soon as you are able. Otherwise, it will be assumed that you will be at the lunch.

The next Coffee morning will take place on Tuesday 16th August at the Roundabout Hotel.

The August walk takes place on 9th August and details have already been sent out to everyone. Please contact David Barnard in this connection.

Club visits for August include:

11th August:    D-Day visit to Portsmouth.

15th August:     Inter Probus Croquet day.

One particular early notification is that another “Call My Bluff” wine tasting quiz will take place on Tuesday 6th December… an early run-up to Christmas!          

Continued reminders for your diaries:

Thursday 13th October 2022:  Chairman’s Invitation lunch at Southlands Barn,

Tuesday 20th December 2022: Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning at the Roundabout

Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

1st August 2022

August’s Birthday boys are:

Paul Hayward               6th

Jim Sanson                  10th

David Barnard             14th

Alan Jeffs                   22nd

Stuart Arnold              31st

1st July 2022

Our July Monthly Lunch meeting will be held as usual at the Old Tollgate on Thursday 7th July. Tim Hulbert, this year’s Speaker Secretary, has already drawn up a list of Speakers to talk to us with interesting topics throughout the coming year. The July talk is entitled “The Inspector Calls” and will be given by Neil Saddler, a retired detective, formerly with the Brighton police. He spoke to the Club a few years ago when he described his role after the Brighton bombing.

The next Management Committee meeting is due to be held on Tuesday 5th July. To remind you, the current five members of “ManComm” are Stuart Arnold, Ray Gatward, John Gilbert and Laki Marangos and myself. Alas, there is still no Secretary in place.

The next Coffee Morning will take place on Tuesday 19th July at the Roundabout Hotel.

The Ladies Summer Lunch is on Friday 22nd July at Tottington Manor. Details concerning this event were sent out at an earlier date.

Further reminders for your diaries:

Thursday 13th October 2022:  Chairman’s Invitation lunch at Southlands Barn,

Tuesday 20th December 2022: Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning at the Roundabout

Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

Please refer to the Club’s website for a list of the events that the Social Committee has planned to take place in July and August. These include a history walk around Coolham airfield, a trip to the Houses of Parliament, some Inter-Probus croquet and, later in August, a trip to the D Day Museum in Portsmouth. Incidentally, news of the Club’s recent Petanque activities has reached the ears of some members of Horsham Forest Probus Club. Laki has since been helping them with their inquiries because they also are thinking of taking up the game. They obviously must be a very posh club because they have both a Secretary and an Assistant Secretary. How the other half lives!

1st July 2022

This month’s birthday boys are:

Peter Welch               16th July

Jim Heath                    27th July

Coincidentally, both Peter and Jim are two of the three surviving Founder Members of the Club from 1995. Francis Midmer is the third.

1st June 2022

The Club’s AGM took place at the May Lunch Meeting and we now have new names appointed to some of the Club’s roles and a newly elected Management Committee with a Chairman (me), a new Vice Chairman (John Gilbert), Treasurer (Stuart Arnold), Social Secretary (Laki Marangos) and of course, Ray Gatward as this year’s Immediate Past President.  Unfortunately, we have so far been unable to find any member to take over from Graham Moss in the job of Secretary.

Our next June Monthly Lunch meeting will be held as usual at the Old Tollgate but, once again please be reminded, for this month it will be on the second Thursday, Thursday 9th June, because the first Thursday of this month is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday.

The next Management Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 5th July.

The next Coffee morning will take place on Tuesday 16th June at the Roundabout Hotel. The monthly coffee mornings are now the province of Ian Gibson and his deputy, Stuart Pullen.

The Ladies Summer Lunch is on Friday 22nd July at Tottington Manor. Details concerning this event will be issued shortly.

More early announcements for your diaries:

Thursday 13th October 2022:  Chairman’s Invitation lunch at Southlands Barn,

Tuesday 20th December 2022: Chairman’s Christmas Coffee Morning at the Roundabout

Thursday 16th February 2023: Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor,

Friday 21st April 2023:  Club Annual Dinner at the West Sussex Golf Club.

The ever-busy Social Committee has a full list of interesting fixtures lined up and you can see   them on the Club’s website. They include petanque at Shipley, a walk in the Slindon Estate and a museum visit in Amberley. We had great weather for our trip to the Bluebell Railway and our host, Tim Healey, showed us its varied and interesting aspects both up and down the line and at its Sheffield Park station.

1st June 2022

Members celebrating their Birthdays this month are:

Ian Gibson 12th June

Laki Marangos 14th June

Ray Gatward 22nd June

1st May 2022

The 27^th Anniversary Annual Dinner was held at the West Sussex Golf Club on Friday 29^th April.  Forty-Nine Members, Associate Members, Partners and Guests attended the event and were able to celebrate the occasion in a very relaxed and comfortable setting. Valerie and I would like to thank Clive and Angela Jones for all their efforts and support in organising the evening on our behalf and for the lovely flowers that were presented to Valerie.

The 27^th Annual General Meeting of the Chanctonbury Probus Club will be held following the lunch at The Old Tollgate on Thursday 5^th May 2022. All Members are urged to attend this important meeting but if you are unable to attend, please advise Roger Millard at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

During May the Club have the following events planned:

6^th May – Bluebell Railway kindly organised by Tim Healey.

10^th May – Monthly walk at Loxwood following restored parts of the Wey and Arun Canal. Kindly organised by Tim Healey.

17^th May – Coffee morning at the Roundabout Hotel kindly organised by Ian and Greta Gibson.

Please note the following new dates for your diary as advised by John and Rowenna Maunder:

22^nd July 2022 - Ladies Summer Lunch at Tottington Manor.

13^th October 2022 - Chairman’s Invitation Lunch at Southlands Barn.

16^th February 2023 - Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor.

16^th February 2023 – Past Chairman’s Lunch at The Highdown.

Details relating to the four events above will be published in due course.

1st May 2022

During May the following Members will be celebrating their Birthdays:

3^rd May – Roger Millard

13^th May – Paul Chislett-Trim

Our very best wishes to you both.

1st April 2022

During April there are a number of Club events planned, commencing with the Magistrates “Mock Trial” organised by Alan Price on the 6^th April. The Members Monthly Lunch Meeting will be held at The Old Tollgate on the 7^th April and the speaker will be Bill Avenell, a former Geography Teacher at Christ’s Hospital Horsham. His subject is “Why is Church Lane So Steep”, a talk about local topography and its impact on the local communities. My thanks to Tim Hulbert, for arranging this Speaker. In accordance with normal protocol, I would be grateful if Members, who are unable to attend, would advise Roger Millard by the 5^th April at the latest.

The monthly walk on the 12^th April, organised by Mike Brett, will start from the Frankland Arms Washington at 1000. The monthly coffee morning on the 19^th April will, as usual, be held at the Roundabout Hotel commencing at 1030.

The Final event in April will be the Club’s Annual Dinner held at the West Sussex Golf Club on Friday 29^th April. Valerie and I look forward to welcoming you to this event. The first time it has been able to be held since 2019.

1st April 2022

Members celebrating their Birthdays this month are:

7th April - Michael Carroll

8th April - Arthur French

25th April - Keith Hamson

26th April - Rob Golding

Our very best wishes to you all.

1st March 2022.

During March the following Members will be celebrating their Birthdays:

Steve Denham – 12^th March

Peter Bowen-Davies – 13^th March

24th February 2022

Ladies Spring Lunch. A good time was had by all with Ladies from across the village enjoying a get-together and a lovely menu selection.  Tottington Manor offered a wonderful setting for the occasion and followed up with great service by a great team effort on the day.   February can be a decidedly dreary month but the Ladies brought their own sunshine to the afternoon!!

1st February 2022

Members celebrating their Birthdays this month are:

Derek Hiscoke – 6^th February

Clive Jones - 21^st February

Rick Borrett – 22^nd February

Simon Powlson – 27^th February

Our very best wishes to them all.

1st January 2022

Our last Club function of 2021 was the Chairman’s Coffee Morning held at the Roundabout Hotel on the 14th December. An excellent attendance of 37 Members, Associate Members and Partners shared mince pies, cake, coffee, Christmas cards and seasonal good wishes. As ever, it was a happy prelude to the Christmas festivities, made even more poignant by the ongoing Covid situation.

The 2022 Calendar of events begins on the 6th January with the Members Monthly Lunch meeting at The Old Tollgate, followed on the 11th January by the first Club walk of the year. Alan Price has kindly organised a walk around Bramber that includes two castles and three churches. After the walk, lunch will be held at The Castle Inn and Hotel from approximately 1230 – 1300.

The Club Management Committee will be holding its first meeting of the year on the 25th January 2022. Should anyone have any matters that they would like the Committee to consider please forward them to either the Chairman or the Secretary Graham Moss by the 20th January, so that they can be included in the meeting agenda.

As previously advised Valerie Gatward will be hosting the Ladies Spring Lunch at Tottington Manor on the 24th February 2022. An email with the event flyer and menu attached has also been sent out today to all the Ladies.

No doubt the year ahead will once again include challenges from the ever-changing Covid situation. The Management and Social Committees will strive to keep the Club Events Calendar as active as possible, whilst also acting in accordance with any changes to Government Restrictions relating to the organisation and attendance of planned events.

1st January 2022

To start the New Year the following Members, have their Birthdays in January:

Ted Hooker    13^th January

Mike Brett     16^th January

Tim Healey    24^th January

Our very best wishes to them all.

4th December 2021

The Club has continued with its very active and enjoyable social programme that has included the monthly walk and lunch, coffee morning, a visit to Christ’s Hospital and a tour of the Biggin Hill Spitfire Heritage Hanger.

At the coffee morning on the 16th November John Howard was presented with the Roy Ward Golf Trophy.  John won the 2021 competition with the best three round total of 102 points.

The December Lunch Meeting was held at The Old Tollgate on the 2nd December with 22 members attending and being mentally challenged by Roger Millard and his annual seasonal quiz! The winners and most knowledgeable team were Ted Hooker, Tim Healey, Paul Chislett-Trim and John Gilbert. It was also a pleasure to be able to induct Chris Davis into the Club as a Member. We look forward to meeting Chris and his wife Pam at future Club events. The monthly walk planned for the 7th December has unfortunately had to be re-scheduled for next year, but the Chairman’s Christmas coffee morning is currently still planned to take place on the 14th December at the Roundabout Hotel from 1030 until 1200 hours.

1st December 2021

Francis Midmer celebrates his birthday on the 14^th December.

4th November 2021

The November Lunch Meeting was held at The Old Tollgate Hotel on the 4^th November and 20 Members plus the Speaker attended. Bill McNaught gave an excellent talk on Magnus Volk (1851-1937) and the Volks Railway System in Brighton. At the meeting Stuart Pullen was formally inducted into the Club. I am sure most of you will meet Stuart and Margaret at one of the Club events in the near future. Potential new Member Chris Davis attended his second Lunch Meeting and gave a short self-introduction to the Members present.

1st November 2021

The following Members will be celebrating their birthdays this month:

Bruce Tompson      6th Nov

John Gilbert            8th Nov

Alan Price               17th Nov

Stuart Pullen           18th Nov

Graham Moss         27th Nov

30th October 2021

IMPORTANT GUIDE LINES FOR MEMBERS MONTHLY LUNCH MEETING from 4th November 2021

The Old Tollgate does not currently impose any Covid restrictions on its customers. I would however, suggest that Members attending adopt the following procedures:

1.     Wear masks on entry to The Old Tollgate and any time when not sitting at the table      or at the bar.
2.     Use hand sanitiser on entry.
3.     Use the temperature checking device in the reception area on entry
4.     To restrict unnecessary movement around the venue as much as possible. 
5.     Finally, I believe it would be prudent if everyone attending does a Lateral Flow Test      on the morning of the Lunch meeting. 

In this way we are showing that we have done everything possible to minimise the spread of Covid-19.

Ray Gatward - Chairman

21st October 2021

The Chairman’s Invitation Lunch was held at Southlands Barn, West Chiltington with 53 Members, Associates, Partners and Guests attending. As this was the first lunch for two years it was wonderful to see so many people being able to meet and enjoy the companionship of friends again over lunch, in a relaxed setting. 

1st October 2021

The following Members will be celebrating their birthdays this month:

Peter Comben - 2^nd October

Dennis Harris - 22^nd October

John Maunder -24^th October

Jeff Ward - 25^th October

2nd September 2021

At the September lunch, attended by 26 Members and 3 Guests, Tim Healey was inducted into the Club with the presentation of his Club tie and a presentation about 16th centuary Sussex was given by Helen Poole. 

1st September 2021

During September the following Club Members will be celebrating their birthdays:

Tim Hulbert – 6^th September

John Howard – 7^th September

Ted Fisher – 8^th September

All are Past Chairmen with a collective age of 235 years. We wish them all well.

5th August 2021

The August Lunch meeting was held at The Old Tollgate and 18 Members plus one Guest, attended.

1st August 2021

During August the following Club Members will be celebrating their birthdays:

Paul Hayward - 6th August

David Barnard - 14th August

Alan Jeffs - 22nd August

Stuart Arnold - 31st August

We wish them well.

15th July 2021

Dr. Ian Bedford will give a talk on Zoom on 29th July entitled The Trouble without Wasps.

1st July 2021

During July the following Club Members will be celebrating their birthdays:

Peter Welch – 16^th July

Jim Heath – 27^th July

Peter and Jim are Founder Members of the Club and we wish them both well.

9th June 2021

On June 23rd Stuart Carroll will give a talk on Zoom titled "VACCINES; POLICY, POLITICS, PANDEMIC - AN EXPERT VIEW". Details to follow.

Day trip to the Brooklands Museum & the Concorde experience

Peter Comben is organising a coach trip to Brooklands for Wednesday, 11th August 2021. Members and Associate Members should contact the organiser if interested by 14th June. 

Outdoor Coffee Morning 

It is proposed, weather permitting, to hold our second outdoor coffee morning at the Storrington Cricket/Playing Fields next to the Leisure Centre and Car Park on Tuesday 15th June from 1030 until 1200. It is being organised by our Chairman, Ray Gatward and his wife, Valerie.

To ensure we abide by Government Covid 19 restrictions that are still in force we will be limited to gathering in a group of up to 30 people socially distanced. 

27th May 2021

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting, we wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of June . . .

Ian Gibson 12th June

Laki Marangos 14th June

Victor Swanwick 19th June

Ray Gatward 22nd June

A grand total of 307 years!!

21st May 2012

Five Probus golfers and a guest got blown around Singing Hills on Wednesday, competing in the Roy Ward trophy. The first round at Hill Barn was in all together more clement weather and produced a worthy winner in Michael Carroll and runner up in Stuart Arnold. At Singing Hills, we agreed to cut the previous rounds winners handicap by two and runner up by one so as to even up the chances of others winning.

15th May 2021

Stuart Arnold will present a talk entitled Living the Electric Dream on Thursday, 27th May. 

Zoom doors will open at 6:45pm and Stuart's presentation will start at 7pm.

12th May 2021

Chanctonbury Probus Club Chairman Ray Gatward and his wife Valarie will host an outdoor Coffee Morning at the Storrington Cricket/Playing Fields next to the Leisure Centre and Car Park on Tuesday 25th May from 1030 until 1200. To comply with the Pandemic restriction the event is limited to 30 people, socially distanced.

6th May 2021

AGM elects new Club Officers for 2021/22

As a result of the election the Management Committee was elected as follows:

Chairman                                                                            Ray Gatward

Vice Chairman                                                                    John Maunder

Secretary                                                                             Graham Moss

Treasurer                                                                             Stuart Arnold

Social Committee Chairman                                            Laki Marangos

Minutes of the meeting have been distributed by email to all members.

6th May 2021

Chanctonbury Probus Annual Journal 2020-21 now available on website.

1st May 2021

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting, we wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of May . . .

Roger Millard                     3rd May                                   

Paul Chislett-Trim              13th May           

20th April 2021

The talk by Jeremy Holmes on the poet John Donne will take place on Zoom starting at 7 pm on 29th April.

8th April 2021

Pub Style Quiz via Zoom. Our resident Quizmaster, Roger Millard, has organised another quiz to be held on 15th April starting at 8 pm.

7th April 2021

A Zoom talk by Jeremy Holmes about John Dunn is planned for 29th April, confirmation to follow.

6th April 2021

The Old Tollgate Lunch has been provisionally booked for our regular Thursday slot for July 1^st.   

The Roundabout Hotel has also been provisionally booked for a return of coffee mornings on the 20th July. An outdoor coffee morning maybe possible soon after 17th May.

These meetings will only go ahead if Covid-19 Pandemic rules allow.

26th March 2021

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting, we wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of April . . . 

Michael Carroll                    7 April

Arthur French                      8 April

Keith Hamson                    25 April

Rob Golding                       26 April   

..........between them they have 315 years of experience and knowledge!   

22nd March 2021

4th March 2021

On 18th March Roger Browne will give a talk on "The History of Jazz Piano". The presentation will be on Zoom and start at 6pm.

1st March 2021

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting, we wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of March . . . 

Steve Denham                            12 March       

Peter Bowen-Davis                      13 March       

1st March 2021

Penny Wheat will give a Zoom talk on 25th March at 7pm. The title of her talk is “Well I Never”.

25th February 2021

Nick Dobson will be giving a Zoom talk on 25th February at 7pm. His talk is entitled "The Life and Times of Agatha Christie".

28th January 2021

Jonathan Powlson will be giving a Zoom talk on 18th Feburary at 7pm. His talk is entitled “Vaccines and Viruses”. 

27th January 2021

25th January 2021

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting, we wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of February . . . 

Derek Hiscoke                     6 February            

Clive Jones                        21 February            

Rick Borrett                       22 February           

Simon Powlson                   27 February   

between them they have 291 years of experience.         

18th January 2021

FYI: For the intrepid travellers of the club

UK launches Global Health Insurance Card on 11th January 2021 to replace the EHIC

New agreement ensures the rights of UK residents to access emergency and medically necessary care when travelling in the EU will continue.

Full details are on the following website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-launches-global-health-insurance-card

13th Janruary 2021

Penny Wheat will be giving  a Zoom talk on 25th March at 7pm. Her talk is entitled “Well I Never”. 

7th January 2021

A Zoom walk around historic Chichester presented by Roger Millard

       Part One  - Wednesday 27 January 2021 from 14.30 to 16.00

       Part Two  - Date in February to be advised  

4th January 2021

Zoom Talk on “A Village Headmaster” by Dr John Ridley on Thursday 14th January.

Doors open 1845 for 1900 for approx. 1 hour

Laki will be issuing the Zoom link shortly and has asked you to please let him know if you will be joining in.

1st January 2021

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting, I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of January . . . 

 Ted Hooker                    13 January        

 Mike Brett                     16 January  

23rd December 2020

It is with a very heavy heart that we inform you that Bob Minter passed away in Worthing Hospital earlier today after a prolonged illness which he bore with fortitude. We all send Jean and the family our prayers and sincere and heartfelt condolences at this very sad time. 

30th November 2020

Our Chairman would like to wish the following member a very Happy Birthday during the month of December. . . .

Francis Midmer                             14th December

1st December 2020

Dispite the on going Covid 19 restrictions you are reminded  about the following event.

CHAIRMAN’S CHRISTMAS ‘LUNCH’ AND QUIZ

All Probus members, Associate members, and partners are

invited to a special Christmas Zoom Lunch

hosted by Chairman Clive Jones

When:   Wednesday 16th December

Time:    12.00 Midday

Where: by Zoom video-conferencing in your own home

Who:    all Members, Associates and partners

Food:   of your choice but maybe something festive

Beverage:  whatever takes your fancy but keep some for the toasts!

Dress:   festive attire optional

Format:  a short introduction by Clive Jones, followed by Roger Millard who will organise the Christmas Quiz. We will finish with a Toast to Probus!

27th October 2020

Update on famous win by our golfers in Golf section.

18th October 2020

Upcoming events:

21st October has a Zoom talk by Jane Lowes entitled  "Above us the stars".

On the 30th October, Laki Marangos has organised a Zoom meeting that will include a talk by Grant Hedley from Laithwaites followed by a tasting of specially selected wines from the Rioja region.

2nd October 2020

It is with a very heavy heart that we have to inform you that Ray Parker passed away yesterday in hospital after a prolonged illness which he fought long and hard to overcome. We all send Betty and the family our prayers and  sincere and heartfelt condolences at this very sad time.

1st October 2020

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting,  I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of October . . . .

Peter Comben               2 October       

Dennis Harris               22 October     

John Maunder              24 October    

Jeff Ward                    25 October                          (total ages add up to 310 years)    

Also worthy of note is associate member, David Spain, attains his 90th on 1st November. Congratulations to you all, gentlemen, and hopefully you are able to enjoy your respective birthdays whilst coping with the current lockdown restrictions. 

Keep safe.

Clive

26th September 2020

Brief Round Up of events.

1st September saw another sucessful outdoor coffee morning orrganised by Ray and Valerie Gatward. Sadly due the the latest Covid 19 regulations these have to be suspended until further notice.

7th September provided a zoom talk on Electric Cars.

19th September allowed a party, led by Simon Powlson, to experience the manufacture and effects of gin production at the Brighton Gin Distillery.

24th September tested the 'little grey cells' of a number of members at Roger Millard's Quiz Night.

11th September 2020

                                                               **************************************

The Government have published new rules concerning Covid-19 measures which will affect our Club activities. 

From this it is clear that our outdoor and indoor coffee mornings will have to be put on hold for the foreseeable future.  The Old Tollgate Restaurant, who have confirmed that they will not be taking group bookings of more than 6 until further notice.

Therefore sadly, the mainstays of our Club activities will have to cease until safer times.

                                                            ******************************************

1st September 2020

September Birthday Greetings from the Chairman:

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting which was due to be this Thursday, I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a Very Happy Birthday during the month of September. . . .

Tim Hulbert            6 September

John Howard          7 September 

Ted Fisher               8 September

Congratulations to you all, gentlemen, and hopefully you are able to enjoy your respective birthdays whilst coping with the current lockdown restrictions. 

Keep safe.

Clive

17th August 2020

For those of you who might not be aware, Francis Midmer had a fall some weeks back which required hospital treatment. However, I am pleased to hear from him that he is slowly on the mend. Chanctonbury Probus wishes him a continued recovery and looks forward to seeing him in the not too distant future.

Clive

3rd August 2020

Roger Millard has very kindly organised another Zoom quiz on Thursday 20^th August  starting at 8.00pm.  We are promised another interesting and enjoyable evening.

1st August 2020

August Birthday Greetings from the Chairman:

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting which was due to be held this week, I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of August . . . .

 6^th - Paul Hayward                

14^th - David Barnard         

22^nd - Alan Jeffs                      

31^st - Stuart Arnold               

Congratulations to you all, gentlemen, and hopefully you are able to enjoy your respective birthdays whilst coping with the current lockdown restrictions. 

Keep safe.

Clive

22nd July 2020

Simon Powlson has announced that the Dark Star brewery has cancelled the tour on the 15th August. He hope to organise another tour there in the New Year. In the meantime he’ll try for a late September tour of the Brighton gin distillery 

18th July 2020

It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that Ken Guiver passed away. He was admitted to hospital about a week previously with pneumonia but the antibiotics were no longer effective. He passed away peacefully with his daughters, Alison and Jaqui, at his side.

Ken was a founder member of the Club and was Chairman in 2000/2001. Ken will be long remembered by those of us who knew him and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.

16th July 2020

Roger Millard's Pub Quiz Night starting at 20.00 on Zoom. If you have mislaid the email contact Laki Marangos for the Zoom details.

14th July 2020

COFFEE MORNINGS AT THE ROUNDABOUT HOTEL AND CLUB LUNCHES AT THE OLD TOLLGATE HOTEL - YOUR OPINIONS SURVEY.

Please could you respond to our secretary's email by 31st July in order for the management committee to debate the results at the August meeting.

6th July 2020

July Birthday Greetings from the Chairman

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting which was due to be held this week, I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of July . . . .

16th – Peter Welch

17th – John Shaw

25th – Peter Hayes

27th – Jim Heath

Congratulations to you all, gentlemen, and hopefully you are able to enjoy your respective birthdays whilst coping with the current lockdown restrictions. 

Keep safe.

Clive

4th July 2020

It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that Muriel Cook, an Associate Member of the Club passed away on Saturday after weeks of ill health. Her husband, Peter, was Chairman in 2002-2003. We understand from Lisa, Muriel’s daughter that there will only be a small family funeral and a memorial service will be held later in the year.

16th June 2020

It is with much sadness that we inform you that Norman Humble sadly passed away yesterday.  Norman celebrated his 100th birthday back in March. Members will be notified of his funeral arrangements.

10th June 2020

It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that Beryl Spring, an Associate Member of the Club, passed away yesterday (9th June), following a fall she had at the home where she has been residing. Beryl was the widow of Alec Spring who passed away in 2011.

8th June 2020

Latest Social Committee Meeting Minutes are on the Social Committee page.

4th June 2020

June Birthday Greetings from the Chairman

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting which was due to be held today, I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of June . . .

12th - Ian Gibson

14th - Laki Marangos

19th - Victor Swanwick

22nd - Ray Gatward

Congratulations to you, gentlemen, and hopefully you are able to enjoy your respective birthdays whilst coping with the current lockdown restrictions. Keep safe.

Clive

22nd May 2020

The results of the votes for the 2020 Annual General Meeting are in.

All 24 votes received agreed to the composition of the new Management Committee members and agreed to the proposal on Subscriptions and Joining Fee.

The 2020 AGM has agreed:-

The Club’s Management Committee Officers for 2020/21 will be:-

Chairman - Clive Jones

Vice Chairman - Ray Gatward​

Treasurer - Stuart Arnold

Secretary - Ian Gibson

Social Committee Chairman - Laki Marangos

The Annual Subscriptions for 2020/21 will NOT be levied at this stage – however when the Pandemic lock-down situation changes the Annual Subscription should be reviewed by the Club.

The Joining Fee will remain at £25

1 May 2020

2020 Annual General Meeting

All Club Members have been sent an email today to confirm the 2020 AGM will be dealt with via email this year due to the Pandemic lock-down. If you have any questions on this, please phone the Secretary.

May Birthday Greetings from the Chairman

In the absence of our regular monthly Club meeting which was due to be held on Thursday of next week, I thought it would be nice to wish the following members a very Happy Birthday during the month of May . . .

3^rd – Roger Millard

13^th – Paul Chislett-Trim

The collective age of this pair of rascals is a mere 155 years!  Congratulations to you, gentlemen, and hopefully you are able to enjoy your respective birthdays whilst coping with the current lockdown restrictions.  Chin!  Chin! and good health to you both!

Graham