Worthing Probus Club, President’s Quarterly Newsletter

Hello members,                                                                                             October 2026

In my first newsletter as your president, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exceptionally enjoyable summer — the kind of summer where the sun shone, the coffee flowed and not a single biscuit was dropped on the carpet (a statistical miracle).

Over the past three months, Worthing Probus has once again proved why it’s one of the most treasured institutions in the known universe: friendship, good humour, and the collective determination to stay active, connected, and upright without assistance.

Our lunch/speaker meetings were wonderfully attended. In July, Nigel Crompton regaled us with tales of the British Fire Service — including how they heroically rescue cats, barbecues, and occasionally the odd confused pensioner. August brought Hartley Elder, who explained how Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV) Sussex deliver emergency supplies of blood at high speed without spilling a drop, and in September, Chris Horlock took us on a magical broomstick ride through Sussex Witchcraft, leaving several members quietly checking whether their neighbours might be “a bit

suspicious”.

This month our after-lunch speaker will be none other than our very own Colin Turner, who will guide us through the 1960s — a decade of people, events, sport, and questionable fashion choices. It promises to be nostalgic, enlightening, and possibly scandalous. Book early before seats are taken by those who lived through the 60s and want to correct Colin’s every sentence.

Our coffee mornings continue to be one of our most sociable gatherings — a relaxed space for conversation, cake, and the occasional heated debate about whether custard creams outrank bourbons. Please invite friends or family; once they experience the Probus charm, they may never escape.

Social events this summer included a delicious afternoon tea at Nina and Colin’s home (where the cake-to-person ratio was dangerously high), skittles and lunch at Slindon, suppers at The Imperial and The Highdown, and a lunch at easythaiger, where everyone pretended they understood the menu.

If you have ideas for social events, please let Linda Hurren know. She is always looking for new suggestions, preferably ones that don’t involve bungee jumping or extreme sports.

A huge thank-you to the committee, who work tirelessly to organise events, manage arrangements, and keep the club running smoother than a freshly ironed tablecloth.

As we head into autumn and winter, I encourage all members to join in wherever they can. Whether it’s a speaker meeting or simply a coffee morning, your presence is what keeps the club vibrant, lively, and occasionally chaotic in the best possible way.

Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming gatherings — preferably wearing something warm and waterproof.

Best wishes from your president

Another fun coffee morning leading up to Christmas gave everyone an opportunity to show off their Christmas sweaters!!

We had another very enjoyable evening playing an inter Probus club shuffleboard match, and we won for the second year in a row!! 

The match was between Goring, West Worthing and Worthing Probus clubs.

As past winners, Worthing Probus were the hosts this year. and again we all enjoyed a fish or chicken and chips supper during the evening. 

West Worthing Probus has kindly voluteered to host next year's tournament. 

A jolly time was had by all at our annual Christmas sweater coffee morning. We were even given mince pies! 

The winner of the men's sweater was Reg and the ladies was won by Sue. 

Well done and thanks to all for such a fun collection of sweaters. 

We enjoyed a delicious and filling Christmas lunch including mince pies and chocolates. 

Prior to the lunch we were entertained by a magician who performed some very interesting tricks - and we couldn't figure out how he did any of them! He was very amusing and involved several members in his tricks. 

The Worthing Probus Group's monthly coffee morning at The Burlington this week had a very Hawaiian theme. Members happily particiated and the prizes for best dressed lady and man were a couple of coconuts!  

An enjoyable evening playing an inter Probus club shuffleboard match, and we won!! Our new president, Anne Goldson's team had the highest score. 

This was once an annual event against Goring and West Worthing, which will hopefully be revived.

Many thanks to Goring for smoothly hosting the event this year. We all enjoyed a fish or chicken and chips supper during the evening. 

At our recent AGM, we had two long serving committee members step down and they were acknowleged and thanked for all their hard work helping to keep our club humming along: 

Andrew Fletcher had served on the Committee as Secretary and Membership Secretary for many years keeping all our records straight.

Kathy Keen also served on the Committee for many years as our Theatre Secretary arranging enjoyable trips to various venues. 

Anne Goldson, the new incoming President acknowleged their hard work and contributions and presented them both with a small thank you gift, which was followed by a round of appreciative applause. 

Our 2024 AGM was well attended including a couple of out of town guests. It was a very enjoyable, social event. The role of President was passed from Reg Beldam to Anne Goldson. It was good to see, in these times when so many clubs struggle, that all our roles were easily filled plus a couple of extra committee members. 

In 2023, the Worthing Probus Club celebrated its 50th anniversary.

We held a lovely lunch at the Ardington Hotel, Worthing with the Mayor, Jon Roser as the guest of honour as well as Worthing's ever popular Town Crier, Bob Smytherman and the editor of the Worthing Journal Paul Holden. 

Other guests at the lunch were the current Presidents of the Goring and West Worthing Probus clubs: 

All were greeted with a glass of bubbly, followed by a delicious three course lunch and rounded off with a few speeches and a generous raffle.