Probus club toasts end of a good year

The striking festive ambience of the Goodwood Room in the Royal Norfolk Hotel could not fail to raise the spirits of the 100 or so members and guests attending the annual Christmas gala luncheon of Bognor Regis Probus Club.

Prepared and served in the grand manner by the hotel, three courses with choices to meet all tastes were of the highest standard with coffee and mince pies to follow.

Chairman Neil Harris was in fine form, keeping the occasion flowing as traditional formalities were observed. Welcomes, presentations, (brief) speeches, toasts and the massive raffle in aid of the chairman's charity all had their place.

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As it was the final meeting of his year, he was proud to announce that the total amount raised for Chichester Hospital Radio was in excess of 900, a most creditable result for the club.

Neil, secretary Wilf Archer and chairman-elect Derek Barnes went to the hospital with the final instalment and were thrilled to go on air with hospital radio chairman John Barrett, a most fitting conclusion to the project.

Another conclusion was also reached in that thanks to the good offices of member Alan Rumsby, the collarette of office showing the names of all Bognor Regis Probus chairmen up to the club's jubilee year was now most professionally boxed and on display in the foyer of the hotel.

The luncheon ended in very jolly style with accomplished bass baritone Alan Jackson, accompanied by Pat Alderton, singing a medley of festive and folk songs, most with chorus, which all present must have joined in judging by the fulsome noise created.

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Earlier in the month, the club completed its annual sortie into the near continent.

Prior to joining the shuttle a traditional pub carvery lunch was served in the Grasshopper Inn near Westerham.

Before joining the shuttle home a traditional French lunch was served at the club's favourite restaurant, Le Blanc Nez, in Sangatte. Some difference but equally enjoyed.

In between, based in the Holiday Inn at Coquelles, members were kept busy as there was the usual extensive retail therapy in and around Calais and a visit to Lille where more and different retail outlets were found together with a city tour, the Christmas market and the cathedral all of which were found by most.

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The Bognor Regis Men's Probus Club meets in the Royal Norfolk Hotel every third Wednesday of the month except August.

Further information is available from club secretary Wilf Archer on 01243 821388.

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