WOLLATON PARK MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

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Minutes

Wollaton Park Men’s Probus Club

Tuesday  2nd April 2024

Minutes

1. Welcome and Opening Remarks: President Malcolm Stevens welcomed members to this Easter Tuesday meeting

2. Talk: Malcolm invited Danny Wells gave his talk on ‘Joseph Paxton’. Joseph Paxton was born in 1803 and died in 1865. He was reportedly one of the most lively men in England. At the age of 20 he was employed at the Horticultural Society’s Chiswick Gardens and from there was recruited to be the head gardener at Chatsworth by the Duke of Devonshire. He remodelled the gardens at Chatsworth and incorporated many of the features which are present today such as the Emperor Fountain. He redesigned the Glass Houses there developing a ridge and furrow design with a strong frame. These elements were all pre-fabricated. He built a huge greenhouse at Chatsworth which eventually lead to the design of the Crystal Palace, which was completed in time for the Great Exhibition of 1851. It was a very large building: 563m long, 408 m wide and 33m high. After this Exhibition closed the Crystal Palace was moved to Sydenham in Kent where it remained until it was destroyed by fire in 1936. Paxton was in much demand for his acumen, he became an MP in 1854, and was Chairman of the Midland Railway and had shares in several railway companies. He also designed public parks in many cities. He published several horticultural books and magazines and developed the Cavendish Banana, which is now one of the most popular cultivars used in the western world. He was buried at Edensor, a village he designed, on the Chatsworth Estate.

3. Questions: After some questions, Malcolm Stephens thanked Danny for his interesting talk and presented him with a cheque.

4. Apologies for Absence: there were 20 members present with 4 apologies for absence.

5. Minutes of the March Meeting : The meeting approved the minutes of the March meeting and the President signed them.

6. Matters Arising. There were no matters arising which did not occur elsewhere on this agenda.

7. Welfare Officers Report Ian Littlehales reported that Stephen Smith was receiving ‘end of life’ care. Jim Wood was still not fit enough to attend our meetings.

8. Past Social Activities

Thursday 21st March: Visit to Strelley Hall : This visit was conducted by Geraldine Henshall, who described the history of the Hall, which was originally a Castle, and some of its inhabitants. This was followed by tea/coffee and a scone. David Jarvis thanked Ian Littlehales for organising the visit.

9. Forthcoming Social Activities:

Thursday 18th April: Visit to the National War Memorial and Arboretum at Alrewas: David Jarvis invited members to join this visit. He circulated an information sheet indicating that Car Parking has been reserved and places on the road-train which tours the site has also been reserved. We should meet at 10.45am at the car park and use the code to pay for entry to the carpark.

10. Thursday 16th May  Ladies Lunch at Ruddington Grange Golf Club

The menu for this lunch was distributed and members were asked to select their choice by Tuesday 7th May. Widows of Club members and the Presidents of local Probus Clubs are to be invited to join us at the meal.

11. Holiday 2024: Bembridge Coast Hotel 9th September 2024 : David Jarvis said that final payments were due to be paid by 1st July.

12. Next Committee Meeting: Monday Monday 15th April at the Scout HQ, Bramcote Lane.

13. Bowls: David Jarvis said he had booked a match with Beeston Bowls Club on 15th May at 2.00pm.

14. Thursday 11th July Fish and Chip Lunch: David Atkins said he would ascertain prices for this lunch which would be held at the Scout Hut on Bramcote Lane.

15. Any Other Business: There was no other business.

16. Next Meeting: Tuesday 7th May : Speaker Tom Andrews on ‘Athelstan Popkess’