President: Alistair Hugh
Vice President: Robin McAlpine
Immediate Past President: Bill Brown
Raith Probus Secretary: Allan Morton
Contact E Mail : RaithProbusSec@gmail.com
The Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:30am. We meet at Pathhead Parish Church Hall, 33 Harriet Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 2AG.
FUTURE TALKS:
If any club member has had a particularly interesting career or has a hobby and wishes to share by giving a talk, please contact any committee member.
Raith Probus Club
Meeting Number 989
Pathhead Church 7th July 2026
President Alistair Hugh opened the meeting at 10:30hrs.
Introduction to Speaker:
Speaker: Phil Bate
Topic: “The Coastal Express in search of the Northern Lights”
Vote of Thanks: Ragnar Ingebrigtsen
The president opened the meeting with an explanation of the word Probus, which as we all
know stands for Professional and Business. When you look at it’s definition it is an
organisation for active retirees who enjoy the camaraderie that belonging to this organisation
brings. This is a French word which means friend or associate which leads to the feeling of
friendship, loyalty and closeness between a team of individuals. I think this is very true and
we should strive for more closeness as the definition suggests. Picking up something that
Charlie said at the last meeting, I do think that in this room we have a lot of people who have
wonderful stories to tell about their lives, jobs and experiences. I think moving forward we
should share these stories within the group and I would encourage everybody to think about
putting together a 15/20 minutes talk about any aspect of their lives which we would all
benefit from. This is just something to bear in mind.
Previous minutes, matters arising – none
Confirmation of Office Bearers:
Ray Griffiths and Bob Taylor confirmed they will continue with Membership duties.
John Chalmers confirmed he will continue as the Cycling convenor.
Peter Shields confirmed he will continue with providing support to the Widows.
REPORTS
Membership: Bob Taylor (given by Alistair Hugh
Reported the attendance numbers of 35 members present, 7 apologies and 0 guests.
IT: Jim Neilson
Nothing to report.
Recorder: Bob Terras (not present)
Nothing to report.
Probus Website: Bob Terras (not present)
I’m sure the meeting will agree that good communication is a must for all organisations. Bit
of a bother then not having the Web Site available to update on or before and after our last
meeting. Our Secretary has now informed us all, confirming that we were up and running
again.
If any member has a difficulty accessing our Raith Probus Web site, Please advise.
It was discussed at the AGM, after the Fife Free Press discussion, that we move from an on
average 2700 circulation press release to an on line format with 54000 + circulation for
Kirkcaldy, i.e. using Facebook. First idea caught my attention on the web post Kirkcaldy
Probus page (see below)
Figure 1 – Facebook post from Kirkcaldy Probus Club
The Kirkcaldy Probus page (although messages are posted from the account of Stuart
Rennie) has an invitation with a message on their meeting, place and time, details of the
next speaker, etc. Provision, of course, for necessary photographs, new President, Vice
President etc. An administrator for entry of information to the page will be required and I
volunteer for the position.
The secretary has proposed to set up a dedicated Facebook page for “Raith Probus Club”
where administrative duties can be shared between multiple people.
Posts on this page can then be shared with the following groups (to which we would
subscribe):
• Kirkcaldy Connected
• Kirkcaldy Billboard
• Love Kirkcaldy!
• Kirkcaldy, Fife
• What’s on Kirkcaldy
The meeting was asked to agree on whether a Facebook page should be created. This was
agreed verbally.
The president therefore recommended that a Facebook page be created with a suggested
number of three administrators (people who can post messages). The Secretary agreed to set
this up by mid-July.
The website is now back up and running after being unavailable for approx. 1 week recently.
As support is only available on Fridays we do not yet know the reason for its unavailability.
Treasurer: Charlie Low
June records reconciled. Balance in account is £2,932.00.
Collecting Annual Membership from next meeting.
Welfare: Tom Reilly
Bill Hogg’s family expressed their thanks to the Raith Probus members who attended Bill’s
funeral at Kirkcaldy crematorium on Monday the 22nd of June.
It’s nice to see Jim Neilson with us today. Jim hasn’t missed any recent meetings but he has
spent 5 days in Victoria hospital undergoing a difficult and serious procedure. He was
discharged on Sunday the 21st of June into the tender care of his wife Isobel. Not a man to
let the grass grow under his feet. Jim has invited the Gardening club to visit his house and
garden on Wednesday the 22th of July to envy at the array of shrubs, flowers, fruit and veg
on display in a well-appointed garden. Jim has been helped greatly during his convalescence
by his wonderfully supportive wife Isobel.
Secretary: Allan Morton
Nothing to report.
Vice-President: Robin McAlpine, 1000th Meeting Sub-Committee
The celebration meeting has been confirmed for the 1,000th meeting on 15th December.
Charlie has booked the hall and it has been confirmed for that date. Peter Sheilds is
organising the cake. The original cake provider has let him down but alternatives are
available.
Jim Gillespie is arranging a metal plaque for the 1000th meeting.
We will be visiting the local Fife Council Archive on the 5th August to see what is there that
could help celebrate our 1000th meeting.
Charlie is looking into our past records to give a history of the club.
Invitations will be sent out to presidents and partners of other local Probus Clubs.
STANDING ORDER REPORTS
Speakers: Charlie Low
Awaiting replies from speakers for October/November.
Social: Peter Shields
The coach trip has had all tickets issued.
The KAOS show this November is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”. The matinee will be on
Saturday 21st November. A show of hands was taken for those interested in attending the
show.
Calendar of Events:
Friday 25th Sep –
Monday 28th Sep
Coach holiday based in Strathpeffer (One day to Skye, one day to
Inverness)
Contact Peter Shields
Friday 9th Oct Annual Dinner
Contact Ragnar Ingebrigtsen
Saturday 21st Nov Matinee performance from KAOS of “The Hunchback of Notre
Dame” at 2.30pm
CONVENERS REPORTS
Cycling: John Chalmers
Nothing to report.
Further information: John Chalmers.
Gardening: Ron Steedman
The next Gardening meeting is Thursday, 16th July, 10.00 o’clock. Kirkcaldy Golf Club.
It is also the annual Brunton Memorial Trophy Award competition which this year is
for Flowers grown in our gardens. Moira Meek, our Judge, will be in about 10.30am to view
the entries.
The visit to Jim Neilsons garden is confirmed for 22nd July at 10am at 6 Oriel Crescent.
Further information: Ron Steedman
Golf: Robin McAlpine
Five members enjoyed a round of golf at Scoonie Golf Club last month with Mike Paton again
giving an excellent performance including the longest drive.
Our July meeting has been cancelled due to holidays.
Therefore our next meeting will be on Thursday 13th August at Scoonie Golf Club.
Further information: Robin McAlpine.
Figure 2 – Probus Golfers at Scoonie
Lottery: Charlie Low
Collecting for July/August.
Photography: Allister Todd
We hope our members have many photographs from their summer holidays to share at the
next meeting.
Next meeting – Thursday 30th July 10.00. Kirkcaldy Golf Club
Further information: Allister Todd.
Snooker: Malcolm Walker
A few weeks ago, on the 19th June, we had our second lunch of the year at the Weavers Bar
with 10 people attending. Bob Terras especially enjoyed the apple pie and custard.
Styx Snooker Club.
Every Friday: 11.00 to 13.00
Further information: Malcolm Walker.
Walkers: Ken Campbell
Two weeks ago, 9 members of our group, met up at Kirkcaldy Bus Station to catch the 9.08am
bus to Edinburgh and, on arrival, we boarded our famous No. 44 bus to Musselburgh for the
start of the Walk. Fortunately, it was a lovely scorching sunny day with clear blue skies and
no wind – unusual for that part of the country but we were at the start of a heat wave.
On arrival in Musselburgh High Street, we ventured down the street, passing various plaques
on buildings, related to famous residents of the town. This stroll led to our ultimate
destination ’Musselburgh Race Course’. At this point, we took in the intimate views of the
‘Queen’s Gallery’ and the various buildings allocated to Owners and Trainers including their
various Bars. It was then time for us to walk around the 2.8 mile ( 9 Furlongs ) racecourse to
take in the ambience of the event with the Golf Course in the middle.
Figure 3 – Ready for the Race!
After which we returned to Musselburgh for some lunch and refreshments at my favourite,
Wetherspoon’s, in this case it was “The David MacBeth Moir”, ( a local physician & Poet to
whom Charles Dickens subscribed money to a statue of him in the town ). It was then time to
catch the bus back to Edinburgh and on to Kirkcaldy, despite a 35 min delay, in Princes Street,
as our scheduled Kirkcaldy bound bus home, did not turn up !!! We arrived back in Kirkcaldy
at 4.15ish. All in all, a great day out and well worth the visits and views, not to mention the
sun tan !!!!. Plus the total 4 mile approx.
Walking Group Musselburgh & The Racecourse 23rd June 2026
Two weeks ago, 9 members of our group, met up at Kirkcaldy Bus Station to catch the 9.08am bus to Edinburgh and, on arrival, we boarded our famous No. 44 bus to Musselburgh for the start of the Walk. Fortunately, it was a lovely scorching sunny day with clear blue skies and no wind – unusual for that part of the country but we were at the start of a heat wave.
Figure 6 – After the Race
Finally, I would like to thank once again Phil Bate for organising the Walk and Allan Morton
for the photographs. As for our next walk, hopefully details of which, will be available at our
next meeting.
President’s Remarks
The next Curry Lunch will be on August 4th at the Annapurna Gurkha’s Restaurant in Kirkcaldy
after the Probus meeting.
The president delivered a card to George Grant and his wife Kathleen for their Diamond
Wedding Anniversary.
SPEAKER
The speaker was introduced by Alistair Hugh and was Phil Bate on the topic of “The Coastal
Express in search of the Northern Lights”.
The talk was on Hurtigruten – a company providing ships to service local communities along
the coast of Norway, established in 1893 by Richard With.
Originally only 1 ship was used with a voyage covering 3 days. By 1936 the fleet has 14 ships
with over 230,000 passengers travelling on THE COASTAL EXPRESS route from Bergen to
Kirkenes.
All the ships were destroyed during the second world war with 700 lives lost at sea. After the
war the redevelopment of the service was a top government priority and 7 ships were added
between 1949 – 1952.
In 2010 they banned the use of toxic heavy duty fuel oil from all ships.
In 2015 the Hurtigruten Foundation was formed to invest in local communities and to support
environmental initiatives.
Hurtigruten also launched the Northern Lights Promise on their winter voyages where you
get a free future cruise if you do not see the lights.
In 2018 all single use plastic items are removed and banned from all ships.
In 2021 phasing in of sustainable biofuels started followed by use of hybrid power.
Today Hurtigruten operate 7 ships on a daily service.
The Coastal Express travels from Bergen to Kirkenes with around 33 stops on a journey of
1,660 nautical miles. Kirkenes is just 5km from the Russian border at the very north of Norway.
Despite all these stops the service is more of a cruise ship than a local ferry. It is a very quiet
ship (even Phil had no trouble sleeping) as it hugs the coast on the way north in and out of
the Norwegian fjords as it visits each port.
Figure 7 – Map of Norway showing the coast from Bergen to the Russian border
Our 12 day holiday at the end of November 2025 started with a flight from Newcastle where
our suitcases were collected and were not seen again until we entered our cabin – a great
service. The flight takes 1.5hrs from Newcastle to Bergen however Hurtigruten do charter
flights from various airports around the UK.
We checked into the ship and were provided with access cards. You can then book your meal
times (from 6pm to 8pm) and which table you would like to sit at during the voyage. There is
then a 15 minute video explaining safety onboard the ship.
We were on the Nordlys, a ship with 7 decks, 200 cabins and 19 suites. It was constructed in
1994 (refurbished in 2019) with a top speed of 15 knots. The top deck at the front contains
the visualisation deck where you can see outside for 180 degrees. After that you have a small
bar, but due to the high cost of alcohol in Norway we hardly saw anybody drinking leading to
a very civilised atmosphere onboard which was very pleasurable. There is also a small café for
people making shorter local journeys along the coast. One deck is available so that walkers
can complete a full loop of the deck and keep fit. Elsewhere there is a reception area, main
restaurant, centre for organising onshore trips, a gym and a shop.
On board there are two meeting rooms where there are presentations on various topics
associated with the voyage in both English and German every day.
It is a very compact ship where you can walk from one end of the ship to the other in less than
30 seconds. There were probably around 250 people on our journey.
We started at Bergen, Norway’s second largest city (population 300,000) under the cover of
darkness so you don’t really get to visit Bergen itself.
Figure 8 – Leaving Bergen
Travelling up the coast we then arrived at Ålesund (population 46,000). This is a port town at
the entrance to the Geirangerfjord. It’s known for the art nouveau architectural style in which
most of the town was rebuilt after a fire in 1904.
We chose six trips to undertake during the voyage. The Ålesund Church was the first (where
we saw iron crosses for the first time in the graveyard) followed by the Alnes lighthouse on
its own island which was unfortunately surrounded by scaffolding.
On arrival in Musselburgh High Street, we ventured down the street, passing various plaques on buildings, related to famous residents of the town. This stroll led to our ultimate destination’ Musselburgh Race Course’. At this point, we took in the intimate views of the ‘Queen’s Gallery’ and the various buildings allocated to Owners and Trainers including their various Bars. It was then time for us to walk around the 2.8 mile ( 9 Furlongs ) racecourse to take in the ambience of the event with the Golf Course in the middle.
Next was Trondheim, the third largest city (population 214,000). It was a major submarine
base during the war. We took a trip around the city but first we had to add spikes to our shoes
due to the icy conditions. It was a 20 minute walk into town where we visited the cathedral.
We had to take our spikes off inside which was a pain. Eventually we took our shoes off
instead at other buildings
The Kjeungskjær Lighthouse just before the Arctic Circle (66 degrees north) was a beautiful
sight. It is a distinctive, octagonal red lighthouse built in 1880 on a small island at the mouth
of the Bjugnfjorden, which you can actually stay in.
Crossing the Arctic Circle was celebrated with a cold water/ice ceremony which we avoided!
Arriving into Bodø with a population of 42,000 we found it has a famous football team (FK
Bodø/Glimt) who recently beat Man City (at their very cold home ground) and Inter Milan at
home and away!
We then visited Saltstraumen with its impressive flowing water. It is a small strait with one of
the strongest tidal currents in the world. Unfortunately it was the wrong time of day so the
waters were calm – the biggest disappointment on the cruise.
In Tromsø (population 42,000), a city which escaped war damage, we took a trip up the
mountain via cable car to see the exhibition of the Sami peoples and admire the views from
the top. The town is also known for the sinking of the battleship Tirpitz by British bombers.
We also saw the Bamse statue. This honours a heroic St. Bernard that served as the mascot
for the Norwegian Navy during WWII. A companion statue of Bamse stands in Montrose
where the dog lived for a time during the war.
We saw the Northern Lights at 20:24hrs that night which gave a wonderous display for over
an hour. The greens and the yellows were the most prominent colours on show.
Figure 19 – The Northern Lights
On day 7 we arrived at Kirkenes (population 3,400), the final stop. It suffered the second most
air attacks during the war after Malta leaving only 13 houses still standing. The town is only a
few kilometres from the Russian border. We saw some huskies from a nearly kennel with 150
dog.
The snow hotel was like being in an igloo where you live inside snow covered mounds. It can
cost £400 a night to stay there. Inside there is a lot of ice on show with many ice structures.
In the rooms you have to bend down to get in. Your sleeping bag is then placed onto a block
of ice. It was difficult to navigate the normal bedtime routines as there was ice everywhere
at minus 4 degrees.
Outside the hotel there was an enclosure with some reindeer.
On the return trip down the coast we could see the northern lights again for another hour
with an excellent display with the snowy mountains as a backdrop.
We stopped off at Hammerfest, population 8,000, home to a Natural Gas processing plant. It
was totally destroyed during the war with just the church building surviving. Great scenes of
the moon above the snowy mountains
On day 9 we visited Stokmarknes (population 3,500) where we visited the Coastal Express
Museum, our last visit. Entrance fees are around £100 to visit these places. We visited a
church with a 1,000 year old font where we sang two hymns with the pastor.
On day 9 we visited Stokmarknes (population 3,500) where we visited the Coastal Express
Museum, our last visit. Entrance fees are around £100 to visit these places. We visited a
church with a 1,000 year old font where we sang two hymns with the pastor.
We also visited Vesterålen with its Sortland Bridge.
Norway has over 1,000 tunnels so there are not many bridges in the country. Once again the
Northen Lights were on show for the fourth time on our trip
Day 10 was Brønnøysund (population 5,000) said to be the town in the middle of Norway.
Day 11 was Kristiansund (population 24,000) and Trondheim where there was a midnight
church service available.
Day 12 we arrived mid-afternoon in Bergen for our transfer to the airport. Again we did not
see much of Bergen at all.
We enjoyed the trip so much we booked a separate week long trip to Bergen recently, flying
from Edinburgh, which included a cruise to some fjords.
We plan to go on the same voyage again so we can visit some of the other towns that we
missed. This is one of the best cruises that you can go on.
In summary this is a great economical trip (compared to shorter river cruises) with excellent
food and friendly travellers.
Questions
I was on a Northern Cape visit in the summer and when we got off the ship it was a beautiful
day. On the coach trip the driver apologised to us half way along the road saying there was
heavy mist ahead. On arrival we could hardly see the globe at all. There is a huge underground
complex at the cape which we visited instead. This includes a theatre, restaurants and a small
church – Yes, the cape visit is well worth it.
Was there sea ice on the voyage? No, the ship is sheltered by the warmer coast and islands.
When I was in Sweden they don’t grit the roads but have studded tyres instead? Yes, by law
everyone must have winter tyres.
The Vote of Thanks was given by Ragnar Ingebrigtsen who thanked Phil for an interesting and
well researched talk with excellent photographs and detailed history. He was on the same trip
74 years ago from Oslo to visit family members in Kirkenes. It was rough trip as ships at the
time did not have stabilisers. He also went on a fishing trip near the Russian border where he
fell into the water!
NEXT MEETING
Date: 21st July 2026
Speaker: Brian Steer
Topic: “Croatian Hit Man”
Vote of Thanks: Willie Stewart
AOCB:
The Secretary was thanked for sending out the Model Railway Video links each week. These
videos of exhibitions around Scotland are enjoyed by the members and their families.
The meeting closed at 11:40hrs.
Allan Morton
Secretary
Probus Website: www.probusonline.org/raith-of-kirkcaldy?
AOCB:
The Secretary was thanked for sending out the Model Railway Video links each week. These
videos of exhibitions around Scotland are enjoyed by the members and their families.
The meeting closed at 11:40hrs.
Allan Morton
Secretary
Probus Website: www.probusonline.org/raith-of-kirkcaldy
Probus Calendar: calendar.google.com/calendar …
Secretary Email: RaithProbusSec@gmail.com
Walking Group Musselburgh & The Racecourse 23rd June 2026
Two weeks ago, 9 members of our group, met up at Kirkcaldy Bus Station to catch the 9.08am bus to Edinburgh and, on arrival, we boarded our famous No. 44 bus to Musselburgh for the start of the Walk. Fortunately, it was a lovely scorching sunny day with clear blue skies and no wind – unusual for that part of the country but we were at the start of a heat wave.
After which we returned to Musselburgh for some lunch and refreshments at my favourite, Wetherspoon’s, in this case it was “The David MacBeth Moir”, ( a local physician & Poet to whom Charles Dickens subscribed money to a statue of him in the town ). It was then time to catch the bus back to Edinburgh and on to Kirkcaldy, despite a 35 min delay, in Princes Street, as our scheduled Kirkcaldy bound bus home, did not turn up !!! We arrived back in Kirkcaldy at 4.15ish. All in all, a great day out and well worth the visits and views, not to mention the sun tan !!!!. Plus the total 4 mile approx. walk.
Finally, I would like to thank once again Phil Bate for organising the Walk and Allan Morton for the photographs. As for our next walk, hopefully details of which, will be available at our next meeting.
Walking Group Balmerino Abbey 26th May 2026
Last Tuesday, on a lovely sunny morning, 10 of our ‘Probus’ members went on our monthly ‘Walk’, this time to Balmerino. Eight of our Group, car shared to Balmerino Car Park, where we met up with Phil and John Johnston at 10.15am. and then commenced our walk along the banks of the River Tay, until we reached a fairly steep staircase leading on to Wormit. It was felt that ascending the staircase may cause difficulties to one or two of our Group, therefore it was decided to retrace our steps and return to the Car Park, via a slight detour to view other aspects of the area,
We then visited the ruins of Balmerino Abbey, which was started in 1229 by twelve Cistercian Monks who had travelled by foot from Melrose. Originally set up as a private dwelling with a Dormitory ; Refectory and Church which was perfectly designed for communal living, where they ate, slept and worshiped together, sharing everything and owning nothing. Over the years, it was slowly added to resulting in the full Abbey. However in 1559, the Abbey was overthrown by Protestant reformers and the community dispersed.
At this stage it was nearing our lunch break at mid-day, so left the Abbey and returning to our cars and headed to the Bridgend Garden Centre and Restaurant at Freuchie for some well-earned and excellent food and drinks.
After our lunch break, it was time to return home, arriving back after our 2 mile ramble at approx. 1.30pm.
Hopefully, the photographs, which were shown on the screen and also on the Web Site, will provide some of the views, which we appreciated during our ‘Walk’.
Again I would invite you to Join us and get some exercise on our future ‘ Walks ’. details of which will be provided in the future. You never know, you may learn some interesting facts about the locations along with that of your fellow youthful members and it would be lovely if you could increase our numbers and get to know you a little better.
Probus Website: Bob Terras
Michael Lovedays Garden visit 2026
Visit to Branklyn Gardens Perth
On a most glorious day our President and good lady were out and about.
These gardens look their best when the azeleas and Rhododendrons are in Bloom.
Well worth a visit.
2026 Craigtoun Park
Our Web Site is slowly developing.
At the bottom of our Website report for meetings we now have three Google Links for the
Website, Probus Calendar and Secretary Email.
I have suggested that we all should forward any matter of interest found on our travels.
Last week on returning from Newcastle found a resting coffee place in Moffat. Have you seen
the Spitfire we were asked?
Not five minutes’ walk from Moffat centre along Well Street we came upon Dowding House.
Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding was born in Moffat. Pictures show resplendent in the Spring
Sunshine presented on the front grass a magnificent Spitfire.
Spitfire Moffat April 2026
Craigtoun Park May 2026
Walking Group
‘Walk’ from Balerno to Slateford. 28th April 2026
Walking Group,
Last Tuesday, 8 members of our Walking Group, took part in a lovely walk again, along the corridor of the ‘Water of Leith’ from Balerno, to Slateford, accommodating again pleasant warm “Walking’ weather.
Starting at Kirkcaldy Train Station at 9.25am, we travelled to Edinburgh, using our invaluable ‘Fife Travel Pass’, reaching Haymarket Station at approx. 10.15am. We then walked across the road to board our favourite No.44 Bus to Balerno. Reaching there at approx. 11.30am. Where we commenced our ‘Walk’ along the ‘Water of Leith’, viewing some spectacular vistas and expensive houses along the way, including the historic ‘Colinton Tunnel’, ( Which was completed in 1874 and is now the home to a 140 meter mural depicting a Child’s first train journey taken from Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem “ From a Railway Carriage ), arriving after a 5.2 mile ramble, at the ‘Water of Leith Visitors Centre’ in Slateford, to connect with our No 44 Bus back to Haymarket for approx. 1.50,pm where we had some expensive and limited snack meals & drinks at ‘The Haymarket’ ( a place to be avoided ). After which, we crossed over to Haymarket Station to catch the 2.45 train and return to Kirkcaldy around 3.30.pm
In conclusion, a pleasurable time out was had by all and I would add that all of the ‘Group’ expressed the reaction that it had been one of the most scenic and enjoyable Walks ( and longest ) that we have been on. Due in a large part to the weather, plus most of us had not been there before. Could I add that Allan and myself have taken many photographs, including that of the mural in the tunnel and the No 44 Bus !!. All of which can be seen on our Web Site.
Finally, as I state at the end of my reports, should anyone be interested in joining us in the future, please give me your details and like the rest of our Group, further information on our next Walk will be forthcoming in due course, weather dependant.
Date of Walk Tuesday 28th April.
Destination Waters of Leith – Balerno to Slateford
15th April 2026 Coffee at the Weavers
Winners
31st March 2026 Walkers St Andrews
24th February 2026 Mystery Walk Edinburgh
Coffee Day 18th Feb
Raith Probus Golf 15th January 2026
Future Walk West Wemyss 13th January 2026
Walking Group,
Here are the details of our next ‘Walk’ to West Wemyss on the 13th Jan., plus some photos for display on the Screen & Web for next Tuesday’s meeting :-
Date of Walk :- Tuesday 13th January.
Location :- West Wemyss.
Date of Walk :- Tuesday 9th December.
Finally, our next group ‘Walk’ will be advised at our January Meeting.
Walkers
Destination – East Lomond
11th November 2025
Antartica Team Selection- Test
Largo Law view Team Assembly Point Testing Equipment
Passed the Test Largo Law
Top of the Leader board
Hole in One on My Travels
Vliedburg Netherlands
Vliedburg Netherlands
Loch Fitty October 2025
Photographic Competition 2025
Ragnar Ingebrigsten John Chalmers John Chalmers
Ken Millar Allister Todd John Chalmers
Allister Todd Ragner Ingebrigsten Ken Millar
Ragnar Ingebrigsten Allister Todd Ken Millar
Walking Group next outing Tuesday 30th September 2025. Blairadam Forest
Weavers Coffee October 2025
Portmoak Gliding Day
After our talk at the last meeting, 4th Sept has been fixed for a Raith Probus , Gliding Day experience. Near Loch Leven.
3 members interested need at least 4 for the day.
Jack Lowther will fill you in.
“Fly Like a Bird”
Invitation visit to Phil Bate’s home in Glenrothes on Monday
25th of August.
26 August 2025 ‘Walk’ around Letham village and on to Monimail.
Some of our ‘Group’ car shared at various points, to eventually meet up at our final destination in Letham around 10.00. When we commenced our walk along a single track road, avoiding traffic along the way.
The weather was fortunately with us in this outing on a beautiful sunny morning, despite the forecast of rain, etc. We continued our ‘Walk / Stroll’ along the prescribed route eventually coming across the 18th century Monimail Parish Church, which is unbelievably up for sale and hopefully can be seen in the photograph, if any one has a bob or two for ownership !!!! From there, it was a short amble to Monimail and it’s historic cemeteries, where we ventured in to a church yard and cemetery, where nine Fife Council vans were parked and on enquiring into this very expensive rebuild of a building with only two adjacent walls in one of the farthest areas to be visited, was this a priority investment for our ratepayers ? ?, what with potholes, etc, Sorry, but my hackles are on a very extreme high. !!!!
Anyhoo, this apart we then visited Monimail Tower, which was the residence of the Archbishop of St Andrews for many a year. Again hopefully the photograph will show the simple life of a man of his stature and considering the power he held.
By this time, as it was nearing 12.00 and after our two hour sojourn, it was time to head to the ‘Bridgend Cafe / Farm Shop’ for our well-deserved enjoyable lunchtime refreshments. After which we all returned to Kirkcaldy and home around 2.00ish.
Hopefully, the photographs, which are shown on the screen and also on the Web Site, will provide some of the ambience, which we generate during our ‘Walks’ Thanks to Allan for those.
Again I would take this opportunity to thank Phil for his reconnoitring of the route, which is not necessarily the easiest of tasks, given that he advised our ‘Group’ that our ‘Walk’ was on country roads, omitting the fact that there were one or two inclines !!!!!! Again in an apparent futile gesture, we would invite any member to Join us and get some exercise !!!!!!
Finally, details of our September ‘Walk’,
Weavers Coffee Morning
2025 Walking Group Musselburgh
Roman Bridge
2025 Garden Competition
2025 Butterflies
Burnett Moth Cinnebar Moth Comma
Common Blue Common Blue Female Common Blue
Green Veined White Meadow Brown Female Ringlet
Ringlet Underwing Small Tortoishell Small Tortoishell Underwing
Wall Brown Wall Brown Underwing Speckled Wood
Small Heath Underwing Green Lacewing Vespilloides Beetle (Sexton Beetle)
24 June 2025 Formonthills
Garden
27th May Walking Group – St Andrews
25 April 2025 Easter Snooker – Challenge
Raith Probus snooker contestants entered the Arena at Styx in Kirkcaldy on 25th April 2025 for the Easter Egg challenge.
A simple task for the session.
Seven members present with the winner over the whole session to achieve the highest break on the day.
Ken Campbell put the other competitors under immediate pressure in minutes with a commanding score of 11.
The day developed with various descriptive cheers and comments in a foreign language of Bistardo following another miss.
On table one a threesome was in play trying to pot a red sitting within the jaws of a corner pocket.
Yes, three attempts by the players involved who failed miserably to increase their score.
Our Vice President calmly with cue in hand showed the way on the fourth attempt to pot the red ball to great acclaim
We had to wait until almost the end of the session when a resounding cheer echoed through the building.
After almost two hours and within the last 5 minutes we had our worthy winner with a great break score on the day of 17,
Ken Miller.
Bowls
Jack Lowther: showed the trophy he won in the Probus Invitation Indoor Bowls championship which is competed for by clubs from Perth and Fife. The downside is that as he claims he got carried away in the heat of competition and won, so now he has to organise next year’s competition.
Walking group
.Next walk 27th May 2025
Could I please ask that those intending to join this ‘Walk’ give Ken Campbell their names to avoid any unwarranted delays at the Station or missing anyone out on the trip.
Secretary
.Michael Bruce Way
March planned walk , details to follow.
Michael Bruce poem below.
Virtue and Happiness in the Country
How blest the man who, in these peaceful plains,
Ploughs his paternal field; far from the noise,
The care, and bustle of a busy world!
All in the sacred, sweet, sequester’d vale
Of solitude, the secret primrose-path
Of rural life, he dwells; and with him dwell
25 February 2025
Riverside Park
Thanks to K Campbell for the photographs
Special thanks to the photographer for the day Ken Campbell
Bob Terras Raith Probus Club
Walking Group
Future Walk
PHOTOGRAPHS:
Balbirnie Dec 2024
2024 Kinghorn to Kirkcaldy Walk
2024 Burntisland Visit
2024 Photograph Competition
2024 October Tayport
sdr
2024 September Elie
2024 August Pittenweem
2024 July Forth & Clyde Canal Edinburgh
2024 July Forth & Clyde Canal Edinburgh
Silverburn to Lower Largo – 28 May 2024
Dundee Riverside walk 23rd April 2024
Kinghorn Loch March 2024
Murrayfield November 2023
Aberdour to Dalgety Bay – 24th October 2023
“Christmas” Highest Break
Birnie and Gaddon Lochs – 26 Sept. 2023
Loch Ore Meadows 29 August 2023 – Walking Group
Gardening Group Competition 2023.
Blackford July 2023
Burntisland to Aberdour – 27th June 2023
Golf – Scoonie GC – 22nd June 2023
Fountainbridge to Slateford – May 2023
Hampden – May 2023
Bunnet Stane
Winner of ” The Great Easter Break” is Jack Lowther.
Raith Probus cyclists -March 2023
Raith Probus walk -March 2023
Loch Leven 28 February 2023
Loch Leven walk 14 Feb 2023
Scots Night 2023
Annual Quiz Winners 2023
Golf New Year Meal
Snooker Champ 2022 – John Johnson.
Excellent break of 38 (4 Blacks, 1 Blue and 5 Reds).
Formonthills walk 22November 2022
Cramond Walk 29-Nov-2022
Slateford to Dean Bridge Walk, Edinburgh
25th October 2022
Annual Dinner October 2022
Kirkcaldy half-marathon course 21st September – 13.5 miles
Dean Bridge to Murrayfield walk – August 2022
Flower Competition 2022
1- Jim Neilson; 2 – Andy Morrison; 3 – Ron Steedman.
Incoming President Bob Terras and Vice President Colin Johnston
Cycling. A successful outing was held on the West Fife Way.
40th Anniversary of the founding of Raith Probus Club
Ian Gunn – Highest break 27 May 2022
Big Break winner – Ken Campbell. 22 points.
Lundin Links outing 21st April.
Big break winner, Ken Miller 12 points!!
North Queensferry August 2021
Balbirnie and Braes Loan, Markinch 29 Jun 2021 (at last we’ve got a new member!)
Markinch Heritage Rural Walk
Letham Glen walk – 28 July 2020
Lockdown Walking group July 2020
Walkers – 26 November 2019 – Formonthills, Glenrothes.
Amazon visit November 2019
Cyclists.
Visit to Tulliallan.
Crossgates Gardeners
Wullie’s allotment
Doubles Competition July 2019
Cramond Walkers October 2019
Cyclists – Loch Leven
CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF RAITH PROBUS CLUB OF KIRKCALDY
- Title
The club shall be called Raith Probus Club of Kirkcaldy
2. Aims and Objectives
The purpose of the Club is to provide a regular meeting point for retired business and professional men who appreciate and value in their retirement increased social contacts and opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances. The club shall be non-political and non- sectarian.
3. Membership
(i) The total of active members shall not exceed one hundred.
Membership shall be open to all professional and business men aged sixty years or over, resident in Kirkcaldy and District, who have fully or partially retired from their normal business or profession. The restriction regarding residence or age may be waived at the discretion of the Committee. Applications for membership shall be sponsored by two existing members and shall be subject to approval by the Committee. Admission to the Club shall be determined by interview of the proposed new member by the President and two other Committee members.
(ii) Honorary Life Membership
Any member wishing to make a nomination for election to Honorary Life Membership should do so in writing to the Secretary at the latest by March in any year. This nomination should be kept private and not communicated to any other member (including the nominee)
In April each year the Executive Committee should consider any nominations for election to Honorary Life Membership and decide if such nomination(s) should be recommended.
Such members shall be those who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, have contributed service of an outstanding nature to the Club and who have shown a sustained interest in the Club or the community
iii) If any member conducts himself in a manner which discredits the Club, or acts willfully in contravention of the Constitution of the Club, the Executive Committee shall have the power to suspend that member until the matter can be fully considered at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. A letter shall be written to the member notifying him of the allegations against him and the basis of the allegations, inviting him to a meeting to discuss the matter, and advising him that he has the right to be accompanied by any member of his choice. If, subsequently, a member is called upon to resign and fails to comply within fourteen days after the request is dispatched, he will be expelled from the Club. The member shall have the right to appeal against the disciplinary decision of the full Committee and this must be lodged in writing with the Secretary within fourteen days of the Committee’s decision. In the event of an appeal, this will be heard by an Appeals Committee comprising of three of the most recent available Past Presidents of the Club. At that meeting the member has the right to be accompanied by a member of his choice. The Appeals Committee decision shall be final.
4. Office Bearers
(i) There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Recorder, Press Correspondent, Social Convener, Speaker’s Convener and Welfare Officer and the general affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Committee of those Officers with the Immediate Past President and the various Conveners, whose names can be found on the current membership list. Within this group the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Welfare Officer, Press Correspondent, Recorder, IT Correspondent and Immediate Past President shall constitute the Executive Committee.
(ii) The President of the Club shall hold office for one year, unless there are extenuating reasons why this period should be extended. Officers and Committee members shall be eligible for re- election each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). If for any reason an AGM cannot be held then these office bearers’ term of office shall be extended until such times as an AGM, or an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) can be constituted.
Six members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and the Committee shall have the power to co-opt and appoint one or more Sub-Committees. Committee Conveners shall be able to co-opt members who may have expertise useful for any issues under consideration by that Committee. In the event of it being unlikely that the President can continue to officiate then the Vice President shall assume the role of President with the appointment of a new Vice President. Both these officials will see out that presidential year and assume the posts in the next year i.e. there will be no appointments for these posts at the AGM at the end of the retired President’s year of office.
In the event of there being any reason necessitating a suspension of meetings or in the event of closure of the Club all committee members shall remain in office until an EGM can be called to review the situation.
(ii) An Executive Committee (see 4.1) shall have the power to manage any urgent or unforeseen event or set of circumstances which may arise.
5. Meetings
- The regular meetings shall take place at a suitable venue in the Kirkcaldy area and will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:30am and at such intervals as may be decided by the Committee.
- An Annual General Meeting shall be held in June of each year at such time and place as may be determined by the Committee. At least two weeks’ notice of such meeting must be given in writing to each member.
- The Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting on the written request of not less than fifteen members and shall give to all members, in writing, at least two weeks’ notice of such a meeting.
(iv) Voting at all meetings, including Committee meetings, shall be by a show of hands or by ballot if so desired. In the event of an equal division of votes: the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote,
6. Visitors
Members may introduce male guests at meetings, but the same guest shall not be brought to a meeting more than six times in any Presidential year and may not attend the Annual General Meeting, but would be welcome to participate in Club activities.
- Subscriptions
- There shall be an annual subscription, the amount of which shall be determined each year at the Annual General Meeting. The subscription year shall run from September to August each year. Any member joining during the subscription year shall be required to pay the whole or part subscription depending on the date of joining. (see 7 iii). Life members will not be required to pay an annual subscription. Members who are unable to attend regularly but wish to remain in membership can do so by payment of their subscription.
- To confirm membership all subscriptions should be paid by the last day in August in any year unless the Club is unable to meet for an extended period due to unforeseen circumstances.
(iii) Months left in current subscription year:
September – November 100% of current subscription.
December – February 75% of current subscription.
March – May 50% of current subscription.
June – August 25% of current subscription.
- Capital Expenditure
Expenditure, other than revenue expenditure, will be brought before the Treasurer and one other Executive Committee member for approval, who would then consider and decide on the proposed purchase. The Treasurer would then inform the Executive Committee at the next scheduled meeting.
If necessary, the request, if not approved by these two Executive Committee members, may be referred to the Committee of the Club for consideration and either approval or rejection of the request.
- Accounts
A Receipts and Payments account for the Financial Year to 31st March shall be prepared, and after audit by two members of the Club appointed at the previous Annual General Meeting, be present for approval at the Annual General Meeting.
- Constitution Amendments
Any amendment or addition to the constitution can only be made at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose.
Any proposed amendment or addition to the constitution should be given to The Secretary and President with the names of the proposer and seconder so that members may be informed at least 14 days prior to the meeting that will consider these.
Any proposed amendment or addition to the constitution shall only be enacted if at least two thirds of the members present vote in favour.
The foregoing Constitution and Rules were agreed at the AGM meeting of the Club on 17th June 2025, and as amended at General Meetings.
Signed
Bill Brown Allan Morton
President………… …………………… Secretary………… ……………………