Back row:
Seated:
The March 2026 meeting, at which this picture was taken, was the last during Guy Evans’s presidency and he made these comments to the club members before handing over the role to Ian Woods:
As you know, at this point in the Club year, the role of President is handed on to another club member and just as previous President’s have said at this point, I’ve greatly enjoyed being the President for the past year. It was daunting at first, remembering the points at which something tricky needs to be done, like standing up or sitting down, and I feel I’ve finally mastered those.
We’ve welcomed some new members during the year which is excellent for all of us and the club, hopefully we will welcome more during 2026.
Highlights of the last year include all our meetings and presentations following lunch, especially when wives and partners are invited and our celebration of their 70 years wedding anniversary for Peter & Ena Rose.
We’ve enjoyed excellent speakers through-out the year but a belated thank you to Brian Thomas last September, when the planned speaker cancelled late in the day, Brian stepped in with very little notice, to sing and tell us all about Paul Robeson, American singer of Ol’Man River fame, actor and political activist.
On the downside, sadly we’ve lost some long-standing members as Ian has sadly reported to us during the year.
Luckily for me, my role has been a simple one compared with all the real work and effort done by the other committee members. Saying these, in no particular order, our secretary Alex who carries out that role and is a great source of club advice and jokes as well.
Thank you to Roger Bayley & Alex for verifying and printing the excellent member booklets every year.
Tony has done a great job as always, of finding and securing our guest speakers,
Alan has efficiently and painlessly taken our money and managed the club accounts.
Every month, as always, Michael effectively coordinates and arranges the meal choices and seating in good time for the hotel, who have then delivered consistently good meals. As Richard did, last year, I also will take this opportunity to thank the staff at Slepe Hall for their excellent service & value to the club during the year.
Nick, as always, has run the raffle at each meeting, choosing and buying the wines and never including himself, for yet another year – sadly I didn’t win either, but that’s just bad luck!
Ian as always has been busy during the year, visiting members who have unfortunately not been able to attend meetings because of health issues. This is very kind of Ian and I’m sure at times, it’s not been an easy role, because of the difficulties that the members are experiencing.
Taking on the role of Welfare officer is Colin Holdaway and I thank him on behalf of the club for doing this. This is because, as you know, Ian is now taking on the role of President for the coming year and I know he’ll enjoy it greatly, just as I have. Many Thanks.