Welcome to Ferring Probus Club by President David Gibbs
Ferring Probus Club Website
Thank you for visiting the Ferring Probus Club’s website. We are a Club whose membership consists of both retired ladies and gentlemen who enjoy regular opportunities to meet and share time together through various activities. Please come and join us at one of our Coffee Mornings where you will find a warm welcome. David Gibbs, President
Ferring Probus Club
Ferring Probus Club, founded in 1982, meets twice a month for members to socialise, enjoy fellowship, make new friends and develop their interests. Members are retired or semi-retired and come from all walks of life. The Club welcomes speakers who give talks on a wide variety of interesting subjects. Members enjoy a wonderful lunch, followed by a talk, at Worthing Indoor Bowls Club every month. Social activities include monthly coffee mornings, afternoon tea outings, playing games (eg Shuffleboard) and entertainment (eg films, Bell Ringers).
Learn more about our Club
If you are interested in learning more about our Club please come to a Coffee Morning or contact:
David Gibbs, President
Email: davidjoy25@gmail.com
Tel: 01903 245660
Our NEW WEBSITE
Member Ian Goodall created & maintains this Ferring Probus Club website.
With thanks to David Gibbs and Gordon Uphill for their substantial contributions which makes this website so informative.
Ferring Probus Club talk at March Coffee Morning
Talk by Dr Ray Carter
At our March Coffee morning we heard a talk from Dr. Ray Carter, based on a chapter from his newly published book, Allied weapons that made the difference in World War 2.
He told of how two ordinary teenage girls helped the Navy to change its approach to dealing with German U-boats, which had been devastating convoys across the North Atlantic.
At the behest of Churchill to “Improve Escort Tactics”, Captain Gilbert Roberts, a highly skilled war gamer before the war, who had retired due to ill health, was called back and set up a team of mostly young Wrens.
Wren Jean Laidlaw helped to set up agreed procedures called “Raspberry” and “Pineapple” so that all ships knew what to do in an attack.
Using these procedures in war games, Wren Janet Okell successfully “sunk” a ship controlled by Sir Max Horton, C in C Western Approaches, seven times, which persuaded him to back the plan.
The effect was dramatic. In March 1943, 2 convoys lost 22 ships, with just one U-boat loss. In May 1943 a complete change of tactics meant that when 40 U-boats attacked a convoy, 15 were sunk, and the remainder backed off, and from then on U-boats were withdrawn from the North Atlantic.
After the war both Wrens returned to civilian life without any recognition.
Ferring Probus Club talk by Tony Forward
A funny thing happened on the way to the (Police) station
The speaker at the February lunch was one of the Club’s members, Tony Forward, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police for the Surrey East division. He described his early life when he had hoped to follow a career in the Merchant Navy but failed the eyesight night vision test and so opted to become a police cadet in the Guildford Division.
He recounted several amusing incidents from his early days. On one occasion he was operating the police switchboard when he unfortunately selected, we are at war line. This resulted in air raid sirens sounding throughout Guildford!
On another occasion he was on duty when there was a large procession including a troop of elephants proceeding along the High Street. A car emerged from a side road, became entangled between two of the elephants with consequent damage. However, the car was still drivable and so the occupants were allowed to continue their journey to the West Country. Unfortunately, the driver was later stopped by the police (when approaching the end of his journey) to enquire about the damage. On hearing that it had been caused by an elephant the police considered that the driver should be committed under the Mental Health Act!
Tony entertained the group extremely well and ended with the comment that Police Examination answers required the candidate to show initiative, common sense and knowledge. Tony explained that he must have been able to display these qualities as over the years he rose up through the ranks. He finished by producing his helmet, banged his truncheon on the table and waved his handcuffs – but no one was apprehended!
NEWS - Ferring Probus Club Presentation
Roger & Greta Lovell
Following their lunch the Ferring Probus Club President spoke about how Roger Lovell had served our Club very efficiently and effectively for many years fulfilling many of the roles that are necessary so that the Club runs smoothly. Covid affected many people and organisations but due to his determination Roger steered the Club through this time, transforming it into the mixed club we enjoy today. The President, on behalf of the members, presented Roger with a gift as a token of the Club’s appreciation. A bouquet of flowers was also given to Greta, Roger’s wife, for her support of Roger and her contribution to the Club.
Our next meeting
7th April, 10am. Coffee Morning with talk at St Andrew's Church Centre, Ferring