The Story of Vaccines
Retired Headmaster Dr Ian Goodall fascinated members and guests at the Club’s April 2024 meeting by taking them through the broad history of the development of vaccines. Ian focussed on the work of the great heroes of vaccines including Edward Jenner the celebrated discoverer of vaccines, Louis Pasteur with his germ theory and the medical pioneer Lady Wortley Montague. He covered the work that had been done over the years to eradicate major diseases such as bubonic plague, polio, small pox and rabies and concluded with the efforts to develop a vaccine for COVID.
Welcome New Member!
Visit to Picturesque Gardens
On April 18, members and guests visited West Green House Gardens near Hartley Wintley in rural Hampshire. Blessed with very sunny weather, they participated in a fascinating guided tour around the gardens which looked stunning with many flowers in bloom and trees in blossom as the pictures below demonstrate.
A Hugely Enjoyable Talk
At the Club’s March 2024 meeting, members and guests were treated to a fascinating and most enjoyable Talk by Club member (and Speakers Organiser) Jeremy Mantell, a retired racehorse Veterinary Surgeon. Jeremy, whose Talk was entitled ‘Life beside a racecourse’ enchanted the audience with tales and anecdotes of his life in veterinary surgery, including the various posts he has held and the enduring experiences at Royal Ascot, at the Grand National and other famous racecourses. He pointed out that that were 59 racecourses in the UK and explained the essential differences between National Hunt racing, all-weather Flat racing, Flat racing and Point-to-Point. Prior to retirement Jeremy had been Head of the British Horseracing Authority.
A trip down memory lane!
Members and guests were treated to a trip full of nostalgia when they visited Milestones, a living history museum in Basingstoke, Hampshire on 20 February 2024. The museum is a detailed recreation of life from the Victorian times through to the 1930s and 1940s allowing you to travel the cobbled streets of yesteryear and savour England’s social history. There was a fine display of commercial vehicles that were built within a 20 mile radius of the museum, many of them manufactured by the industrial company Thornycroft that was a major employer in Basingstoke. Other features included period buildings, shops, an iron foundry, workshops, a sawmill, a working Edwardian pub and a Teddy Bear museum. Some 15 members and guests participated and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
A Dazzling Performance!
Members and guests were treated to a dazzling display of keyboard and vocal talents by Peter Gill during his Talk on ‘The Wit and Songs of Noel Coward’ at The Half Moon at the Club’s January 2024 meeting. Tracing Noel Coward’s history, Peter covered his enormous talents as a playwright, composer, director, actor, poet and singer including his wit and flamboyance. Peter sung some of Noel’ s famous songs including ‘Mad dogs and Englishmen go out to the midday sun’ , ‘Don’t put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington’ and ‘London Pride’. Peter also included renditions of Noel Coward’s many humorous stanzas. A great time was had by all.
Fine Festive Occasion!
On Tuesday 12 December 2023, the Club held it’s Christmas Lunch at The Half Moon and members and guests experienced a fine festive meal and much cross-table conversation. Following the meal, organised by Dining Secretary Ava Stuart, raffle prizes were awarded and Club Treasurer Henry West hosted the tradition ‘heads and tails’ event. The following pictures show members and gusts enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Excellent Talk on Malta’s Siege
At it’s November 2023 meeting, Club members and guests were treated to an excellent and sometimes passionate Talk on the siege of Malta during the Second World War. The Talk, entitled ‘Malta GC and Operation Pedestal’ and given by David Vassallo focused on the defence of Malta and it’s strategic role during that period. David described with great passion the plight of Operation Pedestal (Operation ‘Santa Maria’ to the Maltese) in 1942, the largest convoy of warships and merchant ships ever assembled to save the beleaguered island from German and Italian attack. In April 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the people of Malta in appreciation of their heroism.
Not Deterred by the Weather!
On 14 November, twenty-one members and guests braved the inclement Autumn weather and visited Calshot Castle sited on the Hampshire coast overlooking the Solent and Southampton water. Despite the squally wind and rain conditions , an individual tour was made of the castle compartments and battlements (with umbrella) and found to be a most interesting and enjoyable experience.
Calshot Castle was originally constructed in 1539 during the reign of Henry VIII and was one of several forts on the Solent defending against possible sea attack from the European Catholic powers. Since 1539, the castle has undergone a number of structural changes and has been used as a coastal defence during successive World Wars with the installation of quick-firing guns.
Spies and Saboteurs!
Members and guests were enjoyably entertained by a fine Talk given by guest speaker Dr Philip MacDougall at the Club’s 26 September meeting. The Talk entitled ‘Spies and Saboteurs’ covered German covert operations against Portsmouth Dockyard leading up to the First World War which began in 1904 and the British response by setting up counter-espionage organisations such as the forerunner to MI5. Dr MacDougall explained how the British identified a ‘Nest of German spies in Portsmouth’ and brought them to justice although sentences seemed very light compared to modern times.
The Battle of Alton!
On 21 September, members and guests were treated to a tour of Alton in Hampshire tracing the English Civil War activities that took place during the period 1642 to 1643. Despite the rain, the tour visited the principal buildings and scenes of the time including St Lawrence’s Church, the site of the concluding action of the Battle of Alton where Parliamentary forces surrounded the Royalists forcing them to surrender. The tour, which was led by local Guide Paul Ebbutt, ended at The Swan where a fine lunch was enjoyed by members and guests.
Enjoyable Summer Lunch
On 29 August Club members and guests gathered at Petersfield Golf Club to enjoy their annual summer lunch and a fine time was had by all. Following a sumptuous meal and much stimulating over-the-table conversation, Ava Stuart, the Club’s Dining Secretary hosted the raffle and awarded the prizes to the winning ticket holders.
Very Good Cause!
Following the presentation of £500 a cheque to the Charity Hounds for Heroes at the Club’s July 2023 meeting, members and guests were treated to a fascinating Talk on the history and work of the Hounds for Heroes Charity given by Mike White one of its volunteers. Mike explained that the mission of the Charity, which was established in 2010, is the provision of specially trained assistance dogs for the disabled men and women of the Armed Forces and Civilian Emergency Services. Mike pointed out that the cost of providing a dog over a 10 year period could reach £53000, an amount that includes the initial training costs of £20000.
Lighthouse Reflections
At it’s June 2023 Club meeting members and guests were captivated by a Talk given by Master Mariner and Author Simon Quail on the history of lighthouses located in Northern Scotland. In his Talk entitled ‘Scottish Lighthouses – Reflections of a Master Mariner’ Simon covered the design and construction of lighthouses from the early 1800’s onwards and the importance of the Stevenson family and, in particular, the influence of Alan Stevenson on lighthouse development.
Its Holiday Time!
Club members Iris Holt and Ava Stuart have just returned from a June holiday in Wales having had a great and exciting time. The pictures below demonstrate the level of frivolity Iris and Ava experienced during their stay.
The sun shines on Alton Town walk!
Members and guests enjoyed a very interesting town walk in day in Alton, Hampshire on Thursday 15 June in warm and very sunny weather conditions. The walk led by Peter Ebbutt, a local guide and historian, included a visit to St Lawrence’s Church , the site of a civil war battle, and a visit to the grave of Fanny Adams, the victim of a heinous murder. Following the walk, the group took lunch at The Swan, where a fine and convivial meal was had by one and all.
Publicity Success!
Press Officer Bryan Elliott, who works tirelessly to get the Club’s activities published in the local press outlets, scored a major success when The Petersfield Post published his article on the next Club meeting (see below) in their 15 June edition. The article was also published in the Meon Valley ‘Matters’. Well done Bryan!!
A Great Day Out!
On 31 May 2023, members and guests visited Mottisfont, a country estate near Romsey, Hampshire nestling in the valley of the river Test and operated by the National Trust. This setting made for a wonderful day out in the glorious late May sunshine and the visit was thoroughly enjoyed by all those participating. Mottisfont House, crafted from a priory was founded in 1201 underwent many structural changes during the Tudor and Georgian periods and in 1934 was occupied by the famous Maud Russell. The visit was organised by Chairman John Turnbull.
American Tribal Histories
At its May 2023 meeting, Club members and guests were treated to a most interesting Talk on Native American tribal histories and cultures. Guest speaker Sue Dewey traced the migration of the tribes from Asia via Siberia into North, Central and South America some 60,000 years ago, originally numbering some 700 tribes and reducing to 350 in the present era, all diverse in their customs and spirituality. These were warring societies with their own tribal laws.
In her Talk ‘Native American tribal histories and cultures – tribal histories of the Plains tribes to present day’, Sue showed examples of Sioux native dress in South Dakota such as war bonnets, war shirts, breast plates and shoes. Sue discussed the tragic gratuitous slaughter of the Buffalo by white settlers and the effect of this event on native tribes occupying the plains.
New Yellow Card Holders!
Captivating Talk!
At its April 2023 meeting, Club members and guests were treated a most excellent and entertaining Talk on the English novelist, short-story writer, poet and journalist Rudyard Kipling. The Talk, entitled ‘Rudyard Kipling – A little something of myself’ was given by Jonathon Jones who covered a wide range of Kipling’s work including the ‘Just So Stories’ and many of his poems. Jonathon concluded his Talk by reciting the famous ‘If’ poem. The Talk was uniquely presented in that Jonathon introduced himself as Rudyard Kipling and told his life story accordingly.
A Very Good Day Out!
Despite the rain, members and guests had a great day out at Kingston Lacy, a National Trust estate near Wimbourne in Dorset on 30 March 2023. Because of the weather, the visit was confined to the house, which has been described as a lavish family home as a Venetian Palace in the Dorset countryside.
Tales of T E Lawrence
At its 28 March 2023 meeting, Club members and guests were treated to a fine and fascinating Talk on on the early and late life of T E Lawrence or more famously known as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. The Talk entitled ‘ Lawrence: Before and after Arabia’ given by Colin van Geffe detailed Lawrence’s life as student, archaeologist, army intelligence officer, diplomat and his later years in the RAF.
The Club elects two Lady Officers
At its AGM on 28 February, Club members elected Christine Fisher to be the new Club Secretary and Ava Stuart to be the new Dining Secretary. This is the first time in the history of the Club that two women have served on the Committee at the same time. Stepping down were Robin Hockley as Club Secretary and Tony Carter as Dining Secretary both of whom were congratulated for their long and dedicated service to the Club.
Gallant Walkers take on the Weather!
Despite wet and very gloomy weather conditions, 7 gallant Club members and one guest undertook a 4 mile walk in the Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield on Thursday 16 February 2023. This was the first walk of the new year and was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who participated as the pictures below demonstrate.
Operation Torch
At the January 2023 Club meeting, members and guests were treated to a Talk on the detailed and dramatic history connected with the build up to the Allied invasion of French North Africa on 16 November 1942 during the Second World War. This fascinating Talk, given by guest speaker David Bickerton, covered the eventual landings in French Morocco and French Algeria but also the intriguing mixed loyalties of the French military and colonies which were formally aligned with Germany via Vichy France.
Christmas Festivities Go Well
The Club held its Christmas lunch on 15 December at The Half Moon and a great time was had by all who attended. Following the sumptuous meal, the Club raffle prizes were distributed to the lucky winners and the occasion ended with the traditional ‘heads and tails’ contest overseen by Treasurer Henry West. The pictures below record the enjoyment experienced by members and guests.
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street!
At its Club meeting on 29 November, members and guests were treated to a brilliant but gruesome Talk by guest speaker Steve Herra on the murderous goings on at Sweeny Todd’s barber shop in Fleet Street, London during the early nineteenth century. Steve described in vivid detail how Todd murdered his victims and passed on there corpses to his accomplice Mrs Lovett who baked their flesh into mince pies. The Talk ended with a lively description of Todd’s trial and members and guests were invited to guess the Jury’s verdict. Riveting stuff!
Cathedral History Lesson!
On 26 October members and guests were treated to an extremely interesting walking tour of Winchester Cathedral. Blue Badge holder and local historian Andrew Negus guided them through the Cathedral while explaining much of its vast constructional and personnel history. Participants found Andrew’s comments on the Saxon, Norman and Baroque influences in the Cathedral Architecture and incumbent Bishops over its history absolutely riveting.
Tales of Vietnam
At it’s 25 October 2022 Club meeting, guest Speaker Chris le Grand gave a fascinating Talk to PSDPC members on his travels in Vietnam and the Far East. His picture presentation certainly portrayed the beauty and culture of the region.
‘Tales out of School’
Club members were given a fascinating Talk at their 27 September 2022 meeting at The Half Moon. Guest speaker former Primary School Head Teacher Roger Clark spoke of the numerous amusing incidents that occurred during his 30 years of teaching small children. Unusually in presentation nowadays, he demonstrated these amusing incidents through hand-painted cartoons which he held up to the audience after each incident, see below.
Visit to the Weald and Downland Museum
On 14 September members and guests visited the Weald and Downland Museum near Chichester in West Sussex. Described as a ‘living’ museum, the visit included a guided tour of a collection of buildings including a medieval home and repair shop, and how a watermill works and a look at various farm animals. The visit was arranged by Chairman John Turnbull.
Abseiling from the Heights!
Club member Iris Holt has been abseiling for about 14 years in order to raise money for Rowans Hospice and in July 2022 she did it again at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth, bravo Iris!! Since she started abseiling Iris has collected more than £10,000 for the Hospice in Purbrook which Iris believes provides wonderful care for those suffering from terminal cancer.
Talk and Good Cause Donation
At the Club meeting on 26 July 2022, the guest Speaker Sally Bull gave an interesting Talk on the work of the Rosemary Foundation. At the same meeting Club members made a generous donation to the Rosemary Foundation, a cheque for £500 being co-presented by former Chairman Dan Quinn and current Chairman John Turnbull.
Fascinating Town Walk in Romsey
On 14 June 2022, local historian and Blue Badge holder Andrew Negus took a group of members and guests on a fascinating walk of Romsey in Hampshire. The high point of the walk was a visit to the magnificent Romsey Abbey which dates from c 907, being re-founded in 967 as a Benedictine Abbey of nuns. The weather was superb and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Thoroughly Entertaining Talk
Peter Gill, guest Speaker, gave members and guests a thoroughly entertaining Talk at the May 2022 meeting of the Club. The Talk, entitled ‘Tom Lehrer – A politically incorrect satirical genius’, covered the life of Tom Lehrer, a mathematical prodigy but concentrated on his stunning musical ability and composition of outrageous lyrical songs. Peter treated his audience to a rendering of many of his famous recordings which were warmly received with great amusement.
Great day at Exbury Gardens
Members and guests were treated to a wonderful day at Exbury Gardens near Southampton in the glorious April sunshine . The splendid gardens, designed and curated by the de Rothschild family, delighted Club members with an amazing display of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Pictures of the visit, which was arranged by the Chairman and Visits Organiser John Turnbull, are shown below.
Petersfield South Downs Probus Club 