LAST Wednesday Radcliffe Probus Club held its annual summer lunch which was attended by members, friends and guests.

The venue was Unsworth Cricket Club, which was indeed an excellent choice by secretary Joe Sowden, and the steward and his wife are to be congratulated for an excellent meal. The standard of service was also excellent.

The president welcomed everyone and remarked that three members had celebrated their 90th birthday.

After the meal, a past president, Ken Jubb, presented the society president with his named bar to be added to the Probus Chair of Office.

Ken also gave a resume of the past season's activities and speakers. Together they recently visited society life member Bob Casey, who is in Holly Bank Nursing Home, Radcliffe.

The president thanked Ken for his report and announced that the new president for the year 2004-2005 will be Alan Atkinson.

Alan has been a member of Radcliffe Probus for a number of years and this past year held the position of vice-president. The president suggested that Alan will have a most enjoyable year in office in view of the excellent backing by the committee and colleagues.

Alan took over his duties at the AGM yesterday. The president also thanked the tea boys who have provided biscuits and tea at all the meetings this past year, and there was also a thank-you for George Hart, the group's resident pianist.

Although George does not read music, he will play any piece of music requested during his 15 minutes of entertaining our members.

The president finally called on a senior member, Austin Carrol, who celebrated his 90th birthday last year. Austin entertained all the members and guests with a most amusing monologue. The society thanked Austin and everyone present for supporting the annual lunch and wished everyone a safe journey home. T.N.