Reluctant Sherperdess

Report of the Probus general meeting on the 25th   of June 2026

President opened the meeting at 10.45am , welcomed all members and gave out the safety notices.

The president s question this morning was who said this quotation? In this world nothing  can be certain except death and taxes and the answer was Benjamin Franklin in 1789.

The President gently reminded members , on this very hot day, that it is only 184 days to Christmas

There were 36 members in attendance with 9 apologies and 1 visitor, Tim Harper

The president asked the officers for their reports.

Treasurer had nothing to report.

Speaker Sec  had nothing to report

Social secretary Jerry Sullivan reminded members of the farm walk on the 1st of July 2026 to Highfields farm It is a guided tour of a working farm finishing in the milking parlour. All the tour is on hard surfaces but stout walking shoes are advised. There is no charge but any donations will go  to the Christie s . Donations to be made to the Probus club who will then organise a payment to the Christie s

Welfare officer Joe Hoyles said that Brian Mayhew Smith is awaiting a  replacement knee operation but no date  has been given. Brian Johnson is awaiting tests.

Joe had also spoken to David Mounteney who reported  he is okay but Daphne is struggling to get about now.

Hon Sec had nothing to report

The president then introduced the speaker to the meeting Rosie Lee  whose talk was titled   the reluctant shepherdess

Rosie gave a very entertaining and informative talk about her time working for Barclays Bank and then moving back to the Family farm with her mother as an instructor, and developing a passion for rearing sheep.

This farming life has been passed on to the many children with learning difficulties who now attend and work on the farm as farm rangers .Rosie said this has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of going back to farming , which can be very challenging at times..

There  is a website called Let s Farm   and Rosie encouraged all members to look at it.

Rosie answered questions from the members.

Peter Bourne gave the vote of thanks with the advice Jeremy Clarkson had better watch out

The president thanked all members for attending today and reminded members that our next meeting is on 9th July  2026  and the topic is Birth of Rock and Roll

The president closed the meeting at 12.10pm

Report by Micheal Hartland