on the Notices page The Social Activities programme is arranged by Peter Fuller and Derek Bonham for the benefit of not only Probus B but for Probus A, Bramley Probus and Friends of Probus and hopefully other bodies will support the programme more actively.

In addition, Probus A arranged Skittles in and the Carol Service in December where numbers participating are unknown to me.

My experience currently and particularly since the pandemic is that generally participants are leaving it very late in confirming that they wish to take part in activities which makes it difficult for both suppliers of services including our good friends Gastonia and us as organisers to plan coherently details and costings for each trip, acting in your best interests.

So may I ask for greater support for early notifications of interest in each trip in order that Peter and I can plan appropriately.  Of course, any comments that you have regarding what we have to offer are welcomed.

One point that has been made relates to trips where own transport is employed.  Sharing of cars is encouraged with a “donation” to the driver offered, be aware however of any restrictions in this respect as far as your Motor Insurance policy is concerned.

I am now in the initial planning stage for the 2025 programme of events and have concentrated upon, in the main, trips that are more locally based and of shorter duration to reflect what I perceive to be a current trend.

I hope this will encourage all members to participate and that we will not be restricted to just the “regulars”!

It is apparent to me that of the 350 people to whom I send out details there are a good number that I have never met nor indeed heard from so hopefully 2025 will rectify this.

Probus B members are encouraged to pay by having their individual accounts debited as, from 1st January our bank, Lloyds, will be charging a fee for each individual cheque processed.  Cheque payments are however still acceptable for all.

2025

March

Please put this date in your diaries 

Friday 7th March 2025 – (trip 2025/1) -  Skittles evening at CVSSC at 7pm.

This event will be organised by Richard Chaundy Probus A.

Teams of 4 will be drawn by Richard Chaundy (Probus A).  Supper will be served at 8pm after the first round of games.  

Cost £16p.p.  Arrangement Probus A.  This will includs the Supper of Sweet & Sour Pork (gluten free) with rice.  Dessert available, payable on the night.

Tthe closing date is on 12th February so that all final arrangements can be made with the Club.

Please contact Richard Chaundy

Payment is by cheque only in favour of Cranleigh Probus A Club and should be sent to Richard Chaundy, .  It lets him know you are coming

April

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

This is likely to be my penultimate Social Activities Update as I am retiring from the role after 23 years on 1st August.

So far no one has come forward to carry on the programme!

I have arranged two trips already that will take place after 1st August i.e. Top Hat and Romsey and these will go ahead under my guidance.

There seems a reticence by members to participate now generally in group activities and perhaps this needs to be recognised as support for either coach or involving own transport trips is now poor.

Indeed, there are many members that I have not heard from in many months even to say they are not interested in anything put forward.

Any comments or thoughts on this subject as a whole would be welcomed.

In the meantime, for those that wish to participate in the surviving events I will just reiterate that participants from Probus A, Bramley and Friends of Probus should pay by BACS transfer into the following No 2 account.

Sort code:      30-94-41

Account No:  64454460

Account name: Cranleigh & District Probus ‘B’ Club

Ref:                 Your surname and trip number (eg 2025/4 or Top Hat)

Probus B members should make payments into the Club’s No 1 account as usual.

The present position for the 2025 programme is as follows: -

Wednesday 16th April 2025 - (trip 2025/2) - Eel Pie Island Museum, Twickenham.

This was cancelled through lack of support but 9 of us went independently using own transport and had a thoroughly good day out.  Some photographs follow for your interest.

MAY

Wednesday 21st May 2025 – (trip 2025/3) - Isabella Plantation & Pembroke Lodge – Richmond Park.

This had to be cancelled for coach logistical reasons and the alternative suggestion to revisit Kew Gardens was not popular.

Four of us went to both the Isabella Plantation and Pembroke Lodge on 6th May and again some photographs taken follow.

JULY

Second half of July 2025– Brentford Musical Museum

Eventually I have made contact with the Chairman and staff and 4 dates have been put forward by them.  Unfortunately, they are at a time when I am not available and no one has come forward to run the trip.

AUGUST

Friday 22nd August 2025 (trip 2025/4)  – Top Hat at Chichester Theatre – Matinee performance at 2.30pm

This trip is now full, but details are included here for participants that would like to be included on the waiting list – please advise accordingly.

Leaving Cranleigh at 10.30am and returning back to Cranleigh around 7pm.  50 front stalls seats secured.  Cost £71 p.p.    Arrangement Probus B.  Last date for booking and payment 4th April 2025.  I have also booked 30 places at The Bell Inn for lunch at 12 noon, 26 of which have already been taken up.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 18th September 2025 - (trip 2025/5) – Visit to Romsey, Hampshire.

We will be guided throughout the day by two Blue Badge guides that we know, Sue de Salis (Salisbury) and Mike Craze (Winchester) who were excellent throughout these earlier trips.

The plan for the day is as follows:-

8.45am – leave Cranleigh in our Gastonia coach.

10.30am – arrive at Romsey Bus Station to be met by our guides with time for morning refreshments and toilets.

11am – we will divide into two equal groups.  Group A will have a 90 minute Town Tour lasting until 12.30pm then with time for lunch (at own cost) followed by an Abbey tour from 2pm.  Group B will do the programme in reverse.

We will be guided by Sue and Mike throughout the day.

4pm – leave Romsey for home.

Cost £47 p.p.  (see N.B. below)

Last date for bookings 7th August 2025.  Arrangement Probus B.

This trip cannot run unless we have 30 participants.

N.B. This price may change slightly as by the time we visit Romsey, the King John’s House and Heritage Centre which recently suffered a severe fire, may again be opened for visitors.  If this is possible, I may very well collect +/- £5 p.p. in cash on the day for the entry fee and a visit to this establishment will then be included.  This can only be decided upon later.  Please however do not delay booking or payment meantime.

A brief background to Romsey

7 miles Northwest of Southampton.

11 miles Southwest of Winchester.

17 miles Southeast of Salisbury and lies on the River Test.  The old rural market town includes many historical buildings, a 13th century hunting lodge, 18th century coaching inn and 19th century corn exchange along with the 1865 signal box (not open that often).

The Abbey is 12th century Norman style and includes the Romsey Reredos (ornamental screen), the 11th century Anglo Saxon Rood, Tomb of Lord Mountbatten, the 1858 Walker Organ and splendid Romanesque Norman architecture.  It is described as the largest parish church in Hampshire!  So, lots to experience during the day.

There is a charge for guided tours within the Abbey which we will not have to pay as such as we have our own guides but a donation will be expected which I have built into the cost indicated.

Great Green Barn Theatre

Did anyone attend the shows on 23rd March, 28th March or 2nd May and if so please let me know whether this was a good experience.

Furthermore, if you intend to visit on 31st May, again I would be interested to know how you got on.

AND FINALLY

Two additional events have been suggested.

a)   Wednesday 18th June 2025 – The Trip to the Seaside

Full details were supplied by email 6th May but at the time of writing only 12 people are interested from an initial number of 35.

b)   Thursday 31st July 2025 – The Great Gatsby Musical at the London Coliseum Theatre. 

All fully described in various emails

From an original interest by 33 people this has now declined to 15 but a deal for Probus at the same seat price has now been negotiated.

Derek Bonham

Previous Activities

2024

Friday 16th February – (trip 2024/1) – Skittles evening at Cranleigh Village Sports & Social Club, 7pm

Teams of 4 will be drawn by Richard Chaundy (Probus A).  Supper will be served at 8pm after the first round of games.  Supper will be Spanish chicken, (gluten free) with rice.  Dessert available, payable on the night.

Cost £15 p.p.  Arrangement Probus A.

Payment is by cheque only in favour of Cranleigh Probus A Club and should be sent to Richard Chaundy, 16 The Ridings, Cranleigh, GU6 7AZ (01483-278197).  It lets him know you are coming.

N.B. Please put your name(s) and address on the back of the cheque.

Last date for bookings is 16th January 2024.  There will be prizes for winning teams and a separate “last man standing” game at the end of the evening (£1 p.p. entry for this payable on the night with proceeds going to the RBL Fund).  If you have any dietary requirements please advise Richard.  Prize presentation and finish at approx. 10.30pm.

Sunday 10th March – (trip 2024/2) – Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Directed by Ray McVay at New Victoria Theatre, Woking at 3pm.

A concert of Glenn Miller music with the orchestra accompanied by the Moonlight Serenaders, Catherine Sykes and Mark Porter.

This has already been well publicised in earlier emails with 48 participants and 13 on the waiting list.

All payments have been made and we will be using own transport.

I have the tickets which I will personally issue in February 2024.  Expect no further comment in this respect until then.

Wednesday 17th April – (trip 2024/3) – Hever Castle and Gardens tours, Edenbridge, Kent.

Hever Castle dates back to 1270 in part and was the home of the Boleyn family 1462 to 1539, later coming into the possession of Anne of Cleves (Henry VIII 4th wife).  Anne Boleyn spent her early youth there.

It is a Grade I listed castle now owned by the Guthrie family’s Broadland Properties.

The Castle has a collection of antique furniture, Anne Boleyn’s prayer books, instruments of torture and a large collection of Tudor paintings, all arranged on three floors.  There is also a museum of the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry.

The Gardens include mazes and lakes and at the time I have chosen to go, it is the “Celebration of Spring” event when the spring flowers should be at their best!

The day will include private guided tours of the Castle and separately the Gardens, one hour for each and a visit to St Peter’s Church thereafter.

The plan for the day is as follows:-

8am – Leave Cranleigh (36 miles each way on coach)

By 10.15am – arrive at Hever Castle coach park by main gate where we will be met and escorted into the Grounds.  Morning refreshments not available at this time (unless pre-booked at £6.75p.p. – our potential arrival timing making this unviable) but toilets are.

11.30am – free time and to include lunch at the Moat Café (self service with tables inside and outside).  Card only payment at own cost.

N.B.  I have not arranged a set lunch at Pavilion Restaurant as this needs to be pre-booked and the same food course needs to be ordered for all.

2pm – Garden tour (meeting outside the Information Hut).

3.15pm – St Peter’s Church visit with separate guide.

4pm – Leave to return to Cranleigh by 6.30pm.

Cost £57 p.p.  assuming at least 30 participants.  Arrangement Probus B.  Cheques please with bookings to Derek Bonham in favour of Cranleigh & District Probus B Club.  Last date for bookings 13th March 2024.  Your cheques will be banked on 15th March 2024.

Wednesday 29th May (or possibly 30th May) – (trip 2024/4) – Guided Thames Sightseeing Brunel’s River Cruise including a guided tour of Brunel Museum at Rotherhithe with lunch taken at Mayflower Public House.

THIS TRIP IS AT THE EARLY PLANNING STAGE BUT INTENTION IS AS FOLLOWS.

8am – Leave Cranleigh.

By 10.30am – Arrive at the Embankment to catch 10.56am boat – Thames Clipper.  Robert Hulse, Founding Director of Brunel Museum, to be our guide “for an exploration of London attractions along the Thames, an adventure through time with the Brunel Supremo.”

The voyage will include the full story of Isambard Kingdom Brunel whilst we cruise under his bridges and disembark after 2 hours 45 minutes at Masthouse Terrace where the SS Great Eastern was built.  We then take a short walk to Island Gardens DLR for a train journey to Rotherhithe, then through Brunel’s Thames Tunnel, the oldest tunnel in the oldest subway system in the world.

By 2.15pm – Lunch at the Mayflower pub 1550AD (4 minutes walk from the railway) which we would need to pre-order.

3.30pm – Guided Private Tour of Brunel Museum, for 60 minutes, to include Engine House exhibition and Grade II listed Tunnel shaft.

4.45pm – Meet our coach at Rotherhithe Overground Railway station to arrive back into Cranleigh by 7pm.

Exact cost cannot yet be established as 2024 transport expenses not yet known, other than Gastonia where a confirmed quotation has been obtained but to encompass all elements provisional cost could be £54p.p. assuming at least 30 participants.

Plus DLR rail fare to be paid individually by contactless credit card and pre-ordered lunch at own expense.

Thames Clipper price will assume all are over 65 and hold either Freedom Passes or pensioner out of town bus passes.

Arrangement Probus B.  You can see that this is quite a complicated trip to put together so in principle could you please advise Derek Bonham whether this is of interest because some elements of the overall cost are dependent upon numbers of participants.

ADVICE PLEASE BY 31ST DECEMBER 2023.

A detailed and firm itinerary will hopefully be available for the January Update.

Thursday 18th July – (trip 2024/5) – Cults and Clangers – The Beautiful and the Bonkers in Bedford – a City & Village Blue Badge guided tour.

Bedford is described as the Wonderful, the Wacky and the Weird town on the Great Ouse.

8am  – Leave Cranleigh

At 10.30am we visit The Swan Hotel on the Embankment for “posh morning coffee” which is included in the price.  This is a walking tour throughout but the distances covered are short, visiting a number of the local sights in the company of our guide Alex.  He will talk about Bedford being the Spy Capital of Britain in 1940 and how BBC during the Blitz moved their music and religious departments from London.  We can also see the Coal Exchange where Glenn Miller performed his last concert before disappearing in the Channel.

Also included are visits to Higgin’s Art Gallery and museum housed in an historic brewery building including displays of ceramics, glass and ‘objets d’art’ textiles and furniture.

Lunch at own cost can be taken there in its small café or alternatively at the Swan Hotel or local restaurants.

Later we visit The Panacea Society Museum (much about this on the Internet!) which reckons Bedford embraces the Garden of Eden!

Leaving Cranleigh at 8am and returning to Cranleigh at around 7pm (92 miles each way on coach and none in Bedford)

Cost £58p.p. assuming at least 30 participants.  Arrangement Probus B.

Cheques please with bookings to Derek Bonham in favour of Cranleigh & District Probus B Club.  Last date for bookings 30th May 2024.  Your cheques will be banked on 31st May 2024.

August – Chichester Festival Theatre – musical.  (trip 2024/6)

We will attend hopefully a matinee performance of the annual musical during this month.

The show will not be announced until mid February 2024.

I have written to Joanna – Box Office Manager requesting if possible same block of 50 seats as we occupied in 2023.  Arrangement Probus B.

Watch out for a separate email with details towards the end of February.

Thursday 5th September – (trip 2024/7) – Romney Marsh and Hythe – a City & Village Blue Badge guided tour.

We meet our Guide at 10.30am to purchase morning refreshments.  This area is known for its natural beauty, diverse habitat and rich history and has been dubbed the 5th continent.  Covering an area of 100 sq miles it has been popular with artists and writers, in particular Noel Coward had a house there and Ian Fleming often visited.  It has several mediaeval churches, we stop and inspect one and also see the fisherman’s cottage and world famous garden of film maker Derek Jarman.

A fish and chip lunch and hot drink at The Pilot Inn is included.

In the afternoon we drive along the coast through St Mary’s Bay and Dr Syn’s Dymchurch to Hythe.

Leaving Cranleigh at 8am and returning to Cranleigh around 7pm (96 miles each way on coach).

Cost £62 p.p. assuming at least 30 participants.

Cheques please with bookings to Derek Bonham in favour of Cranleigh & District Probus B Club.  Last date for bookings 24th July 2024.  Your cheques will be banked on 26th July 2024.

The months of October, November and December have been left blank at present as some of the potential places we could visit do not yet have 2024 prices and other details available.

It is anticipated that some of the suggestions outlined in the May 2023 Update will be considered alongside other venues such as the Houses of Parliament/Big Ben experience although with one exception we are endeavouring to avoid London where possible and a Christmas concert if possible outside of London.  Sadly, Sonning prices have escalated which makes visits there unviable.

Meantime an ACTION POINT – would you be interested in participating in a 2 day event, staying overnight at a Premier Inn, Travel Lodge or similar?

Possible venues could be:-

Thursford Christmas Spectacular in Norfolk.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Chatham Dockyards

If interested, please contact Derek Bonham by 31st December 2023 so that this different trip format can be investigated.

Below you will see details for the remainder of 2024, followed on by the present situation for 2025.  Watch out for a further update in January.

Wednesday 4th December 2024 – Salisbury

This trip is full (40 people) with a waiting list.

Our two Blue Badge guides, Sue de Salis and John Cutland have been booked and paid together with our one overall ticket for the Cathedral obtained following payment.  Joining Instructions with full details were issued on 6th November noting particularly a slightly earlier time of departure from Cranleigh.

Monday 9th December 2024– “The Housetrap” – A murder mystery play set in 1922.

This trip is also full (44 people) with a waiting list.

Preliminary Joining Instructions were issued on 5th November but I am still awaiting final details from the Guildford Shakespeare Co as following my visit to West Horsley Place I have identified some Health & Safety issues and additionally precise directions to the venue and arrival procedures are required.

Sunday 22nd December 2024 – St Nicolas Church Carol Service at 6pm.

This is NOT being organised by Probus A this year.  Probus members are however invited to this Carol Service followed by drinks thereafter (at own cost) at the Three Horseshoes.  There is no need to advise attendance beforehand.

2023

May

Wednesday 10th May 2023 (trip 2023/5) – Savill Gardens and Thames River Cruise.

At the time of writing we have not embarked on this trip and a report of what prevailed will be included within the July Update.

This trip has been well supported with 47 participants.

July

Wednesday 26th July 2023 (trip 2023/7) – Chichester Festival Theatre – “The Sound of Music” at 2.30pm.

This goes ahead as planned and Joining Instructions were issued on 4th July

September

Sunday 17th September – (trip 2023/8) – Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, Quainton, near Aylesbury

We did not reach the required numbers so sadly this trip was cancelled.  Unfortunately, we lost a small deposit payment.

November

 Wednesday 29th November (trip 2023/9) NEW – Winchester Cathedral, Christmas Market and Historical Winchester Tour

I made a trip to Winchester with some friends on Maundy Thursday and it proved to be a perfect day!  So, having researched a potential programme (aided by Richard Kenyon) our day there is planned as follows: -

8.45am – leaving Cranleigh

11am – Cathedral – 1hr guided tour.

12pm – lunch and visit to Christmas market (in grounds of Cathedral at Inner Close).  Around 112 stalls.

2.00 and 2.10 pm – Historical 1 ½ hrs guided tour commencing at Abbey Gardens and including a visit to the Great Hall.  This tour can be geared to our specific requirements but can include the ancient city walls, College Street with Winchester College and Jane Austen’s house or to the upper part of the city including the High Street and Peninsula Barracks.  A full and detailed route will be decided in due course.

This trip MUST be limited to 40 participants and on each tour, two guides will be involved so we will be divided into two parties.  I have 38 participants at present that are interested so only 2 places remain.

4.30pm – Leave for Cranleigh to arrive there at around 6.30pm.

Cost £40 p.p.  Arrangement Probus B.  Morning refreshments and lunch at own cost.  I have all 40 places filled with 4 on the waiting list.

Some 100 coaches will be arriving, so I have already booked our Gastonia Coach in, at the start of September.  Just a few payments from participants remain outstanding.

Cheques please with bookings to Derek Bonham in favour of Cranleigh & District Probus B Club.  Last date for bookings 1st November 2023.  Your cheques will be banked on 3rd November 2023.

December

Saturday 9th December 2023 – (trip 2023/10) - Christmas Cracker concert RPO Cadogan Hall at 3pm.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Stephen Bell with vocalist Louise Dearman and other guests.

The final programme has yet to be announced but it is anticipated that this Christmas music will include such tunes as It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year; White Christmas; The Christmas Song; Sleigh Ride; Jingle Bells; Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas; Winter Wonderland and many more.  There will be an opportunity to sing a number of carols with song sheets provided.

We have booked 30 seats in stalls Rows J, K and L.

Cost £64p.p. Arrangement Probus B.

Friday 15th December 2023 – (trip 2023/11) - Carol Service at Cranleigh Baptist Church – 7pm.

Arrangement Probus A.  I do not anticipate obtaining any further instructions at this time so please just arrive and pay the required donation requested.  I believe the format should be the same as for previous years.

2022

MARCH

Wednesday 30 March 2022 (trip 2022/4) – City Bridges, City Gates (London) – a City & Village Tour with Blue Badge Guide.

APRIL

Wednesday 20 April 2022 (trip 2022/5) – Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Lower Beeding, near Horsham.

These are described as The Finest Woodland Gardens in England and were first planted in 1801.  They are Grade I listed on the 240 acre estate and feature outstanding scenery throughout the year.  There are lakes, a Rock Garden and Doll’s House Museum, a colony of wallabies and deer roaming free.  At Spring time there are displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells.  

MAY

Wednesday 4 May 2022 (trip 2022/6) – Knole House, Sevenoaks (National Trust).

Originally built as an archbishop’s palace, Knole passed through royalty to the Sackville family who still live there today.  A 600 year old estate with grand courtyards and a tranquil orangery and winding paths in the parkland populated by wild deer.  The showrooms include paintings by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyke, 17th Century tapestries and furniture of similar date.

JUNE

Wednesday 8 June 2022 (trip 2022/7) – Weald and Downland Living Museum, Singleton, Chichester, West Sussex.

This trip is going ahead with 23 participants but unfortunately did not receive the support anticipated.  All participants have received their Joining Instructions. 

JULY

Wednesday 20 July 2022 (trip 2022/8) – The Mary Rose Exhibition at Portsmouth Dockyard.

Participation closed on 1 June and 31 persons are booked in.  The programme for the day is essentially unchanged from that originally envisaged and set out in earlier updates.  The cost has reduced from the provisional figure of £49 p.p. to £47 p.p. and all participants have been advised that monies are required by 17 June after which Joining Instructions will be issued.

AUGUST

Tuesday 16 August 2022 (trip 2022/9) Chichester Festival Theatre – “Crazy For You”

All 50 places were taken

SEPTEMBER

Thursday 22 September 2022 (trip 2022/11) Oxford Tour

This is now finalised with 26 participants who have all acknowledged receipt and understanding of the Joining Instructions.

OCTOBER

Wednesday 26 October 2022 (trip 2022/13) Poppy Factory in Richmond and Marble Hill House

December

Saturday 10 December 2022 (trip 2022/10) – Christmas Cracker at Cadogan Hall at 3pm.

We now have sufficient numbers for this trip to proceed and Joining Instructions have been issued to those participating.

Friday 16 December 2022 (trip 2022/14) Carol Service at St Nicolas Church 7pm.

Cost £5 p.p. 

This service returns after two years absence.  A donation of £5 p.p. is requested to cover the cost of refreshments (mulled wine and mince pies) and a donation to the church.  Arrangement Probus A. 

 2019

 FEBRUARY

Friday 15 February 2019 (trip 2019/1) - Skittles evening at the Bulls Head, Ewhurst at 7pm.

See above listed with Probus A Club

 MARCH

Sunday 17 March 2019 (trip 2019/2) – “Let’s Face the Music” at Royal Albert Hall – matinee performance at 2.30pm.  

2018

DECEMBER

 Friday 14 December 2018 – Carol Service at the Baptist Church, Cranleigh 7pm. 

 Sunday 16 December 2018 – Cadogan Hall.  Christmas Cracker concert - matinee performance at 3pm.

.