ELLON & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
Probus Club Meeting held on 24th July 2025
A talk by sports journalist Jack Nixon and photographer Colin Rennie.
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Jack Nixon commenced the talk by explaining his initiation into journalism first with the “Ellon Times”, and then with Aberdeen’s newspaper “The Press & Journal”. He was to work as a sports journalist for a total of 27 years covering mainly Rugby, and Cricket. Jack went on to give an in-depth view of his career with the P&J and all the interesting events during this period.
Colin Rennie then took over to tell us about his career with the P&J which started in 1974. He was first a photo printer, and developer of film for three years before becoming a full time photographer with the paper. On the projector screen Colin showed us many pictures he took from sports events Football, Rugby, Golf, to name a few. He also covered Royal events, and also early visits by Donald Trump to Scotland.
Jack then rounded up the talk by saying it was a privilege working with Colin and writing the cover stories of his Photo’s. A perticular reference was made to the copy typists, and sub editors who could reduce a thousand word piece to just four hundred without losing the main theme of the story.Jack now retired made a final comment that it was a wonderful journey meeting so many different people along the way.
President John Gill on left with Jack Nixon centre and Colin Rennie on the right.
“A picture tells a thousand words” a very appropriate comment made by president John Gill in his closing statement to our two guest speakers.
Ken McDade was then invited to give the Vote of Thanks for this very humourous and somewhat enlightening talk on behalf of members.
His Majesty King Charles’s Garden Party held on 1st July 2025 at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.
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Ellon Probus Club fellow member and our Convenor of Speakers Colin Grant, accepted an invitation to attend His Majesty’s Garden Party together with his wife Joy at Holyrood Palace. The invitation was extended by the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Sandy Manson, as representative of His Majesty King Charles in Aberdeenshire. Near seven thousand people attended the party on a fine summers day. 🍰☕️🧁.
Holyrood Palace is the King’s official residence in Scotland, situated at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. It has been used as a Royal Residence since the 16th century, and is open to the public at various times of the year.
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Some of the attendees at the Garden Party, Colin Grant and wife Joy on the right, in the centre wearing the Kilt is Sandy Manson Lord Lieut: of Aberdeenshire.
His Majesty King Charles and Queen Camilla decending the steps at Holyrood Palace.
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Colin Grant and his wife Joy.
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Holyrood Palace.
Probus Club Meeting held on 10th July 2025.
Speaker: Stan Robertson on the topic of
“The Airmen of Dyce”
Dyce Aerodrome started life in October 1934 and by 1942 into WW2 two concret runways had been built on the airfield. By then the RAF had taken over the Aerodrome and it was used primarily as a training base. Pilots were trained on Gliders, and Powered aircraft, but other squadrons used the base for photo reconnaissance, anti shipping, and also patrolling the north east coast of Scotland.
Stan’s talk centered mainly on some of the airman who were based at Dyce and in many cases their tragic ending. As a training base many pilots were involved in accidents leading to loss of life or serious injury. Bad weather, heavy fog, and flying into high ground were some of the reasons for the accidents. One crucial factor was that an Altimeter in those days gave the height of the aircraft above sea level, and not above the ground.
All airmen who were tragically killed in these accidents including German pilots shot down in night fighter sorties were buried with full military honours at Dyce Cemetary. Their graves and head stones still there today, and several of these allied pilots came from different countries.
Stan also reflected on many heroic exploits of pilots returning with heavily damaged aircraft to Dyce. In one instance a perfectly serviceable German Junkers JU88 night fighter landed at Dyce with the crew having defected to Britain.
This was a talk of much interest to members who asked many questions at the end. In appreciation Jim Gauld gave the Vote of Thanks to Stan on behalf of members present.
Stan Robertson (R/H) with president John Gill.
Aerial photo of Dyce Aerodrome as it was in 1940.
Probus Club Meeting 26th June 2025.
Speaker: Kyle Murray. RNLI Peterhead.
Kyle Murray (R/H) with president John Gill
Kyle Murray has served in the RNLI for the past 12 years, and is now a full time coxswain in the last year at Peterhead Lifeboat Station.
Kyle commenced his talk with a history of the RNLI which was founded in 1824. There are over 400 Lifeboat stations today throughout the UK and Ireland, with 46 of them in Scotland. Throughout the Many years thousands of seafarers have been aided, and lives saved by Scotland’s lifeboatmen the majority (97%) being volunteers. All go through a special training programme at the RNLI training college at Poole before becoming a member of a boat crew.
The first lifeboat commenced operation in Peterhead in 1865 and have evolved through the years from rowing boats to modern all weather powered boats. The two principle boats in operation at Peterhead are a Tamar Class, and a B Class (Atlantic 85), together with smaller dinghy types.
Finally Kyle terminated his talk by showing a vidio of the rescue of a boat in distress. An excellent and informative talk with members asking many questions at the end.
Tamar Class Lifeboat
The Tamar class is an all weather boat with a operating range of apx: 250 miles, at an average speed of 25Kts. It is powered by two diesel engines of 1050HP each and carries a crew of seven. The boat is capable of accommodating 44+ persons in a rescue event.
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B Class Lifeboat
The B Class boat is an inshore rescue craft which carries a crew of 3-4, and has an endurance of apx: 3 hours. Powered by two Yamaha outboard engines of 115HP each, it is capable of speeds up to 35Kts. The current version of this craft is known as the Atlantic 85.
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In appreciation, and on behalf of members present, Graham Sangster gave the Vote of Thanks to Kyle.
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Probus Club Meeting 12th June 2025.
A fun morning “Tea in the Park” 😎🍰☕️
President John Gill welcomed members and guests to the Castle Gardnes for something different for a change. The venue today was a meet up at the Ellon Castle Gardens, where retired grown men & women played silly games such as croquet, darts, bowls etc. out in the open, and then indulged in coffee, tea, and assorted sandwiches inside the marquee tent. A fun morning enjoyed by one and all, a bit of bright sunshine would have enhanced the whole experience ☀️🤗
Ellon Castle dates back to the 15th century, and the gardens surrounding it were progressively developed to their present size in the 18th century. It is a popular visitor attraction in the centre of Ellon.
A view of part of the Castle gardens, a suitable spot to set up the fun and games
Sat outside and tucking in to the fare on a rather blustery day.
Better inside than out.
31 members and guests who turned up this morning.
Overall winners of the six different games played today. Ewan Johnson (L/H), and John Gatt (R/H) with the customary bottles of vino in hand. In the middle Colin Grant, chief organiser of today’s events.
A view of the fountain at the entrance to the Castle Gardens.
Probus Club Meeting 22nd May 2025. Speakers: John Bloomfield, and Kenny Stewart on the topic of ROV company Film-Ocean.
John Bloomfield commenced the talk with an explanation of the services, and operation of the Film-Ocean Company. Their main task is providing sub sea inspection and recovery work with Remote Operating Vehicles (ROV’S) to the global offshore industry. This provides a safe means of sub sea work taking away the need for divers.
The company started life in 2004 in a garage in Ythan Bank Ellon, and evolved into a large organisation with an HQ in an energy efficient building in Balmacassie Ellon.
Kenny Stewart then explained the technicality involved in operating the ROV’s. Some weigh in at several tons including the tethering cable, and cost in the region of five to seven million pounds. Other smaller ROV’s are autonomous and are used mainly for shallow water inspection work. Film-Ocean have a range of different vehicles and are able to deploy them anywhere world wide where they are required. Problem solving is usually done in real time with the clients through computer internet links.
John then went on to inform members that the global offshore ROV business is a forty billion dollar industry, and Film-Ocean intends to have their share of the action from little ol Ellon.
A talk of great interest to members who asked many question at the end, and was followed by Ewan Johnson giving the Vote of Thanks.
Speakers John Bloomfield, Business Devlopment Manager (R/H), and Kenny Stewart…ROV Technical Support Engineer (Ctr), with president John Gill.
New Member
Our third new lady member Elizabeth Blackadder giving her introductory address to members.
New Member
Lynda Evans our fourth new lady member gives her introductory talk to members
One of a range of ROV’s operated by Film-Ocean. This perticular model is a Panther-XT launch and recovery vehicle
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Christine Wilkie with president John Gill
Probus Club Meeting 08/05/2025
Speaker today Christine Wilkie on the subject of her book “From Barbados to Banffshire.
Christine’s talk today commenced with reflections of her early childhood in Guyana where she was born in 1943. Her farther Alexander Weir emigrated to Guyana from Banffshire in the late twenty’s where he met her mother Margot Turpin who was born in Barbados. Unfortunately due to her father’s ill health the family moved back to Banffshire, which was a bit of a culture shock for Christine.
After her mother passed away in 2008, Christine and her husband David decided to visit Barbados, and Guyana, to discover more about the family roots on her mothers side. To their absolute amazement they discovered that her great-great grandfather Joseph Turpin was an enslaved man who worked for a slave owner as a carpenter. Further research through a genealogy group showed that the slave owner was murdered by a group of slaves, and Joseph Turpin inherited a sum of money from the slave owner as he was regarded as a favoured man. The money was used to set up a village for free slaves in Barbados. Joseph’s son Adolphus Turpin became an Anglican Archdeacon in Kingston, Saint Vincent , and his son Milton Turpin became an Anglican Priest as well.
Christine joined up to Ancestry.co.uk and took a DNA test which showed she had 2% West African descent no doubt linked to her great-great grandfather. Christine says she is in fact quite proud to have this link to slavery which was a disgraceful humanitarian period in history.
In 2021 Christine put this whole story into a book “From Barbados to Banffshire” and money’s raised from book sales go towards the Stroke Association in her mum’s memory.
A fascinating, and interesting talk by Christine, and in appreciation fellow member Brian Jamieson gave the Vote of Thanks.
Probus Club Spring Lunch 24th April 2025, held at the Ellon Golf Club.
Vice President Frank Reilly welcomed members and guests to the lunch, and introduced guest speakers Craig Walker Editor of the “Press& Journal” newspaper, and fellow member Eric Walker. Frank was standing in for president John Gill who has absconded on Holiday😎😂.
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Our speaker today is Craig Walker, Editor in Chief of the “Press & Journal” (P & J) newspaper in Aberdeen. A resident of Ellon, Craig has served with the P & J for over 20 years and was appointed editor in March 2023. Craig’s journalistic career started with the “Ellon Times” and he gave a brief history of that newspaper and also that of the P & J, and his role in it.
At present the P & J is seeing a shift in culture with more young people moving on to reading the digital copy. The newspaper however continues with the printed copy working with relevant data and journalism which is in tune and interesting to people. They also promote and support a community fund, and campaign for current issues effecting local people. However, new challenge’s and opportunities await with digital tech, and the P & J will move with the times as and when required.
Craig gave an informative talk with much detail about the journalistic world. Members asked some questions at the end of the talk and this was followed with Peter Mackie giving the Vote of Thanks.
The lunch was attended by 44 members and guests, and also for the first time four of our new lady members as well.🍷🍽️😋
Top Table….Vice President Frank Reilly (R/H) stood in for president John Gill to chair the proceedings at the lunch today.
Eric Walker our fellow member gave an amusing talk about coming over from Kirrimuir to Ellon in the rather taxing task of purchasing a new home….a bungalow in Ellon.
Craig Walker, Editor in Chief of the “Press & Journal” newspaper based in Aberdeen.
Roast beef, Turkey, Ham, and all the trimmings, it was all there at the excellent buffet lunch provided by the catering staff of Ellon Golf Club.
A bit of fun, a quiz following the lunch. The expression on quiz master Colin Grant’s face in the center says it all “ How did they do it?”😧 The winning pair of Alistair Martin (L/H) and David Crosley (R/H) with the customary prizes of bottles of Plonk!.
Probus Club Meeting 10/04/2025
Speaker Joe Mackie on the topic of Aberdeen Transport “First Bus”
Our speaker today was Joe Mackie, former director of “First Bus Aberdeen”. He was a founder member of “First Bus” and worked in the industry for 52 years and 3 months. Starting off as a bus conductor in July 1963, and then graduating into a bus driver, Joe moved on into the Aberdeen management team and became a director of Grampian transport in 1985. With deregulation in the 1980’s there was an employee and management buy out of 39% of Grampian Transport in 1989. This was followed by a merger of bus company’s with Northern Scottish, and Stagecoach leading to the formation of Grampian Regional Transport (GRT) group. Finally under the leadership of Moir Lockhead in the 1990’s a further merger with Bristol based Badgerline resulted in the birth of “First Bus” PLC, the largest bus operating company in the UK.
Year 2000 saw a new bus depot opened in King street Aberdeen, and through the years many different types of bus were deployed from single deck to double deckers. A variety of manufacturers provided the buses from Leyland, Daimler, and Volvo to name a few.
Joe gave a talk of great interest which brought back many memories among members, and also many questions which he was happy to answer. Fellow member Frank Reilly then gave the Vote of Thanks to Joe in his usual humourous way.
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Joe Mackie (RH) former director of “First Bus” company of Aberdeen with president John Gill.
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New member Janet Harrison welcomed into the club by president John Gill. Our second lady member and one hopes more to come?
On the right the very latest all electric bus introduced and put into operation by the “First Bus” company. Zero emissions is what it’s all about moving with the times!.
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The above bus is a Yutong E12 model, 12 meters in length with a seating capacity for 39 passengers, and an operational range estimated at 370 km. Aberdeen First Bus has purchased 24 which they predict will reduce carbon emissions within their fleet by 40%.
Fred Crawford is a former school teacher at Ellon Acadamy and was an active participant in the Ellon Amature Operatic Society
Probus Club Meeting 27th March 2025.
A Musical Morning as arranged by fellow member Fred Crawford.
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Having been gently persuaded by our Convenor of Speakers Colin Grant to put together a compilation of songs from famous musicals, Fred duly obliged, an arm twist was never part of the process😂. All of the songs were accompanied by video recordings on the projector screen, duly provided by our master tecnical assistant Graham Sangster.
1. Roger’s & Hammerstein “ Oklahoma” with Gordon MacRae singing “Oh what a beautiful morning”. 2. South Pacific “There is nothing like a Dame” 3. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Close every door to me” 4. Chris Isherwood’s musical Caberet with Lisa Minnellie singing “Life is a Caberet” 5. The Sound of Music, with Julie Andrew’s singing “The hills are alive”. Finally there was a Scottish input with the “Proclaimer’s” singing “Sunshine on Leith”.
Some members did try to sing along but not to a level where the neighbours would complain.🤣.
A very enjoyable morning and John Gatt then gave a very informative Vote of Thanks to Fred for his efforts.
Probus Club Quiz Night Held At Ellon Golf Club 21st March 2025.
The Ellon Probus Club held a quiz night to raise funds and swell the coffers as it were of the clubs finances. The quiz was well attended with 21 teams of four persons talking part. Five teams from the Probus club itself participated including representation from the Ellon Men’s shed, Ellon Historical Society, and the Rotary Club, to name but a few.
One team from the Ellon Probus club came in second, pipped at the post by the clever chaps of the Ellon “Walking Football Club” team who were first.
The President John Gill thanked all those who attended for their support, much appreciated by all members of the Probus Club.
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The Quiz winners “Ellon Walking Men’s Football” team.
Quiz Master Colin Grant on left, flanked by the four members of the winning team in center, and president John Gill on the right.
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Probus Club Meeting 13/03/2025
Question Time.
President John Gill welcomed members to the meeting this morning and apologised for the non appearance of the speaker who had to cancel out the previous evening.
However with the combined efforts of Colin Grant, and Ken McDade a “Question Time” session was put together at short notice. One hopes the BBC will not raise an issue for copying their format 😁.
A panel of four members was selected and pre prepared questions was put to them by question master Colin Grant. Each was then asked for their opinion on the subject matter followed by a question and answer session by members…yes! just like the BBC’s. The questions ranged from 1. What should happen to empty council buildings in Ellon. 2. Will Donald Trump be made welcome if he were to visit Scotland? 3. Should vaccination be made compulsory in Scotland. 4. Should Ellon’s community council be revived to improve and regenerate the town centre?. Lots of significant opinions were expressed by the panel on these questions, and also many more from the members. Needless to say the session was a mix of serious dialog and a bit of humour thrown in for good measure.
We have done this before on one occasion and members were keen on the idea of repeating a “Question Time” morning in the future. Colin Grant then gave a Vote of Thanks to the panel for their input into the proceedings.
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The Panel was formed by our learned colleague’s from left Peter Mackie, John Gatt, Brain Jamieson, and Ewen Johnson, with Colin Grant standing.
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New member Leith Forsyth was made welcome into the club by president John Gill.
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John McLeish (R/H) with president John Gill with some of the Tartan samples he brought along.
Since 2019 John McLeish has been the Chief Executive of the Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen.
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John’s talk was of much interest to members and took many questions on the subject. In appreciation and on behalf of members, Alistair Martin gave the Vote of Thanks.
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Probus Club meeting 26/02/2025 Speaker John McLeish Chairman of the Scottish Tartan Authority.
Preserveing the fabric of a nation…so to speak?
Depicted above is the oldest piece of Tartan cloth found 40 years ago in a peat bog at Glen Affric dated at about the 16th century.
John commenced his talk with a short summary on the history of Tartan cloth. A wool fragment was found in Falkirk similar in appearance to Tartan, but was later dated to the Roman period. In 1815 it became necessary to codify Tartan cloth as too many people were claiming to be linked to the Government Tartan ie: The Blackwatch. Since then Tartan cloth has become a national icon. There is no law to register a Tartan pattern, and anyone can invent their own.
Tartan cloth is a symmetrical pattern where two or more colours repeat in sequence vertically, and horizontally, forming a sort of chess board composit pattern where they cross. Current estimate is that there are over ten thousand different patterns in existence today.
John then displayed some samples which he had brought along, and explained the variation in colour of the more famous ones.
King Charles is now the patron of the Scottish Tartan Authority, an avid supporter and wears kilts with his own unique patterns.
Probus Club meeting held on 13th Feb: 2025.
Speaker Dr. Roger Williams and the topic was Music & the Church.
Dr.Roger William's with president John Gill on left.
Dr. Roger Williams was born in Wales and was Master of Cerimonial Music, and Organist at Aberdeen University for over 30 years. He attended the University of London, and then graduated with a PhD from Kings collage Cambridge. He was also the organist in several Churches throughout the UK before coming to Aberdeen University.
Music and the Church was the subject matter of Dr. Williams talk today and he started with a quote from the Book of Psalms. Historically mankind has been singing to the god’s stretching back to 1500BC. Before the Reformation in England singing in Churches was done by professional singers and then in Latin. After the reformation the Church congregation joined in to sing Carols.
To test members ability to sing, Dr. Williams encouraged members to join him in a famous Yorkshire ditty “On Ilkla moor Baht At” none to say the least would have made it on “Britain’s got Talent”. In 1588 a famous author of the time William Bird wrote that singing is good for nature and wellbeing. It has since been proven that areas of the mind are indeed effected when we humans sing. So the message is get the kids singing at home, and go to Church and sing and not the gym😊.
As an accomplished organist in many Churches, Dr. Williams was awarded an MBE in 2009 just before retiring in 2010.
The President made welcome our very first lady member into the club Thelma Paterson. A unique occasion for the Ellon Probus Club.
Also made welcome today into the club was another new member Roddy Gourlay (RH).
A very informative and also humourous talk by Dr. Williams, and on behalf of Members David Crosley gave the Vote of Thanks.
Probus Club Meeting held on 23rd Jan: 2025.
Guest speakers Jim Mortimer, and Sandy Simpson.
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Morag Pirie pipes in the Haggis to the tribute morning.
A Tribute to Robert Burns
Following the welcoming address by president John Gill members were treated to the traditional meal of Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties provided by caterers Jackie Greenaway, and assistant Dorothy Mortimer. A splendid meal washed down with another Scottish favourite “Irn Bru”. Thanks also must go to master of ceremonies Colin Grant, and John Gatt who organised the raffle at the end of the morning.
President John Gill welcomes members and guests to this mornings tribute to Robert Burns.
Peter Mackie makes the address to the “Great Chieftain” of the pudding race (the Haggis) accompanied by Morag Pirie on pipes.
And the band played entertaining members with some of Burns songs. Alistair Martin in good voice, Helen Gill (ctr:) on the keys, and Morag Pirie on Violin.
Sandy Simpson the “Bard of Ellon” recited Burn’s poem “To a Mouse” and followed later with “Holy Willie’s Prayer.
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Guest Speaker Jim Mortimer gave an outline talk on the ‘Immortal Memory” of Rabbi Burns who’s poems and songs are known the world over. Despite Burn’s reputation as a philanderer he is regarded with great affection as one of Scotland’s most famous sons.
Probus Club Meeting
9th January 2025.
President John Gill welcomed members to the first meeting of 2025.
Unfortunately the allocated speaker cancelled out due to the adverse weather conditions. It was therefore decided that a quiz will be held to add some amusement to the meeting. Questions were compiled by our usual quiz master Colin Grant, able assisted by Ken McDade, and Alan Barker. The intellectual gifted duo of Frank Reilly, and Alistair Martin, took home the specially selected prizes of short bread sourced from Fortnum & Mason…Oh! yah!, or was it Tesco 😂😂😂.
A fun morning had by one and all on a bitterly cold winters day.
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The Quiz team from LH to RH Ken McDade,John Gill, Colin Grant, and Alan Barker.
The winning duo with their appropriate prizes Frank Reilly Ctr: and Alistair Martin Rh.
Our first speaker of the day was the Reverend Alistair Bruce, minster at Ellon Parish Church. He described himself as a Rugby loving clergyman and went on to tell us about his early life in Dalkeith Edinburgh. With much humour he related the saga of continuously having to set up a video recorder for his grandparents. Having studied Theology at University, he became a minister of the church and regards it a great privilege to work for the community. Christmas for him means being with family and friends, helping the unfortunate, and doing his ministerial work for the Christmas season
Our second speaker was Kenny Anderson CEO of UCAN (Urology Cancer) charity which was launched in 2006. Kenny first talked about the medical issues in perticular those relating to Prostate Cancer. He spoke about his own personal experience with Prostate cancer, but thankfully after six years of treatment was given the all clear in 2018. A great Christmas for him that year.
Kenny and his team are now working on the planned 2.5m Cancer unit in Aberdeen. this will enable quicker one stop diagnosis, use robotics technology, and put less strain on patients, and surgeons. A very informative talk about the charity to which all donations are welcome.
Probus Club Christmas Lunch held at Ellon Golf Club 5th Dec: 2024.
Speakers Rev: Alistair Bruce, and Kenny Anderson CEO of UCAN Aberdeen on “What does Christmas mean to me”.
Speakers Kenny Anderson (L/H) and Alistair Bruce (R/H) with president John Gill.
Their talk today was on the subject of “What Christmas means to me”
Vice President Frank Reilly disguised in a red suit, provided some humourous entertainment and then gave the Vote of Thanks to both speakers, and also all who assisted at a splendid lunch.
President John Gill welcomed 50 members and guests to the excellent lunch provided by the Ellon Golf Club catering staff.
The Camphill Blair Drummond complex with six houses, Craft workshops, and Woodwork & Estate workshops. Blair Drummond house is in the background.
Our fellow club member Brian Jamieson (R/H) with president John Gill.
Probus Club Meeting 28th Nov: 2024
Speaker. Brian Jamieson and the topic is Camphill Blair Drummond.
Our fellow member Brian commenced his talk on Camphill Blair Drummond by first reflecting on a more personal matter. Having realized early on that his young son had learning difficulties, it became necessary that he be placed in an environment as Brian put it, with a more holistic approach. This encompasses giving support for the whole person, rather than just mental health needs.
Camphill Blair Drummond proved to be the ideal place for his son which provided a homely environment with plenty of opportunity for leading a dignified and meaningful life. The Camphill complex was founded in 1938 by a group of Austrian refugees who arrived in Scotland at that time. It has now grown to include various houses and workshops providing a variety of activities for these handicapped young adults. There are at present 48 resident in care looked after by 103 staff, some of who are volunteers. Throughout the year there are also various community events, and festivals, to raise awareness to the work done there.The complex is run as a limited Company, governed by a board of trustees, and funded by Government grants, and donations etc.
Today there are over a hundred Camphill schools, training centres, and villages worldwide providing essential care for these young adults.
Members raised a lot of questions following Brian’s talk, one of great interest, and in appreciation the Vote of Thanks was given by Graham McCombie.
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Probus Club Meeting held on 14th Nov: 2024
Speaker Sandy Manson, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire.
Sandy Manson with president John Gill (L/H)
Our speaker today was the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire Sandy Manson who was appointed to the role in April 2020 and his primary function being to represent the King, and uphold the dignity of the Crown.
Sandy addressed a larger than normal gathering of members including six visiting members of the Inverurie Probus Club, and also four lady guests.
His talk centred first on the many engagements the King and working members of the Royal Family have to perform throughout the year, with the King himself involved in over four hundred engagements. Duties of the Lord Lieutenant are many, some of which are organising visits of the Monarch, liaise with local armed forces, attending various ceremonies on behalf of the King to name but a few. Fortunately there is a team of around twelve deputies who can step in when required at events throughout the county. The role of Lord Lieutenant goes back in time to the reign of Henry VIII, and it was a great privilege to be appointed to this role.
A fascinating talk delivered with a good measure of humour and much appreciated by all present at the meeting. The Vote of Thanks was then given to Sandy by fellow member Peter Mackie.
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Sandy Manson in the uniform of the Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire.
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Six members of the Inverurie Probus Club who attended the meeting with president John Gill on the left.
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27th June 2024.
A Dedication and Commemoration event in memory of Ellon Probus Club Members at Ellon Castle Gardens.
Ellon Castle and Gardens
Members were taken on a tour of the Gardens by two Gardens Trust volunteers Alison, and Anne who gave a brief history of the area.
The Castle and it’s gardens stretch back to the 15th century and went through various stages of construction and occupation through the following centuries. The Castle Gardens Trust was set up in 2014 to devlop and protect the gardens in perticular several Yew trees estimated to be 800 years old. Much restoration work has now taken place by the all volunteer staff, and the gardens are open to the public at weekends. At the end of the tour President Alan Barker thanked Alison, and Anne for their time spent on a warm sunny day.
President Alan Barker (r/h), and deputy John Gill who were instrumental in getting the Bench seat made by the Men’s Shed members of Ellon. The president then made a short statement and called for a 2 minute silence in rememberence of those gone by.
The Plaque on the Bench Seat, the words speak for themselves.