PRESIDENT George Bourne reported this week that he had attended Prince Henry’s High School Speech Day to award the Probus Club’s Cecil Slocombe prize for literature.

We have had some excellent speakers recently including Ron Gallivan last week who spoke about the battle cruiser HMS Hood.

However our speaker this week was outstanding. Matthew Sproston of Upton St Leonards, Gloucester presented the life and times of George Formby by playing the Ukulele and Banjo and singing many of his songs.

He explained that although George Formby, real name George Booth, is probably best known for his songs, he was also a top film star of the 1930s and 40s. He perfected the syncopated style of strumming and was awarded the OBE in 1946.

Matthew accompanied himself as he sang George’s best known songs including Bless Em All which he got us to sing the chorus.

His fans included George Harrison and Frank Skinner and judging by our reaction most of us as well.

John Doyle thanked Matthew profusely and professed himself a great fan.

We meet every Thursday at 10am at the Evesham Rowing Club's boathouse. Information about us is on our website: www.eveshamprobus.co.uk.

CHRIS DONOUGH