I begin my report with an apology to Mr Ken Perkins. Last week I reported that George Bourne had gifted the new audio system, whereas in fact it was Ken Perkins who had purchased the equipment for the club and George had donated the microphone stand.

At our meeting on Thursday April 10, we welcomed a guest, David Hay who is a member of two Probus clubs in Upton St Leonards. He said he was very interested to see how we conducted our meetings, especially as this week we were to undertake a debate.

The debate, chaired by Clive Allen, was about whether the nation received better value from public money spent on the Arts and Culture or on Sport. The case for sport was made by yours truly and Jeff Jones responded for Arts and Culture. Both of us made our proposals with Jeff arguing his case quietly and with great dignity and conviction. Following a number of penetrating and thought-provoking questions, we made our concluding arguments. The result of the vote, in favour of Arts and Culture, clearly demonstrated that our members are a refined group of cultured gentlemen with an interest in sports.

On April 17, we look forward to hearing Derek and Sue Francis, and on April 24 we shall have Dennis Halliday.

We meet every Thursday at 10am at the Ecgwins Club in Evesham.

Chris Donough