In January, 30 members and guests enjoyed a lunch at Cottons Hotel in Knutsford.
In February, following a”normal” probus meeting, 25 members stayed on to watch a slideshow and talk by member Brian Winstanley (a professional photographer) where all the entries to the club annual photographic were shown, critiqued, and the winner announced.
In March 12 members visited a stamp auction house in Knutsford for an interesting talk on stamp collecting, stamp valuations and sales, followed by a free stamp album valuation for those attending. Several members had promised their wives world cruises if they made a fortune on the valuation and sale of their stamp albums, but unfortunately, the majority of albums were valued at between £10 and £20 and thus deflated members were unable to fulfil their (wives’) travel dreams!
In April, 19 members and guests visited the the Torrs in New Mills, guided by Pete Webb (who had previously spoken to us about the Torrs at one of our Meetings). This was followed by a meal at the Packhorse Inn, New Mills.
In May 22 members and guests visited the Wedgewood factory for a conducted private tour of the factory in full production, which was followed by a meal in the Wedgewood tea rooms with waitress service. The visit gave attendees an insight into how bone china products are made as they were able to watch the workers producing the finished products.
In June, 19 members and guests enjoyed excellent weather visiting a 1 acre private garden in Mottram St. Andrew, and then having afternoon tea in the garden served by the hosts.
In July, 21 members and guests visited Leigh Spinners Mill Heritge Centre – seperate post below.
In September, 17 members and guests visited Bramall Hall in Bramhall. This was a fascinating visit, with a personal guided tour of the fine Tudor Building with significant wall paintings. This was followed by a soup and sandwich lunch in the tearoom.
In October, around 30 members and guests attended a lunch at the award winning Church Inn in Mobberley.
In December, 40 members and guests attended Christmas Lunch at Statham Lodge.