Today’s speakers were four Probus members who each provided entertaining, interesting and enlightening insights on different topics.
Peter Murgatroyd – Peter spoke about the jet engine from its inventor Frank Whittle whose first successful prototype was in 1941 through to the latest UltraFan jet engines being used. Peter provided informative detail on the jet engines and jet planes through the decades.
Louis Donoghue – Louis spoke about his time playing cricket as a youngster in Leigh, Lancashire and his experience of having to face an extremely fast bowler Colin Hilton. Colin used to open the bowling for Lancashire with Brian Staham and went on to tour in South Africa. Facing that speed of bowler was not for the faint hearted.
Paul Chadaway – Paul talked about the London Marathon which started in 1981 and his experience of running his first London Marathon at the age of 59. Having completed 10/15/20 mile runs prior to the marathon, Paul outlined how mentally and physically fit you need to be. Paul also explained the targets he set for himself whilst running the race which helped him to his excellent time of 4 hours and 54 minutes.
Graham Smith – Graham talked about his life as an apprentice butcher and then in the prison service. Graham started off in the ‘modern prison service’ in 1969 and worked in a number of roles including Governor and Head of the Training school. Graham provided many entertaining stories of prison life and of being an apprentice butcher.