ELLON & DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB
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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Ellon Probus Club AGM
Held on 24th October 2024.
John Gill
In coming president John Gill in his opening address to members thanked Alan Barker for his term as president and in particular his sense of humour and assistance in running the club.
John thanked members present for their support and looked forward to his stint in the hot seat.
Following a short question and answer session in AOCB the meeting closed at 1045 am.
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Out going President Alan Barker (R/H) hands over the baton to John Gill new President for year 2024/25.
Alan Barker
Out going president Alan Barker made a short statement regarding his very interesting 12 month as president.
He went on to thank all committee members for their support, and also spoke of the sad loss of some members who had passed away during the year. Alan followed on by calling for one minute’s silence in memory of those gone by.
Finally there was a big thank you to Jackie our caterer who was presented with a bottle of champagne for her efforts throughout the year.
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Our fellow member Peter Mackie (L/H) with president Alan Barker.
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Probus Club Meeting 10th Oct: 2024.
Speaker today Peter Mackie and the topic is “Children of the 50’s”
Peter’s talk today centred on a study initiated by Aberdeen University over the lifetime of children born between 1950 and 1956. Members were first shown a video featuring Professor Corri Black who explained the various aspects of the study. This was to take in the lives of the children as they matured into adults, health and wellbeing, learning ability, social, and cultural lives. Some 12000 children were involved and tests were conducted to determine cognitive function at ages 7, 11, and 14.
As the children matured into adults questionnaires were sent out at various times to individuals to gather further data into their lives. This showed that involment in childhood events such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Duke of Edinburgh award scheme etc. played a big part in their development. Health and wellbeing featured in the study and those that maintained fitness and active lives were less prone to illness perticularly Heart disease. Social class, neighbourhood environment, being a non smoker, and low alcohol consumption contributed greatly to good health and wellbeing.
As Aberdeen developed through the ages with expansion of the Oil Industry, social and cultural aspects also featured in the study and influenced the lives of the individuals involved. The study is ongoing and results of data gathered can be found online published by various organisations.
An excellent talk by Peter with the moral of the story being keeping fit, and a active social life pays off. The Vote of Thanks was then given by Fred Crawford on behalf of the members present.
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Speaker Lynne with president Alan Barker who gave the Vote of Thanks to Lynne for a fascinating and informative talk of service life.
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Probus Club Meeting 26th Sept:2024
Speaker today is Lynne Copping and her topic is
“Life as a service child”
Lynne was born into a British Army service family in 1950. Her father Richard Wilson had initially joined the Gordon Highlanders in WW2, but was subsequently transferred into another regiment, then the Royal Artillery, and then the Royal Tank Corps. In 1944 he volunteered to become a Horsa glider pilot and took part in “Operation Market garden” landing near the town of Arnhem. After superior German forces overrun the town, he hid in a cellar in the town of Oosterbeek and subsequently together with 11 other soldiers, made it to the Rhine river and was evacuated narrowly avoiding capture by German forces.
After many adventures Richard Wilson married his sweetheart and was posted to Egypt joining his Father who was serving as a Wing Commander in the RAF. While in Egypt Richard volunteered to serve in the Water Transport section of the Royal Army Service Corps operating Landing Craft of many descriptions over the next few years.
Lynne was born in Egypt in 1950 and her brother a few years later. The family then moved to Portsmouth and later to Sentosa island in Singapore which is now a holiday resort. Lynne showed many Photographs on the projector screen, and described life as a service child with her parents moving to many postings as her fathers service life required. During this period she had to attend eight different Primary Schools, a varied education no doubt?.
Service life was in the blood and Lynne joined the RAF serving at RAF Wildenrath in Germany. She met and married her husband there in 1973, a helicopter engineer, and after more service postings finally moved to Scotland in 1980. With the oil industry in full flow her husband found work at Dyce Airport with one of the Helicopter Company’s.
Probus Club Meeting 12 Sept: 2024
Speaker Ken McDade on “A Country Legend”
Dolly Parton. Singer, Songwriter, Actress, and Philanthropist.
Our speaker today was our very own fellow member Ken McDade avid fan of Country and Western music and the topic in question was the famous singer Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton was born in 1946 in Pittman Centre Tennessee and was one of 12 children brought up in what she described as dirt poor poverty. She started singing aged 6 at the local church and by age 10 was appearing on the local “Cas Walker Show”. By age 16 she was writing her own songs and having completed school became a professional singer. In 1967 she featured in a regular spot on country music entertainer Porter Wagoner’s weekly show and penned the song “Coat of many Colours” which was a big hit.
Over the coming decades she wrote near 3000 songs, appeared in worldwide shows, worked with many movie and music stars, and won many awards. Her songs have captured the hearts of many “Jolene” and “9 to 5” being two big hits. In 1966 she married Carl Dean a marriage that still endures today, and at age 78 she would appear to still keep on singing and entertaining.
Ken’s talk was full of detailed facts and we also viewed two video’s of Dolly Parton singing. A very enjoyable musical morning.
Frank Reilly in his usual humorous way gave the Vote of Thanks to Ken.
Speaker Ken McDade (L/H) appropriately attaired in Country & Western rig.
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President Alan Barker welcomed new member Eric Walker (R/H) into the Club.
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Claire Russel with President Alan Barker.
Haddo House
Lake at Haddo
Probus Club meeting 22Aug 2024
Speaker today is Claire Russel, Visitor Services Supervisor at Haddo House and her talk was on “A brief history of Haddo House”.
Claire as supervisor is responsible for tours, guests, and staff at Haddo House. It is located about 25 miles north of Aberdeen near the town of Tarvers, and was designed and built in the Georgian style by architect William Adam for the 1st Earl of Aberdeen. Throughout the history of the house the Earl’s of Aberdeen ie: of the Gordon family led prominent lives, and the 4th Earl being Prime Minster between the years 1852 to 1855.
Queen Victoria paid a visit to the house for less than 24 hours on 14th Oct.1857, and during WW2 it was used as a maternity hospital and 1200 babies were born there.
In 1974 the house was donated to the National Trust for Scotland and it’s income is now derived from donors, visitors, and membership. The house is surrounded by terraced gardens, flower beds, and an avenue of lime trees. There is also a small lake which is home to ducks, and other water born creatures. Well worth a days visit.
Claire gave a talk with much detailed history of the house, much appreciated by members present, and the Vote of Thanks was then given by John Gatt on their behalf.
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Probus Club Meeting held on 25th July 2024.
Catriona Reid (R/H) with President Alan Barker.
Our speaker today Catriona Reid is the manager of the Forvie National Nature Reserve which is situated on the East Coast of Scotland 20 kilometers north of Aberdeen. The reserve is mainly a mix of sand dunes with tussocks of marram grass, and heathland.
Catriona’s talk first covered the history of the reserve which was once home to Stone Age, and Bronze Age people. Evidence of there lives can be found in the middens, and mounds of shells they left behind. Later a village also existed but was abandoned around 1400 due to shifting sand dunes in the area.
The River Ythan enters the sea at the south of the reserve and the estuary is a vital habitat and food source for thousands of seabirds, and wildfowl. Redshanks, Eider Duck, Terns, to name but a few nest in there thousands at the reserve. A large colony of Seals can be found to the south of the reserve resting on the banks of the River Ythan. In the Spring and Summer the heathland is covered in wild flowers, home to butterflies and insets which is also a food source for the birds.
The Forvie Centre is at the North end of the reserve and is a start point for many paths and trails through the reserve. Some 60 thousand folk visit the reserve each year looked after by Catriona, and staff_ mainly volunteers. Forvie is a true jewel on the East coast of Scotland well worth a visit one day.
Speaker today is Catriona Reid manager of the Forvie National Nature Reserve managed by NatureScot.
Forvie Nature Reserve A colony of Seals on the North Bank of the Ythan River at the south of the reserve.
Eider Ducks. Reputed to be the largest colony of Eider Ducks in the UK.
A much appreciated talk by Catriona and members asked many questions at the end. The Vote of Thanks was then given by Tony La Brooy.
Probus Meeting 11/07/24
Speaker Gordon Benton on the 50/100 year Development master Plan for Scotland
Our very own member Gordon is a well travelled man and spent a lot of time in Indonesia as Devlopment Director of Lippo Karawaci village which has now increased in size to a city. He is therefore well qualified to talk about the development of Scotland into the future.
Any long term development plan requires Research, Strategies, and Stake Holder input to have a measure of success. A good example Gordon gave is Singapore, a country the size of Aberdeenshire with a population of 6 million, a GDP of around 82 billion, and now a booming wealthy hub in the Far East. Scotland on the other hand is 560.000 square kilometres, a population of 5.2 million, and a GDP of Apx: 34 billion. The potential for further development of Scotland is enormous.
Gordon Benton (R/H) with President Alan Barker.
The Vote of Thanks for Gordon’s enlightening talk was given by
Graham McCombie.
The geographic location of Scotland is ideal for trade with Europe. A devlopment plan for Prestwick Airport could see trade links with the West, and Scapa Flow could be turned into a deep water free port.Just two examples of what could be achieved with commitment and investment. Connectivity with rail, and road, is essential between Airports, Ports, and the outer Islands of Scotland to make it all work.
However there are challenges ahead to overcome, an ageing population which is not enough to build up the economy, and not owning most of the land. Taxes must be paid by everyone, a very necessary part of any development plan.
Gordon’s final comment was how essential it is to encourage, and enlighten the young folk today of where their future lies in this great country of ours. It can be done with commitment, and a willingness to succeed.
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.
Members , Wives, and Partners of Ellon Probus Club who attended the dedication event at the Castle Gardens.
Following the dedication event all persons pictured above then retired to the Ellon Golf Club for drinks and an excellent lunch.
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