KELLING PROBUS CLUB - MONTHLY LUNCHEON MEETING -THURSDAY 16th JULY

Just twenty six members and Mr John Dunsire, the guest of today's speaker, Mr Sam Knowles, attended the luncheon and meeting which is always held from 12:30 on the third Thursday of each month at The Pheasant Hotel in Kelling.
Members who failed to attend the luncheon missed a very good luncheon of Steak and Kidney Pie and also a very good and interesting talk by member Sam Knowles entitled "All in a Days Work".  Sam started his talk with the events relating to his father, stating how he was severely injured in the first world war and lost a leg but through his determination and hard work was able to become a chauffeur and eventually, repaired cars and then opened a garage near Nottingham. Sam can remember at the age of eleven helping on the petrol pumps. (What happened to Health and Safety). One day nine Rolls Royces carrying the Ryder Cup Team drew up for petrol, and the bill came to £111 which was nearly a week's takings.

In early days Sam wanted to become an architect but became a draughtsman. He joined the RAF and become an aircraft fitter and stationed at the experimental station at Boscornbe Down he came across all types of aircraft and greatly enjoyed his time there. He returned to the family garage business in 1960 and with his two brothers employed a workforce of 30 people and they held agencies for Triumph, Rover and Austin Morris whilst selling National Benzole petrol.  His talk was illuminated with countless amusing stories such as the time when a driver came in and asked for his car's oil to be changed." Yes, just drive in over the pit and we will soon have it done". The driver duly drove over the pit, unfortunately his car was a Reliant Robin! What a disaster. Sam did well in the industry setting up Training Boards for his area and retired in '99.  Geoff Harrison who gave a vote of thanks, thought that Sam being such a good cricketer and golfer would rather have been at home watching the Lord's Test or the Open from Turberry. He described a cricket diagram showing where all the runs had been made and said this was rather like Sam's array of golf shots. Sam received a good round of applause for his talk.

Eric Marshall announced that Clive Mitchell will be the Speaker at next month's meeting on Thursday 20th August, same place, same time talking about "A Very Peculiar Holiday".Terry Mobbs, a new member introduced himself. He had spent some 40 years in the electronics industry in Hertfordshire but was really enjoying his retirement in Norfolk.  Mr Terry Penrose, our handsome Secretary, would be pleased to hear from any retired gentleman who would like more information about our friendly Probus Club on 588772. Do ring.

Philip Hutchinson. In the photo, Mr Sam Knowles is on the left and his guest, John Dunsire on right.