ABOUT US
The Club was formed in 1981 and over the years has expanded to the point where we now have a membership of 50. Over the years we have held our meetings at several venues. In 2009 we moved to The Grovefield House Hotel, which has proved to be the perfect venue, having beautiful surroundings, fine dining and ideal facilities for our talks, all at a very reasonable cost.
Our Chairman serves for one year, serving the previous year as Vice Chairman when he organises the speakers for his chairmanship year. Other committee members serve for as long or as short a time as they wish. New committee members are always welcome and are elected at the AGM in March of each year.
Our Committee
Roger Emery
Chairman
I joined Probus in 2015. My career has involved Physics and Astrophysics, working for the UK Research Councils, NASA in the US and ESA in Holland.
Since retiring in 2006, I have been active in local council work, making substantial house and garden improvements, travelling and trying to keep fit.
David Delasalle
Secretary
I taught Physics in Secondary Schools in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and the City of Birmingham for 14 years in all. Over this time, I developed an interest in Microelectronics. I changed to training teachers. It was the time of the Acorn BBC Microcomputer and the RML 380Z PC.
Finally, I was a General Inspector with Wirral LEA for 14 years and became an OFSTED Inspector during that time. In retirement, I became a general adviser with Wirral CAB and served for 13 years. I have had many voluntary jobs, but should mention I was secretary of a Methodist Men’s Luncheon Club
David Davis
Ladies Lunch Co-ordinator
I had a food industry career in production, product development and as Research Director was offered opportunities to work in Germany, USA and France as well as the UK. Since retiring helping local organisations and charities allows me to continue to utilise my project management skills. I have been a member of the club for 20 years including chairmanship and organising events.
Mike Hill
Lunch Co-ordinator
In my working life I have enjoyed at least fifteen years in the shipping world, plus ten years enjoying myself in the Builders Merchants Industry and twelve years in the Fashion Trade selling buttons. Finally, before retirement I was eleven years in the Transport Sector, either as a clerk, accountant, company secretary or director.
Michael Appleyard
Committee Member
I graduated with a Physics degree and my first job was a Computer Programmer, becoming Systems/IT manager for a large international motor components company.
I got involved in business projects that led me to manage an international manufacturing division.
I was elected a local County Councillor in 1989 and held portfolios in Education, Social Services, Economic Development and Health scrutiny , eventually becoming Deputy Leader of Council.
I stood down in 2021.
Richard Royall
Chairman
Douglas Hill
Vice-Chairman
Having won a Silver Medal for Cabinet Making at the WorldSkills of Apprentices competition in 1953, I started my own Woodworking business. We made Noticeboards for all sections of Industry, incorporating a Quick Change Lettering System. We built the first Flight Indicator Board for Heathrow Airport. Upon retirement I continued lecturing on the advantages of this WorldSkills competition. In 2016 I was honoured when they created the Douglas Hill Award. To be awarded to the International Competitor who has demonstrated greatest tenacity in overcoming obstacles at the biennial World competition.
Steven Roy
Treasurer
Since leaving College as an Incorporated Valuer and Auctioneer, and latterly as a Chartered Surveyor, I have worked in Property Management; both with Commercial and Residential specialist companies in Central London and as Head of Management for the Regional HQ of the Prudential, based in Burnham. Since 1990 I have run my own Property Management Company specialising in the management of blocks of flats on behalf of clients. Dealing daily with budgets and general financial control. Apart from property management I find time to pursue my other interests of old motorcycles with membership of the Velocette Owners Club.
Bill Leftwich
Past Chairman
I graduated in ‘Polymer Chemistry’ worked at Technical Manager in a Chemical Coatings Company. Moved to France, worked as Research Manager in US/French company making motor copper wire coatings.
I returned to UK as Technical Service Manager for a US Speciality Adhesives Company. Career details – Sales Manager, European Marketing Manager and Global Marketing Director.
Trevor Jones
Editor of Probus Times/Professional Photographer
On leaving school in 1961 I started my life as a professional photographer whilst attending the London School of Printing & Graphic Arts. I worked for many different organisations in different photographic fields, before setting up my own business.
For a period I became involved in the travel business, running specialist holidays for railway and garden enthusiasts. In retirement I still do photography for Hornby Magazine. And with my wife Janet, we follow our garden interests by opening our garden under the NGS garden open scheme.
Tom Denniford
Secretary
A Chartered Surveyor with more than 50 years’ experience advising industrial and commercial companies, Tom was a partner with international property advisers Jones Lang Wootten before setting up his own business in the late 1970s. Tom was the first Project Director for Hampton, Peterborough’s southern township. He and his wife live in Cookham Dean
David Biltcliffe
Treasurer
I am now long time retired from a career as an Airline Pilot, flying for British Airways and before that BOAC. Quite a few years ago now, I was involved in the so called project, “Village that bought the pub”. The pub was the “Jolly Farmer” in Cookham Dean. I was one of the original shareholders.