Bloomin’ lovely
Roger Johnson’s talk to the Filey Probus Club could be described as colourful - both pictorially and verbally.
Filey’s former head gardener took members back to yesteryear by screening familiar scenes of Filey from the Victorian era onwards.
The pictures, concentrating on the seafront gardens and floral displays proved, he said, how little Filey has changed over the decades.
He spoke about the scale of his work, including bedding 20,000-30,000 plants at the rate of up to 3,000 per day, adding that the former gardening staff of 27 has now been reduced to six.
Roger’s address was spiced with humour. He recalled the occasion when a machine for washing out an abattoir had been used to spray grass seed.
Roger explained the purpose of the “dippers” seen in one picture from Victorian times. These were wheeled changing rooms which were rolled out into the sea enabling ladies to preserve their modesty while bathing.
The men-only probus club has launched a membership drive using notices to publicise the group in shop windows, public places and on notice boards.
The club meets twice monthly to promote friendship and discussion and is aimed at retired professional and businessmen. There is a programme of talks and social occasions, some of which include ladies.
The spring luncheon is booked for Wednesday April 19 and the annual Christmas lunch will be on December 6.
A coffee morning at which members and guests are asked to donate to a charity nominated by the club president is to take place on Wednesday July 5.
Ladies and guests are also invited to the ‘Wonderful World of Gilbert and Sullivan’ when the club meets at the Masonic Hall in Rutland Street on Wednesday May 17.