BETWEEN heavy showers, 22 members of the Crediton Probus Club arrived at Downes Crediton Golf Club for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 6.

The meeting started in traditional style, with President Burford Cupper welcoming everyone. Grace was said by John Stone, after which everyone enjoyed a substantial meal.

This was followed by drinking a toast to Her Majesty.

It is traditional to have a “Monthly Quote”, and this month it was given by David Sylvester, referring to work by Martin Luther King.

The President updated everyone on members’ forthcoming birthdays, and Brian Threlfall then gave news of sick members. However, before that, he advised everyone that a very highly regarded member, Eddie Bayliss had passed away.

All stood for a minute as a mark of respect to Eddie, who had been President and Secretary of the club for many years.

Eddie had been a long serving member of staff at Queen Elizabeth’s School, as well as being a leading light in the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Former President, Don Nicholson, reported that he is to be the auctioneer at a sale in aid of the Roof Fund at Cheriton Bishop.

He also stated that he would be prepared to paint a portrait of anyone, and the proceeds from that would also go to the Roof Fund.

Finally, our speaker, Peter Barbor, was introduced by his lifelong friend, Dr Christopher Maycock. They had both trained at St Thomas’s Hospital in London.

Peter subsequently specialised as a paediatrician, working at Great Ormond Street hospital as well as in the Middle East.

His talk was on “Global warming as seen by an agnostic”. This illustrated and rather controversial talk was very well researched, and extremely thought provoking.

It brought into the open a number of well-held beliefs, which were proven to be untrue.

On conclusion of the talk, members asked a number of searching questions, which were thoughtfully answered.

Richard Adams thanked Peter for such an interesting presentation, which gave us all much to think about.

The monthly draw was won by Jack Fey.

Finally, the meeting closed in the usual fashion, with members drinking “To the next time”.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Probus Club should contact the Hon Secretary on 01363 84411.

DD