ERIC Rodd stood in for the president, Burford Cupper, for the meeting as he had been sent to Bristol Royal Infirmary for open-heart surgery on Friday.

Hubert Fernbank said Grace and after an excellent meal, Brian Threllfall gave the quotation and the draw was won by John Stone.

A new member, Michael Davies, was introduced by the acting President and the meeting got on with the business of the day.

Gerald Hill gave the treasurers report on behalf of Peter Bryan. He said that 2015/16 had been a satisfactory year overall for Crediton Probus and that we had finished the year with a surplus of £96.

Richard Adams was then inducted as President for the year 2016/17 and he proceeded with the selection of officers after telling the meeting that he hoped that Burford’s Past President’s badge would be handed on to him in the near future.

John Marshall has taken on the role of secretary from Richard Adams and Gerald Hill is taking over the vice presidency.

Keith Barker will continue his role as press secretary and Brian Healy has joined the speaker’s committee in place of Gerald Hill.

Richard mentioned that the list of speakers for future meetings had been completed up until next March, 2017.

Richard then gave the closing toast: “’til the next time!”

After this Gerald reminded members that our summer visit was to be to Barny Butterfield’s Sandford Orchards cider factory on Lords Meadow Industrial Estate.

Russ Ballard said that he needed to know how many “takers” would be going by June 17.

Keith Barker