THE February meeting of Crediton Probus Club, held at Downes Crediton Golf Club, attracted 21 members and one guest.

The greens looked in good order, the weather was cold but bright and the members sat down to an excellent meal.

Most members seem to be surviving the winter ills and those who have been affected have, without exception, spoken well of the service provided by the NHS both at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and local GP surgeries.

The booked speaker was unable to attend, but the Speakers’ Committee has a reserved list and member, Don Nicholson, filled the gap.

Don is known locally as an artist and art historian, but at this meeting he spoke about China - without having been there, which is a story on its own.

Crediton’s Queen Elizabeth’s School had organised a 28-day trip to China and Don’s granddaughter, Zoe, was a member of the tour.

When she returned with photos and videos, it was suggested that she gave a talk of her experiences to local groups, including Probus.

Zoe is a reserved, 17-years-old young lady and Probus is made up of crusty old grandfathers, so she graciously and very wisely declined.

However, it was decided that as Zoe’s material was so good, Probus would benefit from learning about her experience in China. That is how grandfather Don was encouraged to give the talk, using Zoe’s material.

Members were taken to Beijing, with its Summer Palace, the gardens around Tienaman Square, we walked on the Great Wall, and then on to Xian to view the Terracotta Warriors, each with individual facial expressions.

Another flight took us to Tibet to a Giant Panda Sanctuary and a Himalayan trek from 10,500 feet to 18,000 feet (with the threat of altitude sickness).

During this time the student group was involved in teaching English in local schools and laboured on a village building project.

The last stage of the excursion was to Shanghai, now a large city and major container port.

Members expressed pleasure at hearing of the adventurous spirit within the younger generation, and of their admiration for the team of teachers willing to be involved in such an ambitious educational excursion.

John Pike gave the vote of thanks, directly to Don Nicholson and indirectly to his granddaughter Zoe.

BT