Henley Probus Club

THE 488th meeting of Henley Probus Club took place at Badgemore Park on August 8.

The chairman and treasurer summarised the current status of the membership and the financial and charity status.

The chairman read out the visiting speakers schedule for the remainder of 2023:

September: Martin Beek, “The art of the Thames, particularly around Henley and Marlow”.

October: Graham Horn, “The Kennet and Avon Canal”.

August’s guest speaker was Mike Willoughby, who talked about “Remembering the men of Henley who died in two world wars”.

Mike has been incredibly active in researching the people from Henley who died during the wars and has summarised his findings in two books.

The First World War book is entitled Bringing Them Home, Men of Henley 1914-1921, Lest We Forget and the Second World War book is entitled Bringing Them Home Too, Men of Henley-on-Thames and Local Villages Who Gave Their Lives 1939-1946, Lest We Forget.

Mike explained in detail the problems associated with going back in history trying, with the help of members of the local community, to establish all the facts associated with missing people. At times, it became very emotional.

After his talk, Mike was thanked on behalf of all the members by secretary Dave Murray.

The chairman then closed the meeting and members gathered for drinks followed by lunch.

Henley Probus meets at Badgemore Park on the second Tuesday of each month, starting with an informal gathering of members (plus visitors) for a discussion and coffee, with the formal meeting commencing at 11.30am followed by a lunch.

If anyone is interested in joining the club, please call membership secretary Roger Griffiths on (01491) 575137 or email him on
regriffiths44@gmail.com

For more information about the club, visit http://henleymensprobus.org.uk

Roger Roberts