At the recent Annual General Meeting of Vaga Probus Club, Club President Herbie Renfield reflected on his 12 months in office and paid tribute to the achievements of his highly supportive Committee for its success.

A year of meaningful talks and discussions, largely by guest speakers at the Club’s twice monthly meetings, have again been a real feature. Chris James, in his first year as Speakers Secretary, had added considerable value in his role.

Equally, Herbie spoke for everyone in thanking Social Secretary, David Dawson, for his varied programme of social trips and visits to places of interest. These have been both enjoyed and well attended, as David now stands down after 2 years in office.

Herbie was especially appreciative of David’s final assignment which saw members join him to celebrate the Club’s Annual President’s Day at the 3 Choirs Vineyard and Restaurant, near Newent.

Vaga will now have the benefit of Russell Denbigh, who is expected to bring his fresh approach to the Social Secretary’s role, and also to having Anthony Priddis on board to bring new ideas as the Club’s Committee member without portfolio.

William Hazelton was also suitably thanked as he leaves the Committee after several years as Club Secretary to be succeeded by Peter Raddenbury with Keith Ray continuing to look after the financials as Treasurer aided by Chris Grover in an examiner type role.

It reflects well on Chris James, that in continuing as Speaker’s Secretary for another 12 months, Chris will combine this responsibility with that of being Vaga’s Vice-President. Vaga has been fortunate that their Committee has also included Paul Mason and he will be missed, following his seven year’s stewardship as a highly effective Social Secretary and President.

The installation of new Vaga President, George Pendlebury, was Herbie’s final undertaking, and George reflected upon looking forward to another productive year where Vaga’s future continues to be a force.

The Club also values the stewardship of Laura Hayward and her team at the Ross Conservative Club where meetings take place on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday mornings of each month.

The AGM finished on a literary note as, thanks to Peter Weeks, some ’Vaga Verses’ experiences are enjoyed each year when members share some favourite poetry and the reasons behind their chosen poems.

There was universal agreement with the judging process, engineered by Andrew Talbot-Ponsonby, that determined the prize winning contribution by John Rocyn-Jones and his amusing rendition of ’The Computer Swallowed Grandma’ by Valerie Waite.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.