LARGS PROBUS CLUB WALK 7th May 2025
At 11am we assembled at the Largs Lifeboat Station. No, not in response to the firing of the maroons, it was just a convenient place to begin our perambulation (George likes lifeboats).
Five intrepid Probus members braved the sunny skies and gentle following breeze – Christopher, Douglas, George, Iain and Phil, and we all enjoyed a thoroughly pleasant and convivial walk and talk.
Not without its challenges though – getting past Costa Coffee, without one member veering left to sample their wares; fair enough I suppose, we had been walking for five minutes. And at the same time preventing our resident Cumbrae fanatic from slipping on to the waiting ferry.
But these temptations safely negotiated, we carried on with our promenade along the promenade. No Ordnance Survey maps or Google Assist required for this one, just follow the grey concrete path (doesn’t quite have the same ring as ‘yellow brick road’, but you get the gist).
A quick stop at the Pencil (erected in 1912 to commemorate the 1263 Battle of Largs) for the obligatory photo-call, then onwards past the marina, sorry ‘Yacht Haven’, and along the ’Avenue des Ancres’, a fascinating of display of various very large anchors.
As I always remind our members, the attraction of these excursions is not just the exercise, but also the wide and varied chat that flies back and forth between us.
An example (only initials are used to preserve anonymity)
C I think there’s a beach just along here.
G Oh
C You can see it from the train.
G Oh
C I always have a good look at it when I’m passing in the train
G Oh….OK, why?
C Because one day there was a young lady sunbathing topless on the beach
G Perv.
Many other chats contained no reference to nudity.
We reached the Village Inn in Fairlie in a very respectable hour and a half, where beer was taken, and lunch.
The conversation turned to music, with little respect being shown for the modern stuff; not surprising I suppose from a bunch of old geezers. In fact one might be forgiven, from the opinion in some quarters, in thinking that good music stopped with ‘The King’…… and from there to our own musical accomplishments.
It transpires that if ever an opening presents itself for a guitar / violin / squeeze box / washboard (and jug) / tea chest bass, combo, the Largs Probus Five could be just what you’re looking for…..
Refreshed and fed, Douglas and Phil set off on foot for the return journey, during which they threatened to get up to ‘outrageous antics’ – nothing in the L&MWN as yet…..
The remaining three enjoyed [?] a half hour wait for the delayed 585 bus. Where’s Gerry in his little red car when you need him……
Footnote: Douglas and Phil did not get up to any high jinks on the way back. They spent the time discussing choral music and church choirs. Perhaps the voices for the Largs Probus Five!
Thanks George and Phil.
Why not join us?
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, sorry ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and email info@largsprobus.org.uk if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.
Largs Probus Club will next meet on Wednesday 14th May at 10:00am within the Willowbank Hotel, when Chris Wilson will speak on Egypt.