2026 EVENTS
Self righting RIB demonstration
Ferndown Probus visit to the RNLI at Poole
Thursday 26th February 2026 dawned as a rather miserable day after the two preceding days, but we were off to Poole for a much-anticipated visit to the RNLI headquarters, so all was well. Or so I thought!
The day was to become educational in more ways than one. The twenty-three members attending gathered as arranged at 10:45 (and all on time) to be greeted by the first surprise of the day. Somewhere the wires had become crossed, they weren’t expecting us until the afternoon!
Discussions followed, arrangements re arranged, parking sorted and a plan was hatched which meant the visit could go ahead. Bringing lunch earlier followed by the visit, but it would involve a lot of waiting around, but with coffee and tea on tap agreement was reached, and everybody settled down to a good long chat.
The second surprise of the day came when the lunch venue we expected was closed for a refurb and the menu we anticipated was no where in sight, again agreement was reached and everybody, I believe, had a good lunch.
THE TOUR
The tour started with a site safety briefing and a lot of interesting facts about both the history and the operational roles of the RNLI, including details of the fleet how they are manned and the many lifeboat stations they operate.
This was followed by a demonstration of the righting and re boarding of a B-Class lifeboat in the survival pool, a visit to the engine and also the hydraulics workshops.
A video presentation of the worldwide reach etc. of the RNLI.
And probably the most impressive part of the tour, certainly for me, a visit to the simulator room where some of our party became the nucleus of the lifeboat crew, It was amazing just how realistic a simulation can be. Not sure I would want to do it for real, certainly not with the same crew. A very educational tour.
However, I said in opening the trip was educational in more ways than one, I also learned that the members of Ferndown Probus:-
- Are a great example of the old adage “stay calm and carry on”.
- Like nothing better than a good chat, with likeminded people.
- Break the record for the consumption of coffee and tea.
In these days of hustle and bustle and what appears, at times, to be the breakdown of our society, that was very refreshing.
Thank you, Ferndown Probus Club.
Dennis Carter
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2025 EVENTS
Wednesday 30th June 2025
Over 30 members and guests enjoyed a summer lunch at the Ferndown Golf Club
Wednesday 25th June 2025
42 members and friends enjoyed a warm afternoon picnic Annual picnic at Horton Heath in the company of two resident donkeys
Tuesday 27th May 2025
Nearly 50 members and guests enjoyed a lovely meal at the Burley Manor Hotel
Wednesday 30th April 2025
We made a visit to the Blue Poole, Wareham, more information and photographs to be added here
WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER 2024
15 members had an enjoyable day out by coach at the Bath Christmas Market.
WEDNESDAY 9th DECEMBER 2024
55 members had a Christmas lunch at the Burley Manor.
WEDNESDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2024
About 25 members enjoyed a Brunch courtesy of the Ferndown Golf Club. It was the second time the club had visited for a brunch and the responses form those attending was very positive and we will be holding another one here next year.
WEDNESDAY 31st JULY 2024
The Probus Summer Lunch was held at the Remedy Oak golf club, Woodlands, Wimborne when just over 30 members and guests enjoyed a three course meal.
WEDNESDAY 26th JUNE 2024
Nearly 40 members and friends enjoyed an afternoon ‘bring and share’ picnic on the back lawn of Grixey Farm, Horton Heath. The weather was sunny but not too hot. Donkeys Jojo and Sasha were treated to a large number of carrots that many had brought, including ‘Wonkey Donkey Carrots’.
The fine weather allowed Roy to take committee member photographs that are displayed on the ‘Officers Page’
WEDNESDAY 6th JUNE 2024
In celebration of D-Day around 20 members and guests enjoyed an evening Fish & Chip supper provided by Chez Fred of Westbourne, followed by a quiz all about D-Day provided by our President Roy and his wife Sandra.
WEDNESDAY 22nd MAY 2024
Over 30 members and guest enjoyed an afternoon tea Burley Manor.
WEDNESDAY 6th DECEMBER 2023
The annual Christmas lunch was held at the Remedy Oak, Woodland, Wimborne