A club in St Ives which brings together retired or semi-retired local people for an informal monthly lunch celebrated its second Christmas last month (December). 

The Cromwell Probus Club (The Phoenix) welcomed 42 diners to what has been described as an “excellent” convivial 3-course Christmas lunch at Slepe Hall in Ramsey Road. 

The Hunts Post: Slepe Hall manager, Crystal Cooper congratulating Sue Rook on winning the ‘Best Christmas Jumper’ competition as judged by her and the other members of the hotel's staff.Slepe Hall manager, Crystal Cooper congratulating Sue Rook on winning the ‘Best Christmas Jumper’ competition as judged by her and the other members of the hotel's staff. (Image: Cromwell Probus Club)

The Hunts Post: Diners on one side of the Brunel Suite.Diners on one side of the Brunel Suite. (Image: Cromwell Probus Club)

The club meets at Slepe Hall on the third Thursday of every month. 

A spokesperson for the club said: “Post Covid, the late Peter Baker MBE and David McCandless, the previous Cromwell Probus Club’s assistant secretary, planned to reinvent the struggling men-only club as the informal pay-as-you-dine Cromwell Probus Club. 

“The new club would welcome retired (or retiring) business people, their partners and the widows of members.” 

The Hunts Post: Lorna Baker, Gordon Steptoe and Doreen Steptoe.Lorna Baker, Gordon Steptoe and Doreen Steptoe. (Image: Cromwell Probus Club)

The Hunts Post: Diners on other side of the Brunel Suite.Diners on other side of the Brunel Suite. (Image: Cromwell Probus Club)

They added: “Subsequently, a steering group was set up to run the new club with Peter Baker, David McCandless, Chris Leah and Gordon Steptoe from the club’s old committee along with Ros Carey-Townsend as the first lady member. 

“The inaugural mixed-gender lunch of the new club took place in August 2021 with 42 diners.” 

For more details visit www.CromwellProbusClub.org.uk.  

The Hunts Post: John Cross 93, with son Stephen who travel all the way from Waterbeach each month.John Cross 93, with son Stephen who travel all the way from Waterbeach each month. (Image: Cromwell Probus Club)

The Hunts Post: Chris Leah (Chair) leading a round of applause thanking members of Slepe Hall Staff led by General Manager Mara- Louise Fisher (far right) and Crystal Cooper, Hotel Manager (far left) along with Morgan Calvert (2nd on right) and Laura Wood for their flawless, slick lunch service, welcome humour and superb cooperation during the meal.Chris Leah (Chair) leading a round of applause thanking members of Slepe Hall Staff led by General Manager Mara- Louise Fisher (far right) and Crystal Cooper, Hotel Manager (far left) along with Morgan Calvert (2nd on right) and Laura Wood for their flawless, slick lunch service, welcome humour and superb cooperation during the meal. (Image: Cromwell Probus Club)