BILL Irvine, a member of Cirencester Probus was the guest speaker at our second February meeting with a talk entitled 'Shouting from a Platform'.

The title suggests it could be something to do with railways but in fact it was about Bill's involvement in amateur dramatics.

He explained he had been acting for a good many years and said it was a very fulfilling pass time with a good social atmosphere.

Not only did he describe some of the plays he had participated in but had a unique ability to go into character as he was talking, and spoke in various accents with ease.

He said there was always great excitement when a director handed out the parts each member was due to play, to see who had the roles which involved kissing and who was nominated to act as the villain of the piece.

This was a most entertaining morning which was thoroughly enjoyable.

He was thanked by the president, Peter Nairn.

The next meeting is on Wednesday, March 11, commencing at 10.15am, at the Cotswold Indoor Bowling Centre, Dudbridge, when Keith Walker will be giving a talk on 'The Importance of Redler in Stroud'.

Probus meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and is open to all retired men.

Ample free parking is available on site.