BROMYARD and District Probus Club held a very special meeting at The Plough Inn, Stoke Lacy on May 14.

Chairman Geoff Holmes was delighted to welcome VIP guests: Sarah Eardley, chief executive of HOPE, in Bromyard and Sally Jones, organizer and administrator of Home Start, Herefordshire together with guest speaker, Richard Jordan.

After an excellent lunch the chairman called the two guests out to the inn's sunny garden where club treasurer Kevin Lovell and club founder Brian Dummer presented cheques, the proceeds of informal collections by the club for the members' nominated charities over the past year.

Members then settled down to listen to Richard Jordan.

Richard is a well-known trombonist, was a London jazz and blues club owner, agent to such great bands as Queen, The Police, Jools Holland and Dire Straits, latterly an advertising agent and antiques dealer, now settled in Grosmont, Monmouthshire.

Richard was raring to go on his talk on Glenn Miller and his band; largely through the lens of the Second World War, Richard cleverly synchronised contemporary photographs with Glenn Miller's music to vividly illustrate his subject, often interspersed with recordings of celebrities', critics' and film makers' opinions and memories.

The Glenn Miller Band's music made a huge contribution to the American war effort from recruiting through encouraging investment in war bonds to raising and maintaining morale.

While in England, the band's music and concerts helped the nation cope with the horrors of the blitz and doodlebugs, the build up to the invasion, through to VE Day and beyond.

Many favourites including 'Chattanooga Choo Choo' and 'A nightingale sang in Berkeley Square' were featured.

Richard Jordan proved a fine presenter who has a happy knack of not overwhelming his subject with his own distinct personality, rather coaxing a direct link between subject, supporting sounds and songs and audience. Richard's talk on the Glenn Miller Band was consequently hugely enjoyed by all members.

If the prospect of good lunches followed by fascinating and varied guest speakers appeals, why not give the Bromyard Probus Club a try? The club is always delighted to welcome prospective new members. They meet monthly on the second Tuesday of each month at The Plough Inn, Stoke Lacy at noon for 12.30pm.