This week’s rant was supplied by George Bourne who complained about the traffic congestion at the top of Port Street caused by shoppers turning right into Lidl’s car park rather than going round the roundabout. In fairness we should add of course that there are several other supermarkets in Evesham with similar problems.

We welcomed old friend Brigadier Ian Shapter of Cheltenham, our speaker this week who enlightened us about the battle of Poitiers during the Hundred Years war. This historic battle, in 1356, resulted in The Black Prince’s great victory over the French despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered. Interestingly, and particularly in today’s political climate, the French army comprised a contingent of Scots.

With humour and great attention to detail, Ian Shapter described the lead up to the battle, the strategies employed and the appalling aftermath. Even more remarkable was that when the captured French King John was eventually released, he discovered that his son had broken the code of chivalry, so he gave up his freedom and subsequently died at Dover Castle. We doubt that any of today’s leading figures would be quite as honourable.

Steve Sawbridge thanked Ian on behalf of our Club. He confessed to being an admirer of The Black Prince since childhood and thanked Ian for putting the meat on the bones of history.

Following our meeting we were joined by wives, partners and friends for a very convivial Posh Nosh lunch courtesy of Jan and Pam. That seems to imply that our wives and partners aren’t friends – but I hope they’ll know what I mean!

On 7 May Tony Butler will enlighten us about Le Grand Depart and on 14 May David Howe will talk about Prime Ministers and the Midlands.

CHRIS DONOUGH

Probus Club Of Evesham