NARBERTH and District Probus Club’s outgoing president Patrick Jones has handed over his chain of office to David Thomas, from Ludchurch.

Incoming president David was a journalist for the Western Telegraph and a broadcaster at Swansea Sound before transferring to local government at Llanelli Borough Council and finally at Pembrokeshire where he dealt with communications.

Other officers installed at the AGM were President Elect, Peter Lakey; Honorary Secretary, Ken Morgan; Honorary Treasurer, Freeman Brawn; Speaker Secretary, Chris Stevens; Press Officer, Patrick Jones.

The meeting was held at the Club’s new venue at The Old Board School, St Clears and the guest speaker was well known Pembrokeshire personality Brian Harries who aroused howls of laughter as he told of some of his experiences over the years.

Brian attended School at St Davids before leaving to work on the family farm. It was his joining the local Young Farmers Club which opened the door to his multiple talents - as a public speaker, entertainer, auctioneer at charity auctions and much more. He was spotted by the BBC and enjoyed 15 years with the broadcaster, meeting many famous people and interviewing some interesting characters across Wales.

Brian also took on the daunting task of appearing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – an exercise not for the faint-hearted! Over the years, he mixed his public career with building renovation and latterly as a publican at the Bristol Trader.

Now retired, Brian has made huge contributions to charities, especially Prostate Cymru, which resulted in him being awarded the British Empire Medal for his services. Everyone present agreed that Brian was an excellent choice as speaker and the club may well see him again, very soon!

Call Patrick Jones on 07846 660904 if you would like to join Probus.