MEMBERS and wives, life members, guests and widows of former members attended the Silver Jubilee celebration lunch on Monday last week.

Guests of honour included Dr John Ashton, president of Ilminster and District Probus Club, and his wife Ann, and David Stone, a former president of the club, and his daughter Rebecca Connolly.

Some 90 people enjoyed a splendid meal at The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster.

President Frank Willmouth gave a highly amusing introduction.

Clive Bate followed with a detailed account of how the club came into being 25 years ago.

Founder member Bill Lawson and long standing member Geoffrey Morgan gave their own recollections and anecdotes from the early days and how the club slowly developed the wide range of activities its members enjoy today.

The president presented Bill Lawson and the widows of founder members with founder member lapel badges.

The gathering closed with toasts by the vice-president, Briane Davies, to absent friends and by Mr Willmouth to the founder members who had the foresight to form what is today a prestigious club.