Fred joined Probus in 1995 and within three years he was president, followed by 14 years as social secretary, becoming as persuasive a recruiter of new members for Probus as he was for the Royal British Legion which presented him with the organisation’s Gold Star award.

Fred also received the Serving Officer/Brother award of the St John Ambulance Brigade after 30 years service and another of his honours in recognition of his service to the community was to receive one of the Maundy Purses distributed by the Queen.