The Didsbury Probus Club invites you to our next scheduled Speaker Meeting on Thursday 5th February 2026.
Venue: Didsbury Baptist Church on the corner of School Lane and Beaver Road opposite Didsbury Metrolink, M20 6SX
Time: We will meet at 10:30 am for tea/coffee and biscuits with the talk starting at 11.00am.
Talk Title: The S & J Watts family of Burnage, Didsbury, Abney Hall, Cheadle and Heaton Mersey: founders of a great wholesale empire and Kendal Milne
The Watts family started life in Burnage as weavers but rose to great wealth as the textile industry burgeoned in Manchester. Sir James Watts’ ownership of Abney Hall is illustrated and the lives of many members of his distinguished and well-connected family such as Lt Col Humphrey Watts and his daughter, Dame Felicity Peake (Imperial War Museum) will be discussed as will Agatha Christie’s connection.
Speaker: Diana Leitch
Visitors are very welcome. Donations from visitors, to help with our running costs and provision of refreshments, will be very welcome.
Please note: Local tithe maps will be on sale at this meeting
Future talks
19th Feb – Cold War Naval Aviation – Julian Bond
In this difficult period of deterrent and defence, Julian will give a snapshot of naval aviation in the Cold War years on HMS Ark Royal. Julian’s talk includes his experiences with 450 day time deck landings and 35 night time ones.
5th March – “Don’t Shoot the Messenger” – Frank Vigon
This is an entertaining talk about the history of advertising and how advertising works. There are many subtleties in the use of promoting a commodity, some so subtle you never know they exist. Frank will give his very enthusiastic and enlightening talk with his usual passion. Come and listen.
19th March – Alan Turing – His Life and Legacy – Neil Sheldon
Alan was a brilliant young man who was recognised for his important work at Bletchley Park on the decoding of the Enigma machine. After the war he came to Manchester and worked at the University until his death. Neil’s presentation covers all the trials, tribulations and successes of his life.