News – June 2025

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Thursday 26th June 2025 – Club Meeting – Speaker, David Hearn, with a talk entitled ‘Liverpool & Slavery’.

David started by acknowledging that this is a difficult subject but he was going to concentrate on telling the facts. In simple terms Liverpool was the “European Capital” of the slave trade, with over 80% of all slave voyages. David illustrated the triangular trade by the adjacent slide. (Cotton is not specifically identified but was the foundation of the Manchester cotton industry.) The first voyage took place in 1699, and between then and 1807, when it was declared illegal, almost 5,000 voyages took place, transporting something like 1.5 million slaves. David named the various investors who financed and profited from the activity, whose names are commemorated in Liverpool’s buildings and streets. It is reckoned that there were around 500 citizens of Liverpool who were involved as owners and investors, many of whom served as MPs or members of the Corporation. Thousands of the general population were involved in supporting trades.

Some interesting facts which David provided in his detailed and wide-ranging talk was that the crew of slave ships were paid double the normal rate; slave families were split to lessen the risk of organised trouble on the voyage; “suicide nets” were hung at the sides of the ships; the Abolition Act of 1833 didn’t apply to the East India Company until 1843. The last slave in the British Empire was freed in 1843, but Liverpool remained connected to slavery throughout the American Civil War, mainly supporting the Confederates, but selling weaponry to the North when the price was right. In conclusion David mentioned the Bluecoat School, and the Bishop’s Throne in Liverpool Cathedral, both evidence of the profits of slavery.

Thursday 19th June 2025 – Walk – Alderley Edge

The Churchill Tree Pub

The Walking Group experienced what was an attractive walk in glorious weather, around the periphery of the Park towards the Edge, with a useful amount of shade on what was one of the hottest days of the year. The members who took part in the walk were joined by a number of other non-walking members for an excellent lunch at The Churchill Tree pub

Wednesday 18th June 2025 – Bowls – Tyror Cup – Rex v Tatton

Earlier this year due to shortages in numbers the bowling sections of Tatton Probus and Rex Probus merged to form the Knutsford Probus Bowling Group.

The Tyror Cup named after one of the founding fathers of the two clubs was played for annually between Tatton and Rex. It was decided that the cup should still be competed for by the bowlers of Tatton and Rex and for this event only split in to their respective clubs.

So, on a beautiful hot summers day the group met at the fantastic looking Knutsford Bowling Club green to contest the trophy. It was always going to be a keenly contested match as local bragging rights were at stake. By the half time break the early predictions were right as the points total was just in favour of Tatton but still the destination of the trophy was not certain. As the match came to a nail biting conclusion and demands for a recount the total points came out in favour of Tatton by just one point in 143.

The photo shows the Tatton captain receiving the George Tyror Cup from his opposite number Roger Collins.

Thursday 12th June 2025 – Club Meeting – Speaker, Gary Conley who gave a talk entitled ‘Aye up, The Pies have come’

Gary began by reminiscing and recollecting past experiences working in Northern Working Mens Clubs. Reminiscing in a casual and very funny manner he provided anecdotes over the many years. Gary recounted experiences performing at clubs, noting the unpredictability of audiences and the challenges of charity gigs.

Clubs in the 1960s – 70s -1980s were described as packed and lively with strong audience engagement. Traditions of queueing for entry on special occasions.

Club committees often composed with little relevant expertise and questionable decisions and resistance to change. Example: refusal to book popular acts like the Drifters due to a 50pence door charge fee. Clubs typically featured live music with local musicians.

Gary often included light-hearted references to club humour. Notable personalities and performers, including Harry Pemberton from Wigan, known for his distinctive style of humorous anecdotes including his dog and musical requests. The famous Bernard Manning Embassy club owner Bernard Manning. his candid humorous approach to hosting.

Commenting on observation of bingo players, and the unique marking styles. Nostalgic recollections of classic club foods such as scampi, crumpets, prawns with Mary Rose sauce, cheese and onion crisps.

Personal observation: Pubs closing because cheap alcohol and changing habits of young people. Mention of notable performer who adapted their acts through the club system. Such as Les Dawson and Bradley Walsh.

Wednesday 11th June 2025 – Bowls – Northwich v Knutsford

 

The Knutsford bowlers visit to the Owley Wood Club is always a pleasant experience which involves fine facilities and excellent company.

A beautiful summer morning on a green in tip top condition nothing could be better for a friendly game of crown green bowling.

The games were keenly contested affairs but in the end the Knutsford team just had too much power for their Northwich friends so a score of 71 points to 36 in favour of the visitors was not a surprise. Both teams thanked each other for a very pleasant morning and the Northwich players will have a chance of revenge when they visit the Knutsford Bowling Club for the return fixture.