Wednesday 14th May 2025 – Bowls – Lymm Probus v Rex Probus
It has been many years since Rex bowlers have enjoyed such brilliant weather for their start to a season. It is also may years since Rex visited the Oughtrington Bowling Club green to play the Lymm Probus and not coming home with their tail between their legs after a comprehensive defeat. However, today was the day when the proverbial worm turned as the Knutsford bowlers showed their form by bringing home a comprehensive 114 – 91 victory. The win was sweet but as any sportsman will say in victory, “Be humble.”
Thursday 8th May 2025 – Club Meeting – Speaker, Peter Cotton, with a talk entitled ‘Everest’.
Peter Cotton started by explaining this was a historical look at the circumstances of the British Everest Expedition of 1924.
The main story here was about the two main characters George Mallory and Andrew Irvine. Mallory was from Mobberley and Irvine originated from Birkenhead, both in Cheshire at that time although Mallory was, by the time they met, an accomplished mountaineer whereas Irvine was fairly new to the pastime and there was an age difference of 15 years. In many ways they were unlikely climbing partners. Mallory studied History at Magdalene College Cambridge and Irvine was an Engineering graduate of Merton College Oxford. Their main common interest being Rowing rather than climbing although Irvine had excelled during a climbing trip to Spitzbergen in the Arctic Circle with experienced expedition climber Noel Odell.
After a sea voyage which set off from Liverpool on February 29th 1924, the main expedition members arrived at Everest at the beginning of June enabling Mallory and Irvine to depart on their summit attempt on June 6th. The pair were last seen above the second step of the North East Ridge at 12.50pm on June 7th and it’s since been conclude the pair met their eventual demise on either June 8th or 9th.
Little is known about what actually happened to Mallory and Irvine. Various items of their kit have been found including oxygen tanks, a camera, a watch, goggles, Irvine’s boot and subsequently Mallory’s body in 1999 after which his remains were interred on the mountain. Strangely they have since mysteriously disappeared. Irvine’s body still remains undiscovered. Various theories have been expounded about their circumstances but conjecture still remains and the truth of their demise may never be properly understood.
1st May 2025 – Walk – Highlees/Over Alderley
The Walking Group set off from the Blacksmiths Arms on a beautiful May Day morning heading north across the Chelford Road into Pepper Lane and on towards Whirley Hall on a little known route to Highlees and Over Alderley. The countryside was looking at its best, a mix of woods with early foliage with many colours and well kept meadows, and fences ,a few styles in good condition. The topography drawing the group into the part-shaded trees where vast areas of blue bells were in full bloom. Up and down small hills to show the lovely countryside, evidence of a well managed estate and cared-for dwellings. Returning via Wrigley Lane and Birchtree Farm to the Blacksmith Arms to enjoy a good meal and welcome drinks which was appreciated after such a hot day!
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