Events

Stockton-on-Tees Probus Club organises several types of events throughout the year.  Some of these are regular, like the walks, whilst others occur as the opportunity arises to visit various interesting localities.  A social gathering for a Christmas lunch is a regular occurrence.

Walks

Members are invited to join the walking group that meets every second Tuesday of the month (except December, July and August). The walks, short and gentle, are a means of extending the social companionship of the members, their spouses/partners, whose legs may or may not have walked many miles when younger. The aim is to allow pleasant conversation and discussion whilst exercising the body for 1.5 to 2 hours after which the chatter can continue in a local hostelry over a light meal perhaps being washed down with a refreshing beverage. Please contact Len Gooding for details.

Christmas Lunch

Our Christmas lunch will be held on Tuesday 9 December 2025 at the Parkmore Hotel. Further details will be given at meetings nearer the date.

Events

FUTURE EVENTS

Details of new events are posted here when arrangements have been made by our Events Organiser Megan Hutchinson.

PAST EVENTS

A VISIT TO PRESTON PARK MUSEUM

1 October 2025

Having just had a spectacular refurbishment, with it’s new extension, the museum has recently reopened and is proving to be very popular visitor attraction. Twenty members and guests enjoyed a very friendly welcome and a curator talked to us about the history and current life of the museum before another curator guided us around. Revealing the stories behind the beautifully presented exhibits, he took us back in time, most of us being able to remember some of the items from our childhood.

A great visit, and a reminder that it’s such a convenient place to revisit with it’s new facilities. Afterwards many of us went to Eaglescliffe Golf Club and enjoyed a happy couple of hours lunching.

Megan Hutchinson

A VISIT TO QUARRY END GARDEN, WALWORTH, NEAR DARLINGTON

11 September 2025

Sixteen Probus members braved a showery afternoon visiting the garden of Quarry End.  With extensive views over the Durham dales and Walworth castle, this gem of a garden was worth the effort.  Originally the quarry supplied stone used in the runways of Teesside Airport.

After a welcoming talk in the shelter of a huge barn area we heard how the Andersons have created their very diverse garden over about 25 years.  Surprises were around every corner, especially in the woodland area where wood carved birds were clinging to trees, and further on an historic ice house (formerly part of the Castle) was open to view.  Perfectly formed in every way, this unusual quarry garden continues to develop.

Fortunately, we managed a full garden tour without rain and spent a very happy time afterwards in the Pop Up tea room, eating home-made cakes and scones -which were delicious.  This garden is rarely open and Probus were very lucky to have the opportunity to visit.

A TOUR OF THE GEORGIAN THEATRE, RICHMOND

21 October 2024

Details of visit to be posted.

A TASTE OF THE ORIENT

Friday 8th March 2024

A group of 20 Probus members and partners visited the superb Oriental Museum within Durham University campus.  We were greeted by museum staff we enjoyed refreshments before our curator- led private tour began.

This is the YEAR OF THE DRAGON and we stood under an enormous paper dragon to hear the history of this relatively modern museum, formerly known as The Gulbenkian. Our guide, Rachel ,was so knowledgeable and passionate about the exhibits and the museum’s place , not only within the academic world, but the local community as well.

Covering China and Japan but also North Africa, Ancient Egypt and Asia – themed displays are spread over two floors and, although smaller than some museums, is packed with beautiful ceramics and artefacts which are truly fascinating. Of their entire collection , only 3% is on display at one time but many stored items are used for specialist study by students and research visitors.

Those of us with a medical background were no doubt interested in the pair of mummies which were in amazing order and we were all impressed with a tiny female figure carrying an urn (only inches high) which looked as though it were made yesterday but was actually a couple of thousand years old.

This is a place that deserves revisiting from time to time as there’s so much to absorb in one go.  Only a short drive from Teesside, with convenient parking, those who weren’t able to join us should add it to their list of ‘days out’.  Like many museums entry is free and it has a gift shop with unusual items adjacent to a small tea/coffee area.

(Part of Probus members refreshments charge went to the museum as a donation)

Please enjoy the attached photos taken by Mark Young.

Visit to Tees Cottage Water Pumping Station, 4 October 2023

A group of 11 members had a very interesting and informative time at Tees Cottage Water Pumping Station. This heritage site is kept going by a band of enthusiastic volunteers who spent over three hours with us explaining how Darlington (and eventually Teesside) got fresh, clean water from the river to the local population who had previously relied on rainwater or wells.

We marvelled at the Victorian splendour of the great engine house and other associated buildings, saw working pumping machinery including Europe’s largest working preserved gas engine and their very impressive beam engine. There was even a working blacksmith!

It was good to know that our visitor contribution will help towards keeping this unique set of buildings running. Our guides kept our interest with their easy style and knowledge and we enjoyed tea, scones and cakes, home made by volunteers, before and after our visit.