Meeting reports and what’s on’s for Thetford’s clubs and groups this February
Thetford Inner Wheel
After a successful stall at the Garden Centre in December, promoting the United Nations campaign ‘Violence Against Women’, we celebrated Inner Wheel’s 102nd birthday by joining with Watton Inner Wheel Club in January.
Nigel Cobham of the Great Hockham Estate gave a fascinating talk about his conservation work. We learnt a great deal, particularly about owls, and about which animals cause the most problems for endangered wildlife. He was very grateful to the club for its donation to the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, which he supports.
For further information please go to www.innerwheel.co.uk
Marian De Bass
Probus Club of Thetford
A very seasonal talk from Jim Stebbings explored the history of the English pantomime. Jim traced the origins of pantomime as far back as Roman times, explaining how extraordinary it is that this type of show is now performed almost exclusively in England, despite much of its development taking place across Europe, particularly in Italy and France.
The development of pantomime characters proved to be a fascinating story and, to an extent, one that is still ongoing – though not always to everyone’s taste! One enduring mystery is why these shows are traditionally staged at Christmas, when very few of the storylines have anything to do with Christmas at all. Next month’s talk will focus on covert and specialist operations – one I, for one, can’t wait for.
The club enjoys a wide variety of speakers covering an equally wide range of subjects. Probus meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 10.30am at the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JW. If you’re interested, why not come along? You will be more than welcome.
The club also hosts a monthly lunch at local venues. More details can be found at:
https://probusclub.net/thetford
Doug Stephen
Thetford u3a
In December, we held our Christmas party at our new venue, the Church on the Way, where we received a warm welcome from Linda, Don and the team. Lyn Ready provided us with an entertaining quiz, followed by seasonal pies, refreshments and bingo to complete the fun and frolics.
By the time you read this, Neil Marshall will have given his January talk on the RNLI.
Our next meeting will take place on Thursday 26th February 2026, when Gary Powell will present He could’ve been saved by the skin of his… — a case of mistaken identity and wrongful conviction which led to the formation of the Court of Appeal.
U3A Thetford’s monthly meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JZ. Doors open half an hour before the start at 2pm.
Monthly meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at our new and regular venue, the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JZ. Doors open half an hour before the start at 2pm.
New members are always welcome. Contact membership@thetfordu3a.org for details.
David Thompson
Thetford Parkinson’s Group
Although there will be no guest speaker at our February 10th meeting, members can look forward to a relaxed and enjoyable session with games and social time. In March, we are pleased to welcome a Parkinson’s nurse who will answer questions and discuss care plans. Anyone newly diagnosed, or supporting someone with Parkinson’s, is warmly invited to attend. We are a friendly, welcoming group with a wealth of shared knowledge and experience in living well with Parkinson’s.
11am, Tuesday February 10th, Thetford Methodist Church. For more information please contact Rachel at rwaid2@gmail.com
