Meeting reports and what’s on’s for Thetford’s clubs and groups this August.
Probus Club of Thetford
Neil Dickenson treated members of Thetford Probus Club to an interesting talk on the shoguns and emperors of Japan.
The talk explored the changing relationship between Japan’s military rulers and its emperors, alongside the restrictions that limited contact and trade with other countries.
Members heard about Commodore Matthew Perry’s arrival in Tokyo Bay in 1853 and the pressure to open Japan to international trade. Neil also discussed the end of shogun rule and the major political and social changes that followed the restoration of imperial government in 1868.
The talk traced Japan’s subsequent modernisation, including changes to its government and armed forces, before examining its involvement in China and the Second World War. It also covered Japan’s surrender and post-war economic development, including the impact of the Korean War.
The club holds monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 10.30am at the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JW.
If you are interested, why not come along? You will be more than welcome. We also have a monthly lunch at local venues.
Details can be found at probusclub.net/thetford.
Doug Stephen
Thetford u3a
At July’s monthly meeting, members spent their afternoon at a Midsummer Social, which celebrated the 60th anniversary of England’s FIFA World Cup victory in 1966.
Members were allocated to teams of eight and a quiz of 66 questions, split over two halves, was refereed by our Publicity Coordinator. Subjects covered included history, geography, entertainment, humour, sport and general knowledge.
The celebrity presentation party (our founder and our current Treasurer) awarded prizes to the winners, each of whom received a meat pie (in lieu of a medal) and a special gift relevant to one of the quiz questions.
For our next monthly meeting on Thursday 24th September 2026, Chris Garrod will be telling us all about Norfolk-born author Charlie Christmas Bush, who wrote as Christopher Bush and produced mystery novels and books on local life. Can’t wait to find out how it turns out.
U3A Thetford’s regular monthly meetings take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at the Church on the Way, Churchill Road, Thetford, IP24 2JZ. Meetings start at 2pm, with doors opening at 1.30pm.
We are always pleased to see new members. Contact membership@thetfordu3a.org for details.
David Thompson
Thetford Parkinson’s Group
Thetford Parkinson’s Cafe will welcome Judith in September to talk about essential tremor, a condition often confused with Parkinson’s disease. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be used to treat symptoms of both conditions.
Judith is currently on the pathway to receive DBS herself and will discuss the challenges she faces.
If you too have essential tremor, or perhaps have Parkinson’s with the option of DBS, you will be very welcome on Tuesday 8th September at 11am at Thetford Methodist Church.
For more information please contact Rachel at rwaid2@gmail.com
Rachel Woods
West Norfolk Aviation Society (WNAS)
This evening’s speaker was club member Steve, who presented a talk on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) threats in the civil environment, drawing extensively on his background in the London Ambulance Service. He brought along a variety of protective suits and a respirator to illustrate his talk.
This was a very informative evening, although whatever slant you put on it, you couldn’t describe it as joyous! Steve explained the differences between the various types of threat and what the responses from the civil authorities would be. Thank you, Steve, for a mind-opening presentation on a subject we rarely think about.
All are welcome on Tuesday 1st September at 7.15pm for a talk entitled ‘(Almost) 70 Years In and Around Aviation’. Further details are available at www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.com. Non-members’ admission is £2 per person, including a light buffet.
Mark Burch
