St Ives: Cromwell Probus Club host King's Coronation

Jul 07, 2023

A club in St Ives which brings together retired or semi-retired local people for an informal monthly lunch, hosted a special Coronation-themed meal last month (May).

The Cromwell Probus Club welcomed 36 diners to enjoy a special three-course royal menu on May 18 at Slepe Hall Hotel in Ramsey Road.

A spokesperson for the club said: "On the third Thursday of every month, The Cromwell Probus (Luncheon Club) of St Ives – founded in August 2020 by the late Peter Baker MBE - meets to afford local retired business people (and partners) an opportunity and a forum to share 'life' experiences during a chef-inspired meal – normally two courses."

Doreen & Gordon Steptoe at the special Coronation-themed lunch. (Image: David McCandless)

"With last month [May] being special, the Club's Steering Group decided to make it a Coronation-themed three course Lunch."

The club's administrator, David McCandless, assisted by Lorna Baker, arranged the royal menu with Maria Fisher, Slepe Hall's General Manager.

King Phil Cox with a table of Kings & Queens. (Image: David McCandless)

Classic selections on the menu included Soupe Royale and Le Roi Charles III Coronation Chicken, and a small raffle was conducted by the club's 'Raffle King Ted', born in Windsor and whose father – as a Chelsea Pensioner - met the late queen.

Colin Whitaker and Margaret at the lunch. (Image: David McCandless)

Several of the diners met the challenge of the theme by joining in with the fun and turned up in red, white blue attire, many with Crowns or Tiaras, and hotel staff judged the best outfit.

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A spokesperson for the club said: "The prize for the best coronation attire was difficult to decide, but eventually, the Hotel's Manager, Crystal, presented a bottle of M&S illuminated swirling Gin Liqueur to Sandra Roberts."

Best Coronation attire winner, Sandra Roberts, presented with a bottle of Gin Liqueur by Slepe Hall manager Crystal Cooper. (Image: David McCandless)

Around 40 Coronation cupcakes were baked by Sue Rook with edible crowns to accompany coffee, and Claire Hardy, the director of the Norris Museum, was present to provide an overview of the museum's Probus holdings, function, staff and funding.

Margaret, Lorna Baker, Claire Hardy, Chris and Pru Leah at the Probus Lunch. (Image: David McCandless)

Pete Baker MBE had previously arranged with Claire to store and display the defunct men-only Cromwell Probus Club's artefacts in the museum.

For more details about the club, visit www.CromwellProbusClub.org.uk.