The idea of a summer pub lunch was introduced back in 1996 by the then president, David Carwardine and has continued without break in the ensuing twenty-eight years.
He had been a director of the Basingstoke fork truck manufacturer Lansing Bagnall and had a famous father who invented the angle poise lamp. As the president he wanted to bring the ladies into a social event for this men only club.
Selecting the venue traditionally became the responsibility of each president and this year involved a group visit to the Bolton Arms in Old Basing. This was the choice of the current president Stephen Thair, a retired solicitor, who also happens to live in Old Basing.
A mixture of members and wives/lady friends totalling thirty-three dined in this fifteenth century, Grade ii listed building that was reopened early this year after going through a significant refurbishment programme. This has brought this hostelry very much into the modern era providing an extensive food offering to suit all tastes and pockets.
Old Basing was the site for the longest siege of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, where Roundhead met Cavalier during the 23 months of the siege of Basing House. It had been built as a Tudor palace by William Paulet, the 1st Marquess of Winchester, to rival Hampton Court palace in its size and opulence.
When the House of Stuart was returned to the throne in 1660, King Charles ii returned the lands of Basing to the Paulet family. As a show of gratitude for his loyalty to the Crown, Charles Paulet became the first Duke of Bolton, hence the name of this pub which is still owned by the Bolton family estate.
President Stephen Thair and wife Margaret hosted the event which was held in a private room that just about coped with the numbers. Of the ladies present, four were members of the Ladies’ Probus Club of Basingstoke while it was announced that two new members had joined the men’s club this month. This is a good sign that the club has an attraction for like-minded men.
Due to their early departures there are no photographs of Andrew & Janice Barton or of Paul & Mary Klinger.
Probus Club of Basingstoke 
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