PROBUS Club members in Okehampton gathered on Monday to celebrate the 100th birthday of one of their founder members. George Frederick Beasley was born on November 5, 1907 ? when Edward VII was on the throne and Tsar Nicholas ruled in Russia . . . Mr Beasley, who was born in Cannock in Staffordshire, lives at Leeze Park, came to Okehampton in 1958 to take charge of Halwill, Okehampton and Lydford forests ? travelling between them in a Morris Minor pick-up. He retired as head forester at Halwill Forest in 1969 and occupies his time with his hobbies ? making steam engines, woodwork and metal work, ? if he was unable to get a tool he needed, he would make it himself. He has been a keen supporter of the Forestry Commission Retirement Association since its inception, often attending the annual conference, the last time in his mid 90s. Mr Beasley attended the inaugural meeting of Probus which had been organised by the late W W J Cornish, representing Rotary International, the organisation responsible for the formation of Probus clubs. At this meeting, held on November 24, 1975, he was appointed acting secretary. The club was officially formed on December 8, 1975 ? his appointment as secretary was confirmed and he remained in this post for three years. He was appointed deputy chairman on January 8, 1979 and chairman on January 21, 1980. He remained on the executive committee for a number of years. The club met at the old motel from its inauguration until it closed and moved to its present location on April 28, 1980. Mr Beasley is pictured with Probus members. Picture by James Bird
