STOKESLEY PROBUS CLUB

Quick Links

Mike Irving
29th June 1935 - ?? June 2025

Mike was born in Middlesbrough in 1935 and passed away in June aged 89;
a few days short of his 90th birthday.
A Service, which was streamed, was held for Mike at Banbury Crematorium. on 27th June.
Mike was educated at West Hartlepool Grammar School.
He joined Probus in September 2014 proposed by Alwyn Boulby and Seconded by
Terry Ratcliffe.
He was semi-retired at the time having lived in the area with his wife Lovaine, for 56 years and in Stokesley from the early 90s.
He married Lovaine in 1959 and had two daughters and five grandchildren.
Mike was a qualified Tees Bay River Pilot for 36 years.
He was a midshipman and navigating officer on cargo and passenger ships, colliers and tankers. He was Technical Adviser to Trinity House Pilots Committee.
He listed his interests as Photography and Rotary.
He was a Founder President of Stokesley Rotary Club and in 2012 received a long service award as a Member.
He was a Member of both Redcar and Stokesley Round Tables.
He was a founder Member of SPIOTA (Stokesley Pride in our Town Association) and enjoyed his role as Chairman.
In 1952 Mike achieved the Queen’s Scout Badge and was presented to the
Duke of Edinburgh.
Mike experienced serious health problems through 2021 starting when he was a Speaker on a cruise ship. He collapsed and was admitted to several hospitals. He was diagnosed with sepsis and pneumonia and flown home. Mike recovered in Stokesley but moved with Lovaine to Chipping Norton on 9th June 2021.
He was booked for Probus on the 19th March 2019 to present his Talk on
The Mystery of Easter Island. Unfortunately, that talk was cancelled.
He was a lovely man and great raconteur.

KW 15.7.25

John Terence Ratcliffe (Terry)

29th December 1937 - 31st July 2025

Terry was born on the 29th December1937 in Lancashire and passed away
on 31st July 2025 aged 87
He spent his school years in Battle passing the 11+
His first job was with Battle Borough Council.
He attended Manchester College of Science and Technology earning a Degree.
He also attended courses at Bradford University.
Then, Terry discovered the Yorkshire Dales and Moors prompting a house move.

He met Judith. They spent most of their time at the Astoria.
They married in Battle in 1956 and honeymooned in Paris.
They spent over 60 years cycling, canoeing, camping, touring Spain, Italy and France.
T&J relocated to the NE living on Cargo Fleet Lane, Earlsdon Ave in Acklam, Seamer and finally in Stokesley from 1966.
Terry was described as unconventional parent. He took his son to London and left him at the Underground. He had a map, some money and a penknife for protection. Survival skills.
Terry filled the lives of his family with experiences such as visiting museums, climbing, baking, knot-making, sharpening knives and playing games with jokes. He loved animals and built a stable for his special passion for horses. He advised the children to be brave but safe.

Terry spent his career as Middlesbrough Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
At 37 he was the youngest ever Chief Borough Engineer serving from 1972 until the abolition of CCC in 1996.
He was well respected for his leadership, management and humour.
Terry Chaired many Regional committees throughout his enterprising career.
Responsibilities included the development of Coulby Newham and Hemlington, new retail spaces, reducing pollution in the Tees, the construction of two multi-story car parks,
the development of the Bus Station and the Crematorium.  
In fact, a little irony; Middlesbrough Crematorium and Chapel opened in 1961.
On Friday 6th September 1985 there was an Official Opening of the extension with a dedication from the Bishop of Whitby.
This is marked with a plaque on the wall outside. Terry’s name is on it as the Borough Engineer and Surveyor. (John Foster’s name is also listed as CEO).
And the wit of our Members:
Chris Lee wondered why Terry had not built it big enough for his own funeral…
and Alwyn Boulby, over a pint in the Black Swan in Stokesley, wondered if Terry might
self-combust in this heat wave.

A Service for Terry was held in St Bede’s Chapel on Thurs. 14th August.
A double session was booked. The Chapel and Annexe room were full.
Friends were watching from outside areas.

John Rhind, Bob Blakey, Alwyn Boulby, Michael Westgarth-Taylor, Chris Lee and myself all attended. (Sorry if I missed anyone).
Terry’s two daughters, four granddaughters and many family members attended.
The Celebrant was Dawn Vincent. She led the main eulogy.

A daughter read a second eulogy and another daughter and granddaughter shared a third one.
Many words and phrases describing Terry were repeated throughout the Service.
He was described as practical, inventive and unstoppable with ingenuity and a love for solving challenges.
He had a passion for cycling including a switch to e-bikes in his 70s and keeping a significant recording log.
He followed a strict Planning regime for everything especially cycling holidays including in India, Vietnam and most of Europe. He learned welding and built his own bicycle frame.
He led the introduction of a cycleway system throughout the Borough including the Joint Cycle and Pedestrian system on Keith Rd. opened by the Transport Minister.
He had a love for people and stories.
His enjoyment of humour and jokes included mischief. He created a Club with two Members. Terry and his friend. He nominated his friend as Secretary and himself as President.
They had an annual awards ceremony.
He would wear a monocle and use clever nicknames for everyone.
He had a passion for reading, research, the outdoors and conversation.
He learned Spanish at night school.
There was a story about Terry and his brother using gunpowder and setting the curtains alight.
He was strong, could bend a 6” nail. He could rip telephone directories in half.
He was adventurous and loved animals.       
He volunteered at a Farm loving the work with horses.
He enjoyed all aspects of DIY challenges and finding solutions;
including roofing, insulation and heating.

He lived his life with determination, curiosity and the right amount of mischief.
He was an adventurous man leaving us with a grin and lasting memories.

He was a Member of Rotary until the formation of The Other Club.
He featured in the Town Crier Magazine several times including as Rotary President from 2010 to 2011 and receiving a Club Banner from visiting Rotarians from Australia.
Terry joined Probus in March 2011. He was proposed by ??? and Seconded by me.
He stepped down from membership in August 2024 for health reasons with his heart.
Terry’s hobbies were listed as Walking, Cycling, Photography, DIY and travelling in France.

Refreshments were prepared at The Dudley Arms in Ingleby Greenhow.
Donations were requested for Cycling UK. I made a small donation for Probus.

KW 19.8.25

David Henry Storry

12th May 1933 - 27th September 2025

David was born on the 12th May 1933 in Stockton. He always regretted this because even if he had been a good enough cricketer he still couldn’t have played for Yorkshire.
David died peacefully at home in Kirkby on Sat 27th September aged 92
Family members were by his side: his wife Liz, daughter Joanne, son Richard, 4 grandchildren and a great grandson.

A Committal Service was held at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Friday 24th October for family members. This was followed by a Thanksgiving Service for David held at
St Augustine’s Church in Kirkby. Donations in lieu of flowers were requested in aid of the Church. I made a small donation on behalf of Probus.
I attended with Colin Hinton, John and Jean Richardson, Malcolm and June D’Arcy, Maria Humphrey and Gordon Hetherington.

The Service followed a nautical theme with stories about David’s interests in sailing and rowing. We had the ‘perils on the sea’ hymn and Rod Stewart with ‘Sailing’.
We had a poem on ‘Waves’ and another on all the ‘moments’ when David would be missed. Richard Storry related several stories.

David loved Fast Cars. Not Ferraris, just fast saloon cars.
He loved to occupy the outside lane and go for it.
He was once in an outside lane but spotted a police car in his mirror. So, he cut across the motorway and exited into an estate. He passed a house with the garage door open, pulled in and stayed for 20 minutes escaping capture.
But, he was caught speeding numerous times and achieved 9 penalty points.
He did help the Police on occasion. For example, following a robbery the Police did a Blue light visit to his home, took him to Northallerton and asked him to value the recovered goods. Then Blue lighted him home. ‘The goods were worthless’ he said.
David loved Fast boats. In the 1950s when he was training to be a Chartered Surveyor, he joined a Rowing Club in Co. Durham. In 1958 he won a rowing competition and held several titles into the 60s. When he retired from competition he continued support for the Club by funding activities. In 2009 the Club asked him if he could help with a promising female rower. He did and she went on to win an Olympic Gold medal – Cath Copeland.

He bought a 29’ sailing yacht; the Gypsy King and enjoyed sailing around France.
He spent 10 years with new boats, including speed boats.
David loved Fine Wine. He developed his interest through the 70s and 80s. He had a cellar built into his Seamer home and every subsequent property he owned. He travelled to France and befriended a Winery buying 600 bottles at a time. He came to a deal with Barker and Stonehouse for transport home. At one VAT visit, the Inspector could hardly believe the cellar was personal consumption and not a Business.   

I chatted with a friend from my NYCC and R&C volunteer days. He lives in Kirkby and said that David loved racing around on his tractor crossing fields and through the village.
Chatting with another lady going back to the Car Park: she told me that she was a former employee of David’s. “He was a lovely man, funny and friendly. He organised a Christmas Lunch every year for all staff. He paid for all the meals, drinks and transport.”

David joined Probus at the AGM on 16th April 2013 proposed by John Richardson
(couldn’t read the Seconder).

David was a Member of many Clubs including The Round Table from 1960 to 1973, Rotary from 1972 to 1987 and the 41 Club. He listed his hobbies as Wine, Croquet, Golf, Sailing and Rowing (Remember he sponsored the Jasmine Harrison talk ‘Rowing the Atlantic’ on 21st May 2024 with a £100 donation)

Richard Storry finished with the line “A life well-lived” indeed.

KW 18.11.25

Richard Rose

31st October 1938 - 11th December 2025

Richard was born in Middlesbrough on the 31st October 1938 and passed away in James Cook Hospital on 11th December 2025, aged 87.
A Service for Richard was held in St Bede’s Chapel at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Monday 12th January  2026 followed by a wake at Middlesbrough Golf Club in Brass Castle Lane.
The Service was well-attended with family and friends, including some from The Gentlemen’s Marbles Club in Nunthorpe. Maj probably calls this his Bowling Club.
Derek Whiting and I also attended. Derek actually stayed on because the very next Service was for his brother Alan. Sorry for your loss Derek.
Richard’s family moved home several times to Haverton Hill, Billingham and back to Middlesbrough.
Richard was a bright pupil but for family reasons was not able to attend Grammar School. He left school becoming a Fireman on the Railways but left this job to join the RAF. He was stationed at RAF Halton in Aylesbury.
After leaving military service Richard spent most of his career, 33 years, working for the Post Office. He started by driving a van to cover deliveries to farms and rural locations.
He retired as the Manager of the Stockton Office.
Whilst in the RAF he met up with his future wife Irene on a train.
He visited at her home in North Ormesby but always had to leave before the 10:00 pm home curfew!! He would then walk back home to Billingham – true love.
Irene went into Nursing and they split up each becoming engaged to someone else.
But, Irene’s Aunt maintained contact between the two.
She thought Richard was a Gentleman and kind.
They got back together and were married at St. Alphonsus Church in 1966.
They lived in N.O. but were moved to Netherfields following some house clearances.
Richard and Irene finally settled at Beeches Rise in Marton.
They enjoyed a 59-year marriage.
They had two children; Michael and Katie who described her dad as being great, very patient and a reliable taxi service. He had a love for family, camping in Devon and visiting Air Shows. Richard and Michael were Boro Season ticket holders.
He read the Daily Mail so no-one was allowed to talk about politics.
He loved walking on the Moors and climbed the Three Peaks.
He enjoyed nature and gardening programmes on TV and had a dog called Spike.
He enjoyed reading especially local history and wartime stories.
He enjoyed Quizzes at his Social Clubs.
He played outdoor Bowls at Nunthorpe in the summer and Indoors at Eston and Grangetown in the winter.

In his later years he suffered from Kidney and Liver failure and osteoporosis.
He was on dialysis. He remained independent and resisted help as much as possible.  
He had a fall fracturing a bone and was admitted to James Cook Hospital.

He was comforted by Katie and Irene with words of faith and some terrible jokes.
Richard was not devoutly religious but he fully supported Irene who was totally committed to her Catholic Faith.
Father Dominque Minskip led the Service and summed Richard up as a man who loved his family, was kind and is safe in eternal life.

Richard joined Probus on the 15th January 2019. He was proposed by ‘squiggly line’ and Maj Chuhan. He stepped down from membership on 20th June 2023 due to ill health.

I made a small donation for Probus in lieu of flowers to the Kidney Research UK and
Royal Osteoporosis Society charities.

KW 20.1.26

John Peter Cocker

8th October 1934 - 30th December 2025

John lived in Low Easby, then moved to Great Ayton. He was an Industrial Chemist at ICI, Some Members may remember him.
John was born on the 8th October 1934 and passed away in James Cook Hospital on 30th December 2025, aged 91.
He attended Probus as my Guest in July, August. & September 2012.
He joined in October 2012.
His attendance was varied with some holidays and illness mixed in.
Clubs, in the end, were not for him and he stepped down from membership in June 2014

A Service is arranged for John at St Bede’s Chapel on Monday 26th January 2026
followed by refreshments at St Cuthbert’s Church in Marton.

KW 20.1.26

Dr. David Drysdale Bryson

19th March 1928 - 14th February 2026

David was born on 19th March 1928 in Glasgow and passed away peacefully at home on St Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14th February 2026 aged 97

A Service for David was held in St Bede’s Chapel at Middlesbrough Crematorium on Monday 2nd March. I attended with my wife and Jim and Margaret Gannon.
Robin Cook, a former Probus Speaker, also attended.
The Service was led by Jane Alexander, a Scottish Celebrant.
Tributes to David were delivered by his son-in-law Martin Orlandi and his grandchildren Luisa and David.
Refreshments were offered at the Crathorne Arms.
Donations were requested on behalf of Marie Curie. I donated £20 on behalf of SPC

David was born into a shipyard family which lived through poverty with immense family love. David’s upbringing was difficult with the added problems of war years and the depression. One story of David as a 10-year-old was that he was instructed to go for the Doctor as his mother was in labour. David got waylaid playing in the snow and enjoying a snowball fight. So, the Doctor arrived late. His sister was born.
The family loved the West Kilbride coast where they managed to enjoy a few holidays.
Sadly, David’s Mother died aged just 35.
The 1930s were years of unemployment but gave David his determination to succeed.
He won Awards in the Scouts.
He won a St John’s Award thanks to a great teacher. This gave him the incentive to become a Doctor. He was the first in his family to attend University and focussed on obstetrics.

David met Isabelle at a dance. She was with someone else but he persevered attending more dances and eventually swooped on her. They married in 1955 enjoying 63 years of marriage before Isa died in 2016.

David served in the war as a Navigator in a Bomber plane.
He sent Isa a letter every day.
After the war David became a GP in Glasgow.  But he wanted more.

He completed a Diploma in Social Care and working for the Commonwealth Office as a Medical Officer, he went to the West Indies. He worked on tropical diseases, especially leprosy, in Jamaica for seven years.
While there, he developed an interest in oil painting and became a very talented painter. David’s daughter Janet was born in 1962 after a flight to a hospital in a        4-seater plane.

David returned to Scotland in 1963 taking a GP job with ICI.
He took up golf with his brother Angus and played badly every Saturday.
He was more of a Social Member but always elegantly dressed in his ties.

David had learned how to fish from his father and enjoyed passing on the skills to Janet. They enjoyed many mackerel barbeques on holiday in a log cabin with brother Jack and his family in Argyllshire.

In 1976 he was promoted in ICI to Senior Medical Officer based at Wilton Castle.
David and Isa bought a home in Hutton Rudby and remained there.
They had brilliant neighbours especially Jim and Margaret Gannon who lived next door.
David loved classical music and holidays around the world.

He was a proud Dad when Janet married Michael in 1998. Both were GPs.
Michael described David as a great Father-in-Law and entertainer.
Even Michael’s parents loved David and his jokes.
David loved visiting local pubs. His general knowledge was phenomenal and he was a winner. His weak areas were football and soap questions but Michael managed those. He loved completing the Daily Telegraph crossword always in less than 30 minutes. He enjoyed red wine from all corners of the world.
David’s family legacy would be one of love, respect, anecdotes, humour and artwork.
Grandchildren Luisa and David completed the Tributes to Papa with memories of musical and gardening experiences.

In retirement David focussed on Family, Golf, Artwork, Probus and Humour.
In his declining years he was supported by Carers but was always a proud Scot.

He joined Probus on 20th October 2012 proposed by Bill Skinner and seconded by David Middleton; all passed away.
At 97, David was the Probus Elder Statesman

KW 17.3.26

John  Walter Rider
9th May 1938 – 17th February 2026

John was born on the 9th May 1938 and passed away peacefully at the Nunthorpe Hall Care Home on the 17th February 2026 aged 87.
John is missed by his wife Maureen, sister Liz, daughters Kate and Suzie, son Michael and 5 grandchildren.

A Service was held on Thursday 5th March in Christ Church, Gt. Ayton. Donations were requested for St Oswald’s Church at Newton-under-Roseberry and the RNLI

John was a retired Farmer having worked the Barnaby Grange Farm on the Ormesby to Guisborough road near the Kings Head pub for many years.
When John became seriously ill, he sold the farm to his daughter who owned the farm next door.
John and Maureen then downsized to a bungalow in Station Rd., Gt. Ayton.

He had lived in the area his whole life and was a Member of Guisborough Round Table and the Runswick Bay Sailing Club. He also enjoyed Shooting.

John applied for Probus membership on 22nd October 2010.
The date of starting is not recorded. He was Proposed by squiggly line and Seconded by Mike Humphrey.
Other signatories on the Application were the Chairman – squiggly line; the Secretary – squiggly line and the Treasurer – squiggly line.

Sadly, John resigned from Probus wef the Meeting on 19th October 2021

KW 17.3.26