Melksham Probus Club held their monthly meeting at the Kings Arms, Melksham on Tuesday 6th March.
They report” After a good lunch of roast chicken followed by dessert, we had a talk by Geoff Grant about the time he spent in Malawi, in Africa. Geoff was there for ten years from 1974 to 1984.
“Geoff worked for United Transport as a manager. His task was to ensure all the buses were roadworthy and that the drivers, mechanics and office staff were capable and safe to carry out their duties.
“When he arrived, with his wife, they had to stay in a hotel for a few days before moving into a bungalow. They were surprised to find, on arrival that they had a housekeeper, gardener and house boy.
“Geoff’s first job was to train approx 200 drivers who previously had had no correct training. All the buses were in a shocking condition and the staff were also in poor shape. Geoff then selected the four best members of staff and trained them so they could assist him. The buses were mainly Leyland and were new when delivered, but all had deteriorated due to poor maintenance. But after months of long hours, the buses were restored and made roadworthy.
“At one time, when on the road, Geoff was stopped by the Police and told to leave his car and clap his hands. When asked why? he was informed the reason was because the President was being driven past and it showed Geoff did not have a gun.
“After 10 years, Geoff had succeeded in making vast improvements all round, and returned to Britain.”
Anyone interested in Melksham Probus please contact Keith Gibbons ckjgibbons1@yahoo.co.uk or phone 01225 705641.