Life In Ethiopia Talk For Probus

Members began the meeting with a minute’s silence in memory of Jim Stanley whose death occurred recently. This was followed by a happier moment when Tom Muir was introduced as a new member. Tom, who is an engineer, will be remembered by many people for running the Thomas Paine Hotel for 15 years. At the meeting, Pat Alker spoke about her years of charity involvement with the people of Ethiopia. She introduced many of the children and adults whom she and her husband have met during their various trips to the country. She then explained how improvements have been made to the road network, working outwards from the capital Addis Ababa, and how large numbers of water points have been installed, although there remain many outlying areas where these are still needed. Various international charities have supported the government’s improvements, but there has also been major financial assistance from China, this now extending to the building of factories which generate employment opportunities. Despite these infrastructure improvements, there are major problems in this huge country (equal in area to Spain and France together), some interracial, especially the long-running conflict

Tom Muir being welcomed by Probus Chairman David Childerhouse

with the rebels in the northern province of Tigray, causing many people to flee south where they can encounter refugees from Sudan. There are also the political pressures associated with the involvement of China, but Pat hopes to be able to continue supporting the people that she loves. Thetford Probus welcomes retired business and professional people to its weekly meetings. If you would be interested in joining us, our Secretary, John MacPherson can be contacted by e-mail:

john.bet@btinternet.com