Turton & District Probus Club was formed in 1996 and, at that time held its meetings at Bradshaw Cricket Club. It is designed to provide regular social and intellectual connection for retired and semi-retired people.
Core Aims and Objectives
- Promote Fellowship: Create a welcoming environment to maintain social networks and enjoy good company.
- Encourage Friendship: Help members form enduring personal friendships and avoid isolation in retirement.
- Stimulate Interests: Provide regular meetings featuring guest speakers, discussions, and learning opportunities.
- Social Activities: Offer recreational outings, group trips, and hobby-based events.
Guiding Principles
- Autonomous: Each local club sets its own rules and structure with no central governing hierarchy.
- Non-Political & Non-Sectarian: Clubs remain entirely free from political or religious affiliations.
- Non-Fundraising: Unlike traditional service clubs, Probus focuses purely on social connection rather than heavy fundraising or charity administration.
Where is Turton?
Turton is situated to the north of Bolton with part being in Lancashire and part in Greater Manchester. Although no longer used as an administrative area, the name of Turton is still used as an historical area. This includes the villages of Belmont, Longworth, Egerton (formerly Walmsley), Eagley, Bromley Cross, Chapeltown, Entwistle, Edgworth. Quarlton, Bradshaw and Harwood.
Between Chapeltown and Egerton are the remains of prehistoric stone circles on moorland at Cheetham Close which date back to the Bronze Age. These stone circles are the earliest evidence for settlers in the Turton area.
Turton means “Thor/Þor’s village”, from the Old Norse personal name Thor/Þor and Old English tun “farm, village”. It was recorded as Thirtun in 1185 and variously recorded as Turton in 1212, Thurton in 1277 and Terton alias Torton in 1282
Turton Tower
Turton Tower in Chapeltown was home to the Lords of the Manor of Turton and dates to the 12th century. The earliest reference to the Manor of Turton is found around 1200 when it was part of the barony of Manchester by which time part of the manor was in the hands of the de Lathom family (sometimes called “de Torbac”).