Keith Underhill is our new Chairman for 2026. Keith was our Chairman in 2020 but because off the Covid pandemic he didn’t enjoy the full experience meetings being by remote video links so he is ‘making good’ this year.

Keith hails from the Midlands where he grew up. After leaving school, he was apprenticed as a draughtsman but this was not for him and moved into sales with a West Bromwich stainless steel firm, rising through the ranks becoming to become a director of the firm with 67 employees. It was a ‘dream’ job involving overseas visits.

On retirement  he and his wife Jane  (who also had a shop ‘up country’) bought the Bella Emporium in town with accommodation above for a new way of life.

His full time retirement was delayed as his former employers persuaded him to return for a 3 day week but this didn’t work out.

Besides Probus and other interests, Keith was the Chairman of the Teignmouth trades Association and recently has become a Town Councillor - a busy man.

His supporting team for the year are:  John Polley continues as (Secretary) who will be Chairman in 2027 swapping with Keith Underhill who will take over as Secretary , Steve Shore (Treasurer), Chris Inch continues as Speaker finder, Steve Williams as Committee Member No. 1, David MacVeigh as Committee Member No. 2 & Deputy Speaker Finder. Chris Inch (Speaker Finders), David Kirk (past Treasurer) as Account Examiner, Rick Purnell continues as Press Officer and Webmaster, Dave Clark & John Kay continue as Registrars.

Chris Inch has arranged a full programme of speakers for our twice a month meetings at Richard Newton Hall Community Centre with an outside visit during 2026.

Photographs below are ( left to Right) -  Chairman Keith Underhill inducted by Past Chairman John Pearce, John Pollet Secretary, Steve Shore, Treasurer, Chris Inch Speaker Finder, Steve Williams Committee Member No.1, Dr. Davd MacVeigh Committee Member No.2,

Rick Purnell Press Officer & Webmaster