by Alex Claridge
aclaridge@thekmgroup.co.uk

Ex-TV weatherman Ron Lobeck has been kicked out of the Canterbury Society of Art in a rumpus over its accounts.

The 76-year-old, who made his name forecasting the weather for programmes in the southern television region, has had his membership revoked after 12 years.

He has been accused of “continual disruption” to the society and of a “storm of wholly unjustified attacks” upon chairman John Snow and the committee which runs the group.

Mr Lobeck, who lives in Tyler Hill with wife Pamela, admits he is upset by developments within the society.

He said the furore revolved around his efforts to audit the society’s accounts in the last year.

“I’m saddened by all this and feel let down,” he said.
“I feel it was a spiteful gesture to have my membership terminated.
“This is a fairly complicated matter, but it is also just a storm in a teacup.”

He retired from weather forecasting in 1998 when Meridian took over the southern region.

He then went on to do a year of weather specials with his last ever broadcast from Chart Mills Golf Club in September 1999.

Since then Mr Lobeck has been a prolific artist.

He often paints scenes of nature and has had numerous exhibitions, including shows at the old Marlowe Theatre.

In his 12 years with the society, he served as its treasurer for seven and as chairman for three.

After he was expelled from the society, he tried to re-apply for membership but said he was still waiting for a response.

On Wednesday the Gazette called society chairman John Snow and asked for his thoughts on the situation.

Mr Snow replied: “I’m surprised this is of any interest to you and I don’t have any comment.
“It is a matter entirely within the society which has been dealt with under the rules of its constitution.
“I have nothing further to say.”