After having lunched at Ye Olde Bell in November, carolled, quizzed, quaffed sherry, and consumed mince pies in December, members of Retford Ladies Probus Club reconvened on a very cold day in January at Westhill Community Centre, Ordsall.
The meeting took on a very different form as it was dedicated to discussing the future of the club and, more importantly, who will be available to run it. While it is true that membership has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, there is still a viable number of ladies who wish the club to continue. The club has now reached its 26th year, which serves as another incentive to keep it on track. The earliest Probus club dates back to 1965 and was started by members of the Rotary Club.
The name Probus is a combination of PROfessional and BUSiness and has the advantage of being the Latin word from which probity is derived.
There are no set rules for running a Probus club, so each one has complete autonomy and sets its own agenda. This is advantageous because it means new ideas can be embraced without the involvement of red tape (other than safeguarding). The aim is to provide an inclusive arena where women can meet, chat, enjoy social events including talks and demonstrations, and lunches, but most of all, to meet with the intention of having fun and leisure time together.
Probus is not a senior citizens’ or lonely-hearts club, but a meeting of fellowship and an extension of interests. Unlike the Rotary Club, Probus is not a fundraiser – but they do donate to charity if speakers waive their fee.
If you are retired, semi-retired, or intending to do so, it might just be the opening you are looking for to get connected in your new life after the daily grind! Many members also belong to other organisations.
The AGM will take place on Wednesday 12th February at 10.15am at Westhill Community Centre, Ordsall, followed by a talk by Anette Taylor entitled ‘All at Sea – Tales from a Cruise Ship Manager’. Go along and see if this might be for you. You will be made very welcome.