Ho, ho, ho

11 Dec 2015

The recent Probus Christmas in July week on Norfolk Island was a wonderful success.

The week kicked off with a legends of rock night hosted by music historian Glen A. Baker and the group had a great time with tribute artists singing classics by Johnny O’ Keefe, Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley. Then there were performances by well-loved singers Suzanne Prentice, John Rowles and Normie Rowe, a Christmas lunch, as well as interesting tours, a delicious fish fry and a progressive dinner.

Plans are now underway for a bigger and better Christmas in July for 2016. Many thanks to Baunti Escapes, Burnt Pine Travel and Trade Travel for a wonderful trip and we look forward to returning next year.

To find out about the 2016 program, contact 1800 034 439, email [email protected] or visit the Probus website: probussouthpacific.org

The story of Probus

The Probus Club movement began in the United Kingdom in the 60s, when two separate clubs were created by members of Rotary Clubs.

In 1965, Fred Carnill, a member of the Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club, met other retired friends with professional and business backgrounds for coffee near London. From this, Fred launched The Campus Club and arranged the first meeting, which 45 men attended. The club was named after where the men met, which faced the centre of town, known as The Campus.

A year later, another group of Rotarians began to meet at Caterham, near London. They called their club Probus, which came from the words ‘professional’ and ‘business’ and in 2016, the Probus Club of Caterham will be celebrating its 50th anniversary.

However, Probus was not introduced to Australia until 1975, when Jim King, of the Rotary Club of Dumbarton, spread the news to the Rotary Club of Parramatta North (now Parramatta City) in NSW. Jim told the members of the success of Probus in Great Britain and Ireland and as a result of the interest shown, information was collected and shared with the community service directors at the District 968 (9680) Assembly, where several Rotary clubs expressed an interest. Soon after, the Probus Sub Committee of the District Community Service Advisory Committee was appointed.

In November 1975 the first interest meeting was convened with the hope of forming the first Probus club in Australia.

On 3 February 1975 the Probus Club of Hunters Hill was formed with an all-male membership of 56 under the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill.

Members of the club recall that after 15 years, they felt that the club had become a ‘bunch of cranky old men’ and soon recognised the need to include women in the club. Since then, the club has continued to grow and flourish.

Today, membership at Hunters Hill has reached their limit of 100 Probians. Over the years, the members have enjoyed much interaction with social events and activities, even celebrating a wedding of two happy members.

The club’s 30th anniversary saw the celebratory luncheon attended by the Governor of NSW, the Honorable Marie Bashir, AC along with fellow guests Rotarian Bill Jacobs and the club’s oldest Foundation Member, Ian Malcolm aged 97. The anniversary was even commemorated with a numbered limited edition Australian Post special event stamp sheet. The Probus Club of Hunters Hill are the proud holders of issue number one.

In February, the Probus Club of Hunters Hill will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in style with invitations extended to His Excellency the Governor, General David Hurley, AC, DSC (Retired) and Mrs Hurley.

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Hunters Hill for creating Rotary’s greatest community service for seniors and to the past and present members of the Probus Club of Hunters Hill for their dedication and commitment in ensuring Probus is truly the social club of choice for retirees. Here’s to 40 years of being united in Probus camaraderie and enjoying the true spirit of Probus – fun, friendship and fellowship.

A step back in time

As part of Probus’ 40th anniversary, in the next few issues of Active Retirees, we’re going to publish a time capsule of photos and stories from Probus clubs through the decades. What was your club up to in the 80s? Do you have any photos from the 90s that you’d like to share?

We’d love to hear from you. 

You can either send us your photos via email or snail mail: [email protected] or Active Retirees, 369a Darling St. Balmain, NSW. 2041.