Formation of Hobsonville Probus Club

Hobsonville Probus Club was formed at a ‘meeting of interest’ on Monday 11 November 2019 held in the Headquarters Building in Hobsonville. The meeting was called by Milford Probus Club and sponsored by Rotary. It was felt there was a need for a club of this nature in the Hobsonville and Hobsonville Point area. Attended by more than fifty people it was decided that future meetings would be held in nearby Sunderland Lounge so that growing numbers could be accommodated.

At this meeting of interest, the first committee was formed.  The elected foundation committee was John Jury, President; Lyn Pushong, Vice President; Pauline Reid, Secretary; Clive Britton, Treasurer; Sylvia Cooper, Membership; Graeme Sanderson, Newsletter and Publicity and Carolyn MacDonell, Guest Speaker Organizer. Glenda Hayes was appointed Morning Tea Organizer and Keith Giles Sound System Manager.  Keith organized the purchase of our professional sound system which a generous donation from the Milford Rotary Club made possible.

The inaugural meeting was held on 9 December 2019. Our first Guest Speaker was John Clark who spoke of his of experience serving with the Queen’s Cavalry. Hobsonville Probus Club is progressively working to appoint and develop conveners for our Special Interest Groups

First meeting for 2020 was February 19. Guest Speaker was Pam Stone, Warden at Christs Church Ellerslie, talking of her experiences in the organization and execution of the restoration of her historically listed church, with particular interest centred on the challenges presented with the stained-glass windows.

Our March meeting was on 16 March, the day before St Patrick’s Day, so the members were invited to wear a touch of green. Members Gwen and Keith Giles spoke about St Patrick’s Day and then entertained us with Gwen singing and Keith accompanying on his guitar. Irish music of course.

Face to face activities of the club ceased on 25 March due to the threat of the Covid-19 coronavirus that was sweeping through the world and the restrictions implemented by New Zealand’s Government to combat this virus. We hope to learn in the coming days of the easing of the restrictions following a successful containment campaign.