About Probus Clubs - Cranbourne Probus Club Inc
About Probus Clubs
About Probus Clubs - Cranbourne Probus Club Inc
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EmailABOUT PROBUS CLUBS
PROBUS is an association of retired and semi-retired people who join together in autonomous Clubs in many countries. In the South Pacific region, there are now Men's Probus Clubs, Ladies Probus Clubs and Mixed. The word PROBUS is an abbreviation of the words PROfessional and BUSiness but membership is NOT restricted to these two groups. It embraces also former executives of government and other organizations and in fact, anyone who has had some measure of responsibility or achievement in any field of worthy endeavor. Membership also includes the wives of members and the widows of former members of Men's Probus Clubs.
The basic purpose of a Probus Club is to provide regular gatherings of folk who, in retirement, appreciate and value opportunities to meet others of a similar level of interest.
The emphasis is on the Clubs :-
1. Being simple in structure, and free from the constraints and obligations of service clubs.
2. Involving members in minimum cost.
3. Being directed, primarily, to providing the opportunity for development of acquaintance.
4. Seeking members who are compatible with one another.
Their activities, normally, fall in two parts:-
1. A meeting on a set day each month, from 9.30 / 10 a.m. to 12 noon comprising about 30 minutes business, 30 minutes coffee break and 60 minutes to hear a guest speaker and for discussion.
2. Visits (between meetings) to places and organizations of particular interest to members and occasional social and sports activities.
Arising out of their membership and activities there is self-generating goodwill, a sense of belonging, a diverse background of interest. Fellow feeling and cordiality evident within the Clubs insuring for Probus a highly successful future as a firmly established part of the community.
To preserve the integrity and reputation of these autonomous Clubs. they are required to adhere to the suggested constitution provided. This has proved a very successful basis for serving the needs of members in the countries in which the Probus movement is now flourishing.
Some important features :-
The Clubs are non-political and non-sectarian.
They are non-profit making and non-fund raising.
All clubs are sponsored by Rotary, but on formation are autonomous. There is no central governing body but Rotary maintains contact and an understandable continuing interest in their progress.
There is no compulsion to attend any number of meetings.
Probus members may be active members of any other club or organization and most are, Membership fees are unlikely to exceed $25 per year.
Lapel badges and name badges for meetings and functions are supplied by the Club.
Members' guests are invited to participate in some visits and in special functions.
The clubs spring from two main roots: the 'Campus' Club founded by the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City and the 'Probus' Club founded by the Rotary Club of Caterham in England in 1965 and 1966 respectively. Since then they have spread to many countries. They continue to be established at a rapid rate as former professional and business men and executives and former professional and business women, women executives and others invited to join recognize the value of participation and observe the enthusiasm of existing members and the way in which Probus is enriching their lives.
The first Probus Club in the South Pacific area was formed at Kapiti Coast, New Zealand in 1974 and the first Australian Club at Hunters Hill, N S.W., In 1976.
The first Ladies Probus Club, in the South Pacific Region was formed at St.Heliers in New Zealand in July1982 and the first in Australia, at Bateau Bay.NSW.in October of the same year. There are Men's and Ladies' Probus Clubs in all states of Australia and in both islands of New Zealand.
The Probus Centre South Pacific Inc., a recognized Rotary activity, in support by Rotary and with Probus club donations, encourages and advises on the formation of Clubs, maintains up to-date directories of Probus Clubs, distributes lapel badges and other regalia. as may be found necessary and publishes "Probus News" at regular intervals trading information service on the activities of Probus.
PROBUS IS A FINE ORGANISATION; HELPING FOLK TO MEET PEOPLE; STIMULATE BE INTERESTED IN; AND TO PARTICIPATE IN; ALL KINDS OF ACTIVITIE'S AT OUR TIME 0F LIFE; WHEN HORIZONS ARE NARROWING AND OPPURTUNITIES TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS LIMITED.
