There used to be a saying about service clubs - Rotarians own the town, Lions run it and Kiwanis enjoy it.
There are now a plethora of service clubs in New Zealand - Rotary, Lions, U3A, Zonta, Toastmasters, probably Kiwanis and Probus.
I recently met and chatted to the President of the Combined Probus Club of Ponsonby. Barry Clapham is a charming, retired engineer, who is in his second or third stint as president.
Barry explained that the aims of Probus are fun, friendship and fellowship. Its motto is ‘Tomorrow's Vision for Active Retirees’. It was originally set up by Rotary for retired or semi-retired men. It still caters for mainly retired people, men or women. There are about 130,000 members in New Zealand and Australia. Ponsonby has 89 members at present and welcomes new people. Just come along to a meeting as a visitor and, if you like what you see, join up and have fun.
The Probus handbook says it aims to progress healthy minds and active bodies, through social interaction and activities.
Members look froward to new experiences and friendships, and excellent guest speakers each month.
Current Ponsonby Probus committee members include, apart from Vice President, Past President, Secretary, and Treasurer, Welfare & Friendship - Shirley Grenfell, Archivist -Trish Clapham, Membership Secretary - Pat Milliner and a great name for the Probus newsletter - Probings Newsletter - Alison Ruddell.
Meetings are held monthly from 10am till 12 noon.
These meetings are pretty informal with notices, correspondence, birthday greetings, tea and coffee, and a guest speaker. They are held at the Herne Bay Petanque Club rooms in Salisbury Reserve, Herne Bay.
Recent research has shown an increasing number of lonely elderly people. Probus is a place where people can join with others for a couple of hours and make friendships. Various outings, bus trips, or just meeting for a coffee, are extensions of Probus activities. I have agreed to meet Barry soon for lunch.
A while ago I read an American book called 'Bowling Alone'. This book explained the breakdown of community in the US. People used to belong to bowling leagues, and many other organisations, but now many belong to nothing at all. Selfish individualism and rampant consumerism have become the norm in most Western societies, including New Zealand.
Probus clubs are just one simple way people can join up again and help to rebuild a sense of community. (JOHN ELLIOTT)
Enquiries to Barry on T: 09 378 7922; E: barryfox@xtra.co.nz