Probus, nationally, is a loose association of autonomous clubs whose members are active retired or semi-retired business and professional people. The first clubs originated in the UK in 1965, but over the intervening years participation has extended to many other countries.
While the original concept emerged from the Rotary Club organisation, there are no formal links between the two, and indeed, there is no central governing body for Probus.
Unlike Rotary, Probus does not have any objectives or ambitions to provide services to the community. It is purely there for the camaraderie and fellowship of its members.
Our club was formed in 1998 and has a limit of 65 active members who are men, but we have strong links to an independent Harpenden Village Ladies Probus Club to which many members’ wives and partners belong.
While they hold separate meetings, we aim to invite them to some of our events for occasional meals, or for trips to the theatre and elsewhere.
As our name suggests, we draw our membership from residents local to Harpenden, and currently hold our regular meetings at a local golf club – but you are not required to be a golfer!
By deliberately limiting our membership we aim to get to know each other, and through those friendships, provide an important network to support the wellbeing of each member.
If you feel that what we offer is of interest, and you might like to join us, then we would be pleased to hear from you.
We are not an organisation that is expected to provide care to people in need, and will not interfere in private matters, but through the friendships that we make, we do monitor the welfare of our members and provide support and assistance where we can.
We have a dedicated Welfare Officer who is there to discreetly promote positive experiences and relationships within the membership, (as do all members of the Committee).
Village Probus Club of Harpenden