Horsham Probus to mark 30 years

Probus Clubs aim to provide opportunities for companionship amongst individuals who have retired from a busy working life and are looking for an outlet for friendship and interest with people from similar backgrounds

Although now one of five such clubs in the town the Horsham and District Probus Club was the first having been promoted through the pages of the West Sussex County Times by its Founder Member, Ted Lynch O.B.E. who wrote a letter to the editor on behalf of the the Rotary Club of Horsham on the 12th April, 1985 calling a meeting for retired or semi-retired business men in Horsham with the aim of establishing a Probus Club in the town.

An exploratory meeting was held on the 25th April 1985, at the then Sunset Restaurant which was located over what is now the Edinburgh Woolen Mills Store. This confirmed support for the proposal.

The first formal meeting of the Club then took place on the 13th June 1985 where 40 people attended, this soon reached 50 and this figure has remained its maximum membership ever since.

Ted Lynch was the club’s first President and has been succeeded in this role by 31 other club members. Although now well into his nineties Ted still takes a keen interest in the club’s activities and attends its meetings when able to do so.

Ted is the Club’s first and at present, only Honorary Member in recognition of his role in establishing the Probus movement in Horsham.

The club meets on the first Thursday of each month between 10am and 12.30 pm at Horsham Sport Club (the Cricket Club).

At each meeting, after a lively business session to discuss forthcoming events, previous activities and news from members, a speaker will give a presentation. Recent talks have been on the Crystal Palace, the Bismarck Story and Roman Villas. In addition to the regular meetings, a Club walk led by one of its members takes place most months invariably concluding with lunch at a local hostelry.

Club members also promote frequent trips, outings and theatre visits and it is on these occasions that wives and partners are invited and form a key part of the success of club’s activities.

During the coming months events being planned include a trip to Chatham Dockyard, The Mid Hants Railway and a short hotel break in Bournemouth.

The Club has a limited number of vacancies for new members and further details of these and its activities are available from the Club Secretary Keith Johnson on 01403 256596, who has contact numbers for the other four Probus clubs in and around Horsham.

Club Website www.horshamanddistrictprobus.wordpress.com

Report and picture contributed by Ray Turner, Vice President.