We were formed in 1990/1 and our first president was Richard Amis.
What is Probus?
In 1965, a group of Rotarians, wishing to continue in fellowship after largely retiring from work, founded The Campus Club in Welwyn Garden City, followed a year later by Caterham Probus Club setting up, but a more generic name was used – Probus. This reflected the Professional and Business men who comprised members, and the ‘probity’ which had been a hallmark of their working lives.
There are now more than 2200 Probus Clubs in villages, towns, communities and cities throughout the UK, and increasingly abroad. Although often sponsored by Rotary Clubs, there is no central organisation and no hierarchy to which any club is accountable. Each Club makes its own arrangements to provide members with a friendly environment in which to meet, discuss events and listen to talks, in The Probus Club of Ripley this is usually after having lunch. Each club is autonomous, and a few clubs are mixed.
There is no denominational, sectarian, political, philosophical, age or other requirement of members save that they should be mainly retired from their principal profession or business and be compatible with other members. Members are encouraged to purchase and wear a small lapel badge comprising the gold letter ‘P’ on blue ground, but there is no obligation to do so.
The Probus Club of Ripley was founded in 1990, and meets on the third Monday of the month for a meal and coffee, often followed by a talk – August excepted.
There is no dress code, though most of us wear jacket and tie – for many, the only times in the month when we do so!
Talks are arranged in an annual programme by the Speaker Secretary and comprise an eclectic mix of educational and entertaining subjects. Many talks are given by members – on their careers, their hobbies, their interests.
Modest fees are offered to outside speakers and some request donations to a charity, but our Club does not collect or make donations directly – a speaker may direct their fee where they wish. Club members’ charitable inclinations are satisfied on a private basis.
Expressions of interest in membership and a prior visit to a meeting as a guest is most welcome and you are invited to contact the Secretary: probus.ripley@gmail.com
We have a number of lunches where we invite our wives, partners and friends to join us for a purely social get together as well as a special Christmas lunch.
Once a year and subject to the programme we try to arrange a visit to The Chichester Theatre travelling there and back by coach with a Lunch stop in Singleton which makes a very enjoyable day out.
The monthly walk on the last Wednesday of the month has been temporarily suspended but there is a standing invitation to join the Cobham Probus group walk to which one of our members also belongs and he provides us with details,.