PROBUS DAY CELEBRATIONS

PROBUS CLUB NEWS CLUBNEWS

Throughout the month of October Probus Clubs participated in a range of events, functions and activities. Some of the festivities that took place included BBQs, picnics, lunches and morning teas.

Although there were restrictions in some areas, it did not prevent our Probus community from celebrating Probus Day.

This year’s theme ‘Celebrate Probus – do a friend a favour’ was centred around the idea of bringing people together. Probus members were called into action and asked to help a friend stay connected by joining Probus. Members across New Zealand invited friends, and family to their events to experience Probus for themselves. Some Clubs have already seen an increased awareness of Probus in their communities.

To commemorate Probus Day special buildings, streets and landmarks were lit up across New Zealand in Probus Colours. Members who were able to get out, got to experience these lights for themselves.

PSPL would like to thank all the Clubs, volunteers, organisations and individuals who contributed to the success of Probus Day 2021. Preparations for Probus Day 2022 are already underway as Probus Clubs have already started planning their celebrations for next year.

LIGHTING OF LANDMARKS

AUCKLAND SKY TOWER.

ROLLESTON AVENUE, CHRISTCHURCH.

ISEL LADIES CELEBRATE PROBUS DAY

Isel Ladies Probus Club from Nelson decided to celebrate Probus month in a historic Nelson venue, Founders Heritage Village. 23 members braved the awful weather and weren't deterred even though the arranged train trip was cancelled. It was an enjoyable day for everyone who attended with plenty of laughter, fun and fellowship.

JOINT PROBUS DAY CELEBRATION FOR CLUBS IN THE KAPITI COAST

Clubs from Waikanae through to Raumati combined to celebrate and promote Probus Day in Coastlands Mall. The display was decked out in Probus blue and yellow helium filled Probus balloons fluttered high over the display. Screens featured posters promoting the benefits Probus offers and happy photos showed retirees out and about and having fun. The final touches were the three large Probus Banners that belong to two Paraparaumu Clubs. There were colourful brochures to give people and each of the Probus Clubs on the Kapiti Coast produced their own handouts which listed all of the activities they offer their members. PSPL also provided chocolates to hand out in the mall and these were enjoyed. Although slow to begin with, a steady stream of people came during the day to enquire about Probus with those on the stand, and Clubs have reported interest, and some potential new members. Liz Smith, Ambassador

LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARD

President Lindsay of the Merivale Combined Probus Club in Christchurch awarded a Life Membership to Terry. Terry joined the Club in 2010 and has served on the Committee in various roles for 8 years including two as President. His ability and assistance in the Club is very much appreciated by all the members of the Club.

PROBUS CLUB OF KARORI NIGHT OUT

Thirty-two members from the Probus Club of Karori and guests braved a wintry Thursday night to see Sir Roger Hall's latest offering, Winding Up. Just two actors, the inimitable Ginette McDonald and Peter Hayden kept members amused through this lighthearted romp through our aging lives. And as a bonus 22 of the group enjoyed dinner in the newly upgraded restaurant. It was certainly worth the effort of donning hats, gloves and scarves to face the Wellington winter's night-time weather.

MOSGIEL LADIES' PROBUS CLUB

Member Lyn shares a story from her recent trip:

Darkness was falling and I was standing in a jungle clearing on an island in the Tambopata River, amid a small group of tourists. My husband had set out with another man to walk around the island as the guides had suggested.

Now everyone else had returned except for those two. Someone muttered about praying for them and was promptly hushed. "Can't you see she's worried enough?"

Another man told me how well I was holding up. His wife would have been in hysterics. Not helpful when I was wondering how you reached your travel insurance company from Amazonian Peru. Others distracted me more skilfully, leading into a conversation about a little-known author whose books I had read.

The guides asked if either man had a torch. A quick check of tents revealed that both had left torches behind.

The guides set off into the dark. We could hear them calling for a time. Then their voices faded. Time passed very slowly. We had dinner though I could not eat much. We'd been shown some of the spiders and snakes which live in the jungle. I didn't know then that there were jaguar footprints on the island, nor how many caimans lived along the riverbank. Eventually, the guides arrived back with the two men looking very sheepish.

I wanted to throw something at my husband, but I am a lousy shot so I burst into tears.

Why did it happen? Our guides had said. "You can walk around the island." To most people that implied you could make a complete circuit. However that was impossible and the two who pressed on became enmeshed in the jungle.

DANNEVIRKE PROBUS CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Dannevirke Probus Club started 1 October 1996 with 26 members and grew to about 270 at one time. It now has 200 members, making it one of the largest Clubs in New Zealand. Members have certainly learnt a lot through the variety of guest speakers there have been over the years. Another aspect of the Club has been the interest groups such as embroidery, gardening, cards, mahjong and genealogy. Past Chairman Margaret Drake presented the Club President Jinny with a 25-year certificate.

OCTOBER MIDI WALK

Members from Kapiti Coast Probus Club enjoyed a beautiful walk in October. The group walked the southern end of the expressway, part of the Old Main Road and Raumati Road. It was interesting to get a different perspective from the “eel” bridge and to see how the plantings have grown. They then finished at the Sunday Cantina where they put the world to rights! A very pleasant morning with good company.

PROBUS IS ALL ABOUT FUN, FRIENDSHIP & FELLOWSHIP iN RETIREMENT

WHAT IS PROBUS

Probus provides retirees with the opportunity to connect socially, which is so important in today’s world.

Make new friends, learn a new skill, explore new interests and hobbies - there is so much to choose from when you become a member of your local Probus Club.

WHY JOIN PROBUS?

• Friendship with other retirees in your community • Local monthly meetings • Interesting guest speakers • Wide range of activities with fellow members to suit your lifestyle; active or not-so-active • Trips and Outings • Exclusive discounts • Active Retirees publications

Membership is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired, so why not join the thousands of Probus members across New Zealand local Probus Club today.

Tel: 0800 1477 6287 Website: www.probussouthpacific.org