By Mikayla van Loon
Montrose and District Probus Club is on the lookout for more members after a drop in numbers on the return from the pandemic lockdowns.
A year on from the last Covid-19 lockdown, past president and outings organiser Sandra Hayden said it would be nice to build the club up again to its pre-pandemic numbers of around 90 people.
“It’s in the 50s now. We did have a lot [of people] before Covid but it’s dropped down a little bit. It’s a lovely club though,” she said.
At one stage many years ago, the Montrose club had a limit of 100 people and a waiting list to join.
But because numbers have dropped quite significantly, Ms Hayden and club secretary Ruth Chancellor said Montrose Probus has had to combine with other local clubs on occasion for group outings and trips to make it worthwhile.
With a range of activities, from dancing to chocolate tours, morning tea to happy hour, Ms Hayden said she hopes it inspires more people to join the group.
“We do all kinds of things, indoors, outdoors, we’re trying to cater for everyone and there’s always something happening,” she said.
No matter the age of the person or whether they know anyone within the group, Ms Hayden said Probus is open to anyone who is looking for friendship and fun.
“When you’re retired, some people are on their own and their life is a bit different. So we’re a social group, we try to make it interesting and do different things.”
For members like Judy, the longest standing Montrose Probus member of 30 odd years, she joined just to be involved in the activities but went on to play every possible committee role aside from treasurer.
While Judy said “we’ve got quite a lot of activities going on and it’s up to the people whether they want to join them or not” it’s also a reason to get up and out of the house on cold, rainy mornings.
“We could still be sitting home having our morning coffee or even just still in bed,” she said.
The Montrose Probus group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Church of Christ on Leith Road.
“We just want to let people know where we are and we meet once a month and it’s a good way to make friends.
“Don’t sit at home alone, we’re here and we’re friends. There’s something for everyone and you don’t have to go to every activity.”
Ms Chancellor said while new members have to attend three meetings before they can be inducted into the group, those interested are welcome to just tag along to the next meeting, listen to the guest speaker and decide from there whether Probus is for them.
To find out more about the Montrose and District Probus Club’s activities, go to www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/montrose/REGULAR_ACTIVITIES
To talk to president Jane Paul call 0408 138 683 or contact Ms Hayden on 0408 122 630.
