Storrington and District Probus
Our members, comprising retired and semi-retired men, enjoy their monthly Wednesday lunches, often with guest speakers. We also organise a varied social programme of events to which wives, partners, family and Friends, are invited.
The Story of Probus
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History has it that in 1965 three businessmen namely James Raper, Harold Blanchard and Edward Mockett were travelling to London by train when the conversation focussed on their impending retirements. It was felt that a luncheon club should be formed to meet a need for continuing fellowship.
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In September 1965 Harold Blanchard as a member presented the idea to Rotary who in turn liked the idea and decided to organise a monthly lunch.
It was not until March 1966 that the inaugural lunch under the Probus name took place and a Committee was formed later in the year with Harold Blanchard “the father figure of Probus” as Chairman.
The Probus name came from the first three letters of “Professional” and “Businessmen”.
Probus is now autonomous. It has no central organisation, and each club sets its own rules. These are its strengths.
Over the years Probus has grown beyond the borders of the UK and can be found throughout the world.
By 2023 there were over 1200 Probus Clubs in UK.
A true success story
The Story of Probus
About our Club
​Our Club was formed in 1986. We are a social club involved with no charity fund-raising activities.
We enjoy lunch meetings for our members on the second Wednesday of every month. These lunches are the heart of the club. Whilst they usually include a guest speaker it is the lunch’s sociable nature that we hold most dear.
Our membership is for retired and semi-retired men as befits the origin of the organisation.
However, our doors are open to member’s families and friends when it comes to our numerous social activities. We are increasingly aware that social activities play a critical role in keeping us all active and healthy and we intend to play our part.
Indeed, our motto of “taking time off from doing nothing” builds on this strong belief.
Any social club relies on input from its members and we are no different. We enjoy many activities in the year all organised by the membership.
If your appetite is whetted you can email our membership secretary for more details (see the "Contact Us" tab).
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We hope you will join us.
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Recent Exploits
We like chewing the cud at monthly coffee mornings in local pubs.
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Companionably walking our country walks. Testing our memories at the inevitable quiz. Competing at skittles, petanque, ten pin bowling or new age kurling. Visiting places: Windsor Castle, Ightham Mote, Brooklands, Christ’s Hospital, Chawton House, Polesden Lacey and Exbury Gardens come to mind.
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Travelling to Cornwall, York and the Isle of Man for a few days sightseeing.
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Going behind the scenes at Chichester Festival Theatre or wallowing in a Christmas Concert at Worthing.
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Treasure trailing in Lewes!
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Fluttering at Goodwood or more modestly chancing our luck on the greyhounds at Brighton.
Visiting vineyards with wine tasting. Having expert advice on whether or not our “valuables” are “valuable”. Marvelling at commercial herb and cress growing on the south coast.
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Not forgetting our sumptuous President’s Ladies’ Summer Lunch and Christmas Dinner.
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Finding new things to do is our mantra.
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