THE Oxley Probus Club has lowered the drawbridge and put out the welcome mat for the women of the Hastings.
Yes, after 27 years, this male-only club has finally decided having the female sex around might be quite so bad after all – and as of 12 March the club will officially become a mixed club.
Long-time member Don Richardson said most other Probus clubs were already mixed sex and dwindling numbers at the Oxley club while other clubs had waiting lists had finally made members of the club vote in favour of changing the by-laws.
He said some older members had initially been against the move, but in the end the vote to allow women was unanimous.
“We’re actually really looking forward to having women and the fresh ideas and enthusiasm they will bring to the club,” Mr Richardson said.
To capitalise on the change, the Oxley Probus Club has launched a membership drive to attract women over 55 who are semi-retired or retired and wish to join a group of similar people of varied backgrounds interests, with a strong focus on travel.
Meetings are held upstairs at Port City Bowling Club on the second Wednesday of each month, convening at 9.30am.
“Belonging to a Probus club has quite a few material advantages,” Mr Richardson said. “For instance, travellers are able to obtain travel insurance up to age 100 at very reasonable rates, and members are covered by club insurance while travelling to and from any club meeting or function. Thus, there is the opportunity to form a small group of members with a common interest and that group’s meeting are covered by this policy.
“Probus South Pacific, our administrative body, also has many travel destinations and group tours available at special rates, and these are publicised by means of their magazine provided for each member.
“The annual Probus get-together is held in a different location each year, and is always extremely popular.”
Unlike many other organisations for the retired or semi-retired, Probus is also a non fund-raising club so members do not have to participate in money-making enterprises such as sausage sizzles.
