by Sam Hawcroft
Members of the Albemarle Probus Club gathered at the Hare & Hounds in Burstwick on Tuesday, November 18, for their regular lunch, where outgoing president Malcolm Forbes handed over the chain of office to his successor, Brian Watkinson.
The Albemarle club covers South West Holderness and meets at the Hare & Hounds on the first and third Tuesday of each month. On the first Tuesday, members enjoy a coffee morning followed by a presentation from either a member or a guest speaker, while on the third Tuesday they meet for lunch at the pub, which is well known for its popular Chinese menu.
Mr Forbes said the handover came as the club continued to look for new members. “At one time we had 50, but that was a number of years ago. With the age profile we inevitably lose people to illness and disability. It is the same with any organisation. It is difficult finding new members,” he said.
He added that the club’s annual membership fee of just £10 made it “very affordable compared with a lot of clubs”, and he encouraged anyone interested to come along and see what the group had to offer.
Probus is a local, national and international association of retired people who meet in nonpolitical, nonsectarian, nonprofit autonomous clubs. Albemarle is a men’s group, while a women’s Probus club meets at the Haven Arms in Hedon.
Members take part in various events throughout the year. Coming up is their Christmas celebration at Burstwick Golf Club on December 16, with places still available. The club will also host its President’s Dinner in April.
Anyone interested in joining or attending a forthcoming event can contact the new president, Brian Watkinson, on 07947 235612.