The History of Boxmoor Probus ClubA Brief
History: On 1 June 1982, an Inaugural Meeting of the proposed The Probus (“Tuesday”) Club of Hemel Hempstead & District was held at the St.Johns Hall, Boxmoor. “Tuesday” was incorporated in the title to distinguish them from the mother club, which was to be known as the “Thursday” club. Attendance comprised 15 members of the “Thursday” club and 2 guests. The initial suggestion that the “Thursday” Club Chairman should chair the meeting was declined and, by unanimous consent, Mr.Alfred Neate was appointed to chair this meeting and continue in this role until a permanent chairman could be found. Geoff Bury was appointed Secretary and Alan Smith Treasurer. The name of the Club, as above, was approved and it was agreed that the first meeting should be held on Tuesday 6 July 1982, at 10.00 am, at St.Johns Hall, with subsequent meetings to be held on the first Tuesday monthly. Progress: The next meeting on 6 July, attended by the same 15 “Thursday” Club members and three guests, had difficulty in finding volunteers to take on the remaining committee posts and that of Chairman. They did, however, sort out the rules and constitution, open the bank account, book the hall, get the list of members organised and set the annual subscription at £1.50 plus an entry fee of £1. At the meeting of 3 August, David Izzett was appointed Chairman and 21 members and two guests attended. The first AGM, held on 7 June 1983, involved the only election for office in the history of the Club, although both candidates found themselves on Committee and all positions were filled. A year later the Club had 45 members, with attendance of around 35 at its meetings and the pattern was established very much as we see it today. It was at the meeting on 5 June 1984, that the name was changed to "The Probus Club of Boxmoor & District" to emphasise that the new Club was firmly established and fully autonomous. The former parent dropped the “Thursday” from its title. In the following five years, membership rose to 97 plus 1 HLM and attendance was regularly in the 70’s. Following dissatisfaction with arrangements at St.Johns Hall (now Boxmoor Playhouse), in early 1993 the Club moved its monthly meetings to what is now Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church Hall, with meetings moved to Wednesday. Where we are now: Membership remained at the permitted maximum of 100 and 10 Honorary Life Members and we have had as many as 15 on the waiting list. At the June 2007 AGM, the membership limit was increased to 110 and subscriptions to £10. Although we continue to have an all male membership, we are lucky to enjoy a close and friendly relationship with The Ladies Probus Club of Hemel Hempstead. We now meet on the first Wednesday of each month, 10 for 10.30 am at the Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church Hall. Meetings have been blessed with excellent speakers on topics as varied as Parrots, Goalkeeping, Idle Women, Schools Broadcasting and many more. Holidays have been taken in France, Dublin, Newquay and Newcastle to name but a few. Formal lunches are held at Christmas, informal events such as barbeques, quizzes, visits to concerts and days out to places of interest are arranged so that each month of the year there is something to look forward to. From our earliest days, we have had committees that have been talented and vibrant, supporting and supported by enthusiastic Members who have and show genuine concern for each other. This recipe for success is jealously guarded. A Celebration: 25th Anniversary of The Probus Club of Boxmoor and District For Members of The Probus Club of Boxmoor & District, 1982 to 2007 represents twenty five years of interest, entertainment and above all friendship that has fully justified the work of Rotary and of The Hemel Hempstead Probus Club in founding us. We are grateful to them, to our Wives and to all of our Members who, down the years, have contributed so much to our progress. Graham Cooper – Chairman July 2007 Return to top of page | |