Now we are members of the local club with our very own name badges, the only other requirement was to pay the fees. In fact, we only paid half price, since we joined mid year. The Probus Club movement began in Britain in 1965, with New Zealand's first clubs forming in 1974. Worldwide there are about 4000 Probus clubs that collectively host more than 300,000 members. The Probus clubs pride themselves on their independence and freedom from the responsibilities of service clubs, it's all about friendship, fellowship and having a good time. Perfect for people like us moving to a new area.
Members who celebrate birthdays in the current month are called to the front and presented with a little gift – Robin was one of the birthday people this month. In fact, he was the only fellow, the others were all ladies. Wonder if he can be persuaded to share those sweets with me?
Happy Birthday, later in the month
Another couple sitting at our table were celebrating their 64th Wedding Anniversary – that’s certainly is something to celebrate. And by a strange coincidence we are almost in-laws. One of their sons was previously married to one of my sisters! Just goes to show what a small world it is, doesn’t it.
The first speaker was club member Dave who told of the trials and tribulations he and his wife Dianne had running the local Motor Camp for 15 years. The land for the camp was donated by Mr Playford, and we knew the camp as Playford Park for many years, although it is now known as Levin Motor Camp and Holiday Park. Dave told tall tales of the antics that sports teams and school groups often got up to. Search and Rescue teams occasionally made the camp their base, and of course caravan clubs like ours were regular visitors. Although accidents will always happen, it was sad to hear the stories of malicious damage that often took place, plus the occasional suicide. Dave did mention the fun and fellowship that caravan clubs share amongst themselves, so his stories were not all doom and gloom.
Our second speaker was Pam Hardy from United Travel. She told us about two trips she had done recently, the first escorting a small group through Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Pam had invested in a super-dooper camera and had some amazing close up animal shots which were circulated around the tables. Her second trip was a solo voyage to Istanbul, Turkey. Such amazing architecture, and Pam was especially thrilled to view the Blue Mosque. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the rule of Ahmed I.
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Pam also purchased some genuine hand made Turkish carpets and they were exquisite, although there was a collective gasp around the hall when she told us what they cost. Made with silk, they were soft and lustrous and just invited a tender touch or two. Any traveller keen to take one of these hand made beauties home as a memento would have to allow extra funds for their purchase, the genuine ones don’t come cheap.
A beautiful hand made silk carpet
After having our horizons well and truly broadened, and mixing and mingling with other members, it was time to head home for lunch. Probus meetings are certainly an interesting way to spend the morning.
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