Written by Graham Jackson
ITCHEN VALLEY PROBUS CLUB PART 3
In the first two articles of this series I looked at the history and formation of Probus Clubs, how and why Itchen Valley Probus Club (IVPC) was created, the first 30 years or so of the Club, and I touched also on current activities. In this final article of the series I look more at present activities and towards the future.
First though, a further nod back to the past and the COVID pandemic. Like all Clubs, IVPC meetings were suspended for many months. The active and farsighted Committee at IVPC took to technology to ensure continuation of the Club. Zoom came to the fore with online meetings and presentations so that when we were able to start meeting again, there was still a large rump of membership to enthusiastically embrace person-to-person meetings. Fellowship, the cornerstone of the Probus movement was thus maintained first remotely, then in person.
On the subject of meetings, which are always preceded by a convivial lunch, IVPC continues to invite an eclectic selection of guest speakers, to both entertain and inform the membership. The next three meetings amply demonstrate the breadth of subjects, firstly when Dr. Caroline Parker will tell us ‘Why we all react differently to our prescription medicines’. This event will take place on 14th May. Given the Probus demographic, this is a subject which should keep the attention of most members!
Later this year we have a welcome return visit by Jeremy Prescot whose subject on this occasion is ‘The Steve Biko Story’. Variety continues as he is followed by Stephen Goss who will speak to the intriguing title of ‘From Domesday Book to listening for the Domesday – Caversham Park’s 930 years at the centre of History’.
In addition to the regular monthly meetings, twice a year, in June and December, the Club hosts a lunch for partners and members of the Ladies Probus Club. These are always most agreeable, being held in the luxurious surroundings of the corporate entertaining suite at Eastleigh Football Club. The facilities at the Club for all our meals are excellent, the food always good and service exemplary.
The facility is at one end of the stadium and the accompanying pictures show the view members have whilst eating. The grandstand featured, with 1946 picked out in the seating is the year Eastleigh Football Club was formed, originally as Swaythling Athletic. The Club plays in the National League, just one step down from the Football League, and its ambition is clear. IVPC wishes it well on the field of play.
In addition to monthly meetings, IVPC arranges various other member and guest events ranging from regular quiz nights to skittles afternoons with lunch. One-off visits are also made to places of interest within striking distance of Chandlers Ford and once a year our lunch venue changes. Last year we enjoyed a guided tour at Hilliers Gardens in Romsey, followed by lunch at The Royal Winchester Golf Club. Such was the success of the lunch, IVPC is back at the Golf Club during this summer.
IVPC, now in its 38th year, continues to seek new members and any retired or semi-retired businessman interested can read more about the Club at www.probusonline.org/itchen-valley/. Contact can be made through the website with prospective members welcome, through invitation, to join us at one of our lunch meetings.
The principle of fellowship is uppermost in our minds at IVPC and should anyone visit us or join they would assuredly be made most welcome.
I would like to close this series of articles with some well-chosen words from Martin Waldron, who was elected Chairman of IVPC in March. “I am thrilled and honoured to occupy this position, following on from some illustrious predecessors. My aim will be to continue to foster fellowship and fun at our meetings and social events. We are a varied group and are always on the lookout for newcomers to join us. If you do join, I assure you that you won’t regret it”.
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