Probus Celebrates 50 Years

Members and guests of the Denbigh and District Probus Club enjoyed a wonderful celebration dinner in October at the Oriel Hotel, St Asaph to mark the 50th anniversary of the club.

The Club, following a suggestion from some members of Denbigh Rotary Club, was founded in November 1974 when the inaugural meeting of 16 men was held at the Eagles Hotel in Denbigh.

Since formation, there have been a variety of meeting and event venues – The Hawk and Buckle, Denbigh, Dinorben Arms, Bodfari, Queens Hotel, Rhyl, King’s Head, Llanrhaeadr, Llindir Inn, Henllan, Bodelwyddan Castle, Y Cymro, Llanrhaeadr, Bryn Morfydd, Llanrhaeadr, Salsbury Arms, Tremeirchion and finally settling in the Oriel House Hotel now Oriel Hotel, St Asaph in May 2008 where meetings have been held ever since.

There has been a very varied and entertaining series of talks over the years and the variety of topics and speakers are still in plentiful supply with areas such as Antarctica, Thomas Pennant Rambles in the Vale of Clwyd, Abergele Train Disaster, The Bone Setters of Anglesey and The Red Arrows as part of the 2025 programme.

Over the years, the membership has fluctuated but in 1981 there were 50 members with a waiting list of 23! However, in 2017, there was a possibility of winding up the club if membership declined further. In 2018, a secret ballot was held to determine whether ladies should be admitted to the club and following that, ladies applied and joined from 2019.

From 16 members in 2017, numbers increased to 41 in 2023 and the title of Chairman was replaced with President. Monthly meetings were halted in April 2020 due to the Covid regulations and on return, the first Lady President was elected who set a challenge to members to increase club membership to at least 50 by the 50th anniversary of the club and they rose to that challenge with membership standing currently at 53.

The programme for the 50th celebrations included an address by the President Graham Evans, cake cutting with a toast to the club, entertainment from Paul Ray B.E.M. (magic, music, and comedy) and a bumper raffle with prizes donated by the Oriel Hotel, Jacob’s Ladder, St Asaph and members of the club.

Guests included the Chair and past Chair of Rhyl Probus Club, Jean and Keith Cojeen. Jean was kind enough to say a few words of congratulation to Denbigh and District Probus Club and presented the Club with a certificate from Probus Global, recognizing the 50-year anniversary.

The club is a group of business or professional men and women approaching or enjoying retirement or semi-retirement. It is non-political, does not discriminate on any basis, is non-profit making and does not fund raise other than for its own internal needs.

Meetings are held monthly with an opportunity for socialising, then a lunch followed by a guest speaker and visits to places of interest are also arranged during the year. Additionally, three invitation lunches are held a year when members have to opportunity to invite guests.

New members are always warmly welcomed to the Denbigh and District Probus Club meetings.

For further information have a look at the club web site denbighprobus.com or contact stevetootell@gmail.com

Denbigh and District Probus Club Members Fay and Michael Corfe cutting the 50th Anniversary cakes

The inaugural meeting of Denbigh and District Probus Club in 1974