Although the foundation of Probus Clubs was in Caterham, Surrey in 1965, for retired professional and business managers, hence the name Probus, it wasn’t until 1979 that Basingstoke saw its Probus Club formed which has continued uninterrupted ever since. The club has just convened its 42nd Annual General Meeting at the Test Valley Golf club, the venue of their regular business meetings and lunches.
Outgoing president David Wickens reviewed his year of office which has included presiding over talks by guest speakers, and visits by the Mayor of Basingstoke & Deane BC, Cllr Onnalee Cubit and the president of the Ladies’ Probus Club, Revd Jane Leese. Throughout the past year, once things returned to normal last September, there have been social activities that included wives/partners either at special lunches or visits to interesting destinations.
Social meetings, which include the ladies, are also held monthly for lunch at a hostelry in the area.
Alex Marianos was invested with the chain of office as the new president. He is a retired civil engineer who was responsible for bridge building on the M4.
The newly installed mayor of Basingstoke & Deane BC, Cllr Paul Miller, is also a member of the Probus Club and, uniquely, will be the guest of honour at the July meeting.
Today there are more than 4,000 Probus Clubs throughout the mainly English speaking world with 180,000 members in the UK. Entry is open to any man with some supervisory experience.
Probus Club of Basingstoke 
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