Our History
Early History
Kiama Mixed Probus Club was instigated in 1994 by Philip and Marian Russell. At the time there were several Probus Clubs in Kiama, Kiama Downs and Gerringong, but all were either exclusively Men’s Clubs or exclusively Women’s Clubs. All were morning tea clubs.
Philip and Marian wanted to start a Probus Club which included both men and women and provided for a luncheon to follow the meeting. At the time such a concept was unknown in the areas around Kiama. Philip and Marian wanted to limit the number of members so that the Club didn’t get too big; they wanted the number of males and females to be about equal; a system to ensure that members mixed widely at meetings; and that the presidency should alternate between males and females. These concepts are still in place today and are important factors in the continued success of the Club.
Indeed, there are now 3 additional Clubs in Kiama and Gerroa, which have been established in a similar format to Kiama Mixed.
The Charter Meeting of Kiama Mixed Probus Club was held at Kiama Leagues Club on Thursday 11th August 1994, with Philip Russell as President, Rose Wright as Secretary and Jack Kahl as Treasurer. A Management Committee was also established.
Since that date, meetings of the Club were held for many years at the Brighton Restaurant. But since the Brighton closed its doors in August 2013, meetings have returned to the Kiama Leagues Club.
Recent History
At each meeting during the last year, we have invited a guest speaker to address the Club members prior to our lunch. Our guest speakers are very varied with a wide range of subjects covered.
Our Walking Group participated in several walks during the year, with the walk around Jamberoo combining with our annual Soup and Damper day at the Jamberoo Church of England Hall.
There were several special outings during the year.
Kiama Mixed Probus Club was instigated in 1994 by Philip and Marian Russell. At the time there were several Probus Clubs in Kiama, Kiama Downs and Gerringong, but all were either exclusively Men’s Clubs or exclusively Women’s Clubs. All were morning tea clubs.
Philip and Marian wanted to start a Probus Club which included both men and women and provided for a luncheon to follow the meeting. At the time such a concept was unknown in the areas around Kiama. Philip and Marian wanted to limit the number of members so that the Club didn’t get too big; they wanted the number of males and females to be about equal; a system to ensure that members mixed widely at meetings; and that the presidency should alternate between males and females. These concepts are still in place today and are important factors in the continued success of the Club.
Indeed, there are now 3 additional Clubs in Kiama and Gerroa, which have been established in a similar format to Kiama Mixed.
The Charter Meeting of Kiama Mixed Probus Club was held at Kiama Leagues Club on Thursday 11th August 1994, with Philip Russell as President, Rose Wright as Secretary and Jack Kahl as Treasurer. A Management Committee was also established.
Since that date, meetings of the Club were held for many years at the Brighton Restaurant. But since the Brighton closed its doors in August 2013, meetings have returned to the Kiama Leagues Club.
Recent History
At each meeting during the last year, we have invited a guest speaker to address the Club members prior to our lunch. Our guest speakers are very varied with a wide range of subjects covered.
Our Walking Group participated in several walks during the year, with the walk around Jamberoo combining with our annual Soup and Damper day at the Jamberoo Church of England Hall.
There were several special outings during the year.