IN recognition of his unwavering dedication to the club and years of service, Hamilton Men’s Probus Club treasurer, Bob Warburton, was awarded with a Probus Life Membership at their meeting last month.

After spending the last 16 years diligently serving as treasurer, and with no intentions of giving up the role, Mr Warburton has been instrumental to the club’s success and longevity.

Hamilton Men’s Probus club secretary, Bob Penny, said much like the other five members of the committee, Mr Warburton played a pivotal role in keeping the club running.

“Like any club, you have to have a committee of management and you have to have a treasurer, and Bob was a voluntary honorary treasurer,” he said.

“Bob’s a long serving, dedicated, and very reliable member of Probus, and he does a great job as honorary treasurer.

“The award is based on longevity and involvement in the club.”

To commemorate his Life Membership, Mr Warburton was presented with a certificate and lapel badge by Hamilton Men’s Probus Club president, Ken Brand.

Not only has Mr Warburton served the Hamilton Men’s Probus Club as treasurer, but also other clubs, spanning 60 years of Honorary Treasurer duties.

With membership numbers decreasing in recent years, the Hamilton Men’s Probus Club was encouraging new people to sign up as members, with Mr Brand describing the club as a great way to connect with others in the community.

“Probus clubs are designed to attract people of both genders in ‘fun and friendship in retirement’,” he said.

“It’s a great way to make new friends, listen to interesting guest speakers, learn a new skill, explore new interests and hobbies and there is so much to choose from.

“(In Hamilton) it is serviced by three clubs – the Combined Probus Club, the Ladies club, and Men’s club”. 

Probus is a club for retirees, with Mr Penny saying unlike other clubs in town, it is not a service club but rather only focuses on bringing people together.

“It is solely for social purposes,” he said.

“These people have done their bit in society and now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the company of their peers.”

Probus clubs meet once a month for a two-hour meeting which provides members with opportunities to stay engaged, connected, and active. 

For more information on the Probus Clubs in Hamilton visit probussouthpacific.org and use the ‘Find a club’ search.