In The Beginning.
Late in 1965, a Rotarian, Fred Carhill in Welwyn Garden City, conceived the idea.
At about the same time Harold Blanchard of Caterham formed and sponsored a local club. The title Probus was derived from the words PROfessional and BUSiness. Due to the success of these projects a Rotary pamphlet was produced urging other Rotary clubs to do likewise. The late Sixties, and the Seventies saw a vast expansion of clubs being formed all over the country, and in 1972 a lapel badge was produced.
Hearing of the success of Probus Clubs in other areas the Kingswood Rotary Club organised and advertised an open evening on 8th February 1973 for gentlemen who might be interested in forming a local Probus Club. The meeting was addressed by committee members of the Rotary Club and following general discussion a proposal was made and accepted that 'The Probus Club of Kingswood' be formed.
A further meeting was arranged for the election of officers and on the 22nd March 1973 a 'Foundation Lunch' was held when the 25 Founder Members were presented with their membership cards.
The club has been continuously active since that date.
By the seventies clubs had spread internationally to Australia (1270) and New Zealand (270).
Most other countries have followed their example including Netherlands; all Ireland; Belgium; South Africa; Canada; Chile; Cyprus; France; India; Japan; Malaysia; Mexico; Spain; USA; Bermuda; Germany; Zimbabwe; Trinidad; and Portugal.
More recently Ladies Probus Clubs, and Mixed Probus Clubs have been formed across the World.
Today it is estimated there are over 325,000 Probus members, in approximately 4,500 clubs worldwide.
The Probus crest.
A coat of arms for Probus was not possible. The "P" with an inner circle of lettering, with a castellated surround, was enhanced with the insignia of the countries where, at the time, Probus was established The rose for England; shamrock for Ireland; daffodil for Wales; star and rod for Australia; 5 stars of the Southern Cross for the South Pacific and New Zealand; and the oranges for South Africa. Later the maple leaf for Canada; and the thistle for Scotland were added.