What is Probus?
It is an Association of retired businessmen in localised clubs throughout the world. The word PROBUS is an abbreviation of the words PROfessional and BUSiness. However membership is not restricted to these groups and any man who has had a measure of responsibility in any field may join. The basic purpose of a Probus Club is to provide regular gatherings of men, who, in retirement, appreciate and value opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances and of similar interest.
How did Probus begin?
The first two Probus Clubs were formed in England in 1965 by the Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City. The Omagh Club was formed in 1977, set up and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Omagh. Today Probus is an international organisation with clubs all over the world, including USA, Canada, India, Japan, and South Africa. There are over 1100 clubs in Great Britain and 137 in Ireland North and South.
What does Probus do?
Probus is about Fellowship – meeting old friends and making new ones. Being non-political, non-sectarian and non-fund raising the best answer to the question “What does Probus do?” might very well be “Not very much, but it does it very well”
Has Omagh Probus done anything?
In May 2017 the Probus Clubs of Omagh hosted the All-Ireland Probus Rally in the Silver Birch Hotel. It was attended by some 280 Probians from Ireland North and South and was a great success. Entertainment at the eve-of-rally reception was provided by St Eugene’s Band and the Omagh Community Youth Choir. The main speakers on the day were Mr Eddie Lynch, Commissioner for Older People, Northern Ireland and Miss Naomi Scott, former United Nations Aid Adviser to Africa and the daughter of Mr Harman Scott, a member of Omagh Probus Club.