The Club was formed in 1982 to provide for social and other activities for those who are already or have broadly retired. The town was, prior to Victorian times, a small market town with a grammar school for local boys from Rugby and Brownsover, founded in 1567 on the fortunes of the grocer to Queen Elizabeth 1st. By 19th century, due to development of the national canal and rail systems, the town attracted industry and grew rapidly. The grammar school became one of UK founding Public Schools of the 19th century. A pupil, William Webb Ellis, is said to have picked the ball up and run with it, founding the worldwide game of Rugby. Other famous names include Rupert Brooke, the poet and the jet pioneer Frank Whittle.

What is Rugby Probus?

Rugby Probus is one of many similar clubs throughout UK (see most clubs on www.probusonline.org) and with some overseas. All clubs operate independently and to a large extent have evolved to suit the style and wishes of the members. They are non-political, non-religious and non-sectarian and may be male, female or mixed depending often on the origins of the founding group.  All clubs have a strong tradition of spouses or partners joining in a wide range of social activities.

What do we do?

Ten regular meetings are held for members and any guests at a town centre location for lunch, with about four of these having a speaker present.  During the Covid pandemic we were not able to safely gather as a group. However the lunch meetings and the speaker program has now been fully restored with provisional dates to the year-end. These lunch meetings are essentially a male activity although it has become increasingly frequent for a lady to be the speaker. At the other activities the ladies can outnumber us! During the Covid pandemic we have combined the two local clubs, Rugby Probus and Rugby Probus 90 into this single one.

Who can join us?

Well almost anyone! The only requirement is to have partly or totally retired from work.  There is no requirement to have any particular qualification or job other than enjoying the company of others. Some who look into the “Probus” word might discern it is derived from Profession and Business, a couple only of backgrounds to make it a short name. All walks of life are welcome: our members have all emerged from diverse roots and working lives with a range of attributes, which provides many interesting and varied conservations – delivered with a sense of humour and sociability, as well as due attention to more serious aspects of life.