HISTORY has been made after Haddington and District Probus Club voted “overwhelmingly” to admit women to full membership for the first time.

In a decisive show of support for the proposal, more than 90 per cent decided it was time for the all-male group to welcome women.

David Haire, chairman of the group, which meets in Haddington’s Maitlandfield House Hotel, described the alteration as “a very pleasing change, overdue even”.

He told the Courier it was “necessary” for the club to keep up with current thinking and to reach out to all in the community.

The committee had every confidence that the club would benefit significantly thanks to the change.

Probus, a national organisation, was founded in the early 1960s.

Initially, it focused on retired professional and businessmen.

Thanks to this vote, it is now open to men and women from all walks of life who have reached or are approaching retirement from their working lives.

Monday, September 20, saw the start of the fortnightly Monday morning meetings in the hotel on Sidegate, after the lengthy Covid-19 shutdown and reliance on Zoom to maintain contact.

The programme for the 2021-22 season contains presentations on a wide range of topics, including mountain rescue, community radio, life as a young nurse and a topical exploration by Sir Geoff Palmer on Scotland and Jamaica.

Additionally, a number of visits and events are planned.

A warm invitation is extended to men and women who feel the club may have something to offer them to go along and try it out before deciding on seeking membership.

More details can be obtained by emailing haddingtonprobusmembers@gmail.com