Our Strength is Fellowship; Our Success is Participation.
About Us
Probus Clubs are organizations for men and women who have retired from their profession or business, and want to remain active in a social network with others who have similar interests. Probus Clubs are not service clubs, they are non-sectarian and are not involved in fundraising. Each Probus Club is autonomous with it’s own uniqueness and brand. Many retirees are members of more than one club.
There are over 4000 Probus Clubs internationally.. Each is dedicated to helping folks remain active and engaged after retirement or semi-retirement from their businesses and professions.
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About the Probus Club of Collingwood
Formed in 1987, we are the original mens’ Probus Club in the Georgian Triangle, and one of the first in Ontario. We have interesting and informative speakers at each meeting, which is one of the most enjoyed features by our members. At each monthly meeting, a member may present his profile and background, some very interesting people indeed! Occasionally, a short presentation on a community topic of interest to the membership may be substituted.
In addition, there numerous trips and social events throughout the year, including golf, biking, hiking, theatre, excursions, and tours of businesses and places of interest throughout the Georgian Triangle.
Whether you are able to attend every month, are a snowbird, or someone who likes to get away from it all at various times of the year, it does not matter. Our club is here for your enjoyment and participation year-round.
We invite you to visit as a guest to check us out. Feel free to drop in at one of our meetings for a look at any time! We would enjoy meeting you.
History
Born and raised in Winnipeg, 18 year old Bud Crookes enlisted in the RCAF and went off to war. Returning to Winnipeg, Bud married his wife June and are happily married to this day (for 65 years). This couple would go on to make a tremendous contribution to the creation and growth of the Probus Club in Canada.
The first PRO[fessional] BUS[iness] Club was established in England in 1965. During a visit to Australia and New Zealand in 1987, Bud became interested in Probus and was impressed with the concept. In 1987, he introduced the subject of a local Probus Club to the Rotary Club of Collingwood, and was successful in gaining acceptance for the idea. The Collingwood Club was the fourth in all of Canada after Cambridge, ON, White Rock B.C, and Burlington, ON. The mantra of “you don’t have to sell tickets” was the battle cry. Getting things started was no small feat. No members, no Club! One of the most respected individuals in the local banking business, James McClure, Manager of the TD Bank, came to the rescue. He was instrumental in recommending the names of prospective members. In November 1987, the first meeting of the Probus Club of Georgian Bay was called to order in the Collingwood Public Library with 38 of Collingwood’s finest in attendance. Shortly thereafter, the ranks would surge to 45, and the name would change to The Probus Club of Collingwood, and meetings would be held in the Leisure Time Centre.
There are now 10 Clubs in the Collingwood area, and a further 5 in Wasaga Beach. These Clubs can all trace their genealogy back to the original Collingwood Club founded by Captain Crookes and his Probus crew in 1987. Bud and his wife, June, have been pillars of the Probus Canada organization and we, as members, owe them a vote of thanks for helping to create what our membership enjoys so much today!
Meetings
Meetings are the first Thursday of each month.
Location: The Royal Canadian Legion, 490 Ontario Street, Collingwood, Phone:705-445-3780
09:00 – 09:45 Coffee time
09:45 – 10:30 Reports, business, members stories and presentations of interest.
10:30 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 11:45 Guest Speaker
11:45 – 12:00 Q & A’s
Members are invited to join the President and Speaker for lunch following the meeting.
Meeting dates for 2019
- January 3
- February 7
- March 7
- April 4
- May 2
- June 6
- July 4
- August 1
- September 5
- October 3
- November 7
- December 5
Upcoming Events
Probus Golf 2019
This year, the Probus Club of Collingwood is extending a warm welcome to the Mountain View Probus Club and Probus Lighthouse members to join in on the fun. This will form the basis of the local Probus Golf Society!
Golf Co-ordinator, Bob Philips
18 holes, 0830 start, $65
9 holes, 10:30 start, $50
Comes with cart, coffee, lunch
Batteaux Creek Golf
August 14
The farm occupies an 800 acre dairy and crop operation and is home to Jalon Jerseys, a 100% purebred herd, consisting of 130 milking cows and an equal number of young stock. The farm grows their own high quality feed, and also acquire the services of a professional nutritionist. The farm has been in the Miller’s family for five generations and he has been a fluid milk producer for more than fifty years.
Our host John Miller was energetic, captivating and extremely knowledgeable. He continually kept us in awe and our questions never seemed to stop. One topic, of particular interest to everyone was the big question: is A2 milk (sold by Miller) easier to digest and healthier than other cow’s milk on the market. An Udder-ly lively and complicating conversation ensued.
Of course everyone enjoyed seeing the “girls” in their luxury hotel (barn) and we were free to pet them if we dared. Not unexpected our tour highlight was the product sampling table with Strawberry and chocolate milk and a variety of ice cream flavours. (me thinkist the spoons were too small.) Two hours disappeared in a flash!
Afterwards we enjoyed a wonderful meal and lively conversation on the patio at the Old Mill House Pub, the weather cooperating immensely.
August 21.
Lunch, Port Elgin
Contact: Brian Lucas
Meetings
Meetings are the first Thursday of every month, starting at 0945 am. They are held at The Royal Canadian Legion, 490 Ontario Street, Collingwood. Phone: 705-445-3780
Contact Us
Probus Club of Collingwood
Membership: John Megarry, 705-445-1261
Email: collingwoodprobus@gmail.com
