The Douglas PROBUS Club submitted this article to the Spring 2022 PROBUS Global Newsletter in answer to the question, What outstanding things has your club done to keep your PROBUS club "alive" during COVID?

Our former President Victor Ward played a leading role in keeping contact with members during the Covid 19 pandemic with the issue of a weekly newsletter to all members. Covering current topics, matters of interest and of course the current state of play with regard to the impact of Covid 19 on our club. This was a lifeline for the club. It should also be noted that members showed their appreciation by submitting contributions to Victor. Without doubt this was the single most important action in keeping the club alive. Later when restrictions allowed we did meet as “friends” for coffee on Wednesdays. This also proved positive in maintaining member contact.

We did nothing different. Our club met as we always did. This was a comfort in that it delivered a wider message that normality had returned which was what everyone wanted to hear. A close eye however is kept on Covid numbers and the need to reintroduce mask wearing at meetings if deemed appropriate or requested by the members. Our safety is a primary concern.

During the pandemic our club lost 6 members who died. We also lost a further 4 members who can no longer attend due to ill health. Our challenge therefore is recruiting new members. This is a major focus of the club presently. We are confident that this issue will be addressed successfully and already we have seen new members join our club.

Kind Regards

Oliver McCann

President Probus Douglas