Penny Rowley
What exactly is the Probus club?
It’s a social group really. We provide regular gatherings for retired or semi-retired businesswomen and professionals who value opportunities to meet others, chat and learn something new. We have monthly get-togethers at the Flavel which usually include a talk. There’s a men’s group who meet separately.
Who comes to talk to you?
Wow, where do I start! We have had Devon Wildlife Trust, the RNLI, town councillors, a Cadbury’s worker, members of the military, a colleague of Spike Milligan’s. This year we have someone from Paignton Zoo coming and a man with a ukulele!
How hard is it to find and book the speakers?
It can be quite tricky. We have a small committee so we have to take turns phoning people and discussing fees. Sometimes when we really can’t find anyone we have to talk ourselves. I roped my husband in once to talk about scuba diving. It’s surprising how many people have a story to tell or a hidden past - if you can just tap into it.
Do people bring props?
Well yes, I wonder what the Flavel expect me to ask for next as I keep going to them with more and more adventurous requests! Normally I just ask if they can set up a screen so our speaker can play a video. But this year I’ve asked if a dog can come, as we’re hearing from a group who train dogs to help disabled people get washing out the machine or turn off the TV. I’ve now asked them if someone can bring some owls and hawks for a talk in 2018!
Do the speakers get nervous when they face a bunch of professional ladies?
Some really do, yes. It tends to be men more than women – I’m sure they think we’re going to bite or heckle! We are a well-behaved group; they need not worry!
What else does the group do?
We have lunches, a Christmas party and we go on a yearly spring or summer outing. This can often be to a National Trust property. It’s actually our 40th anniversary this year so we will have some kind of celebration for that.
How many members do you have?
About 30.
What is the age range?
There is no specific age range, but members are semi-retired or retired. At the moment our eldest member is 96.
Is there a charge to join?
It’s £14 for the year and £3 per meeting - which includes the talk and tea and coffee.
What do you do when you aren’t arranging activities for the ladies?
Too much! My husband and I ran a scuba diving business in Dartmouth until a few years ago and there was little free time - so I’m making up for it now. I volunteer at the museum, do admin for the Conservative group, walk the coast paths and enjoy lots of coffee breaks in town.
Which is your favourite coffee destination?
Saveurs.
Do you have family in Dartmouth?
Our son lives close by in Dartmouth and is the works manager of a local precision engineering company making bespoke items for the marine industry. My daughter is a postdoctoral researcher in marine biology at the University of Hawaii. We go out and visit her when we can - our latest trip was in February.
Where can we find you on a sunny day?
I love walking through the lanes to Blackpool Sands for a coffee and coming back along the coast path.
What is always in your handbag?
My pink pen. I take it everywhere. I write lots of lists and I find it useful to cross the things off in a bright colour.
What would you take to a desert island?
A mask, fins and snorkel. I would entertain myself by watching the fish!
The Ladies Probus welcome new members. They meet at the Flavel on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
First published By The Dart magazine July 2017
