Kingston Combined Probus Club (KCPC) celebrated their 10-year anniversary with a lunch at the Kingborough Bowls and Community Club, Margate.
Immediate past president and now Vice President Jenny Tayler shared the origins of this club at the birthday celebrations.
"Although Probus was well established in the region, with flourishing men's and ladies' clubs, there was no club for retired couples to socialise together," Jenny said.
"The Rotary Club of Kingston was approached to sponsor the formation of a new club with membership to be inclusive of both men and women."
On April 6, 2015, a group of 32 people came together for the inaugural meeting of what was to become the KCPC.
The membership grew steadily from there, and by 2018 KCPC was pushing 50.
A sub-committee was formed and a limit of 65 members was imposed.
KCPC had just reached capacity when the COVID pandemic struck, influencing many people to move closer to be with family.
"Unfortunately we were dealt a double blow, as most of those who left our club were couples," Jenny said.
"During that difficult time, with meetings suspended, we prioritised looking after each other remotely."
Looking to the future, Jenny said that after 10 years and six presidents the KCPC is a healthy club with a wide range of activities on offer.
"Rather than establish specific groups, any member of the club can attend any activity they wish, at any time," she said.
"We, and both the other Kingston Probus clubs, are fortunate to share the Kingston Community Hall as our venue for monthly meetings.
"We recently elected a new president, and installed our 2025/2026 committee, which includes fresh faces and new ideas."
Blair Nancarrow is the current KCPC President, and received a certificate acknowledging the 10-year anniversary from past Rotary Club of Kingston President Rodney Williams.
She cut the birthday cake with the assistance of John Thorne, representing Probus South Pacific Ltd.