Leslie Rosin, the founder of our club and Honorary Life-President, was aware that Eastwood and Rhuallan Probus Clubs had long waiting lists for membership. He realised that if he made an appeal these prospective members might join a new club. Leslie inserted an article in the “Extra” newspaper of 19th February 1998 stating that there would be the launch of a new Probus Club in the area later that year. The launch proved successful due to the help of Eastwood Probus Club and their secretary Andrew Rooney.
The new Probus Club held its first meeting in Eastwood House on 14th May 1998. Bill Kelly, ex-president of Eastwood Probus Club, was in the chair. There were twenty-five prospective members present and Leslie Rosin was elected President. During the meeting he intimated that it had been proposed to name the club “Mearns Probus Club”.
The inaugural meeting was held in Crookfur Pavilion on Wednesday 16th September 1998 and there were thirty-four members present. President Leslie Rosin thanked Harry Arnott of Rhuallan Probus Club for its generous donation of the Regalia for the president, a gesture much appreciated by all. The programme for the year 1998-1999 opened on 21st October 1998. The speaker was Dick Thomas, whose subject was “Referee – Friend or Foe?”
For a history of the Probus movement, see https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probus_Clubs