Probus Club ventures to the Karoo
According to Bain, post-retirement these ex-professionals often miss the intellectual stimulation that was provided by their former professional activities and thus results in emotional stress and physical illness
Retired chartered accountant and experienced traveller, Laurence Newman, took members of the Probus Club of Benoni through his sojourn to the Little Karoo and southern parts of the Great Karoo.
Newman, who has travelled to 68 countries on five continents, was the guest speaker at the club’s monthly meeting on September 1, at Benoni Northerns Sports Club.
Through a series of photographs showing the flora, fauna and majestic landscapes of the Karoo, Newman unpacked, in detail, his journey through the semi-desert.
“Most people think of the Karoo as a flat semi-desert that seems to go on forever and not a holiday destination.
“My experiences of the Little Karoo and southern part of the Great Karoo were wonderful. There are stunning mountain passes which snake through beautiful mountains.
“The landscape changes at every turn. We were fortunate to be there during late spring and saw the desert transformed into scenes of purple, white, yellow and red,” he said.
Pausing now and then to quiz his audience, Newman’s recollection of events kept the crowd engaged as he also gave a historical background of the places he visited.
Also Read: Rotary Anns’ looking for beautiful gardens
He said he travelled to and from the Karoo through six of the country’s nine provinces. Some of the places he visited include Kimberly, Karoo National Park, Swartberg Pass and Laingsburg.
Club president Colin Bain opened the meeting with reports and apologies. This was followed by a comedy segment called the funny spot where members share jokes – proving that one is never too old to be funny.
The club hosts this meeting on the first Thursday of every month. Its membership includes retired and semi-retired businessmen and professional people who share similar interests.
According to Bain, these post-retirement ex-professionals often miss the intellectual stimulation provided by their former professional activities and thus resulting in emotional stress and physical illness.
“It’s for old people who are retired to give them an interest in any activity. Within a few months after retirement, the desire to meet others in similar circumstances kicks in. So we meet here once a month.
“We invite different speakers to share their experience in their professional fields. We also organise trips to different companies, factories and other establishments for vocational visits,” he said.
Bain has invited anyone interested to join them at the monthly meetings.
The next meeting is on October 6 at 09:30.
For more information email rusl@whitburn.co.za
Also Read: Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn celebrates milestone birthday
