THE Largs Probus Club has been hailed as a lifeline for its older members during the pandemic.

The club, which is for retired or semi-retired professionals and businessmen over 55, regularly hosts meetings, speakers and outings.

Secretary Ian Kerr believes the return to face-to-face meetings after more than a year functioning online has injected new life back into the organisation.

He said: “Since coming back from lockdown, the club has been very successful and it has been incredible to see how much it means to our members.

“When we switched to Zoom it felt so different and having meetings and speakers remotely really wasn’t the same.

“We managed to get 15 men regularly online, which I was quite happy about as we feel it really is a lifeline service for some, but we are all so glad to be back having face-to-face meetings.

"We are looking forward to our trips returning soon.”

Ian says the club is all about making friends and offers vital companionship to those who are lonely.

He explained: “The club is mostly about fellowship, and being a place where we gents can meet up for a coffee and a chat.

“We have a lot of older members who don’t have partners and they come along just for the camaraderie.

“We make sure that they always sit with someone like-minded who they can make friends with and chat to.

“The pandemic has shown just how important this club is for people."

Ian is encouraging anyone who fits the criteria to sign up.

He added: “The club is open to all over 55s who are retired or semi-retired and everyone can expect a warm welcome.

“We have a lot of interesting speakers and we also get members to talk on any subject or about themselves each week.

“Recently we had our honorary president talk for ten minutes and we found out that he had been a one-time boxing champion in London.

“Alongside our usual meetings, we are also in the process of organising our annual dinner with entertainment at the Brisbane.”

The club meets every Wednesday morning in the Willowbank Hotel at 10am for coffee and a chat.

For more information about the club go to www.largsprobus.org.uk