The 65 men in the local club are looking to boost their number by another 10 – the maximum allowed under the club constitution.

And publicity officer Ron Bracken reckons there’s no secret to what attracts men to the club.

“For the fact that it’s interesting,” he said.

“You’ll meet interesting people, you’ll do interesting things, you’ll visit interesting places, and you’ll enjoy the fun and fellowship.”

Probus clubs were formed as an offshoot to Rotary in 1973, Mr Bracken said.

Probus takes its name from the words professional and business.

“Initially, you had to be a professional to join Probus, but over time that requirement was relaxed.”

These days, there are men’s and women’s Probus clubs, and they cater for retired and semi-retired people who enjoy socialising. Simple as that.

There’s no requirement to get involved in fund-raising, or community projects, and the club has no political or religious leanings.

And the meeting schedule is hardly onerous.

“Morisset Men’s Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 9.30am in the hall at the corner of Fishery Point Road and Pearson Street,  Bonnells Bay,” Mr Bracken said.

There are interesting speakers at each meeting, he said.

Members have the opportunity to tell the group a little about their working lives.

“I’m a retired building contractor and life member of the Master Builders Association, so I was able to tell the group about that,” Mr Bracken said.

Another member recently spoke about his work as a diver in Newcastle Harbour.

Guest speakers have included Lake Macquarie police chief Brett Greentree, and bush poet Carol Heuchan.

The men also enjoy outings with wives and partners.

In coming weeks there are club trips planned to the nuclear reactor at Lucas Heights, and a cruise on Newcastle Harbour.