Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited the Pattingham Probus Club on Wednesday 13th November.
Gavin gave a 30 minute speech to club members about his duties as the Member of Parliament for South Staffordshire, both in the constituency and in Westminster, and his new role as PPS to the PM.
Gavin said: “It is a privilege to be able to talk to the Probus Club, which does so much good work in Pattingham and the surrounding area. I very much hope that they find the description of my work as an MP, as well as the work that I do as a Parliamentary Private Secretary, of interest.
“I am a strong believer in the Probus Club and other similar, local groups. I feel these organisations form part of the bedrock of our communities and do a massive amount of good for our village residents.”
The Pattingham Probus Club – part of a national network - exists to promote fellowship amongst retired men living in the parish. The Pattingham branch currently has 50 members.
The word Probus is an abbreviation of the words PROfressionl and BUSiness. Many clubs have extensive networking, social programmes, which include meetings with other Probus clubs, group trips, holidays and involvement in community projects etc.
The concept of Probus was born in the UK and has grown to be a huge success worldwide. One Australian gentleman reportedly said to Ralph Harper in the late seventies ‘Probus is the best export the UK has ever had’.