President: Bill Brown
Vice President: Alistair Hugh
Immediate Past President: Ian Gardner
Raith Probus Secretary: Allan Morton
Contact E Mail : RaithProbusSec@gmail.com
Treasurer: Charlie Low
The Club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:30am. We meet at Pathhead Parish Church Hall, 33 Harriet Street, Kirkcaldy KY1 2AG.
Secretary
FUTURE TALKS:
If any club member has had a particularly interesting career or has a hobby and wishes to share by giving a talk, please contact any committee member.
Welcome to new President Bill Brown and Vice President Alistair Hugh 2075
Raith Probus Club
Raith Probus Club
Meeting Number 978
Pathhead Church 16th December 2025
A Special General Meeting was held at 10:00hrs to vote on the following proposed
Amendments to the Constitution:
4. Office Bearers
Change (ii) paragraph 1
From: “The President of the Club shall hold office for one year, unless there are
extenuating reasons why this period should be extended. Officers and Committee
members shall be eligible for re- election each year at the Annual General Meeting
(AGM).
To: “The President and Vice-President of the Club shall hold office for two
years, unless there are extenuating reasons why this period should be
extended. Other Officers and Committee members shall be eligible for re-
election each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).”
Change final two sentences in paragraph 2
From: “In the event of it being unlikely that the President can continue to officiate
then the Vice President shall assume the role of President with the appointment of a
new Vice President. Both these officials will see out that presidential year and
assume the posts in the next year i.e. there will be no appointments for these posts
at the AGM at the end of the retired President’s year of office.”
To: “In the event of it being unlikely that the President can continue to
officiate then the Vice President shall assume the role of President with the
appointment of a new Vice President. Both these officials will see out that
presidential term and assume the posts for the next term i.e. there will be no
appointments for these posts at the AGM at the end of the retired President’s
term of office.”
The Vice-President described the background behind the proposed changes which
are designed to avoid the situation of not having anyone to fulfil the positions of
President and Vice-President
Ian Gardner spoke of his surprise that when he joined the club the positions were
only for one year. He described how other organisations have four year
appointments and that a longer period would allow greater continuity and
consistency in leadership and allow the officials more time to implement and oversee
long term initiatives while reducing the frequency of elections and transitions which
can disrupt ongoing projects and activities.
Questions: The age profile of the club would make it difficult for some to commit to
four years, two as Vice-President and two as President. Others stated that the single
year was fine especially considering the age of potential appointees. There is
nothing currently preventing Vice-Presidents from standing for a subsequent term.
A vote was taken with the results being: For 6, Against 23.
The changes were not approved so the current arrangements and constitution will
continue to apply.
Ian Gardner spoke of his surprise that when he joined the club the positions were
only for one year. He described how other organisations have four year
appointments and that a longer period would allow greater continuity and
consistency in leadership and allow the officials more time to implement and oversee
long term initiatives while reducing the frequency of elections and transitions which
can disrupt ongoing projects and activities.
Questions: The age profile of the club would make it difficult for some to commit to
four years, two as Vice-President and two as President. Others stated that the single
year was fine especially considering the age of potential appointees. There is
nothing currently preventing Vice-Presidents from standing for a subsequent term.
A vote was taken with the results being: For 6, Against 23.
The changes were not approved so the current arrangements and constitution will
continue to apply.
————————————————————————————————————-
President Bill Brown opened the normal meeting at 10:27hrs.
Bill Stenhouse was welcomed back after a recent illness.
Introduction to Speaker:
Speaker: Jim Tribble
Topic: “Music Through Time”
Vote of Thanks: Ray Griffiths
Previous minutes, None, other than a reminder about the data consent forms.
REPORTS
Membership: Bob Taylor.
Reported the attendance numbers of 34 members present, 9 apologies and no guests.
IT: Jim Neilson
Nothing to report.
Special AGM
RAITH PROBUS CLUB OF KIRKCALDY
Special General Meeting
Tuesday 16th December 2025 10am
Pathhead Church Hall
Proposed Amendments to Constitution:
4. Office Bearers
Change (ii) paragraph 1.
From: “The President of the Club shall hold office for one year, unless there are extenuating reasons why
this period should be extended. Officers and Committee members shall be eligible for re- election each year
at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
To: “The President and Vice-President of the Club shall hold office for two years, unless there are
extenuating reasons why this period should be extended. Other Officers and Committee members
shall be eligible for re- election each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).”
Change final two sentences in paragraph 2
From: “In the event of it being unlikely that the President can continue to officiate then the Vice President
shall assume the role of President with the appointment of a new Vice President. Both these officials will see
out that presidential year and assume the posts in the next year i.e. there will be no appointments for these
posts at the AGM at the end of the retired President’s year of office.”
To: “In the event of it being unlikely that the President can continue to officiate then the Vice
President shall assume the role of President with the appointment of a new Vice President. Both these
officials will see out that presidential term and assume the posts for the next term i.e. there will be no
appointments for these posts at the AGM at the end of the retired President’s term of office.”
Proposed: Alistair Hugh Seconded: Ian Gardner
( A two thirds majority of those voting is required for constitutional amendments to pass)
Press: Malcolm Walker.
Malcolm Walker will prepare this week’s report.
Still looking for another permanent volunteer. A group of three is now proposed with
John Hamilton and Malcolm Walker taking two of the places. This will allow the task
to be less demanding over time. One other person is therefore required once every
two months. The president again asked for a volunteer.
Recorder: Bob Terras (not present).
Nothing to report.
Probus Website: Bob Terras (not present).
Nothing to report.
Treasurer: Charlie Low.
The first meeting on 20th January, 2026, the Quiz, will have free tea and coffee.
Welfare: Tom Reilly.
On Tuesday December 9th I paid a visit to Bill Hogg a former president and good
friend to many at the Club. Bill was in fine form and likes to keep up to date with
events at the club. Bill was 97 earlier this year and is truly a remarkable man whose
brain is still as sharp as a tack. Bill’s daughter took him out for lunch on Sunday 7th
December to the Abbotshall Hotel, only to find a young chap was having a birthday
party with friends and family and was none other than our own John Johnstone who
was celebrating his 80th birthday. Bill and John are old friends and had lots to
reminisce about, needless to say this was a day to remember for both of them.
The President encountered Gordon Reekie during the week who is trying to arrange
things such that he can attend, however his wife is still unwell and cannot be left
alone.
Secretary: Allan Morton.
Nothing to report.
Vice-President: Alistair Hugh.
Nothing to report
STANDING ORDER REPORTS
Speakers: Charlie Low.
Looking forward to an interesting 2026.
Social: Ragnar Ingebrigtsen.
Scots Night.
• Saturday 31st January 2026 at 6.15pm.
• Strathearn Hotel.
• A singer has been arranged.
• One of our members will address the haggis.
• Some tables will not have pre-allocated seating.
• Menus now available to be returned at this meeting.
2026 Visits
• Proposal to visit the Amazon warehouse, max 10 people.
CONVENERS REPORTS
Cycling: John Chalmers (not present)
Nothing to report.
Gardening: Ron Steedman.
Nothing to report.
Further information: Ron Steedman or Jim Neilson.
Golf: Robin McAlpine (not present).
Normal New Years lunch on a Thursday afternoon around the middle of January.
Lottery: Charlie Low.
No stake money required in January and February 2026.
Photography: Allister Todd
Next meeting will be on Thursday 29th January, 10am at Kirkcaldy Golf Club.
Snooker: Malcolm Walker.
Christmas Lunch planned for Friday 23rd January at the Weavers Pub.
This Friday will be the last of the year followed by two weeks off.
Styx Snooker Club.
Every Friday: 11.00 to 13.00.
Further information: Malcolm Walker.
Walkers: Ken Campbell.
Last Tuesday, Eleven of our ‘Probus’ members went on our monthly ‘Walk’.
Fortuitously on this occasion, Phil had pre-empted the weather forecast and decided
to pursue an indoor activity for this ‘Walk’. So we took in the Christmas decorations
around the Kingdom Shopping Centre in Glenrothes. After some car-sharing from
Kirkcaldy, we all met up inside the Centre, (Which was truly fortunate given the
intemperate weather outside).
We then commenced our stroll around the magnificent shopping arcade, which was
quite an eyeful, given the derelict state of Kirkcaldy’s depressing High Street and
posed the question of why Kirkcaldy should be so drab and uninteresting, with its
meagre attempts at Christmas. Quite the opposite in ‘The Kingdom Centre’, where it
was full of the ‘Christmas Spirit’, with Lovely Decorations and a bit of liveliness
around the place. Well worth a further visit on another day.
After approx. 1¼ hours and on completion of our visit, we then headed to Markinch
and the award winning ‘Laurel Bank Hotel’, where we all thoroughly enjoyed a
lunchtime meal and refreshments. After which, we all returned home to Kirkcaldy /
Glenrothes around 2.30ish.
Hopefully, the photographs, which are shown on the screen and also on the Web
Site, will provide some insight into our stroll .
Again I would invite members to Join us on our future ‘Walks’ and get some healthy
exercise !!!!!!
Finally, details of our January ‘Walk’, to West Wemyss, are as follows and shown on
the screen, plus hopefully on the Web.
Date of Walk :- Tuesday 13th January.
Location :- West Wemyss.
Transport :- Car share to West Wemyss Car Park.(SAT NAV KY1 4SP)
Meeting Time :- 10.30 am.at the Car Park.
Duration of Walk :- 1½ Hours. (Approx. 3 miles )
Terrain :- Walking surface generally good
Refreshments :- Wetherspoon’s Kirkcaldy.
Car sharing to be arranged for those who are going, at the end of this meeting
If you are unable to attend for any reason, could you please notify myself or
Phil.
Thanks Gentlemen and a very ‘Merry Christmas’ to you all, when it comes and
hopefully, see you on 13th January next year.
SPREAKER
The speaker/entertainer was introduced by Jack Lowther and was Jim Tribble on the
topic of “Music Through Time”.
Jim has spent 50 years performing, teaching and composing music. He now performs
at various castles around Scotland including Stirling, Edinburgh and Aberdour during
the summer months.
Jim explained the musician character he was role playing with a demonstration of
instruments typically played in the royal household of James V of Scotland.
As such a musician he was expected to provide music in the private chambers for
contemplation, relaxation and uplift. In the grander halls he would be joined by other
musicians from across Europe and the British Isles to provide music for celebrations,
feasts and parties. He would also be required to teach an instrument as part of his
duties.
The first instrument shown by Jim was a lute, which started life originally in the middle
east and north Africa and you can still see the original instruments being played there
today.
Up until the 1450s the lute was played in the same way as the Arabic instrument is
played, with a plectrum of some sort. There were a limited number of strings, with the
example shown having four pairs of strings (a pair of strings tuned the same, or an
octave apart, is considered a ‘course’, with three strings sometimes used).
In the 1450s there were changes in how music was played in the west with the tune
being augmented with a bass line. A pick could no longer be used and was replaced
by fingers. This continued into the Renaissance period.
Jim played a top hit from the period, “Packington’s Pound”, a tune around for at least
200 years.
A basic lute in the 1500s comprised six pairs of strings, or rather 5 pairs and one
single. Around the 1580s more strings were added (to make an 8 course lute) as more
money was around and more people were playing music, sometimes in groups. This
required more volume from an archlute, in use until the 1750s. It is designed to play
baroque music similar to a harpsicord.
In the 1600s ten course string instruments were introduced. Jim played a tune by
Robert Ballard, a French composer highlighting the use of the many strings
More music has been written for the lute than any other instrument by a huge margin.
At the time, buying an instrument would cost the same as buying a house (as would
buying a book). Properly seasoned wood is needed for the instrument leading to the
high cost and time taken to be expertly hand made.
A mediaeval fiddle was now demonstrated by playing a peasant dance from Italy,
originally composed to alleviate the boredom of the wealthy. For example, Henry VIII
filled his great hall with real trees and sheep so he could dress up for the day and play
a shepherd with his friends. The fiddle can also be plucked to achieve a lute like sound.
A cittern (a pear-shaped, fretted, plucked string instrument popular in Renaissance
Europe) was now introduced. This instrument has metal strings (which were even used
in Roman times) and is similar to a ukulele today. Jim played the tune “Rogero” from
the 1550s. The cittern is ideal for playing with other instruments or with singers due to
its blended cord tuning.
Up until 1630 everyone drank alcohol all day as the water was unsafe.
In 1630 coffee was introduced which allowed people to move from drinking beer to
switch to coffee, the first time Britain had been sober for 1,000 years. Jim now played
and sang a pub song from the 1580s, an early drinking song.
Having described the level of music played at the royal court and that played by
merchants, we now consider street level music and how Jim’s character started in
music. Church ministers would identify children to sing in the church by testing their
singing. If chosen, this uplifted the status of the child’s family and the role came with
better food and education. Larger churches would also tour smaller churches and
select children to sing in their church, which came with even better food and the
opportunity to sing more complicated music with a choir and music master. If chosen
to sing at the local cathedral (for example St. Gyles) the singer would be enrolled in
the cathedral song school and taught to read and write music along with learning seven
subjects (the same subjects as the Kings and Queens of Europe learned:
Read/write/argue in Latin, Arithmetic, Geometry, Astronomy, Astrology and Music).
Finally he became a teacher of the lute in the Queens house, with education in the
seven subjects enabling him to fit into society. Eventually he was asked to sing at the
royal chapel before becoming a musician of the royal household many years later.
For playing as a street musician a cheap instrument is needed, based around a spoon
design with basic strings and a hunting bow. Another instrument is the rebec, again
still found in north Africa and along the silk route to China. A typical song was then
sung called “Summer Is a Coming in”.
Next was a recorder like instrument with just three holes. Called a “three hole pipe” it
is played with one hand and is designed around mathematical principles.
A French dance, called the “Washer Woman’s Brawl” was played in combination with
a small drum, known as the pipe and tabor, allowing a single musician to provide both
melody and rhythm for dancing. A brawl is an old French country dance (“branle”) that
was popular in courts, named for its side-to-side swaying motion. Each different brawl
would have its own set of movements. Similar instruments can still be seen in Rosslyn
Chapel today and in France.
From Catalonia a bagpipe like instrument was then played, named the screaming bag!
These go back as far as the Romans. There are 40 different types around Europe and
the Mediterranean with three types in Scotland. They are also very loud to intimidate
listeners.
The final instrument shown was a hurdy-gurdy, in use for over 1,000 years, which uses
a handle to produce the sound in association with strings. Originally from monasteries
in north Germany, they became popular as melody, harmony and rhythm came in one
instrument. They are still in use today.
The “Horse’s Brawl” was then played with participation from club members imitating a
horse stamping its foot!
Questions
Music seems better in the medieval times than today? I agree.
Do you play in a group? Sadly not, I just play alone which is why I have so many
instruments.
Where do you get your instruments? Some were donated by people (even a monk),
others from eBay and specialist shops. Some lutes cost £2,000 or more. It is difficult
to get instruments repaired.
Ray Griffiths delivered the Vote of Thanks, thanking Jim for his musical history lesson
and his excellent playing.
NEXT MEETING
Date: 20th January 2026
Speaker: Bob Taylor, Ray Griffiths, John Hamilton
Topic: Annual Quiz
Vote of Thanks: N/A
AOCB: None
The meeting closed at 11:42hrs.
Allan Morton
Secretary
Probus Website: www.probusonline.org/raith-of-kirkcaldy/
Secretary Email: RaithProbusSec@gmail.com
Future Walk West Wemyss 13th January 2026
Walking Group,
Here are the details of our next ‘Walk’ to West Wemyss on the 13th Jan., plus some photos for display on the Screen & Web for next Tuesday’s meeting :-
Date of Walk :- Tuesday 13th January.
Location :- West Wemyss.
Transport :- Car share to West Wemyss Car Park.
Meeting Time :- 10.30 am.at the Car Park.
Duration of Walk :- 1½ Hours. (Approx. 3 miles )
Terrain :- Walking surface generally good
Refreshments :- Wetherspoon’s, Kirkcaldy.
Car sharing to be arranged for those who are going, at the end of this meeting
If you are unable to attend for any reason, could you please notify myself or Phil.
Just to confirm the details of our next ‘Walk’, which are as shown on the screen and hopefully the Web.
Date of Walk :- Tuesday 9th December.
Location :- Glenrothes Town Centre.
Transport :- Car share to Glenrothes Shopping Centre Car Park.
Meeting Time :- 10.30 am Glenrothes Shopping Centre, inside and next to Boots Chemist.
Duration of Walk :- 1 hour approx.
Terrain :- In and around The Shopping Centre.
Refreshments :- Leaving the Shopping Centre at 11.45 for the meal at The Laurel Bank
Hotel – Markinch, using their Car Park. ( Sat Nav. KY7 6DB ).
Car sharing to be arranged for those who are going, at the end of this meeting.
If you are unable to attend for any reason, could you please notify myself or Phil.
Finally, our next group ‘Walk’ will be advised at our January Meeting.
Walkers
Destination – East Lomond
11th November 2025
Antartica Team Selection- Test
Largo Law view Team Assembly Point Testing Equipment
Passed the Test Largo Law
Top of the Leader board
Hole in One on My Travels
Vliedburg Netherlands
Vliedburg Netherlands
Loch Fitty October 2025
Photographic Competition 2025
Ragnar Ingebrigsten John Chalmers John Chalmers
Ken Millar Allister Todd John Chalmers
Allister Todd Ragner Ingebrigsten Ken Millar
Ragnar Ingebrigsten Allister Todd Ken Millar
Walking Group next outing Tuesday 30th September 2025. Blairadam Forest
Weavers Coffee October 2025
Portmoak Gliding Day
After our talk at the last meeting, 4th Sept has been fixed for a Raith Probus , Gliding Day experience. Near Loch Leven.
3 members interested need at least 4 for the day.
Jack Lowther will fill you in.
“Fly Like a Bird”
Invitation visit to Phil Bate’s home in Glenrothes on Monday
25th of August.
26 August 2025 ‘Walk’ around Letham village and on to Monimail.
Some of our ‘Group’ car shared at various points, to eventually meet up at our final destination in Letham around 10.00. When we commenced our walk along a single track road, avoiding traffic along the way.
The weather was fortunately with us in this outing on a beautiful sunny morning, despite the forecast of rain, etc. We continued our ‘Walk / Stroll’ along the prescribed route eventually coming across the 18th century Monimail Parish Church, which is unbelievably up for sale and hopefully can be seen in the photograph, if any one has a bob or two for ownership !!!! From there, it was a short amble to Monimail and it’s historic cemeteries, where we ventured in to a church yard and cemetery, where nine Fife Council vans were parked and on enquiring into this very expensive rebuild of a building with only two adjacent walls in one of the farthest areas to be visited, was this a priority investment for our ratepayers ? ?, what with potholes, etc, Sorry, but my hackles are on a very extreme high. !!!!
Anyhoo, this apart we then visited Monimail Tower, which was the residence of the Archbishop of St Andrews for many a year. Again hopefully the photograph will show the simple life of a man of his stature and considering the power he held.
By this time, as it was nearing 12.00 and after our two hour sojourn, it was time to head to the ‘Bridgend Cafe / Farm Shop’ for our well-deserved enjoyable lunchtime refreshments. After which we all returned to Kirkcaldy and home around 2.00ish.
Hopefully, the photographs, which are shown on the screen and also on the Web Site, will provide some of the ambience, which we generate during our ‘Walks’ Thanks to Allan for those.
Again I would take this opportunity to thank Phil for his reconnoitring of the route, which is not necessarily the easiest of tasks, given that he advised our ‘Group’ that our ‘Walk’ was on country roads, omitting the fact that there were one or two inclines !!!!!! Again in an apparent futile gesture, we would invite any member to Join us and get some exercise !!!!!!
Finally, details of our September ‘Walk’,
Weavers Coffee Morning
2025 Walking Group Musselburgh
Roman Bridge
2025 Garden Competition
2025 Butterflies
Burnett Moth Cinnebar Moth Comma
Common Blue Common Blue Female Common Blue
Green Veined White Meadow Brown Female Ringlet
Ringlet Underwing Small Tortoishell Small Tortoishell Underwing
Wall Brown Wall Brown Underwing Speckled Wood
Small Heath Underwing Green Lacewing Vespilloides Beetle (Sexton Beetle)
24 June 2025 Formonthills
Garden
27th May Walking Group – St Andrews
25 April 2025 Easter Snooker – Challenge
Raith Probus snooker contestants entered the Arena at Styx in Kirkcaldy on 25th April 2025 for the Easter Egg challenge.
A simple task for the session.
Seven members present with the winner over the whole session to achieve the highest break on the day.
Ken Campbell put the other competitors under immediate pressure in minutes with a commanding score of 11.
The day developed with various descriptive cheers and comments in a foreign language of Bistardo following another miss.
On table one a threesome was in play trying to pot a red sitting within the jaws of a corner pocket.
Yes, three attempts by the players involved who failed miserably to increase their score.
Our Vice President calmly with cue in hand showed the way on the fourth attempt to pot the red ball to great acclaim
We had to wait until almost the end of the session when a resounding cheer echoed through the building.
After almost two hours and within the last 5 minutes we had our worthy winner with a great break score on the day of 17,
Ken Miller.
Bowls
Jack Lowther: showed the trophy he won in the Probus Invitation Indoor Bowls championship which is competed for by clubs from Perth and Fife. The downside is that as he claims he got carried away in the heat of competition and won, so now he has to organise next year’s competition.
Walking group
.Next walk 27th May 2025
Could I please ask that those intending to join this ‘Walk’ give Ken Campbell their names to avoid any unwarranted delays at the Station or missing anyone out on the trip.
Secretary
.Michael Bruce Way
March planned walk , details to follow.
Michael Bruce poem below.
Virtue and Happiness in the Country
How blest the man who, in these peaceful plains,
Ploughs his paternal field; far from the noise,
The care, and bustle of a busy world!
All in the sacred, sweet, sequester’d vale
Of solitude, the secret primrose-path
Of rural life, he dwells; and with him dwell
25 February 2025
Riverside Park
Thanks to K Campbell for the photographs
Special thanks to the photographer for the day Ken Campbell
Bob Terras Raith Probus Club
Walking Group
Future Walk
PHOTOGRAPHS:
Balbirnie Dec 2024
2024 Kinghorn to Kirkcaldy Walk
2024 Burntisland Visit
2024 Photograph Competition
2024 October Tayport
sdr
2024 September Elie
2024 August Pittenweem
2024 July Forth & Clyde Canal Edinburgh
2024 July Forth & Clyde Canal Edinburgh
Silverburn to Lower Largo – 28 May 2024
Dundee Riverside walk 23rd April 2024
Kinghorn Loch March 2024
Murrayfield November 2023
Aberdour to Dalgety Bay – 24th October 2023
“Christmas” Highest Break
Birnie and Gaddon Lochs – 26 Sept. 2023
Loch Ore Meadows 29 August 2023 – Walking Group
Gardening Group Competition 2023.
Blackford July 2023
Burntisland to Aberdour – 27th June 2023
Golf – Scoonie GC – 22nd June 2023
Fountainbridge to Slateford – May 2023
Hampden – May 2023
Bunnet Stane
Winner of ” The Great Easter Break” is Jack Lowther.
Raith Probus cyclists -March 2023
Raith Probus walk -March 2023
Loch Leven 28 February 2023
Loch Leven walk 14 Feb 2023
Scots Night 2023
Annual Quiz Winners 2023
Golf New Year Meal
Snooker Champ 2022 – John Johnson.
Excellent break of 38 (4 Blacks, 1 Blue and 5 Reds).
Formonthills walk 22November 2022
Cramond Walk 29-Nov-2022
Slateford to Dean Bridge Walk, Edinburgh
25th October 2022
Annual Dinner October 2022
Kirkcaldy half-marathon course 21st September – 13.5 miles
Dean Bridge to Murrayfield walk – August 2022
Flower Competition 2022
1- Jim Neilson; 2 – Andy Morrison; 3 – Ron Steedman.
Incoming President Bob Terras and Vice President Colin Johnston
Cycling. A successful outing was held on the West Fife Way.
40th Anniversary of the founding of Raith Probus Club
Ian Gunn – Highest break 27 May 2022
Big Break winner – Ken Campbell. 22 points.
Lundin Links outing 21st April.
Big break winner, Ken Miller 12 points!!
North Queensferry August 2021
Balbirnie and Braes Loan, Markinch 29 Jun 2021 (at last we’ve got a new member!)
Markinch Heritage Rural Walk
Letham Glen walk – 28 July 2020
Lockdown Walking group July 2020
Walkers – 26 November 2019 – Formonthills, Glenrothes.
Amazon visit November 2019
Cyclists.
Visit to Tulliallan.
Crossgates Gardeners
Wullie’s allotment
Doubles Competition July 2019
Cramond Walkers October 2019
Cyclists – Loch Leven
CONSTITUTION AND RULES OF RAITH PROBUS CLUB OF KIRKCALDY
1.
.
Title
The club shall be called Raith Probus Club of Kirkcaldy
2. Aims and Objectives
The purpose of the Club is to provide a regular meeting point for retired business and professional men who appreciate and value in their retirement increased social contacts and opportunities to meet others in similar circumstances. The club shall be non-political and non- sectarian.
3. Membership
(i) The total of active members shall not exceed one hundred.
Membership shall be open to all professional and business men aged sixty years or over, resident in Kirkcaldy and District, who have fully or partially retired from their normal business or profession. The restriction regarding residence or age may be waived at the discretion of the Committee. Applications for membership shall be sponsored by two existing members and shall be subject to approval by the Committee. Admission to the Club shall be determined by interview of the proposed new member by the President and two other Committee members.
(ii) Honorary Life Membership
Any member wishing to make a nomination for election to Honorary Life Membership should do so in writing to the Secretary at the latest by March in any year. This nomination should be kept private and not communicated to any other member (including the nominee)
In April each year the Executive Committee should consider any nominations for election to Honorary Life Membership and decide if such nomination(s) should be recommended.
Such members shall be those who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, have contributed service of an outstanding nature to the Club and who have shown a sustained interest in the Club or the community
iii) If any member conducts himself in a manner which discredits the Club, or acts willfully in contravention of the Constitution of the Club, the Executive Committee shall have the power to suspend that member until the matter can be fully considered at the next meeting of the Executive Committee. A letter shall be written to the member notifying him of the allegations against him and the basis of the allegations, inviting him to a meeting to discuss the matter, and advising him that he has the right to be accompanied by any member of his choice. If, subsequently, a member is called upon to resign and fails to comply within fourteen days after the request is dispatched, he will be expelled from the Club. The member shall have the right to appeal against the disciplinary decision of the full Committee and this must be lodged in writing with the Secretary within fourteen days of the Committee’s decision. In the event of an appeal, this will be heard by an Appeals Committee comprising of three of the most recent available Past Presidents of the Club. At that meeting the member has the right to be accompanied by a member of his choice. The Appeals Committee decision shall be final.
(iv) Honorary Life Membership
Any member wishing to make a nomination for election to Honorary Life Membership should do so in writing to the Secretary at the latest by March in any year. This nomination should be kept private and not communicated to any other member (including the nominee)
In April each year the Executive Committee should consider any nominations for election to Honorary Life Membership and decide if such nomination(s) should be recommended.
Such members shall be those who, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, have contributed service of an outstanding nature to the Club and who have shown a sustained interest in the Club or the community
4. Office Bearers
(i) There shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Recorder, Press Correspondent, Social Convener, Speaker’s Convener and Welfare Officer and the general affairs of the Club shall be managed by the Committee of those Officers with the Immediate Past President and the various Conveners, whose names can be found on the current membership list. Within this group the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Welfare Officer, Press Correspondent, Recorder, IT Correspondent and Immediate Past President shall constitute the Executive Committee.
(ii) The President of the Club shall hold office for one year, unless there are extenuating reasons why this period should be extended. Officers and Committee members shall be eligible for re- election each year at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). If for any reason an AGM cannot be held then these office bearers’ term of office shall be extended until such times as an AGM, or an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) can be constituted.
Six members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum and the Committee shall have the power to co-opt and appoint one or more Sub-Committees. Committee Conveners shall be able to co-opt members who may have expertise useful for any issues under consideration by that Committee. In the event of it being unlikely that the President can continue to officiate then the Vice President shall assume the role of President with the appointment of a new Vice President. Both these officials will see out that presidential year and assume the posts in the next year i.e. there will be no appointments for these posts at the AGM at the end of the retired President’s year of office.
In the event of there being any reason necessitating a suspension of meetings or in the event of closure of the Club all committee members shall remain in office until an EGM can be called to review the situation.
(ii) An Executive Committee (see 4.1) shall have the power to manage any urgent or unforeseen event or set of circumstances which may arise.
5. Meetings
- The regular meetings shall take place at a suitable venue in the Kirkcaldy area and will be held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:30am and at such intervals as may be decided by the Committee.
- An Annual General Meeting shall be held in June of each year at such time and place as may be determined by the Committee. At least two weeks’ notice of such meeting must be given in writing to each member.
- The Secretary shall call a Special General Meeting on the written request of not less than fifteen members and shall give to all members, in writing, at least two weeks’ notice of such a meeting.
(iv) Voting at all meetings, including Committee meetings, shall be by a show of hands or by ballot if so desired. In the event of an equal division of votes: the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote,
6. Visitors
Members may introduce male guests at meetings, but the same guest shall not be brought to a meeting more than six times in any Presidential year and may not attend the Annual General Meeting, but would be welcome to participate in Club activities.
7.
Subscriptions
- There shall be an annual subscription, the amount of which shall be determined each year at the Annual General Meeting. The subscription year shall run from September to August each year. Any member joining during the subscription year shall be required to pay the whole or part subscription depending on the date of joining. (see 7 iii). Life members will not be required to pay an annual subscription. Members who are unable to attend regularly but wish to remain in membership can do so by payment of their subscription.
- To confirm membership all subscriptions should be paid by the last day in August in any year unless the Club is unable to meet for an extended period due to unforeseen circumstances.
(iii) Months left in current subscription year:
September – November 100% of current subscription.
December – February 75% of current subscription.
March – May 50% of current subscription.
June – August 25% of current subscription.
8.
Capital Expenditure
Expenditure, other than revenue expenditure, will be brought before the Treasurer and one other Executive Committee member for approval, who would then consider and decide on the proposed purchase. The Treasurer would then inform the Executive Committee at the next scheduled meeting.
If necessary, the request, if not approved by these two Executive Committee members, may be referred to the Committee of the Club for consideration and either approval or rejection of the request.
9.
Accounts
A Receipts and Payments account for the Financial Year to 31st March shall be prepared, and after audit by two members of the Club appointed at the previous Annual General Meeting, be present for approval at the Annual General Meeting.
10.
Constitution Amendments
Any amendment or addition to the constitution can only be made at the Annual General Meeting or at a Special General Meeting convened for that purpose.
Any proposed amendment or addition to the constitution should be given to The Secretary and President with the names of the proposer and seconder so that members may be informed at least 14 days prior to the meeting that will consider these.
Any proposed amendment or addition to the constitution shall only be enacted if at least two thirds of the members present vote in favour.
The foregoing Constitution and Rules were agreed at the AGM meeting of the Club on 17th June 2025, and as amended at General Meetings.
Signed
Bill Brown Allan Morton
President………… …………………… Secretary………… ……………………