The Interest Groups remain one of the most popular features of the Huntsville Lakes Probus Club. There are many interesting activities from which to choose: from tracing your family roots (and skeletons!), kayaking down a lake with friends, or working on your favourite craft.
Find something you like, or would like to learn, and join up to take advantage of friends, physical activities and skills. There’s something for everyone. By participating in our Interest Groups you may discover you have hidden attributes that will keep you young at heart while at the same time providing endless enjoyment.
What our Special Interest Groups are all about:
Art Club
Work on your own art project or on a still life that would be available. Receive tips and guidance from the leader and other members..
Bid Euchre
At present we have 24 members. As this is likely too many to be practical, the group is considering splitting into two groups of twelve, otherwise three tables. We play on a Friday evening once per month and everyone brings their drink, while the host supplies some very simple snacks such as nuts or chips. We play competitive bid euchre and rotate players around through the evening with each individual keeping their own score.
Book Clubs (3 groups)
The groups meet monthly at different homes on a rotating basis. The book groups work slightly differently: one group, the host selects the book, theme or author and leads the discussion; and in the second group, the book selections are determined by the whole group and a list is made up designating the book and host. The person who has suggested the book will present with a few observations and thoughts, and opens the meeting up for discussion. In both groups they are friendly informal discussions.
Bowling Club
Fun 5 pin bowling at Huntsville Bowl. The club meets the second Monday of each month at 1:00pm (10 pin available if numbers permit). We have a special rate of $10.15 for 3 games which includes shoe rental.
Bridge Club (2 groups)
Bridge group meets twice a month on Thursday afternoons, with alternate hosts. One group is full and the second is welcoming new members.
Computer Club
The Computer group meets the fourth Friday of the month at 10:30 am at the Huntsville Public library. The topic is chosen each meeting for the next meeting depending on needs and what has been previously covered.
Dining Clubs
1. Pot Luck Dining
Event locations: Member’s homes, Event frequency: Monthly (4-6 weeks) year round, Event timing: Evenings 5-9 pm, Group size: 8-10 members Pot Luck dishes: Appetizer, salad, main course and dessert: hosts determine the theme BYO drink of choice.
2. Creative Cuisine 1
Event locations: Member’s Homes, Event Frequency: Every other month year round, Event timing: Evenings 5-9 pm, Group size: 8-10 members Creative cuisine: International fare or a “chef” in residence. BYO drink of choice
3. Creative Cuisine 19
Event locations: Member’s Homes, Event Frequency: 19th of the month (not necessarily every month), Event timing: Host decides start time. Typically 5 or 6 p.m., Group Size: Unlimited. Participate in the dinners you choose. Number of hosts is dependent on the number of participants for that month. Creative cuisine: Theme is chosen for the dinner. Host decides the menu. Participants bring a dish from the menu. BYO drink of choice.
Genealogy Group
The Genealogy Group meets on the second Friday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Huntsville Public Library. A monthly donation of $3 per person covers the room rental fee.
We learn about and discuss resources and techniques that will be useful for researching your family tree, no matter where it originates. Beginners and more experienced genealogists are all welcome. Need one-on-one assistance to get started? We can help!
“Families are like peanut brittle: it takes a lot of sugar to keep all the nuts together!”
Hiking Group
Seasonal. Group leader determines trails. Monthly as weather permits. Fairly vigorous hike – be prepared for a good workout.
Investment Club
The Investment Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at the Huntsville Library from 2:00 pm till 4:00 pm. The members discuss various means of investment and share investment experiences. The cost to attend is $2.00 which is to cover the rental of the room. There are presently 14 members in the group.
Knitting Groups (2)
The groups meet regularly and the open group would welcome anyone who knits or would like to learn to knit. Contact the group leader directly.
Lunch Club
The group meets regularly to explore local lunch spots.
Movie Group
Meet monthly to watch & discuss movie selected by host. Very informal setting.
The Paddlers
Group Size: Unlimited Experience: A minimum of 1 hour’s practise in a kayak Required: Own Kayak/paddle/life jacket Own whistle/orange safety kit (bailer/rope/light) Own transportation to launch site Event frequency: Summer season/ weekly Event timing: Mornings – 9:30 AM with a 10 AM launch Event duration: 7-10 km or 2-3 hours Event location: River or lake (as suggested by members) No white water.
Photography Group
This group meets the 4th Wednesday of each month at a members home. The topics vary as suggested by the group, and photos are shared and discussed. In past years they have have enjoyed an annual learning experience at Paul Bennett’s studio.
Snow Skiing
Seasonal group. Schedules day skiing outings and skiing trips.
Travellers’ Group
Our group meets on the 3rd Monday of most months from 1 to 3pm in the Active Living Centre part of the Huntsville Summit Centre. We are a combination of very active travellers and vicarious travellers who enjoy hearing about other people’s travel adventures. Our meetings have a brief introductory session when we discuss travel issues and opportunities, followed by a presentation about a specific trip that some of our members or friends have taken. This group is open to all club members.
Wine Tasting Groups (3)
Meet once per month at a “host” home. Our membership in the wine groups is between 14 & 16. The host decides the theme, for example, regional wines, types or even funny names. We usually sample seven different wines accompanied by a delicious assortment of cheese and crackers, or as in the case of one group a potluck meal appropriate to the theme. We grade each wine and choose an overall winner every month, which the host then purchases and keeps for our annual “taste-off”.
Wood Carvers Group
Group meets weekly at the Active Living Centre. No skill required. The group leaders are happy to provide guidance, training and suggestions on projects. Contact group leader for more information.
If you would like to be part of any of our Special Interest Group get in touch with the contact for each club as shown in the current newsletter, or if you would like to start one that is not on the list, please contact the Special Interest Group Coordinators using the form below.
Guests may be invited to some Special Interest Club activities if there is sufficient space available. Preference will be given to members where space if limited. Event organizers or leaders may, at their discretion, request that a waiver be completed.
Curling is a new special interest group. There are 10 members to date. Each member contributes to a monetary fee to participate in a fun, social Friday night at the Huntsville Curling Club.