The Probus movement was established to enable retired businessmen and professionals to meet like-minded people. As the movement grew some clubs, including Lentune Probus Club, established associated clubs/groups for their wives and partners.

In the 70s and 80s people dressed formally for work and when socialising. And Probus clubs required members to dress accordingly. Later generations were more relaxed about dress codes, but with a high proportion of elderly members the Probus movement was slow to adapt.

In 2018 a survey of Lentune Probus Club members and prospective new members suggested many would prefer a less formal dress code. The matter was put to a vote at the Club’s AGM therefore, and it was agreed the dress code would in future be “smart casual with ties optional”.

Has relaxing our dress code changed the Club? Yes, most certainly it has - approximately half of our members now dress informally for club meetings, even more for social events. More importantly, we find our new dress code contributes to a more relaxed atmosphere within our Club and no longer inhibits the recruitment of new members.   

In society at large there are currently signs of a return to formality: the House of Commons Speaker is enforcing dress rules that require a tie, upmarket retailers have reported a steady increase in tie sales in the past two years, and M&S have reported a 75% increase in tie sales since the pandemic.

Will this change how Lentune Probus members dress? Possibly, but in a club run by members for members, it is they who will decide.