A long-standing fellowship club for semi-retired business folk is returning to Hitchin after a gap of six years.

The Hitchin and District Probus Club held its first meeting back in the town since 2009 on Tuesday after its exile in Norton.

The club, founded in 1980, held regular events around Hitchin including at Top Field and the rugby club in Old Hale Way before it moved out of town.

But it hosted a social event at Hitchin Priory on Tuesday to mark the return.

Probus secretary Les Farley said: “The club was formed out of Rotary, and the chance to chat to other people. When you stop working you miss conversation with colleagues and friends. It’s an informal social event – but it’s also a way to catch up with local news.

“We organise fellowship outings and holidays, too. Last year we visited the National Stud in Newmarket, and had a trip to Wiltshire. Our oldest member is 94 years old – when they get to 90 we bake them a cake!”

Probus Club meetings will be held on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month – the next is at the same venue at noon on Tuesday, January 27.

There is also a ladies’ lunch planned at the Priory next Tuesday, call 01462 432850 for details.