A YORK club for retired professionals has allowed women behind its doors for the first time.

Haxby and Wigginton Probus Club broke its 21-year-tradition of all-male membership and invited eight female members to join the monthly meetings.

The move followed inquires from several women about the possibility of setting up their own Probus Club.

But because of the high administration and room hire costs a separate women's club would involve, the two groups decided to merge.

Chairman Philip Walkden said: "I'm very optimistic. The ladies have been very amenable so far, some of them spoke out at the meeting, stood up and identified themselves and asked questions. I'm very hopeful."

Elizabeth Blacklee, one of the club's new members, said: "It was most interesting. You hope to meet interesting people and listen to a good speaker. I'll be going to the next one."

The new members listened to a talk with slides, given by Roy Howard, on conservation and the National Trust.

Membership of the club is for retired or semi-retired professional men and women.

Mr Walkden has been a member of Probus for 25 years.

He said: "The meetings are non-political, they're more of a social event. They break up the day for retired people and allow them to meet with like-minded individuals."

Although perhaps a temporary union while the women establish enough members to branch out on their own, Mr Walkden believes existing members have warmly welcomed the new recruits.

He added: "It could take two to three years for them to branch out on their own, but we're very pleased so far."

Next time the members will hear a talk on railway coaching stock, given by Dave Roberts.

Call secretary Gordon Carr for information and membership details on 01904 758431.

Updated: 08:14 Thursday, March 13, 2003