By Matthew Sims
From games of pass the parcel to a special cake, the Probus Club of Pakenham’s 35th birthday celebration was plenty of fun for all involved.
Members filled out a function room at the Cardinia Club on Thursday 3 October to celebrate the special occasion.
With the idea of a Probus club in first proposed at a meeting on 18 May, 1989, interest was high with 40 foundation members then coming together for the club’s first official meeting on 6 October, 1989 at the Pakenham Guide Hall.
Foundation president Con Boon received the presidential collar and accreditation certificate from Probus South Pacific.
On June 1990, Don Keith donated the original banner, with a new banner made in 1992.
Members then designed the new banner in 1996, at a cost of $300.
Over the next 35 years, 36 presidents would lead the club, with a number of people being president more than once.
Current president Lyn Stephenson said the club had been a place for people to come together, socialise and experience new things.
“We have had many activities that our members can participate in, craft group, walking group, garden group, coffee and chat group, book group, ten pin bowling, cinema, and dine out group to name a few,” she said.
“Throughout the years, we have had many different tours to many great places, such as the Shrine, Tooradin sculptures, Gumbuya World, the Old Brown Coal Mine Museum, Locky’s Legacy wildlife shelter, Point Nepean, the Yakult factory, and the cruise on the Yarra to Williamstown.
“We have also been on five-day holidays away, including a trip to the Murray River, Stawell and the painted silos, and Warrnambool.”
Ms Stephenson said the group was continuing to grow every week with a current membership of 71 people, with each meeting including a morning tea and a guest speaker.
“Guest speakers have spoken to us about many interesting places and different things, such as CPR, wills, the history of Melbourne, CFA, and police talking on crime, volunteering overseas and family violence,” she said.
“Our news letter has been proudced by a member who can work a computer to produce a great newsletter to keep members up to date with what is going on in the club.
“I would like to thank all the members who have taken on a commitee position to keep this wonderful club to continue.”
The club includes three life members Margaret Turner, Joan Vogels and Pat King, with Margaret Turner being a part of the club for the past 31 years.
“You get to meet other people,” she said.
“I’ve enjoyed it.”
The Probus Club of Pakenham meets at the Cardinia Club on the first Thursday of each month from 10.30am.
For more information, visit www.probussouthpacific.org/microsites/pakenhamc
