Friendship, fellowship and fun

By Carol Saffer

When Noreen and Peter Tonks moved to Bacchus Marsh nine years ago to support their family with young children, they knew no-one else in the township.

“I said to Pete, we need to join something and meet people,” Mrs Tonks told the Moorabool News.

They joined the Probus Club of Bacchus Marsh and found like-minded people.

“We enjoy the fellowship, the socialisation and the activities; they suit us,” Mrs Tonks said.

She is now the President of the club that has both women and men members.

Membership of Probus, an abbreviation of PROfessional and BUSiness, is open to retired or semi-retired people with the opportunity to connect socially and undertake a range of activities including trips and outings and monthly meetings.

Probus clubs do not do any fund raising or charity work.

Probus Club of Bacchus Marsh was founded more than 30 years ago as a men’s only group. Fifteen years ago, women were invited to join and now make up the majority of the members.

The fourth Monday of each month the group meets at the Lord Street Bowling Club rooms behind the Library in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh for conviviality and to listen to interesting guest speakers followed by a lunch at one of the local venues.

Every Tuesday morning at 8am, members also gather to walk the Moon Reserve before going to the Big Apple for breakfast at 8.30am. Plus, once a month members meet at the Village for a coffee morning and a chat which is a great event to get to know other members.

Weather permitting some members meet at Maddingley Park each Thursday at 11am where each take their own refreshments.

Club member Margaret Murray, said these events are an opportunity to meet men and women on the same wave length and engage in conversation and enjoy their company and even go on a trip or two.

“Perhaps you have retired from employment and wondering how you can spend some of your time, or you are feeling a little isolated, or your grandchildren don’t take up so much of your time these days,” Ms Murray said.

The Probus Club of Bacchus Marsh’s next meeting is on Monday, June 27 at the Bowling Club rooms in Lord Street, Bacchus Marsh.

Already this year the club have completed a fantastic five-night six-day tour of the Yarrawonga region. Twenty-six members and friends voted it as one of the best tours they had been on. The Club is already planning next years away event. They have recently visited gardens in Mt Macedon where 28 members attended.

For further information contact Secretary Gillian Loughman on 0417 583 753 or email [email protected]

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-06-14/6

in the 14 June 2022 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.