General News
21 November, 2023
Probus to celebrate for one final hurrah
It's days are now officially numbered but Dimboola Probus is making the most of the time that remains. Recently, members set aside their sadness over the need to disband the club by enjoying a day of friendship with six counterparts from Nhill...
It's days are now officially numbered but Dimboola Probus is making the most of the time that remains.
Recently, members set aside their sadness over the need to disband the club by enjoying a day of friendship with six counterparts from Nhill.
President Jill Moar said a delicious morning tea and socialising preceded an address by guest speaker Edith Whyatt.
"Edith gave a very interesting talk and photo presentation about her family, who were separated during World War II," Ms Moar said.
"Her father was a German missionary working in New Guinea from 1930.
"At the outbreak of war her father was interred at Tatura.
"Edith, her mother and a brother were also brought to Australia and eventually billeted near Murtoa, while an older brother was in Germany, unable to join the family until after the war."
During the business part of the meeting a minute's silence was held for one of the club's most revered founding pillars, Ian Lehmann.
His name "synonymous with unwavering dedication", Mr Lehmann had an illustrious journey through Probus that "left an indelible mark", Ms Moar said.
"Serving as president twice, he breathed life and enthusiasm into the club, capturing the hearts of Probus members and casting his effervescent charm far beyond our club's borders."
On sombre note, Ms Moar gave notice of the motion which means that on December 7 the Dimboola branch of Probus will cease to exist.
"It was inevitable," Ms Moar said.
"We went over and over the possibilitiesof extending the club's life,addressing members on the problem, but, regrettably, no practical solution materialised."
Ms Moar said Probus South Pacific headquarters had responded with empathy and well-wishes.
"The club's struggle to sustain its operations parallels the fate of Kaniva Probus, which succumbed to similar challenges and closed its doors earlier this year," she said.
Mrs Moar said an offer by the Uniting Church to establish a new monthly friendship group for retirees had been welcomed.
"The Uniting Church has beenwonderfullysupportive,offering its venue and facilities free ofcharge," she said.
"The newly formed group will be entirely secular. Everybody is welcome, regardless of their spiritual calling. We want to get together, meet friends and simply have fun."
Dimboola Probus will meet one last time on the first Thursday of next month, December 7, at the RSL clubrooms.
It will be a festive Christmas event to which Santa is likely to pay a visit, and past members are most welcome to join in the special occasion.