40 and fabulous
05 Mar 2016
From exciting overseas adventures to casual barbecues with new friends, Probus has been giving retirees a new lease on life since it launched in 1976 in Australia. We chat with several retirees about the 40 ways Probus has helped them.
1. A Whirlwind life
When I retired from the Australian Federal Police in 1990, I thought I was in for an extended holiday for the rest of my life, but within a year, I was bored stiff. My wife Doreen saw an ad in the local paper announcing the launch of a Holland Park Men’s Probus Club and insisted I join...Little did I know that I was in for a complete whirlwind, which I wouldn’t change for the world.”
Bob Gillespie, former Probus Chairman, 2003-2004
2. An Easier Transition
When you finish work and lose the responsibility of having a job, it’s important to develop interests and friendships. You also need to accept the psychological impact that this may have on you, when you realise that the skills you gained at work are no longer required. Probus provides fellowship with others in a similar situation, which is vital to the ongoing mental wellbeing of retirees.”
Kevin Goulter, Walkerville Men’s Probus Club, SA
3. A Renewed sense of purpose
“New members should include themselves in their club. Join interest groups, coffee mornings, Men’s Sheds, knitting groups and outings to interesting places. They should offer themselves as mini speakers so that other members can get to know them.”
Jean Burford, former Probus Chairman, 2008-2011
4. Life beyond the office
“Probus has so much to offer seniors through compassion, friendliness, and a community spirit that is offered without question. For many of us, when the ‘work’ period of our life ends, so closes our circle of associates and acquaintances. Rather than becoming a hermit, Probus can fill that void.”
Geoff McLennan, Probus Philippine extension officer, former Probus Chairman 2006-2007
5. A Different perspective
“There have been many highlights for me in my 16 years in Probus. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as Secretary and President of my club, my nine years as Rotary District Probus Chairman, the club’s 25th Anniversary; the laughter and fun at meetings and many great speakers at our meetings (especially one from a member of our club who was the Captain of the first British nuclear-powered submarine). I have enjoyed many tours and day outings, but the most outstanding would be a tour down the Birdsville Track, a Probus tour to Vietnam and more recently, a tour to the Rajasthan in India.”
Peter Carroll, former Probus Chairman, 2014-2015
6. New Friendships
“After we joined Probus, Mike realised that he had almost ‘met’ fellow Probian Les Osborne 60 years before!
One night in 1942, a Japanese submarine surfaced off Bondi, and proceeded to shell the suburbs of Bellevue Hill, Bondi and Rose Bay, near where Mike’s grandmother lived. One unexploded shell had entered a first-floor bedroom a few doors down.
In the morning, Mike went to visit Nan to make sure she was okay and check the damage to number 22. Of course, the shell hole in the side of the block of flats was of great interest, particularly as the rumour was that the occupant of the bedroom had woken among all the debris, only to break a leg while diving for cover.
Mike found out 60 years later that Les Osborne was also on that same street that morning. Les, an RAAF expert on bomb disposal at the time, was there to ensure the unexploded shell remained just that and, more importantly, to remove the firing mechanism for purposes of identification and analysis. What a small world!”
Mike and Jill Regnis, Hunters Hill Probus Club, NSW
7. Stay on top
“Probus keeps your mind active and allows you to learn so many new skills and hobbies. You have contact with many like-minded professional people who want to keep their mind and body active too.”
Trish Floyd, Meville Combined Probus Club, WA
8. Community Spirit
“One of the most memorable events was cooking and serving over 1000 sausage sandwiches at the ‘Reach for the Stars’ athletics carnival for the disabled.”
Geraldine Taylor, Mt Druitt Probus Club, NSW
9. Empathy and understanding
“The best thing about being a Probian is making friends with so many others in the same situation as yourself – this could be downsizing or moving from our homes or other changing circumstances.”
Jean Burford, former Probus Chairman, 2008-2011
10. Reconnect
“If you’re recently retired and your kids are getting older and have moved out, you can lose touch with the community. But at Probus, you can find out what happens in your local area and become part of the community.”
Leslie Martin, former Probus Chairman, 2002-2003
11. Great Benefits
“We joined Probus initially because we heard of the wonderful travel insurance on offer. But it wasn’t long before we realised that Probus also has great guest speakers and the opportunity to travel with like-minded people.”
Kate Gater, Payneham Probus Club, SA
12. A Shoulder to lean on
“I’ve often heard members say that the support from their club after their spouse has passed away is immeasurable. With their support, they got through some rough times.” Ken Brand, former Probus Chairman, 2011-2012
13.
“Two of my favourite members were awarded Life Membership this year. We were very proud to have two centenarians until one passed away in August. Cyril will be 103 in April and, although he’s getting frail, he still comes to meetings.”
Ann Gibson, Probus Club of Port Stephens, NSW
14. Food for thought
“We’ve had outstanding guest speakers. Some leave you with things to ponder or a big smile on your face and others offer a wealth of advice and information to act upon.”
Wally Hills, Fawkner Merlynston Probus Combined Club, Vic
15. A Lifeline
“For some retirees, Probus has been their salvation.”
Margaret Robinson, former Probus Chairman 2012-2013
16. A sense of structure
“Having a very busy job [before I retired], people warned me that I would soon become bored with retirement. How wrong they were! Like so many others, I now wonder how I ever found time to work. Probus provides some structure and events to look forward to. So much fun, so little time!”
Marilyn Roberts, Palmerston Combined Probus Club, NT
17. New Challenges
“For the first two years, I was the club’s Tours Officer, which I found an enjoyable challenge. A favourite trip of mine was to a series of garden nurseries.”
Noelene Jensen-Wolf, Ladies Probus Club of the Upper Blue Mountains, NSW
18. Another chance at love
“Probus is a big family. After 10 years alone, I met a wonderful man who later joined Probus. In January last year, we joined together with our vows at a local park with 65 Probians and friends.”
EL Rose, Port City Combined Probus Club, NSW
19. Support and fellowship
“One of my favourite memories was being treated as an equal by the male members of the club. Our club is now in its 33rd year and I was concerned how some members would react to a female President. My worries were short- lived as they all accepted me and congratulated me on my year in office.”
Trish Floyd, Meville Combined Probus Club, WA
20. A Busy Schedule
“Retirement is far busier than work. I’m on the Probus committee and do three jobs which I love... Retirement is Probus for me.”
Ann Gibson, Probus Club of Port Stephens, NSW
21. Seize the day
“The more you put into Probus, the more you get out of it. Every day is a gift – make every moment count.”
Keith Blockey, Thornlie Combined Probus Club, WA
22. A Source of joy
“When I joined, I found that I already knew many of the members through schools and parents and friends associations over the years. These new friendships have been a great source of joy to me.”
Peter Furey, Bondi Junction Probus Club, NSW
23. Magic Moments
“One of my favourite Probus trips is a trip up the Murray River. It was magic to see the mist rising from the surface of the river in the early morning. The shared cabins were a squeeze, but fellow Probian Bill Kelly and I had similar habits, so it was no problem for us.”
Sue Jackson, Bondi Junction Probus Club, NSW
24. Start Something New
“Retirement is the beginning of a new phase. Unfortunately, being a club for ‘oldies’, health problems arise, but everyone is supportive and helps where they can.”
Geraldine Taylor, Mt Druitt Probus Club, NSW
25. Fun and Laughter
“Our club has a member regarded as the resident comedian, who is required to provide three or four jokes as a part of his monthly report. It’s a great hit with our fellow members.”
Kevin Goulter, Walkerville Men’s Probus Club, SA
26. A Sense of belonging
“I would tell new Probus members they have just made the best decision in their life. Retirement with Probus means a whole new life opening up to you. Go for it!”
Barbara Mathieson, Sorrento Probus Club, Vic
27. A Break from your spouse
“[When we first launched], at each meeting, the ladies would drop off their men at our meetings and drive off for two hours of freedom!”
Derek Child, Canberra Probus Club, ACT
28. Sharing is caring
“New Probus members should share their lifetime achievements and experiences with their fellow members and utilise their skills for the benefit of the club.”
Kevin Goulter, Walkerville Men’s Probus Club, SA
29. An active life
“I am only semi-retired physically and mentally, as I work in my son’s business working on reptile displays at the zoo and in pet shops. I still work in my wood and metal workshop and enjoy an early morning walk along the nature path before 6am every day.”
Derek Child, Canberra Probus Club, ACT
30. New Opportunities
“There are many retirees who do wonderful things now they no longer work. I am always amazed by their great tales of travel, continuing education, volunteering and tireless social activities.”
Tony Martin, Tollgates Probus Club, NSW
31. A sense of belonging
“It’s wonderful to see the care that is taken if any members are ill – cards are sent or we visit them in hospital.”
Sue Jackson, Bondi Junction Probus Club, NSW
32. New memories
“I remember when someone from the Dingo Association was a guest speaker, and brought along a range of dingos and the pups. One of our members even lay down on the floor with them – he survived.”
Blockey, Thornlie Combined Probus Club, WA
33. Let’s celebrate
“In 2012, we celebrated our 30th anniversary in style. Our senior members recalled the many highlights of the club through the years at the gala lunch.”
Ted Best, Hobart Men’s Probus Club, Tas
34. An Active land
“I’ve learnt you can be just as intellectually stimulated in retirement as you were before – even more so. There’s always a temptation to withdraw into your own world, but there are plenty of opportunities to make retirement a productive time.”
Ian Adair, Hunters Hill Probus Club, NSW
35. Your family
“There are many people out there with similar interests for you to meet. Your club becomes a family.”
Gwenda Smallcombe, Probus Club of Darwin, NT
36. Help grow your club
“When someone joins Probus, you should be willing to take on a position or offer assistance. If everyone says “I’m too busy” or “Oh, I can’t do that”, eventually there will be no Probus club in town.”
Ellen Doyle, Euroa Probus Club, Vic
37. Time to shine
“One year, I attended an exhibition on Argyle diamonds and asked the local agent to be a guest speaker. He agreed on the condition that I would guard the diamonds! He brought a table full of fantastic diamonds, from uncut pink diamonds to fine jewellery pieces!”
Leslea Martin, Chairman, 2002-2003
38. C’est la vie
“Retirement is about doing as much or as little as you fancy.”
Kate and Bernie Gater, Payneham Probus Club, SA
39. Talent and Skill
“Our members are always discovering new skills. One of our members produces birthday cards for all of us, which are personalised with our photos and tailored to our personalities.”
Marilyn Roberts, Palmerston Combined Probus Club, NT
40. An open conversation
“A big problem today is that people have stopped talking to each other. However, Probians are continually talking to each other. That is why Probus is such a success... We know that ageing is not a burden, but rather a source of social revitalisation.”
Bob Gillespie, former Probus Chairman, 2003-2004 ••
®