35-year celebration

26 Apr 2023

In February 1988 under the sponsorship of Bennetts Green Rotary (since disbanded) Eastlakes Probus Club commenced. The Club meets on the east side of Lake Macquarie at Charlestown, NSW.

A year later they had 18 members including their first female member. Over the 35 year period the Club has registered a total of 213 members. There was a peak of 92 members pre covid but now the membership is 55 – 58% female, 42% male. Similarly to many Probus Clubs the average age is increasing and there is much encouragement for younger members to join.

The 35-year anniversary lunch on 15 February 2023 was enjoyed by a majority of members and allowed for many memories and photos to be shared of times of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship: interesting and varied speakers at meetings; outings and holidays (Norfolk Island being the most distant); and smaller group activities such as walking, theatre, tenpin bowling.

The celebration cake was cut by the three members who had been the longest serving members of the Club amongst those who attended – 29 years and 25 years. One member not able to attend on the day has been in the Club for 33 years.

The Club now looks forward to many more years ahead of Fun, Friendship and Fellowship.