The Probus Club of Bairnsdale
The Probus Club of Bairnsdale meets at the Bairnsdale Bowling Club in Grant Street on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Arrival begins from 9.30 am. Prior to the meeting there is an opportunity to chat with fellow members before the meeting begins at 10 am.We are a mixed Club, previously an all-male club, but over recent years women have been incorporated into the Club and now take a very active role. While female members are still outnumbered by males, the ratio is closing and we like to think of ourselves as a Club, not male or female.
Between 10.30 and 11.00 we have fellowship over a cuppa. This is then followed by the guest speaker. Guest speakers range from representatives from interesting local businesses, both big and small; people who are doing interesting things in their careers or people who have an interesting hobby. To date I don’t think there has been one guest speaker that has not been of interest to most people. After the meeting most members stay on at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club for lunch, where the Bowling Club allocates a number of tables for us so that we can continue our fellowship.
Every month we have a Visits & Entertainment outing. This may be a visit to a local business or attraction, followed by lunch at a local venue – a hotel, restaurant, a picnic or a BBQ in an appropriate place close to the visit. During the winter months this is usually lunch in a local establishment for two reasons – the weather may not be suitable for an outdoor activity, and also some of our members head north for the winter and so numbers are not as large as in the warmer months.
Our members’ interests are many and varied, as is their previous careers. At each meeting one member is appointed (with prior notice) to give a short Profile Speech so that members can learn more about them. From this members can better understand each other and sometimes find that they were in the same “business” as each other or have common interests.
We endeavour to have one trip away each year; this is usually within Victoria but doesn’t have to be.
Our December meeting is always a Christmas lunch in a suitable venue, there is no meeting and it is always a very social day.
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