Berwick Central Combined Probus Club has an interesting history.
Formation of the Club – The Early Days.
Our club has been and still is a very popular, active and friendly club, which reflects positively on the way it was established, the way it has operated over the years, and on the wonderful people who have been involved with the club since its inception as leaders/volunteers, as contributors and as members.
How it began:-
The history of our great club began when a few Rotarians considered “whether a new Probus club could be formed in Berwick!”
In January 2005 a notice appeared in various locations/shop windows around Berwick asking people if they would be interested in becoming members of a new Probus Club, which could be formed in Berwick. It is understood that these notices were posted by personnel from the Rotary Club of Berwick.
There was an invitation for interested people to attend an initial foundation meeting to be held at the Berwick RSL Hall in Langmore Lane in February 2005 to discuss this proposition, namely, the formation of this new club.
On the 15th of February approximately 60 people attended and the meeting was run by Past Presidents Peter Castricum and Roger Gordon, and Rotarian John Blyth, who explained Probus – what it is, how it is run, what is needed for it to operate correctly, and other relevant details. These presentations were interesting, challenging and even exciting to many of those present. If there was enough interest and a new club was formed, it would be called The Combined Probus Club of Berwick Central.
Based on the level of interest shown by those present at the meeting, it was decided that a new club would be formed, and the Rotary Club of Berwick would apply to have the new club accredited.
The starting point was to be the election of a President and other executives, and then an inaugural committee.
The founding President was Len Brew,
Vice President: Anne Cunningham,
Secretary: Dawn Newby and
Treasurer: John Cunningham.
It was determined that regular monthly meetings of the Club would be held on the third Tuesday of each month commencing on Tuesday March 15th 2005. Regular Committee of Management meetings would be held the week before the General Meetings, at a venue to be confirmed.
The First Committee Meeting.
The Committee first met on Thursday, March 10th, 2005 at the home of Len and Margaret Brew in Berwick to begin to formulate a Constitution, to establish and arrange financial matters (including a bank account at the Bendigo Bank in High Street, Berwick) and to set up the PO Box at Berwick Post Office for club mail. Peter Castricum from the Rotary Club of Berwick also attended this meeting.
The inaugural Committee members and positions were confirmed as follows:
President: Len Brew,
Vice President: Anne Cunningham,
Secretary: Dawn Newby,
Treasurer: John Cunningham,
Program and Guest Speakers: Bob Player,
Activities and Outings: Gerhard Krause,
News and Bulletin Editors: Christine and Tony van Schyndel,
Welfare: Ted Bettington and Gillian Lewis,
Hospitality: Christine van Schyndel and Anne Cunningham,
Catering: Christine van Schyndel,
Attendance and Public Officer: Murray Newby.
An Auditor was required, and Peter Castricum volunteered.
Plans for the induction of foundation members were drafted, matters of incorporation and a draft constitution (based on material received from Probus Centre, South Pacific - now called PSPL) were progressed, and member fees were determined. A sub-committee was set up to consider By-laws and a Membership Certificate was tabled and approved.
The first guest speaker was agreed upon and the first club general meeting was confirmed for March 15th. Ted Bettington was asked to search out a new meeting venue as the RSL Hall could be limited in size as the club grew.
The First General Meeting – the Accreditation Meeting of the Club - Tuesday March 15th, 2005.
President Len Brew opened the first general meeting and welcomed 51 prospective members as well as guests:
Berwick Rotarian and Past President, Peter Castricum,
District Governor 9820 (the region we are in), David Louden,
Berwick Rotarians Adrian Froggatt (Past President) and John Blyth and
Past president and District Probus Chairman, Roger Gordon.
It was confirmed that the new club would become the 105th club to be chartered in District 9820 (the first being chartered in 1982) with the Accreditation number being 2283 and the Registration number 1005156.
Rotarian and Past president, Adrian Froggatt, then presented the President’s Probus Collar and the club’s Gong to Foundation President, Len Brew.
President Len then moved a vote of thanks to the Rotary Members which was passed unanimously. He then introduced the incoming Committee as listed above.
Once the club was set up, there was no stopping it and the rest is history. We are still going strong with an active membership around the 120 mark.
If you are keen to join our active group please get in touch.
®