Glenhaven Probus - History
Our Club turned 25 years in 2022 and has two parts to its history. We were accredited in 1997 by Probus South Pacific Limited which is the overarching controlling body of Probus in Australia.
Initially we were based in Dover Hall in the Anglican Retirement Village. Outsiders didn’t realise it wasn’t just for the ARV members. It was a mixed group and the membership was about 30. The club could not attract additional members and the membership shrank to half a dozen. It was unable to function effectively and a wind up was contemplated; Probus South Pacific sought out a group to take over the club and its assets.
In 2008 Glenhaven Probus was rebirthed with the help of Glenhaven Rotary Club. Rotary chaired the meetings for the first 2 months and the club started with about 30 members. It was advertised in local papers and grew through this and by reputation. Numbers continued to grow rapidly to 150. At this stage it was decided to cap the membership at 175.
The first President of the rebirthed club was Judith Killen who held the position for 18 months, with Neville Smith standing in often. The next President was Neville who is currently our life member and still active within the club. He did a lot to establish the current culture of the club. To organise the activity groups, pressure was applied to members to coordinate various activities (Not unlike the method the old British Navy used to find crew members for its ships.). Most vacant positions were taken up by Neville until a “volunteer” was found. He was known as the “Minister for Everything”.
The very first Club outing was a BBQ from 10am to 3pm at Cumberland State Forest. From small beginnings the club has grown into a vibrant, active and inclusive club.
We currently have 21 activities groups involving 35 coordinators. Social activity is most important to our mental and physical wellbeing and the club provides a structure for this to happen. At each club activity there is always great company and a good laugh. If ever anybody wants to find out about anything, there is always somebody within the club who has the right answer.
Through the past 15 years, the Club has grown and flourished, due in no small part to the unstinting generosity of spirit shown by members. They have given their time and talents willingly, lovingly and freely to increase the pleasure of those who wish to participate in our many activities. This is how we get to know each other, to appreciate each other’s company, to laugh together and cry together and support all that is happening. This is the secret of our success.
Past Presidents have been:
- Peter Barrington Browne
- Barbara G Lord
- Desmond McKinnon
- Phyl Meyer
- Marjorie Gliddon
- Marilyn Allmay
- Grahame Barry
- Marilyn Allmay
- Judith Killen
- Neville Smith
- Janice Conyers
- Ronald Mount
- Kay Whorrall
- Bob White
- Merran Strasser
- Vern Sotter
- Margaret Fletcher
- Peter Spencer
- Di Hulthen
- Roy Jones
- Joan Stone
- Ross Smith
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