CLUB BEGINNINGS

As a result of the Portarlington Probus Club being at capacity and having a long waiting list of pending members a meeting was held on Monday November 19, 2001 with a view to forming a second Probus Club in Portarlington.  This date is recognised as the formation date of our club.

With the support and encouragement of the local Rotary President, Probus District Chairman and those in attendance it was agreed that a club be formed.  As a consequence 66 people, some of whom were Portarlington Probus Club members transferred to became Foundation Members of Portarlington Bayview Probus (Inc.), some of whom are still active within the club as at February 2021.  The club meeting date was settled on as the third Wednesday of each month at “Church by the Bay”.

As the club membership grew a new venue was required to accommodate up to 100 members and the local Golf Club was an ideal location so we have held meetings there for the last few years. 

Foundation members were:

Marion Beasley            Margaret Campbell               Malcolm Campbell

Fran Connors                Joan Cooper                           Jack Cooper

Christine Davis             Alan Davis                              Shirley Douglas

Loretta Duffy                Aline Dunn                             Hazel Hibbert

Maureen Hogan           Lola Horne                              Robert Horne

June Humphries           Marg Jones                             Heather Kent

Vic LaFranchi                Sylvia LeMarquand               Ossie LeMarquand

Dorothy McColl            Graham McColl                      Marg McNair

Alan McNair                 Dot Peacock                           Harold Warren and

Jan Wells

Sub groups were formed to cater for Bowls, Caravanning, Croquet, Craft and Photography plus many and varied activities were participated in including, Trivia days, Medieval Sports, Beachside breakfasts, Melbourne Cup days, Golf, Bocce and so on it goes ….

A bulletin produced and distributed monthly, which had several editors over the ensuing years, included topical information, humour, recipes and photos of Club activities.

A fantastic banner depicting Bellarine Peninsula and Portarlington scenes was created by the “Banner Babes”, namely Joan Cooper, Helen Forsyth, Ethel Gibb, Hazel Hibbert, Dorothy M^cColl, Marlene Myers and Lola Watson with a stand and frame made by two of the male club members, Vic LaFranchi and Robert Horne.  The banner was unveiled at the Club’s first birthday celebration which was held on 18^th December 2002. Our Club Birthday is celebrated each year at a general club meeting where "Happy Birthday" is sung and Birthday cake is enjoyed by all.

The caravanners in the club now continue the traditions commenced in the early days; Fun and Friendship, BBQs, Dinners, Pancake breakfasts, Casserole teas and as ever, the 5pm Sundowners.

Club Presidents to date have been: