Club secretary Geoff Brown thanked outgoing president Ross Smith and wished Mr Moore well for the upcoming year.

“Ross has done a stand-up job, willing to offer his expertise on any opportunity whether it be with administration matters or helping with the running and participating in our various activities,” Mr Brown said.

“Gordon comes with a wealth of experience and several new ideas, if the effort he has put into his role as welfare officer carries over to his new roles we can expect a real commitment to not only the job of president but also as activities officer.”

In his outgoing president’s address at the changeover, Mr Smith gave a summary of the 2015/2016 Probus year, highlighting such items as the annual bowls gala, croquet days, theatre nights and exercise classes.

He thanked all of the office holders for their hard work and members for their support.

Probus is a community service activity of Rotary clubs, offering activities and friendship for retirees.

The Cessnock club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 9.30am at Cessnock Ex-Services Club.

For more information, contact Geoff Brown on 4991 1879.