Three decades of “fellowship, friendship and fun” was celebrated at Potters Brewery on Thursday when Cessnock Probus Club held its 30th birthday luncheon.
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The club was formed on November 20, 1986 after a group of prospective members met with Rotary District Officer Kevin O'Leary at Cessnock City Bowling Club.
An association for active retirees, Probus clubs can only be formed and sponsored by a Rotary club and are aligned with a Rotary district.
Mr O’Leary was tasked with forming Probus Clubs throughout the district and approached the Cessnock Rotary Club about establishing such a club in Cessnock.
Former Advertiser managing editor Bruce Wilson was president of Cessnock Rotary Club when the Probus club was formed, and joined after he retired from the Advertiser in 2012.
Mr Wilson fondly recalled the meeting with Mr O’Leary at which the Probus club was formed.
“Two of his earlier requests to the club had failed and when it came my time to be approached I suggested to my board that we have a go, while some thought it would be a mission impossible,” he said.
“While I was never all that confident we could gain enough interest, I was still convinced there was a need for such a group to cater for that particular age group.
“So 30 years on we have a great club that has stood the test of time and provided some wonderful fellowship for all concerned.
“I am sure there will be many more years of enjoyment and success.”
Of the club’s foundation members, just two remain – Bill Firth (who has served 30 continuous years) and Danny Hoggan (the inaugural secretary and now club historian).
Mr Hoggan said the Cessnock Probus Club has been fortunate that its numbers have remained at a constant level.
“Every member here can reap some satisfaction from the fact that you have contributed, in some way, in keeping our club on the path of going forward,” he said.
“The club throughout its 30 years has enjoyed countless excellent day trips and extended tours, lawn bowls success, golf, croquet, dinners and a wide array of excellent guest speakers.
“We have also donated to several good causes.
“We have seen Probus thrive all around us.
“It is indeed a proud day for our club.
“The Probus philosophy of ‘fellowship, friendship and fun’ lives on.”
