THIRTY years ago, 36 women gathered at the Girl Guides hall in Raymond Terrace to form the town’s first ladies Probus club.
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On August 12, 2016, more than 70 people gathered at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club to celebrate the Probus club’s 30-year history, including seven of the original members.
June Blanch, Bev Byrnes, Betty Gratton, Dulcie Newman, Joyce Wood, Betty Wilkinson and Min Thomas each received a pin at the anniversary celebrations to recognise their 30 years’ service with the Raymond Terrace Ladies Probus Club.
Ms Thomas, aged 103, is the eldest member of the club.
It was an extra special day for Ms Wilkinson, who celebrated her 80th birthday on August 12.
The birthday girl had the honours of cutting the cake to celebrate the Probus club’s 30th birthday.
Anne Kime and Wilma McNeill received 25 years’ service pins; Nita Pengelly a 20 year pin; and Rita Alta a 15 year pin.
In addition to the 36 ladies who gathered at the hall on August 1, 1986 to form the club, Toronto Rotary and Probus District Chairman Kevin Leary attended.
He was joined by a number of other Rotarians and Probus members from the district.
Mr Leary spoke to the ladies about the Probus aims and objectives while David Martin, from the Probus District Promotions Committee, spoke about Rotary’s involvement in organising and funding the meeting.
At the meeting, the inaugural office bearers were elected. Gwen Ramsay was elected president, Gladys Nixon vice president, Joan Bamford treasurer and Ms Kime secretary.
The meeting days were set for the second Friday of the month at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, with the first meeting held on August 15, 1986.
Since then, the club’s members have enjoyed talks by guest speakers, trips and each others’ company.
For more information or to join the club, phone 4981 7339.
