CLUB HISTORY

Extracts of  notes provided by foundation member, Alan Mansfield 

With two other local Probus clubs already formed in the Borough of Queenscliffe, i.e. the Men’s Probus Club of Point Lonsdale-Queenscliff and the Swan Bay Ladies Probus club,  our club, the ‘Combined Probus Club of Queenscliffe Inc.’ was formed  in 1997 when a local resident, Trish Phyland, felt that the area needed a ‘combined’ club allowing people of both genders able to join the one club. 

A public meeting was held at the Esplanade Hotel in Queenscliff on May 4^th, 1998, with 45 locals attending the new club’s formation.  

As the club was to be located within the picturesque Borough of Queenscliffe and was to be representative of both coastal towns that are located within its small borders, Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, much discussion was held regarding the spelling of the club’s name, i.e. whether it should be ‘Queenscliff’, representing the town’s residents; or ‘Queenscliffe’, representing the Borough’s residents. When a voted was taken, the name chosen was ‘Queenscliffe’. 

At the meeting, the club’s aims were listed as: promoting bright, stimulating club meetings; with members enjoying casual dress at meetings; expanding members’ interests; promoting fellowship among members; and developing a welcoming and caring attitude, especially for newcomers who choose to move to our locality. 

The club’s activity groups have developed and changed throughout the club’s history. Club presidents, club officers and group leaders have arranged a wide variety of activities in keeping with our members’ interests, establishing walking groups, book, scrabble, cards, gardening and craft groups, football tipping, club lunches and dinners, a caravan/camping group… even a wine appreciation group! Day trips, mystery tours and annual ‘Getaways’ and visits to the theatre/movies also feature on our club’s ‘activity calendar’. 

Guest speakers feature at most monthly club meetings. It’s amazing how the club’s many coordinators continue to find such a range of interesting guest speakers sourced from near and far! As well as guest speakers we (gently) encourage our members to briefly address club meetings as club speakers. It’s amazing to hear about our fellow club members’ backgrounds, or their past careers and special interests. While members sometimes comment that they “have nothing of interest to say to others”, the opposite is the truth of the matter! 

To remain current in an ever-changing social environment the club is mindful of social growth. Over the years we have moved our club meetings to larger venues as our club’s membership has increased; and we seek out and actively support new members as they choose to live in our local community.

In conclusion, to part-quote past-president Robert Brown, in his 2023 Annual Report

‘It is no mean feat for a club to survive and be in such a strong position after 25 years and it is the work of all …of our activity coordinator and all those

before them, combined with the support of the club’s members, which continues to ensure the success of this club.’