A Brief Club History
The inaugural meeting of the "Combined Probus of Cooleman" was held at Royals Football Club, Weston on Thursday 7 October 1993 under the auspices of the Canberra Rotary District and was chaired by Mike Calway. Following several speakers outlining the history of Probus and how it was founded and a break for coffee/tea and biscuits the nitty gritty of establishing a new club got underway.
No problem was experienced in obtaining members, (52) and collecting half yearly fees but there was some reluctance to undertake office within the club. However five members volunteered to serve on the management committee. The meeting was adjourned with the date and venue of the next meeting set at 10.00am Thursday 4 November at Royals. At this point a big thank you to the Royals Club - they are still our venue - even an updated function room too!
From Left: Mary Dunn (Secretary), Wilfred Foley (President), Walter Bennetts (Treasurer)
Maria Ulmer filled the Club Service position, and Nellie Mills became the Bulletin Editor
Since that fledging meeting the Club has progressed and there are now 91 members (55 ladies, 36 men). To maintain equal opportunity, the role of President is shared alternate years by male and female contenders. No - Not a battle! - Fairness for all!
There have been many wonderful meetings and speakers over the nearly 8 years of the Club's Operation. In this respect we are lucky to live in Canberra where an array of interesting speakers are readily available. To mention a diverse few - Peter Leonard (News Reader), David Young (Horticulturalist), Ray Wheeler (Poet), Bib Stirling (Beagle Dogs as Detectors), Mike Stock (Volunteers for Isolated Student's Education), Judy McConchie (Artist).
Our own members are a constant source of willing and enthusiastic people who tell us their life history, (or part of it) as profile speakers. These talks can now include hobbies, special interests. Tom Bowey, David Smith, Colin Grey, Don James and recently Bonnie Bennetts come to mind. Sorry not to mention everyone involved but all are appreciated and welcomed - may it continue. With our new members there are many more to be tapped too.
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