On the occasion of Cobar Probus Club’s
34th birthday last Wednesday, Rotarian
Geoffrey Langford was invited to be their
guest speaker.
During his address, Mr Langford imparted
his knowledge on how the Cobar Probus
Club came to be.
He said the Probus movement started in
England about 50 years ago to help cater for
retired Rotarians.
They named it Probus—combining
‘Professional’ and ‘Business’ and the movement
quickly spread to Australia.
Mr Langford said the idea to form a Cobar
Probus branch was prompted in 1987 by
members of the Nelson Bay Rotary and Probus
clubs, Bart and June Richardson.
The then Cobar Rotary president, Brian
‘Butch’ Kennedy, embraced the project and
called a meeting at the Brennan Centre to
gauge the interest of Cobar residents.
“I am proud I was at the inaugural meeting
which brought your club into existence”, Mr
Langford told the Cobar Probus Club members
last week.
He said as male members were scarce at
the time, it became exclusively a ladies
membership with Helen Good being the inaugural
president.
Mr Langford went on to say how proud he
was of the Cobar Probus members for their
dedication in keeping the club viable for over
34 years.
The Cobar Weekly’s photographer immortalized
the club’s special day with photos of
current president Lillan Simpson, along with
past presidents and members and their guest,
Mr Langford.
A tribute was also put forward to present
and past secretaries, treasurers, tour leaders
and publicity officers who have all contributed
to the success of the club.
Mr Langford offered a suggestion to members
that they consider opening the club up to
men.
“There is a number of retired and about to
retire male members of our Cobar town and
district.
“Perhaps Cobar Probus Club might like to
encourage male members to join you in Probus
and, as they say, spread the cheer,” Mr
Langford said.
A 34th birthday cake was ceremoniously
cut followed by the usual delicious luncheon
and a humorous poem was also read by a
member about “her hands”.
All in all it was a great birthday meeting