WANGARATTA APPIN PARK COMBINED PROBUS

PRESIDENT Maureen Adcock called the May meeting to order welcoming 53 members in attendance and three visitors, Pat Chadderton, Georgina and Erwell Rae.

After apologies were accepted, birthday wishes were extended to Hugh, Angelina, Margot, Kel, Susan and Bill.

Cheers all to more years of friendship, fellowship and fun, especially with Probus.

Further formalities such as correspondence, financial report and general business were attended to, and then it was time for special interest groups to give their reports.

Dennis reported on games night held on the second Wednesday of each month starting at 5.30pm, meeting at Wangaratta RSL Club this month for food, fun and games.

Combined breakfast is now organised by Glenyce who chose The Gateway on first Sunday of the month where a delicious fare was served.

Next breakfast is at Hollywood's from 9am on June 4.

Terry commented on the walking group who meet every Monday at 9am at Apex Park where members walk and talk to a nice coffee spot to continue talking.

The men's breakfast group, the two card groups, craft group and book club continue to enjoy their regular activities.

Marianne and Sue have several events planned for the rest of the year for all to enjoy, including a garden tour on November 29 and 30.

Guest speaker was well known identity George Lee who spoke about his childhood and early years in and around Wangaratta and as he has such an interesting story to tell – he will return later in the year to continue the tale.

Dennis Edwards won the lucky number prize.

WANGARATTA CENTRAL COMBINED PROBUS

AT the May meeting there were 38 people present, 17 apologies, three on leave and five visitors.

Alma Sargeant was presented with flowers for her 95th birthday and congratulations given.

The club was also pleased to add a new member, with Libby inducted and welcomed.

Last month members enjoyed an in–house lunch which had been prepared by some of the members.

The "Who Am I" was Gavan Kelly and the lucky number was won by Gleniece Hooper.

In May members enjoyed films 'Air', 'Living', 'I Love Paris' and the trip to Bright.

They also had an extensive tour of the Wangaratta library and WPAC.

There are many resources available to the public through the library, including online material and audio tapes.

The Rural Women Online have computers in the training room on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm.

The diners group travelled to Kim Wah at Benalla and the breakfast club enjoyed breakfast at The Gateway.

Upcoming events include on June 8, 11.30am a tour of the Cathedral, June 22 Bonegilla Migrant Centre, July 28 Christmas in July at the Vine Hotel.

The next breakfast club is at The Gateway on June 8 at 8.30am.

Guest speaker Jamie Kaye, environmentalist, gave such an interesting and informative talk on why the Ovens River is the best in the country.

Flooding is good for the river, keeping it and everything that lives in it healthy.

WANGARATTA WEST COMBINED PROBUS

VICE president Pauline McAliece opened the May meeting in the absence of president Ron, who is on a long holiday.

A minute's silence was observed for late member John Allan, recently deceased.

A few members were reminded their annual membership fees are due now.

The welfare angels are kept busy visiting unwell members and the club hopes for a speedy recovery for all.

The walking group enjoyed a different walk on Wednesday, car–pooling and driving to Glenrowan to see the mural on Kate's Cottage and other sights in Glenrowan.

They are now back to Wangaratta and the usual walks around town.

The garden group enjoyed a trip to Bright and loved the autumn colours in the streets, a successful day was had by members.

Helen Baker reported on all upcoming activities, which are a casserole lunch, Christmas in July lunch, luncheon at TAFE and a few shows at WPAC.

After morning tea Avril Annett introduced guest speaker Christine Heard, who spoke about her experience as a Marching Girl.

This sport started in New Zealand and eventually came to Victoria in 1953.

Attractively uniformed teams competed for medals and trophies in several categories.

The national titles were something to work hard for and were held in a different state each year.

When Christine retired at 16 she had 413 medals and wonderful memories of teamwork, obedience, deportment and travel.

After she answered many questions from members, Avril presented Christine with a gift in appreciation.

WANGARATTA LADIES PROBUS

PRESIDENT Christine Spriggs opened the meeting and welcomed those present and visitor Rosemary Forster.

She hoped that everyone had had a lovely Mother's Day.

With sadness members remembered their dear friend and member Esther Braden, recently deceased.

Esther has been a past president and vice president of Probus and has always attended and taken part in many of the club's activities and outings during her 20 years, which she celebrated earlier this year.

Nine ladies attend Esther's service and were asked to form a Guard of Honour for her, which they proudly did.

All club activities were reported on and the Observation Run was held on Wednesday, May 24, ending back in Wangaratta at Rotary Park for presentations to the winners.

Elaine Smith was awarded her 20 year badge at the meeting.

Elaine has enjoyed the fun and fellowship that her years with Probus have given her.

Guest speaker was Marion Rak, who spoke on women in agriculture and what she has achieved in this field.

Marion has attended many overseas conferences and meetings around Australia over the last 30 years.

She is now a mentor to younger women coming into agriculture.

A very interesting look at what is happening today regarding women.

WANGARATTA PROBUS (MEN'S)

MEN'S Probus members enjoyed a couple of coffee mornings at WPAC last month.

The club would welcome any men who are looking for some male company to join on the first and third Friday of the month at 10am.

The May monthly meeting was short on numbers with most of the executive incapacitated.

However treasurer Ken stepped up and ran a very good meeting.

A little hiccup with the audio visual of our guest speaker, but members Jim Cozens and George Lee were able to enlighten us on their lives from a young age, which was well received.

The men's club assisted the ladies club with an excellent Observation Day last week where members travelled the countryside from Wangaratta to Chiltern, Rutherglen and Boorhaman, coming back along Boorhaman Road and Grossman Drive and attempting to find all the North Sculpture Trail.

Hopefully the small groups will be up and running this coming month.