Wangaratta Central Combined Probus

THE club managed to get their August meeting in before the current lockdown, where there were 37 members present. The lucky number was won by Bev Maher and the "Who Am I" was the computer man/caravan activities man Alistair Male; another interesting life journey shared.

Back in June, diners enjoyed a delightful lunch at the Moyhu Hotel where 26 members attended and time flew by as they kept warn by the big open fire.

Many of the club's activities have had to be cancelled over the last few months due to COVID and the continuing lockdowns. The pool club would love to see some new members so if anyone is interested please contact Noel Burns.

The guest speaker was Matt Joyce from Wangaratta Coach Lines. He spoke about the new facility in Wangaratta and the installation of an expensive new system which covers many areas of the transport industry. They provide technical support systems across several states and were awarded, ahead of a US company, the contract to co–ordinate over 900–odd vehicles to transport people between venues for the 2018 Commonwealth Games – just to name two of the different areas – it's not just a local company running buses. He also mentioned COVID has changed the dynamics of doing business, with the loss of social and personal contact. A very interesting and informative speaker.

Ladies Probus Wangaratta

The monthly meeting was held at The Gateway on Monday, August 16 followed by a very enjoyable freedom luncheon which replaced Christmas in July luncheon which had to be cancelled due to COVID restrictions; 50 members and one visitor attended.

Five new members were inducted at this meeting; Trudy Holdsworth, Jan Holmes–Brown, Ann Jones, Judith O'Bryan and Lyn White. Members wished them much friendship, fellowship and fun.

The club's President's Picnic will be held on Wednesday, October 27 at Apex Park starting at 11.30am.

The club is inviting all Wangaratta Probus Clubs to join us and are asking all members to bring a salad or sweet to share and the Men's Probus members will cook a barbeque lunch at a cost of $5 each; This will be BYO chairs, plates and utensils.

RSVP by September 30.

Wangaratta Appin Park Probus

COVID ups and downs again; the committee meeting for August was held the day before a snap lockdown. Cancellation of the general meeting, the guest speaker and the cake for member Kerry's 80th birthday. Then restrictions were suddenly lifted the night before the cancelled meeting.

Quick emails and calls let members know it was back on, so the meeting became a very impromptu affair, but it was fun. Kerry received a card and members best wishes, members chatted over morning tea, followed by an amusing quiz about the Olympics and other topics.

Members thanks to the Wangaratta Club for their support.

Wangaratta Men's Probus Club

August monthly meeting's guest speaker was Geoff Dinning former mayor of Wangaratta and well–known former business man. Geoff spoke of his interesting life from childhood to the present, of his public life involvement and of the personal project of researching his family history.

His likeness to Ned Kelly increases as his magnificent beard grows, according to members.

The coffee mornings on first and third Fridays at WPACC are still popular, when the lockdowns allow. Members had one pub lunch at the Wangaratta Club in July but the August pub lunch to Tarrawingee's Plough–Inn was cancelled due to covid regulations. The club plans to keep trying for more when the opportunity arises.

New members are always welcome to Probus, which is all about fun, friendship and fellowship. Probus clubs give retirees an opportunity to make new friends socially.

Call the secretary on 5722 9222 for more information.

Wangaratta West Combined Probus

The last meeting for this club was in May due to COVID lockdown.

Here is a list of activities cancelled due to stay–at–home rules:

Annual casserole luncheon at Park Lane Bowls, mystery tour, Christmas in July, end of month pub lunch and the October trip to Broken Hill because of NSW lockdown.

Another reason for not meeting is no venue can accommodate the number of members in the club because of social distancing.

But members are hoping to plan a Melbourne trip next march.

The president has been keeping in touch via letters to all members.

Members could not attend the funeral of one of the club's loved members, Ron Hearn.

But thoughts and prayers were with his wife Heather and family.