Probus Club members get together to socialise – and plan for growth

The Murraylands’ five Probus Clubs, for retirees, have a healthy membership, but there’s always room for more.

Probus Club members get together to socialise – and plan for growth
Meeting in Murray Bridge are Lois Gravestocks, Barry Goodall, Barry Dillon and Carol Greening with Corinthia Kuchel, Philip Wilksch, Marilyn Smythe and Rinda Ritchie. Photo: Peri Strathearn.

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If you’re retired and in need of social connection, there’s a Probus Club near you that can help.

That was the message from the combined Probus Clubs of the Murraylands, who got together for an annual lunch at Murray Bridge Golf Club earlier this month.

The two closest clubs, Murray Bridge men’s and Mobilong women’s, were both represented among the 60 or so attendees, along with Mannum, Meningie and Lameroo.

The mood was light and friendly, with Jill Matschoss dishing out wisecracks, plus a guest presentation by John Chambers from Angel Flight.

The charity provides non-emergency flights to medical appointments for residents of remote areas of Australia, and relies on donations by members of the public.

On the sidelines of the meeting, though, the clubs’ leaders were pondering common problems.

Members were ageing, it was hard to attract younger retirees, and too few people were willing to put their hands up to serve on committees, Philip Wilksch said.

At the same time, though, new clubs were cropping up in parts of the country, while others were growing or going through periods of renewal.

John Chambers gives a presentation on Angel Flight. Photo: Peri Strathearn.
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