The Probus Club of Dungog is celebrating 35 years of providing fellowship, fun and friendship to local retirees.
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Probus is a worldwide movement aimed at providing an opportunity for retired and semi retired people to keep healthy minds and active bodies through social interaction.
The club's first meeting was held at the Doug Walters Pavilion in March 1984 with the first office bearers elected - Les Stokes as president, Bill Tickle as secretary and Bob Gilchrist as treasurer.
Current President Ian Watson who still works, said he enjoys the fellowship offered with the group.
"I am so inspired by the endurance of our older members," he said.
"It is good to see people older than yourself still actively involved and enjoying life."
He said he found it remarkable that the club did not allow women as members until the late 1980s.
"That's incredible as the women members are the driving force in the club. We wouldn't have a club without them."
The first female president was Mary Moylan in 2006/07.
The club has a featured guest speaker at the monthly meeting, they do regular day trips and they try and do a few overnight trips, conscious of keeping to a budget.
Recent speakers have included Nick Helyer, the captain of Bendolba -Salsibury Rural Fire service, Cherlyn Brown, the general manager of Dungog Neighbourcare and Toby Solomon speaking on opals.
New members are always welcome - meetings are held the first Friday of each month at 10.30am at the Dungog Bowling Club.