Inverloch Probus celebrates its golden jubilee with an Oaks Day hat parade
THE INVERLOCH Probus Club celebrated 50 years of friendship, fellowship and community connection with a colourful Oaks Day hat parade and birthday cake at the Warrawee Club in Inverloch.
THE INVERLOCH Probus Club celebrated five decades of friendship, fellowship and community connection with a colourful Oaks Day hat parade at the Warrawee Club.
Life Members John Dale and Hazell Billington joined fellow Probus Club members for the cutting of a 50th anniversary birthday cake and morning tea.
The event included prizes for best hats and a sweep on the races at Flemington, with around 50 members taking part.
Club Membership Officer Pam Dixon said the celebration recognised both the club’s rich history and the friendships that had been formed over the years.
“The club has 80 members, and we meet each month at the Warrawee Club,” said Ms Dixon. “It’s about fellowship, friendship and fun.”
The hat parade provided plenty of entertainment, with members embracing the spring racing season in colourful displays of headwear.
“The hats were varied and fun,” Ms Dixon noted.
“Two hats even had dolphins on their head, and the more stylish hats wouldn’t have looked out of place at Flemington.”
An array of fascinators included colourful floral arrangements, while the gentlemen favoured more conservative styles, with many wearing Akubra hats.
Ms Dixon said the club had grown over its 50 years and provided an important meeting place for people new to Inverloch. “We welcome men and women from all walks of life particularly retirees looking for friendship and social activities after moving to the area.”
Activities extend well beyond the monthly meeting at the Warrawee Club with members dining out at different venues and enjoying a movie group that travels to Leongatha for a movie and a shared a meal at the Leongatha RSL.
Last year, members travelled to South Australia for a cruise on the Murray River, which Pam described as very enjoyable. Another trip to Albury is planned for next year.
“We often join with other Probus Clubs,” she said, adding that the organisation was very friendly and welcoming and never lacked volunteers.
Member Bev Phillips described Probus as a “wonderful, fulfilling group”.
Ms Phillips said the Oaks Day event was a chance to enjoy the hat parade, prizes, morning tea, anniversary cake and a sweep on the Flemington races.
The Inverloch celebration coincided with Probus organisations across Australia marking 50 years of Probus in Australia, which began in 1976.
For anyone interested in joining Inverloch Probus the best way is simply to attend a monthly meeting as a visitor at 10am on the first Thursday of each month.
More information is available from the Information Centre at the Inverloch Community Hub or by sending an email to inverlochprobus@gmail.com
