Probus Club booms

Memebership of Melbourne Sunrise Probus Club, based at The Wharf Hotel, Docklands, has soared to more than 70 members since its launch on December 2.

The club provides monthly speakers and an array of outings and events for active retirees.

President Tony Thomas predicted that membership should reach 100 within a few months. This shows there has been a real gap in retirees’ social networking since the previous Melbourne-based Probus club was formed 20 years ago.

The club meet at the Rivers Edge Room at the Wharf Hotel at 10am on the first Thursday of the month.

Mr Thomas said the club’s immediate challenges were the complex work needed for incorporation, and a bid for a four-figure supporting grant from the City of Melbourne.

Docklands residents constitute the main block of members, followed by the CBD and Southbank. Members have joined from as far afield as Kyneton.

The club’s social calendar is crowded. Apart from monthly walks and bike rides, the club has run a picnic boat trip along the Maribyrnong, a Mornington expedition, and block booking for the Dr Zhivago musical. The club has booked out a motel in Bright for a three-day trip during the Bright Spring Festival.

Office bearers for 2011-12 include Marilyn Seen, vice-president; John Trimble, secretary; and Faye Farndon, treasurer.

To apply to join, see http://www.clubrunner.ca/mspc, or email [email protected].