IN the lead-up to Probus Day on October 1, the Western Advocate is using the five Thursdays in September to have a look at each of the five clubs in the city. This week, it's the Bathurst Combined Probus Club.
Bathurst's newest Probus - the Combined Probus Club - was formed on March 19, 2019.
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This club was the first Probus club in Bathurst to open membership to women and men.
Offering exciting opportunities for retirees to meet and be part of a social club to share meaningful experiences and connections meant that within a few months, membership of the club was fully subscribed with 100 members and a waiting list.
The club's first president was Bill Dawson.
The club was - and continues to be - sponsored by Rotary Club of Bathurst Daybreak.
Outings in its first year included local excursions such as exploring the unique history of Bathurst, its tourist attractions, and its people on the Bathurst Explorer Bus.
Members were the first club to board the second Bullet the day after its service became available, to attend Chicago the musical in Sydney.
An excursion on the XPT to Millthorpe, including lunch at the pub, was another opportunity to enjoy our local attractions.
Stuart Pearson was elected president for the club's second year.
COVID-19 dampened activities in 2020, but as soon as health restrictions eased, members met outdoors in Peace Park for afternoon tea, and a pizza lunch.
Morning tea at the Harvest Cafe and a visit to a local flower farm was another event.
Slowly, meetings and activities were resumed in a COVID-safe environment at Panthers Bathurst.
In December that year, the club held its Christmas lunch, entertained by the Probus Macquarie Ladies Club and a visit from Santa.
In its third year, with Brendan Robertson as president, the club activities were once again restricted due to the Delta variant wave that has struck Greater Sydney and regional NSW.
Prior to the stay-at-home health orders, club members attended several outings to the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre to attend streaming sessions from National Theatre Live and the New York Metropolitan Opera, and the new drama Kangaroo by local playwright Miranda Gott.
Club membership has remained steady through the pandemic and is now open to new members.
Bathurst Combined Probus Club meets at 10am on every third Tuesday of each month at Panthers Bathurst, 132 Piper Street, Bathurst.
Members join Probus for fun, fellowship and friendship. Members and their guests are most welcome to participate in our club's activities and outings.
Find out more by contacting Brendan Robertson, president, on 0439 190 205, or email brendan.robertson8@gmailcom
