End of an era for Stawell ladies

Forty-three ladies joined hands and sang Auld Lang Syne to mark the end of an era during a lunch at Stawell Tabaret.

After almost 28 years of operation, Stawell Ladies Probus Club met for the last time on March 21.

Member Brenda Clark said the afternoon was bittersweet.

“This sad but special day was enjoyed by all, with many friendships formed over the past years,” she said.

“We all have many happy memories to keep and look back on.”

Eighty-four retired or semi-retired professional or business women attended Stawell Ladies Probus Club’s inaugural meeting on April 18, 1989.

Since then, 232 ladies have been members of the club.

“Over the years, the club members have enjoyed many trips away, day trips, lunches and dine-out nights, as well as interesting guest speakers and entertainers,” Mrs Clark said.

“Most of the guest speakers and entertainers were business and-or professional men and women from the Stawell and district community.

“This amounts to about 300 people over the years who were gracious enough to give their time and talents to our club.

“Club members are very grateful to these people for giving up their time.”

The club has four life members, Marie van Leeuwen, Lelsey Bennett, Judy Belot and Jean Chatfield.

The ladies were presented with life memberships at the club’s 20th birthday celebration in 2009 in recognition of their many years of service to the club.

Mrs Clark said initially, club membership grew, but throughout the past few years it has dwindled due to various reasons.

“Like all good things there comes an end and unfortunately time has come to disband the Stawell Ladies Probus Club,” she said.

She said of the 43 members who attended a final lunch, four were foundation members: Jean Coote, Marg Rasche, Betty Jeffrey and Mrs van Leeuwen.

Mrs van Leeuwen and Mrs Jeffrey cut the cake, while president Glenis Waack thanked all members for their support throughout almost 28 years of friendship, fellowship, fun and laughter.