Page 113 - Friendships Through the Years

basis of the “ Minutes” decision was that significant items were to be incorporated in the
monthly newsletter (in February 1995 the previous committee had changed to bi-monthly
newsletters). Also only items in the correspondence of general interest would be read.
Other items of correspondence would be placed on the notice board or left on a table in
the foyer for members to peruse. (Author’s note - this was an excellent idea but it didn’t
last as, on a number of occasions, these items were not available to be read.)
The July 1995 newsletter had two other items of interest:

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“The 1996 Probus Rendezvous was to be held at Moama N.S.W. from 12 to 14
March 1996.”

The other item read:

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“Stop Press. En route to Queensland on Sunday 16 July 1995, the McLennans
were in a car accident at Jerilderie N.S.W. They are now convalescing at home
after three days in the Jerilderie Hospital. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

As a result of that accident and at the suggestion of Vice President, Clive Winnett, over a
number of months Keith McLennan compiled a list of the names, addresses and
telephone numbers of the next-of-kin of all members and widows. This was to enable
contact to be made with them should an emergency arise on outings or trips. These details
were to be kept in a special “Contact Book.”
At the August meeting, members and ladies were saddened to learn of the death
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on 8 August 1995 of their colleague, Albert Aird, foundation Treasurer and, for some
years, the Club’s Auditor. Keith McLennan gave a short eulogy on this remarkable man,
and to Jean and family, we offered our sincere condolences:

“Albert was a long time member of the Melbourne Walking Club, joining in1934.
He is remembered in the thoughts and diaries of his contemporaries as a practical
joker and the instigator of numerous humorous situations. He was also a very
adventurous walker in rugged bush areas. He was a very dedicated member of
Probus, Foundation Treasurer, then later Auditor, attended nearly all outings and
all car trips, and the memory of him from the car trips was, with his wife Jean,
stocking up the boot with numerous boxes of good red wine, whenever we visited
a winery. He suffered a stroke some years ago and was in a Nursing Home from
then until his death. Even though, then seldom able to attend our meetings, he was
offered Honorary membership, which he declined, saying he wished to continue
paying his subscription whilst he could!”

A large number of people attended his funeral including many of his friends from
Probus. A few days after Albert’s death, the members were advised of the death of Rene
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Colquhoun on 2 August 1995. She was the widow of our late member, Henry
Colquhoun, who died in December 1989. Members learned of the death three months
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later of another member when Frank Pollock died on 14 . November 1995. A member
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since 11 April 1985, he had been in ill health for a number of years and was confined to
a wheel chair. In spite of this he still attended most Probus meetings. He had been