Page 28 - Friendships Through the Years

“Although I hold of fice in my Probus Club, I wish to make a point as a floor
member. We have had a fair amount of discussion in our club with differing
opinions regarding incorporation and insurance requirements. It is my belief that
this has come about because of letters in “Probus News” written with only the law
of the writer’s own State in mind. Before publishing any further letters of such a
nature, could reference be made, either within the letter or by an editor’s note, that
the contents relate to a particular State only and may not necessarily apply
Australia wide. It is regrettable that all States cannot agree on standardization
with so many of our laws; but I guess that is asking just a little too much of our
politicians.”

The Probus Centre – South Pacific now realizes that each State is different and it mostly
makes allowance for that in directions to the Clubs with regard to Constitutions for non-
incorporated clubs, and to the Rules (and in some cases the Statement of Purposes) for
incorporated clubs. But this was not the case in the 1980s, and a lot of letters and
directions were confusing because some of them were based on N.S.W. requirements.
In the final analysis, it was essential that Incorporation happened. It meant the
Lilydale Club became it’s own legal entity and could be sued (if it unfortunately became
necessary) as such. The alternative was that the office bearers, committee and if
necessary the members, could be sued with a possible loss of their assets.
There were some interesting speakers in this year of Keith’s presidency. Dr.
Minor, a Doctor of Laws, spoke on her experiences in India. Sergeant Keva Barnard, the
Officer in Charge at Lilydale Police Station gave us his thoughts on Policing – Past,
Present and future. This was well received because he was well known to a number of
members because of their business backgrounds. Arthur Coster’s daughter, Rosemary,
spoke on Occupational Therapy. Noel Deschamps of the Diplomatic Corps also
addressed us. However, the speaker who attracted the largest audience (17 members 11
ladies – a very good attendance back then) was Dame Phyllis Frost D.B.E. Her subject
was ‘The Pleasure of Growing Old.’
Nine of our members also told us their story. (Six of them were foundation
members.) Ron Warne spoke on his career with the Department of Customs. Jack Coffey,
Bernie Burgi, Carl Adamson, Derek Reeve-Cox, Vladimir Georgiev (who spoke on his
upbringing in Eastern Europe), Stan Moser, Brian Walsh and finally John Jeffries with
the immortal final line: ‘That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!’ (It brought the house
down.)
Derek Reeve-Cox, who, it may be remembered, was the Rotarian mainly
responsible for the Club coming into being, and who had been awarded an Honorary
Membership, advised the Club in April 1985 that he was leaving the district. He tendered
his resignation as a member and also a member of the committee. This was accepted with
regret. He was to be officially farewelled at the next (May) meeting but unfortunately
was unwell and unable to attend. However, Noelle, his wife was able to come and she
received the official ‘good-byes’. Brian Walsh was elected to take Derek’s place on the
committee.
Eleven outings took place in this president’s year and several notable places were
visited. The November 1984 trip to the Melbourne Trades Fair and then a launch trip
around the Port of Melbourne – cost only $5 for the coach! In conjunction with the