Page 40 - Friendships Through the Years

When this author contacted Carl Adamson for the highlights of his year in office,
he wrote: “during the year, at the inaugural meeting of the Probus Association of
Melbourne Outer Eastern Region Inc. was formed, meetings being conducted at Keystone
Park Hall in Croydon on a quarterly basis. The office bearers elected were - President –
Margaret Morgan (Ringwood Ladies); Vice President – Carl Adamson (Lilydale);
Secretary – Ken Robinson (Healesville); Treasurer - Margaret Henderson (Healesville
Ladies)”.
There are several references in the Minutes for this year regarding the Outer
Eastern Region. The President (Carl) and Secretary Maurie Barnes were elected delegates
to attend the first meeting and others during the year and reported back to the members of
their proposed activities. The main function of the outer eastern region over the years has
been an annual picnic and barbecue, firstly at Silvan Dam and then Maroondah Dam,
Healesville plus luncheons and dinners.
It is little wonder that the outer eastern region is Carl’s first highlight as he was a
foundation delegate. He has not missed a year since, in conjunction with other members
of the Club who have acted as delegates.
Carl’s other highlights were some of the outings, the fourth annual Probus bowls
day, and the light luncheon organized and supplied by the ladies after the annual general
meeting at the end of his year.
What was not mentioned by Carl as a highlight, but may be thought of by others
as such was the marked increase in the number of ladies attending our meetings, (see the
attached statistics at the end of this chapter). This increase meant that the meeting room
that we were occupying at the time (the Elderly Citizen’s Billiard room) was inadequate.
The February 1997 meeting (and all subsequent meetings) were held in the main hall,
which proved much more comfortable, but the acoustics were not as good as in the two
smaller rooms that we had previously occupied.
Some of the noteworthy outings were the coach trip to the Commonwealth Note
Printing Branch, Fawkner when 30 attended. There were 38 members and ladies on the
trip to the Police Academy at Glen Waverley, and 26 went to the Melbourne Zoo by
coach. Additionally, the Club held it’s second night function ever, and this time 30
inspected the Brockhoff’s Biscuit factory, at Ashburton.
There were also several very interesting guest speakers in Carl’s year. One of the
largest audiences for a meeting up to that time heard Mrs. Adelaide de Souza tell of her
life in India and East Africa. In addition to 25 members, twelve ladies also attended to
hear her.
Other interesting speakers were Alan Hendy, who talked about a trip around
Australia by car and Ken and Maureen Tregear gave a talk on Turkey, illustrated with
slides. Another speaker who was of particular interest to the sporting minded in the Club
was John Lauritz, Chief Executive Officer of the (then) very successful Hawthorn
Football Club. His subject was ‘the direction the Victorian Football League is heading’.
His knowledge of the game - particularly administration - and the trading and exchanging
of players was full of insight.
Three members also told us about themselves - the President (his career in the
workforce and Armed Services), Ron Lynch and Rex Wyatt.
Two teams were entered to play in the Fourth Annual Bowls Tournament in
March. A team consisting of Jack Coffey, Keith McLennan, Brian Walsh and Merv