Page 61 - Friendships Through the Years

the Geelong outing. Very cold, wet and gale force winds greeted those members who
successfully eluded the ballot for the Invicta Coach trip to Point Nepean National Park –
the old Army barracks and quarantine station. We boarded a five-carriage transporter and
inspected the old fort and gun emplacements. A cut lunch overlooking the Heads in gale
force winds was enjoyed by the 45 who attended. Several hats didn’t come home from
the trip! There were also trips to the Note Printing Branch (again), to the Tennis Centre
and Eastern Hill Fire Station.
One of the enjoyable guest speakers (?) was a musical interlude by Leo Herry and
Thelma Marley, on saxophone and piano respectively. Leo also talked to us about the old
days of Lilydale. It was very interesting. Ian Henke spoke on the functions of the Media.
Dicks Wicks, an old St.Kilda footballer, talked on pain relief from Arthritis and injuries
(he had numerous football aches and pains). He also demonstrated his Magnetic Pain
Relief products and sold a number of them. Carl Adamson reported on the very
successful Outer Eastern Region Probus picnic at Silvan Dam. Six members and four
ladies attended. He also reported that there were then thirteen clubs affiliated to the
M.O.E.R.
Only three members competed in the seventh annual bowls tournament at
Heathmont Bowling Club. Les Falconer, Keith McLennan and Terry Wade plus a “ring -
in”, Jim Allan (Treasurer of the Probus bowls tournament, Box Hill Probus and a
Bennettswood Bowling Club bowler) helped us out for a very enjoyable day. Won one
game and lost one.
th
The third annual visit to the Yarra Glen Races was made on the 12 April. Ten
members and ladies were there for a picnic lunch and a chance to take on the
bookmakers. It seems the latter won because the majority had left the course after the
sixth of nine races!(Or was it the cold weather?)
Unfortunately the annual general meeting to mark the end of Lex’s year as
President was marred by the news that he was in hospital. Immediate past president Bert
Walker took the chair and presented Lex’s Annual Report.
A “Get well” card, signed by all present was given to Lex’s wife, Peg, to pass
onto him in hospital. It must have been a very effective “get well” card, as, nearly ten
years later, Lex is flourishing and still involved with Probus and his great loves, Legacy
and his garden.
The three high points of Lex’s year were the steady progress that the Club made
with several new members, some very interesting speakers and a variety of coach trips.
He also highlighted the two car trips, one in the Spring, the other in the Autumn. No other
President has had two car trips in his term of office. And of course, another highlight (or
should that be a lowlight?) was the fact that he was in Hospital when he should have been
handing over to George Sank.
Lex’s Treasurer (and friend), Jack Mackay completed his two years in the job by
reporting a credit balance of $222.11. Membership at the close of Lex’s term was 52.
There were 7 new members, 3 resignations and 2 deaths.