Page 98 - Friendships Through the Years

The single most enjoyable feature was the development of the Happy Hour. We
again had a special room set aside for our exclusive use. The theme was the wearing of
hats bearing the names of song titles and at the May meeting following the trip, a number
of the members wore their hats still decorated with song titles.
On one of the days, Jack and Aileen Coffey produced the first of their now
famous Barbeques in a picnic area in Halls Gap. Later the group drove to Glen Isla
Homestead. We looked around the homestead and had a Devonshire tea there and it was
quite enjoyable. However it was a long drive there and back, and as a result, it is now not
the practice to undertake daily outings that involve a lot of driving.
President Brennan handed over to president elect, Arthur Geary, at the annual
general meeting on 14th of July 1994. Treasurer Geoff Paul presented his financial
statement before that happened, showing a credit balance of $452.03. The Minutes record
that: “Carl Adamson performed the fastest audit of all times and agreed with the Bank’s
records and Geoff’s annual statement.”
Harry’s President’s report was very interesting. Quoting from some of it we read
that:

“President Elect Arthur, Members, Ladies and visitors. I don’t want to take up
very much of your time, but, as usual, the departing President must present his or
her report for the past year. Aldus Huxley once said, “experience is not what
happens to you, but what you make of what happens to you.” Accordingly the few
things I have learnt throughout the last year will be put to good use. My report is
all good news, for that is the way Probians should operate. One of the most
enjoyable aspects of my year was our move to the Atheneum Theatre as a meeting
venue with all of its magnificent surroundings. To Russell and Geoff I say again,
thank you. Our membership has marginally increased and we have opted for a
ceiling of 60 members. We must remember, however, and for the information of
our visitors, that our ladies attend all meetings, not as members, but as permanent
visitors with their own name badges, all this attracting no fees. We were the first
Club to operate in this fashion, and indeed, this has proved, I believe, to be the
basis of our success. Throughout the year both our outings and speakers have
been excellent.”

Harry then went on to thank all his helpers during the year and concluded:

th
“Thank you for having me as your President during the 11 year of operation. It
has been an experience and a privilege.”

Membership at the end of his year stood at 57. There were 4 new members and 3
resignations, which was a net gain of 1 on the 56 members at the end of Jack Coffey’s
term.