History of the Bowral Combined Probus Club
The Bowral Combined Probus Club was formed in 2019 in response to a growing need within the local community for a combined Probus club that could bring together retired and semi-retired residents in a friendly and inclusive environment. Sponsored by the Bowral Mittagong Rotary Club, the club held its inaugural meeting at the Bowral Golf Club, attracting an impressive attendance of approximately 130 people. From this gathering, around 73 members joined to formally establish the club. And the numbers grew to 82 during the first year. (see 2019 members list)
The founding members included the Dive family, the Ingleton family, the Prenter family, the Dearlove family, and Lorraine Doel, who is the current 2026/2027 President, who together laid the foundation for what has become a vibrant and welcoming organisation. The club’s first leadership team consisted of President: Barry Parsons, Secretary: Bill Dive, and Treasurer: Marelle Dive.
In its early years, the club quickly established a rhythm of regular meetings, held on the second Friday of each month. These gatherings provided opportunities for fellowship and learning, with guest speakers drawn from a range of fields including the arts, medicine, and science. Early challenges included finding suitable and affordable venues, which led the club to meet at a number of locations over time, including the Bowral Golf Club, Empire Cinema Bowral, Bowral Bowling Club, and eventually the Mittagong RSL Club, where support from the club helped provide a suitable long-term meeting space.
Like many organisations, the Bowral Combined Probus Club faced significant disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. After an initial proposed Annual General Meeting in 2020 with 73 members, numbers declined due to the impact of restrictions and reduced activity. However, the club demonstrated resilience and determination, successfully re-establishing itself in 2021. This period of recovery stands as one of the most important milestones in the club’s history. Since then, membership has steadily grown, reaching 93 members.
The club’s strength has always been its focus on friendship, connection, and mutual support. Social activities have included outings to places of interest, local visits, movie gatherings, and informal “pub crawl” events, all designed to foster camaraderie among members. While the club does not operate formal interest groups, its regular meetings and social events provide ample opportunity for members to engage and build lasting relationships.
Leadership over the years has been provided by a dedicated group of Presidents, including Barry Parsons, Steve Atkins, Chris Brangwin, Jim Robertson, Les Harvey, Sue Gates, and Lorraine Doel. Each has contributed to maintaining the club’s welcoming culture and ensuring it operates in accordance with its constitution.
The club maintains a close connection with its sponsoring Rotary club, with some members belonging to both organisations. While its primary focus has been on member engagement rather than community service, the club distinguishes itself through its strong culture of care. Members actively support one another, including arranging transport for those who may be less mobile, ensuring that everyone can remain involved.
Since 2020, the club has produced regular newsletters and maintained records through the efforts of the Membership Officer and Club Secretary. These publications, along with photographs shared online, provide an ongoing record of the club’s activities and achievements.
Looking back, members consistently identify the development of friendships as the club’s greatest strength. The Bowral Combined Probus Club is known for its inclusive and caring atmosphere, where members look out for one another, and newcomers are warmly welcomed. This spirit of friendliness and ease of interaction remains central to the club’s identity and is a tradition that members are committed to preserving into the future.