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THIRROUL PROBUS CLUB

PRESIDENT'S ANNUAL REPORT 2025-2026

“Good morning to you all.

Well, what am I doing standing before you today.

As it so happens another very successful year of Probus Thirroul has come to pass.

Now as the outgoing President I am to give my Presidents’ report, where generally all the facts and figures about the club are presented to you.

So.

  • Membership capped at 140 with many on the waiting list, our club is popular
  • There were 12 General Meetings with the attendance averaging 76…..increasing significantly when food was supplied.
  • 7 Committee meetings where a lot of decisions and debate centered around the New constitution and Standing Orders and decisions that run our club.
  • Financially, Pat has her report shortly. Pat has done a magnificent job.
  • Our Clubs within our club have been fantastic!

 We now have cycling, caravan/cabin trips, coffee, and book club, barefoot bowls, walking & trivia as well as dining, theatre trips and golf.

  • There were too many activities to count. (see the Newsletters).
  • We have a monthly, fantastic Newsletter keeping us all connected and informed
  • The organizers of our guest speakers, Probus & Christmas party & day outings, have all kept us busy.

Our club is very active and the highlights throughout the year from the Christmas Party to trips interstate to 60 members going on 5-day trips combined with the many day activities provided by our clubs show how active we are.

However, I am not a facts and figures “person, I am a people person.

So, I would like to share with you my thoughts and observations as to why our club is important to me and I hope you!

I Believe we all looked forward to retiring, I know I did, although I will admit I was a bit apprehensive, Yvonne was extremely apprehensive having me around 24/7.

Retirement should be a wonderful time in our lives with travel, family, friends, dining out, hobbies or just enjoying those activities you didn’t have time to do when raising a family and working.

(Well, the time you have now depends on the number of grandchildren you have as Yvonne & I have discovered!!).

HOWEVER, for a lot of people retirement can be lonely, unfulfilling and a time where health plays a major role, all making this period in our lives not what they thought retirement would be.

Keeping these thoughts in mind, I would like to share with you that I have observed over the last year & what makes me believe this club is so important…… Let’s just say it is my touchy-feely side.

I have made my observations of you, the members….. I see some worried faces! Not to worry I censored those observations!!!!

What did I see

  • I saw new members and how they in most cases tentatively came into the meetings obviously feeling like “fish out of water”, and then overtime settling in, making friends, belonging.
  • I saw Members supporting other members as their loved ones go through very tough times.
  • I saw Members supporting those who have lost their loved one by simply being there for them, showing we care.
  • I saw Groups of members becoming friends inside and outside the club.
  • I saw community
  • I saw and heard Laughter
  • BUT I didn’t see any romantic connections.

This is what I have observed, and I thought how good our club is.

But how did the club achieve these changes in people’s lives, our lives?.

Our club simply provides opportunities.

  • for people not to be lonely,
  • to be part of a community of fellow retirees just wanting to socialize and have a good time
  • Our club provides travel adventures, dining, theatre, with many varied club activities, all aimed at helping you enjoy retirement.
  • Our club provides support in time of need through fellowship and knowing you are not alone.
  • Our club helps inject purpose into our daily lives
  • Our club helps you feel connected and that you belong.
  • MOST IMPORTANTLY our club keeps you active, involved, connected with others and above all else it helps KEEP A SMILE in your life.

Our club is a shining example of what Probus set out to achieve.

My President’s report is really a message: 

“Members PLEASE keep using this FANTASTIC CLUB OF OURS and stay involved, keep getting to know more people and make more friends and fun times.

Let our club help you to enjoy retirement.

Let us all ask each other, OFTEN, ARE YOU OK.

Why did I give this address,

BECAUSE OUR CLUB MATTERS, YOU ALL MATTER. HERE ENDETH THE SERMON………

 SORRY!!! BUT I AM NOT FINISHED.

I would now very much like to take a moment to thank those who make our club so good.

Well, I can assure you it is not this daggy President with the terrible sense of humour.

Our very successful club is due to the commitment & enthusiasm of 3 groups .

  • The Committee
  • The Organisers of all the club Activities
  • Plus, all our members…. Without you there wouldn’t be much to organize.

I would now like the members of the Committee and all the Club Organiser’s to come forward so I can ROAST you.

EACH ONE INTRODUCES THEMSELVES AND STATES THEIR ROLE.

FINALLY…..

From the bottom of my heart thank you all for everything you have done this last year to make the club so successful.

The time and enthusiasm you all have given to this club is immeasurable and greatly appreciated

I have loved working with you.

Oh yes there won’t be any flowers or wine - the club is broke!!

Thank You for listening & in conclusion

A Special Thank you to my beautiful wife Yvonne who without her help and guidance and far more importantly her patience with me, I could not have been president.”

Mark Bryce - President