A DOUBLE celebration  was held by the local Probus Club last Friday, with the dual 31^st anniversary of the establishment of the club and one of its founding members, Mrs Mim Thomas, turning 104.

A crowd of over 50 members, guests, and visitors joined the special lunch, with Member for Paterson Ms Meryl Swanson the guest speaker.

Centenarian Mrs Thomas, who was born in Liverpool, England immigrated to Australia when she was 38.

The (former) Treasurer for 18 years and still sharp-witted although a reluctant star, Mrs Thomas told News Of The Area, “It’s been a good day and I’m glad I came.”

Mrs Thomas still lives in her own home and is cared for by her son and a home nursing service three days a week.

Mrs Thomas’ attentive carer, Anne, accompanied her to the Probus event.

Ms Swanson told the group, “It is good to come together in fellowship with other of the same interests.”

She reminded those in attendance that the local Probus Club, “Was started by 36 women in the Raymond Terrace Girl Guides’ Hall.”

Medowie resident, and Secretary of the Probus Club, Mrs Jill Sharkey, told News Of The Area, “We meet on the second Friday of the month and we go on bus trips, listen to guest speakers, hold a craft group.”

“We provide craft items to the oncology department at the Mater Hospital.”

A variety of awards were handed out during the celebratory lunch, including long service awards to those who have been members for ten years and more.

Probus, which is an amalgamation of the word professional and business is for the over 50s who are retired or semi-retired.

Affiliated with the Rotary Club, Probus is a friendship club, and is focused on doing activities for people to get to know each other and to offer socialising opportunities.

 

By Heather Sharp