A local community group that assists some of our more elderly residents keep an active social life celebrates its 21st birthday on the 15th July.
Following an advertisement in the local press on the 8th June 1999 by the then Winston Hills Rotary Club announcing the intention to form a Probus Club for the district. The advertisement stated that when formed the members could expect friendship, fellowship, walks, trips and other social activities.
On the 17th June 1999, an information meeting was held at the Jimenez Restaurant on the corner of Hill St and Old Northern Rd, Baulkham Hills attended by 5 members of Winston Hills Rotary and twentyfive interested members of the public. That meeting confirmed the name of the club would be known as “Winston Hills and Northmead Probus Club”. Over time the name has been changed and is now known as “Winston Hills – Northmead Combined Probus Club” to reflect that the club is open to both male and female members
The first General Meeting of the club was held on the 15th July 1999 and was attended by the 25 members of the public that had attended the information meeting plus an additional thirty members of the public who were all deemed to be “foundation members”. Those members consisted of 16 males and 39 females. Little has changed since with female members still outnumbering male members today.
Since that time, the club has grown and currently has around 80 members and organises outings and tours for its members, and hosts guest speakers at its monthly meetings giving talks on interesting subjects. At the moment, the club has a walking group, craft groups, a photographic group, book clubs, and popular luncheon group. Some members also have coffee mornings or morning tea get-togethers and the club is open to members forming other groups of interest such as sports, fishing, movie, gardening or wine appreciation groups. Membership is open to anyone in the district aged over 55 years and retired or semi-retired. If you have a hobby or interest that you would like to share with others why not come along to a meeting or two and get to know the group where you may find others who have a similar interest to yours and develop friendship and fellowship.
Over time the club, due to its growth and other factors, has moved its meeting location from Jimenez Restaurant to Toongabbie Sports Club at 12 Station St Toongabbie, where it meets at 10am on the 2nd Thursday of each month. New members and visitors interested in joining the club are always welcome. Enquiries can be made to the club’s membership officer on 0421 410 305
