Thursday, September 9

 We were invited to lunch yesterday, with the members of the local Men’s Probus Club.  We went to the same event last year and it was quite enjoyable and we look for opportunities to be involved in local activities.  Three other members of our own Probus Club decided to join us.  One of the nice things about last year was we were able to sit with some of the locals but, because there were five from Deloraine, we had a table to ourselves which was a little disappointing.  I’ve been thinking about joining the local club and might have enjoyed the chance to meet some more of the members but I’ll have to work on that another way. 

On the positive, it was held at the Bowls Club in a spacious, light-filled room overlooking the greens.  The food was excellent; typical, old-fashioned roast lamb with a choice of trifle or pavlova for dessert.  They had a raffle for 23 bottles of wine and we managed to win one so it was all good.   

Our table happened to be the furthest from where the chairman was sitting.  He had a microphone but carried it down near his trouser pocket where it was useless.  He might have been comfortable, knowing what was going on but we had to strain to hear his announcements.  Other speakers were a bit more considerate of their audience, I’m happy to say. 

Like all of these clubs, they have a coterie of older members who are treated with great respect.  One elderly gentleman was given the task of saying Grace, a job he has, no doubt, performed, many times in the past.  He seemed to be a little confused about the reason for the lunch but, taking his cue from the fact that he was at the Bowls Club, he thanked God for the oppportunity of being able to meet friends for a game of bowls.  Nobody commented but I couldn’t help thinking that it was something like a Two Ronnies’ sketch. 

The Guest Speaker was another older member who has written a book about his life.  He lived in country towns, worked with the post office, played football with local clubs, married only once and has children and grandchildren.  I suppose it’s the life enjoyed by the majority of Australians and it should be celebrated but, today, we have become used to expecting some scandal in our entertainment and it surprises us when it’s not forthcoming.  Congratulations to this fellow for laying out his life for all to see, and to admire.  I wish it happened more often.