Probus - Yankalilla Mens

Our previous meeting, held on Tuesday 1 June 2021, was a special time for this club as it heralded in the 31st anniversary since inception of Yankalilla Men’s Probus on 5 June 1990.

Photograph of Past and current Presidents’ of Yankalilla Men’s Probus taken to celebrate the 31st birthday of the club: L-R Tim McCumiskey 2015-2016, Bruce Burford 2001-2002, & 2012-2013, Don Binney-Current President 2021, Allan Barnes 2014-2015, & 2020-2021, Barry Oats 20062007, Don Williams 1996-1997, Ross Trigg 2009-2010

Our speaker at this meeting was Rob Kirk, a geologist who gave a most interesting talk on Hadrian’s Wall, an imposing structure, (complete with garrison fortresses), which the Romans commenced building in Britannia (Great Britain) in 122 AD. The structure was built by the Romans as a defensive barrier to assist separate the Barbarian’s (Scottish Celt tribes) of the north from the extensive areas controlled by the Romans in the south. The buildings and the wall, which have a UNESCO World Heritage Site classification, were constructed of stone and the completed structure spans a distance of 84 miles (135km) across the north of England from the coastal village of Wallsend in the east to Bowness on the Solway Firth in the west of England. Rob has a great interest in the archaeology and study of these structures and the engineering, military, social and religious culture of the Romans. His knowledge of Hadrian’s Wall and his willingness to share this with our members was most appreciated. After our meeting members and partners went to Min’s Restaurant at Normanville to partake in a banquet meal to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the club. Invited guests were Bev Skinner, President of Yankalilla Ladies Probus Club, and her husband Terry. Our President Don Binney thanked them for sharing in our celebrations and also all the members and their partners who attended. Bruce Burford presented some history of how the club was formed and acknowledged the original members and the past and present Presidents who have contributed so much to the success of the club. Also, Craig Harris challenged our minds with a ‘Luncheon Quiz’ and for a time he had most of us ‘stumped’. The luncheon function was well planned and great success and a good time was had by all. For the record, Bruce has written the following words in regard to the historic beginnings of our club: “On 5th June 1990 Alan Peacock from the Rotary Club of Yankalilla called a meeting at Maison Fleurieu of men interested in forming a Probus Club in Yankalilla. Those who attended resolved to form the Probus Club of Yankalilla and elected Norm Aukett as the foundation President. There were 8 men who were foundation members: Wally Arnold, Norm Aukett, Lin Bamford, Colin Braithwaite, Charles Boyle, John Kenyon, David Sheppard and Gerald Thornton. The new club was incorporated on 5th July 1990 and was accredited by Probus South Pacific on 17th July 1990. By the first anniversary the Club had increased its membership to 21. In March 2001 the Club changed its name to Yankalilla Men’s Probus Club Inc. None of the Foundation members survive. The longest surviving member is Don Williams who joined in November 1993 when the membership was about 50.” Incidentally, mention should also be made of our combined Men’s and Ladies Probus BBQ luncheon held on a very pleasant autumn day at Apex park, Normanville on 18 May 2021. We enjoyed good company, great food and a pleasant time was had by all. Thank you to our steadfast volunteers who arranged and cooked the BBQ and a special mention also to Yankalilla Foodland, Normanville Meats and Fleurieu Milk for their generosity. Our next meeting will be on 6 July 2021 at 10am at the RSL Hall. Our Probus club offers the opportunity for retired men from all walks of life to mix and socialize with others, share life stories. hear various interesting topics presented by our invited speakers, and sip over a cuppa. You are cordially invited to attend if you would like to become a member. The next speaker at our July meeting is Tim Weatherald, former Sturt and Norwood football player, and a SANFL Magarey Medal winner, educator, and Bali bombing survivor. We look forward to Tim’s presentation at this meeting.