By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THE Pakenham East Probus Club welcomes and celebrates every person and passion.
The group is made up of men and women who are either retired or semi-retired, eager to meet new people and share their interests.
Joan Lewis worked at Woolworths Pakenham for 29 years and joined the group soon after retirement.
“It’s good for people of our age to join a Probus group,” she said.
“You don’t realise how many lonely people there are, and if they didn’t have this they’d have nothing.”
Holding regular outings, the Pakenham East Probus group recently visited the Dandenong Shark and Stingray Centre.
“We had four ladies pluck up courage to wriggle into the waders with gumboots attached, and then waded through several pools feeding the stingrays and sharks with pieces of fish attached to a stick with a peg,” she said.
“We spent a couple of exciting hours with these sea creatures up close and personal.”
As well as the monthly meeting, there are many specialty groups within the club.
Enthusiasts of craft, gardening, movies, golf and caravanning meet regularly.
Looking back on her time as a member of the group, Joan says it’s the friendships made that she treasures most.
“At work I used to deal with people all day, so it was a bit of a shock to retire and find that your days aren’t as full.”
“We’ve met and gotten to know some very nice people. It’s nice to be able to go and enjoy shows and things together.”
The Pakenham East Probus group meets at Pakenham Senior Citizens Hall. For more information, contact 5940 0734.
