The Port of Goolwa Mixed Probus Club’s August birthday meeting was held on the 4th and was attended by 27 members, with many apologies.
Once the business part of the meeting was over, and birthday wishes went to Pat Steel, Life Member Barbara Mason cut a beautiful cake, with thanks to Wendy Leicester, Helen Gaull and Vicki Eckert who all had a part to play in providing it.
Barbara gave a short memory of when she joined in 1994.
Cake and morning tea was served and a slide show presentation of more than 100 photos of Probus occasions the club has had since 1994 was shown.
The club started its life on Monday, August 1, 1994, with membership set at 80.
The first president was Bob Johnston, who was helped by his wife Claire.
Over the years, presidents alternated between being a man one year and a woman the next.
The club became an incorporated body in October 2011 and right now, the club has approximately 47 members.
Guest speaker officer Brian Gaull then introduced Paddy O’Toole, a volunteer of the ‘Quarry to Community National Trust of SA – Willunga’, who spoke about slate in and around the Willunga area.
Along with her interesting presentation, she took members back to 1839 when Willunga was settled, mainly by the British, and then four or some months later slate was discovered in the area.
It not only was big news nationally, it was also reported overseas, which created an influx of Irish workers who wanted to make their fortunes.
There were five slate quarries in the area, which put it on the map in SA; it created a labour shortage, and in 1873 over 60 men were employed as nearly 80 tons of roofing slate was transported to Melbourne every month.
The demand exceeded supply during some of this time, as it was also transported to Perth and Sydney.
Slate is not used these days, because we have lost those remarkable skills needed to actually work with it and use it in today’s building works.
Paddy was thanked by Brian, who presented her with a small gift.
In July the group only had one activity which was a coffee morning, but August is busy.
On Monday, August 11 members met at The River View Café for coffee and a chat, and then the following week on Tuesday, August 19 members are having lunch at the Golf Club.
Members are reminded to wear their badges when attending activities as it is a great talking point for vendors and their customers.
If anyone would like to know more about Probus, call president Michael Eckert on 0457 912 957.
