Streaky Bay Combined Probus Club recently hosted a three-day Probus rally with 122 members from 10 clubs across Eyre Peninsula, Port Augusta and Quorn attending.
About 110 met at the Streaky Bay Hotel for a meet and greet on the first night, where all enjoyed a night of catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
Host Phil McEvoy talked about his son Kerrin, three-time Melbourne Cup winner, and how his riding career started in Streaky Bay.
Phil went on to explain how the town raised money to have Kerrin’s statue erected on the foreshore, despite initially being reluctant to have a statue of himself.
Kerrin thankfully changed his mind and decided it would be beneficial if children in the town could see the rewards of never giving up on your dreams.
Phil was also the emcee on day two for the rally at the sporting complex.
Catering was provided by the hospital auxiliary group, who supplied a delicious morning tea and lovely lunch.
There were four guest speakers – Streaky Bay District Council chief executive officer Damian Carter, Suzie Kenny – who gave a motivational speech while promoting her recently-released book – then Jonas and Tobin Woolford from Eyrewoolf Abalone, who spoke on Flinders Island Eco Resort and their involvement in the abalone industry.
Local entertainer Jesse Giles played music and sang while Zita Chester brightened everyone’s day with an array of jokes, songs and poems.
A fantastic mini-market was provided with crafts by Judith, succulents by Grace’s Gardens, Streaky Bay Gin tastings and South Australian Country Women’s Association had a trading table.
There was a display of Flinders Island, wooden items by the Streaky Bay Men’s Shed and Suzie had her book for sale.
There was a show and shine of vintage and classic cars, boats and novelty vehicles on the oval, while Kerrin’s parents displayed an array of memorabilia from his riding career.
All this provided interest and activity for attendees.
The final day consisted of a farewell coffee and chat at Drift Cafe, where everyone expressed how they had enjoyed the rally and their stay in Streaky Bay.
Next year’s rally will be hosted by Cleve Probus Club.
Probus is a social club for retirees of all ages to connect through fun, friendship and fellowship.
The Streaky Bay club meets every third Thursday of the month at the Streaky Bay Hotel for a chat and a guest speaker, at 10am.
Come along to learn more and enjoy what the club has to offer.