Cleve Probus Club attracted 120 people to the town when it hosted the annual Probus rally in September.
Probians travelled from throughout South Australia with members from as far afield as Victor Harbor, Quorn and Port Augusta.
There were also members from other Eyre Peninsula Probus clubs – Port Lincoln, Streaky Bay, Whyalla and Kimba.
Cleve Probus secretary Elaine Schumann said the rally kicked off with more than 80 people attending a roast tea at Cleve Hotel on the Friday night.
“Some of the attendees had never been to Cleve before and were very impressed with the town and its amenities,” she said.
“There were many comments about what a wonderful venue the (Cleve) Sporting Bodies’ complex was.”
Elaine said the tables at Cleve Sporting Bodies were decorated with golden yellow wattle, and together with displays from Cleve Country Quilters and Cleve Creatives it looked wonderful.
Cleve National Trust member Bevan Millard showed photos of Cleve and spoke about the history of the town at the Friday night tea.
On Saturday morning the rally shifted to Cleve Sporting Bodies, where Cleve District Council elected member Kelly Richardson officially welcomed everyone to the town.
Throughout the day Probus business was conducted with Eyre Peninsula Probus board member Valda Glover and Probus South Australia and Northern Territory director Jennifer Law both speaking, while Probus club presidents held a meeting and club banners were presented.
Ms Law spoke about the SA/NT Probus board’s role in supporting the 138 clubs and 6500 members throughout the two states.
Mrs Glover had conducted a survey of all clubs attending and spoke on positive and negative activities they had held, with the aim of helping them to attract new members.
Regional Development Australia Eyre Peninsula chairperson Sue Chase was the keynote speaker on the role she took up in April this year.
Ms Chase told of the many committees and boards which she presided over through that role, working to improve and planning for future needs of those living on Eyre Peninsula.
She highlighted that Eyre Peninsula produced 3.3 per cent – or $5.16 billion – of the South Australian gross state product.
Ms Chase spoke about the advocacy aspect of the board in dealing with governments and their departments to support future projects and needs.
Metal artist Peter “Turtle” Crosby spoke about the statutes and other smaller pieces he has made, with his wife Kellie showing slides of them throughout his talk.
Former Grey MP Grey Rowan Ramsey spoke about his political life throughout that time and encouraged listeners to be interested and involved with governing bodies.
The program was interspersed with local entertainment, including Cleve Area School students providing musical items, a harmonica rendition from Arno Bay man Mick Bennett, two monologues from Cleve woman Mary Edwards, and Wisdom of the Day from Ruth Weiss.
Maurice and Gwen Smith played the national anthem and Maori Farewell for the audience to sing along too, to conclude the rally.
Thanks to the generosity of many local businesses there were several raffles drawn.
Port Lincoln will host the rally in 2026.
