Probus Rendezvous – Barossa 2011
Probians attending this year’s Rendezvous arrived to find themselves encountering another spring cold snap – fine for those used to the unpredictable temperatures of spring weather in southern States, but challenging for those hailing from Queensland and other warmer parts of Australia. Temperatures around 16°C is not their choice.
Rendezvous organizers report that around 550 Probians are attending – very different from numbers said to be around 1400 that attended the first Rendezvous 21 years ago. However, comparison is not really appropriate as that event in 1991 was held over just a weekend and was hardly the formal event that takes place nowadays in various parts of Australia and New Zealand.
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Registration of delegates took place on Sunday afternoon and Monday morning at the very modern Barossa Arts and Convention Centre. Registration was followed by a light lunch and a welcome ceremony which included a range of speakers and entertainers, including an inspiring address from Ken Marslew AM JP, founder of the Enough Anti Violence Movement Inc. which focus is on projects and strategies dealing with bullying, harassment, emotional management, resilience, responsibility and leadership. These are significant problems in today’s society; see www.enoughisenough.org.au for further information.
Following guest speakers, Ken Brand, PSP Board Chair, said that he had the privilege to announce the award of a Paul Harris Rotary Fellowship to PSP General Manager Pat Atkinson. In her response, Pat expressed her gratitude and invited all those present who had also received this award to stand. It was noted at all PSP Board members were among all those that stood.
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The ceremony concluded mid-afternoon and, following a two-hour break, delegates were driven to the Wolf Blass Centre to attend a wonderful Welcome Dinner. Entertainment included the South Australian Police Band, who gave a polished musical performance throughout the evening, as well as some wonderful comedy interludes. Notable were the considerable number of delegates who took to the dance floor.
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SA Police Big Band provided all-evening entertainment |
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SA Police Jazz Group put on a sterling performance |
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Many happy couples enjoyed a turn on the dance floor |
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PAV President Irma Dymke enjoyed a turn on the dance floor with a companion from her table |
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A group of Probians dressed as 21 year olds who were awarded gifts for participating! |
Daytime activities on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were taken up with a variety of local tours as selected by individual delegates. The Barossa is a part of South Australia with a long history influenced by its strong connection with German immigrants going back some 150 years, and is still evidenced by the many Lutheran churches found in the area and the prominence of German names. Delegates were able to enjoy both this culture and the beautiful scenery, buildings and gardens. A rapid improvement in the weather over the week added to the quality of enjoyment.
Following the program of daytime outings, the finale of this latest Rendezvous commenced on Thursday evening with the traditional Farewell Dinner held in the Tanunda Show Hall. Entertainment reflected the local German heritage and included traditional German dancing. Prime entertainment was provided by the Tanunda Oompah Brass Band whose members played as Probus delegates enjoyed a 3 course dinner. The PAV committee was represented at the dinner by President Irma Dymke with members from her Club and Vice-President Jim Frew accompanied by his wife Beth.
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The following morning’s events commenced with an ecumenical service conducted by a local pastor at the Barossa Arts and Convention Centre’s theatre. Following morning tea, delegates returned to the theatre for the PSP Forum. Chairman Ken Brand lead executive board members together with Pat Atkinson, General Manager, in answering many questions raised by delegates relating to recent changes in policies that have lead to a degree of controversy in the Probus Club community. These included recent changes to the structure of our governing body, which is now a limited company known as Probus South Pacific (PSP).
Victorians were well-represented, as evidenced by the need for two group photos. The major 'early-bird' prize was won by a Victorian couple, Nita and Robert McKay, of Syndal Combined Probus Club.
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