BALCOMBE Men’s Probus Club members gathered at Mornington Golf Club in July for the group’s annual sportsman breakfast.
The event was organised by Bruce Badenhop and featured John Sanders, ice climber and mountaineer, as a guest speaker.
Club President Ross Rufford Sharpe said the event was a success, with the golf club providing the venue and breakfast before Sanders spoke about his experiences mountaineering and ice climbing.
Sharpe said Sanders, an American who is currently living in Australia with his wife, provided an unusual perspective on sport and adventure.
“It was a special annual event to accompany a broad range of other weekly and monthly activities,” said Sharpe.
The Mt Martha-based club provides a range of activities including walking, tennis, table tennis, and cycling. Monthly activities include book club, music appreciation, painting, and finance and investment.
The club also organise outings, wine appreciation, caravan and cabin trips, footy tipping, and cup sweeps, with partners invited to participate in a number of social activities.
Sharpe said the club’s activities are particularly important for retired members who were looking to maintain social connection.
“This is a men’s group for the recently or about-to-retire men that focuses on friendship and fellowship with a strong link to welfare and the interests of its members,” said Sharpe.
The club currently has 83 members, with general meetings held at Mt Martha House on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 am. Meetings generally involve business, a guest speaker, a door prize, morning tea, a book swap table, and a lunch option for afterwards.
“New members are most welcome and should contact the club secretary for further information,” said Sharpe.
The club will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2027. For more information, contact balcombeprobus@gmail.com.
First published in the Mornington News – 1 September 2026
