Fifty years of members’ second home

The afternoon was filled with live entertainment from Tatura local Barry Bishop, along with afternoon tea and door and raffle prizes.

Raffle tickets were sold for $1 each, with proceeds going into the club’s funds to help support its members’ monthly day trips.

City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali presented club president Veronica Dowell with a letter of recognition from council, acknowledging the club’s outstanding commitment and strength of community spirit.

Mrs Dowell has served as club president for more than two decades, joining the club at 55 just to get her husband, brother-in-law and sister-in-law out of the house.

“They wished they’d joined years before,” Mrs Dowell said.

Retracing the early days, she said she remembered members fundraising and building the clubrooms themselves.

“Everything in the building belongs to us,” she said.

The building itself is now owned by council.

Mrs Dowell cooks lunches for the members on Wednesdays. The club also runs regular craft days.

Anyone aged over 55 is welcome to join.

“It’s a home away from home for most of them,” Mrs Dowell said.

The milestone is an accomplishment all members should be proud of reaching.