It’s all smiles for the 40th birthday

By Glen Atwell
WHEN the Cranbourne Senior Citizens Club celebrated its 40th birthday on Sunday, 94-year-old founding member Eileen Morgan was there to blow out the candles and cut the cake.
Around 100 of the Codrington Street club’s 300 members turned out to enjoy a two-course meal and a musical concert.
Many remained at the club well into the afternoon to reminisce about the countless good times gone by.
Ms Morgan, the only lifelong member of the club, said when the club was established in 1968, meetings were held in the local church hall and activities consisted of cards and dancing.
“We started off in the church hall until the council built us a new building,” she said.
“Forty years later, here we are, still in the same building. Back then the club was open about two days a week, now we have activities almost every day. It’s excellent,” Ms Morgan said.
Social secretary Pat Mentha said the seniors’ club played a vital role in the lives of its members. “The activities and outings give our members something to look forward to.”
Mrs Mentha said games like bingo and indoor bowls kept participants’ minds and bodies active.
“When someone gets older, there is that they can become isolated and miss out on the fun things in life. The club keeps everyone happy and smiling,” she said.
The Cranbourne seniors visit Crown Casino at least three times a year, and even have interstate trips pencilled in on the calendar.
“A group just returned from Adelaide recently, there’s nothing we can’t do,” Mrs Mentha said.
Bingo and carpet bowls are played most days, and the line-dancers boot and scoot twice a week.
President Barry Mentha said the club had an outstanding number of members.
“Our membership has always been great,” he said.
“It was great to celebrate turning 40 with so many members and friends.”