Over ten years ago, in May 2016, Kevin “Luke” Bowles convened a meeting at which 19 local men gathered to explore whether there was appetite for a regular gathering of retired gentlemen who had lived, worked, studied or played sport in and around Deloraine. The response was enthusiastic, and the Golden Oldies was born.
Since inception, the group has welcomed 165 individuals through its doors, with six of the original attendees still coming along on a regular basis. Members travel from as far afield as Prospect and Ulverstone, converging on the Western Tiers Community Club rooms in Deloraine on the first Thursday of each month between 10am and noon. 35 men regularly attend these monthly meetings.
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The format has remained straightforward. A small token fee covers morning tea, and members take turns presenting a “life history outline” to the group. Over the years those sessions have generated hours of reflection, laughter and shared memory, drawing on decades of collective experience in the Deloraine district and surrounds.
Guest speakers have added another dimension to the meetings. Barbara Baker spoke about her work in palliative care and advocacy in Launceston. Neville Quinn delivered a presentation that left a lasting impression on all who were there. And Mike Brodie raised more than a few laughs with the story of driving through Launceston with a coffin on a trailer, leaving locals to assume they had stumbled upon a rather modest funeral procession.
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Group chair Barry Westwood says the appeal is simple. “This is what it’s all about. Men coming together each month and talking and catching up. Some of the lives these men have lived are fascinating. They come from all walks of life, butchers, bus drivers, politicians and loggers. Once they’re in the room together they have a great time.”
Any surplus funds raised have gone to community causes, with around $7,000 donated over seven years to organisations including Giant Steps, the Cancer Council of Tasmania and Aged Care Deloraine, where contributions have helped purchase specialist equipment.
The Golden Oldies group is open to new members and actively encourages anyone who might like to renew old acquaintances to simply come along.
What an incredible group of people, and what a wonderful thing to be doing for each other, and to support organisations in the community helping others. Thank you!