General News
18 April, 2023
Cobden Probus Club Notes
COBDEN Probus Club had 39 members present with nine apologies at its recent meeting.
COBEN Probus Club had 39 members present with nine apologies at its recent meeting.
President Kevin presented Pam Savage with her past president badge. In addition, a 20 year badge was presented to Graeme and Janet Fagan, with thanks for their service to Cobden Probus Club.
A very special month for Probian Margaret Matthews who celebrated her 90th birthday— all members wished her lots of happiness on this wonderful occasion.
Our guest speaker for April was Frank Whiteside.
Frank is well known for his woodchopping abilities, not only at local shows but many overseas trips and even on television in the era of “World of Sport” where many families would sit around the television and eagerly await for the woodchopping to come on.
Frank started his woodchopping career as a 15 year-old - the late Arthur Matheson was a neighbour and bought him in to cut logs.
Frank said he learnt from the best, as Arthur Matheson was a great leader and the best in the district winning many championships at local shows and also the Royal Melbourne Show.
Over many years Frank competed at many shows, and in 1974 he went to Johannesburg in South Africa to compete in one of the biggest shows in the world where there were 60 to 70 thousand people attending.
In 1976 off to Spain - where they claimed great success in winning by a mere 40 seconds. It was the first time Spain had been defeated— a wonderful moment.
Over the years Frank has won many awards for log chopping, and it would take 15 hours of grinding his axes before each show to get them in prime condition.
Frank proudly showed off his axes, his Black and Tans sharpening stone, some memorable photos of the Queen and certificates of championships he had won.
A small gift was presented to Frank with many thanks as all members enjoyed his adventures and stories of his lifetime of woodchopping.
Our next meeting is Thursday, May 11 at the Heytesbury Room Cobden Civic Hall at 10am.
All most welcome to attend.