Dos Hanson was showered with love at a special Rochester Probus Club meeting, ahead of her 100th birthday later this month. Photos: Emily Donohoe.
It is not every meeting that the Rochester Probus Club members mark a 100th birthday.
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Dorothy ‘Dos’ Hanson will turn 100 years young on Sunday, September 21, and her fellow Probians used their monthly meeting on Monday, September 1, to celebrate in style.
A well-catered luncheon was held at the 4Rs featuring a spread of home-cooked treats for the long-time member, much to her delight.
“I didn't expect anything like this at all. I just came along, thought it was a meeting and that was it,” Dos said.
“But anyway, very good, quite a surprise.
“I didn’t think I’d make it ... I’ll see a few more years after the 100th too!”
Fellow Rochester Probian Leigh Milgate and his aunt Dos.
Dos has been part of the Rochester Probus Club since its formation in 1997 and has hardly ever missed a meeting.
Across the decades, she has attended many trips and excursions, including a recent trip to Werribee Zoo.
“I’ve been secretary, I’ve been president,” Dos said.
“If there’s anywhere to go, I usually go.
“I might have missed one or two (meetings), but I think I have been to nearly every one.”
Thelma Walles, Dos, Inez Rushton and Noel Lucas.
After singing happy birthday and cutting a cake freshly baked by member Judith White, Dos’ friends Pauline Wileman and Thelma Walles paid tribute to her.
They told stories about her life, sharing memories of her contributions to the group.
“She's one of the original Probus members and served as president, secretary and treasurer over many, many years,” Mrs Walles said.
“She's had many trips and outings.
“Her last trip to Werribee Zoo, we were in the same room and when I came out of the shower she had made all the beds and laid my clothes out ready for the day.”
Pauline Wileman and Thelma Walles shared stories to the crowd about Dos’ life and involvement in the club.
Dos originally lived in Ballendella, then Northcote St, Rochester. Despite relocating to Echuca Community for the Aged, Dos still regularly catches up with her Probus pals.
“She's always glad to see us when we visit and looks forward to seeing all her friends at Probus,” Mrs Walles said.
“She's a very lovely lady.
“We all love her madly.”
Dos Hanson will turn 100 on September 21.
Dos will officially mark 100 years on Sunday, September 21.
A full feature about Dos’ life will be in next week’s Campaspe News.
Leigh Milgate, Allan Benson and Phillip Johnson.
Diane Jacobs, Dawn Leppard and Heather Currick.
Dos and nephew Leigh Milgate read her extra big birthday card.
Judy O'Connor, Julie Mitchell and Grace Weeks.
Jan Browning, Sandi Toohey, Joan Jenkins and Jenny Weeks.
The extended Weeks family were among the attendees, including (back from left) Bruce, Ron and John Weeks, Ellie and Kevin Chiswell; (front) Grace, Lucille and Jenny Weeks.
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