THE strengthening membership levels of Vaga Probus Club were again in evidence when there was an excellent attendance at the club's recent Annual General Meeting. In his address, outgoing president Andrew Talbot-Ponsonby reflected upon another highly effective year on many fronts, one where likely candidates for membership reached their highest ever level at 57.

For the next 12 months, Vaga's members will be in the capable care of Rod Barker, who becomes president having undertaken so effectively the challenging role of speakers secretary for the past two years. Rod will still enjoy the benefit of a highly experienced committee with William Hazelton succeeding Brian Donald as secretary. Brian was whole-heartedly thanked having looked after secretarial duties for the past six years.

Members are fortunate and value having Paul Mason as their influential social secretary and website wizard for the fourth year running, and members were delighted to learn that Paul has also accepted the position of Vaga's vice president. The committee now welcome Herbie Renfield to their ranks, and with Herbie taking charge of the selection of guest speakers, there is much for members to look forward to. Keith Ray who joined the committee in 2004 and has undertaken various roles during that time will continue to manage the club's financials now aided by Chris Grover, succeeding Don Hunter who stands done from this examiner type role. Press relations will continue to be overseen by Peter Attwood and David Dawson will join the committee to ensure that it is not short on freshness and new ideas, with Peter Reynolds thanked for looking after matters during the past 12 months. With another new member being inducted later this month, this suggests that Vaga's culture of fostering relationships through fellowship, seems to have no boundaries.

The club also values the stewardship of Sara Jones and her team at the Ross Conservative Club where meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday mornings of each month.