The Friendship Club is a seniors social organisation within the Gymea Parish community. It was formed in 1984 when a group of parishioners began using the old Dry Cleaning premises (roughly where our current church now stands) as a drop in centre for the senior members of the Parish. From there the Club briefly used the original wooden church building (until it was destroyed by fire) followed by the now demolished Scout Hall and then the Parish Hall (now Montessori) until 2015**

Our membership (currently around 75) comprises both married couples and singles as well as those who are by themselves later in life. Members are mainly from the Gymea parish but also come from other parts of the Shire as well as further afield. We also have a number of non-Catholic members.

The Club now meets on the third Friday of every month (except December) at the Gymea Bowling Club (downstairs). This is followed by morning tea (included in the annual membership fee of $35). Many will then have lunch at either the Bowling Club or the adjacent Trade Union Club (Tradies) – a great way to continue the fellowship.

Day trips and outings are organised every month or so, often with a bus pick-up and return outside Tradies. Activities include a St Patrick’s Day outing, Christmas in July, Melbourne Cup Luncheon as well as a Christmas Lunch and Card Bingo. A couple of times a year a bus holiday of 4-5 days away is also undertaken.

New members are always welcome. You can call our President (Ros Mooney) – 0407 258 084 or Annette – 0413 387 123, or you can send an email to [email protected] or just turn up at a monthly meeting (9.30 am for a 10.00 am start)

**Further information about the history of the Friendship Club in it’s first 30 years may be found in the document “History of the St Catherine’s Friendship Club 1984-2014” written by Ros Mooney.