Caption: Ron Davies, front left, celebrates his 90th birthday at Stawell Library with friends from the How's It Going? men's social group. Ron is pictured with, from left, back, Richard Dodds, Stephen Ware, Peter Seeary, Don Sturt and Robert de Clifford; and front, Geoffrey Wallace and Murray McPherson.
When it came time to celebrate his 90th birthday, Ron Davies could not think of a better location than Stawell Library.
Ron is one of the original members of How's It Going?, a group formed to provide social connections for men.
How's It Going? was the initiative of former library patron, Barry Corbett, who told staff he was looking for somewhere to have a chat.
His health had prevented him from joining the Men's Shed and similar groups, and he was not interested in pubs as a social outlet.
So, How's It Going? was born.
Twice a month, the gentlemen settle in at Stawell Library for an afternoon of chatting, cuppas and afternoon tea.
The group has eight regulars, with others who join in on occasion.
Members have been on road trips to Warracknabeal and St Arnaud organised by Northern Grampians Shire Council's Thrive 50+ Hub team.
They have also initiated their own excursions to visit model railway collections and have welcomed guest speakers.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said the group's primary benefit, however, was connection.
"There are many topics discussed at How's It Going? get-togethers, often accompanied by plenty of laughter," she said.
"When Ron approached library staff to see if he could celebrate his 90th birthday 'with his friends', they were rapt to accommodate him - and even provided the cake.
"The How's It Going? group is the gift that keeps giving for these gentlemen."
Unfortunately, despite founding the group, Barry was only able to attend a couple of sessions in the early stages.
"Barry sadly passed away before he could see his idea grow to what it is now," Cr Hyslop said.
"He has, however, left a wonderful legacy for these gentlemen and our library."
The next How's It Going? gathering will be on Wednesday, May 20, from 2pm.
