Never a dull moment

By Sarah Schwager
BAYLES couple Vic and Valmai Walker have barely looked back since retiring from the Bayles Service Station more than three years ago.
The pair owned and ran the station for 41 years before deciding to sell in 2002.
Despite living in retirement, they said they had barely had a day to themselves since.
“It’s interesting, you think you’re not going to have anything to do but you’re always flat out doing something,” Mr Walker said.
Mrs Walker reads to primary school children, is secretary of the Lang Lang Garden Club, president of the Kooweerup Swamp Historical Society, is involved with the Bayles Market, the Bayles Fauna Park museum, the Kooweerup Church Guild, plays tennis and does patchwork in Pakenham.
“Tennis is my day off,” she said.
The couple said life had been great since retiring from the service station.
“You don’t have to worry about pleasing everyone and having to cope with everyone,” Mrs Walker said.
“The things I miss about the garage is that I don’t see the people. I miss the community feel,” she said.
“That’s why I like to get out there and get involved in the community.”
The pair has been instrumental in community initiatives in Bayles, including setting up a nearby kindergarten and working on the Bayles Fauna Park.
Mr Walker has been involved in the fire brigade, hall committee, and was the fauna park’s first president.
He said he had been involved since its inception 31 years ago.
“I’m absolutely delighted with it because we’ve been able to retain it all over that period,” Mr Walker said.
The couple recently returned from a 10day holiday at Howlong, near Albury, babysitting their grandchildren while their daughters, Glenys and Jennice, went on a trip to Thailand.