A TRIO OF BEST FRIENDS WHO HAVE KNOWN EACH OTHER FOR DECADES SHARE A SPECIAL MATESHIP THAT ONLY GETS STRONGER AS TIME GOES ON.
Allan Stephen, Denis Goodman and Bernie Smith, who are all contract holders at GemLife’s flagship Gold Coast over-50s lifestyle resort, are a perfect example of what is celebrated on International Men’s Day which will be held this year on Saturday, 19 November.
“We have all been friends for decades and have shared so many wonderful experiences together,” said Allan.
Denis, a Vietnam veteran and former sheep shearer from Young in New South Wales, and Allan met when they were paired up in a golf tournament at Lakelands Golf Club on the Gold Coast. Since then, they have joined each other on many golfing and travel experiences, both here and around the world.
“It’s great to have mates because they give you the incentive to get up and do things together. You don’t want to let them down and you also know it will be a great catch-up full of laughter, good stories and fun,” said Denis.
Bernie says he has known Denis for 40 years and they are the best of mates.
“You couldn’t find better mates! Having a hit of golf is a great way to get us all together because we always finish up the day with a social drink and catch-up which is a lot of fun. You can talk about anything with mates, solve the problems of the world, and relax and enjoy each other’s company,” said Bernie.
Allan summed it up by saying: “Mateship is like family and it is something you’ve got to have. I keep playing golf because I am playing with mates, which is especially important as you get older. You can talk to mates about anything and `mateship’ is all about having a laugh and just enjoying life.”