Newsletter No. 100 - Sept 2025

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON  WEDNESDAY 24th September 2025

If you wish to print this newsletter please click the "print friendly" button below
Print Friendly and PDF

President's Report

Picture
President’s Report - Sept 2025

Spring is here at last! The weather is getting warmer, the flowers are blooming and we all feel invigorated, at least I hope so.

The travellers to Cowra enjoyed a fabulous trip with an interesting and varied itinerary, magnificent weather, beautiful countryside, so much food and of course great company. Thanks to Max for his organisation. I wonder where we are off to next?

This month has been a busy one with all our usual activities very well attended topped off with a fabulous visit to ANSTO ( thanks Helen for your organisation). We are so lucky to have such kind and caring club members who make outings and activities such fun. We are the envy of many clubs. Most events are having record numbers of attendees so the Fun, Fellowship and Friendship promised by Probus is certainly happening. Thank you to all our activity leaders for their efforts.

At the meeting on Wednesday, there will be time for any discussion re the new Constitution and Standing Resolutions (which were sent out to you all at the beginning of September), and then hopefully adopted by the club. After that they will be sent to PSPL for their records.

Please keep using Harmony. As more individuals join us, we continue to make steady progress.

During the month, it became apparent that some emergency details are out of date. Can you please check that you have provided our Membership Officer Paul Day, with any changes? It is a good idea to have contacts other than your spouse/partner, especially if both are participating in the same activity.

Unfortunately, Welfare has been busy this month - thanks to Jan and Lorraine. Falls are occurring, so please be careful. Use handrails where provided, maybe a torch at night if somewhere is quite dark and let your eyes adjust when going from indoors to outdoors. It is fabulous to see those who have been in hospital are on the mend.

That’s enough from me. Happy gardening, travelling, sitting in the sun, catching up with families over the holidays or whatever takes your fancy.

Rosemary Clarke
President

Secretarial

Correspondence In 
  • ​None
​Correspondence Out
  • None
Bev Watson

Details of the Probus Member Benefit Scheme are at:
www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/members_offers_member_benefits_scheme   (Cntl click on link)

Treasurer's Report - Sept 2025

TREASURER’S REPORT For the Month ending 31 August 2025
GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance 1 August 2025 $4,268.18
Interest $0.00
Deposits $0.00 Annual dues and joining fees received
$0.00
Expenses $0.00 PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading
$(16.00) Admin costs / Website Fees
$(50.00) Speaker Costs / Welfare
$(127.75) Hornsby Council venue hire
$(14.50) Morning teas
$0.00 Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c
$0.00 New member costs
$(208.25)
Closing cash balance 31 August 2025 $4,059.93
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance 1 August 2025 $13,252.36
Interest $11.32
Deposits $0.00 Cards 500
$0.00 Golf Week
$(211.00) Wrong Play
$0.00 Buchan
$0.00 Bonville
$75.00 QVB
$150.00 ANSTO
$1,596.00 $1,610.00 Zig Zag
Deposits to be identified
Payments $(120.00) Cards 500
$0.00 Golf Week
$0.00 Buchan
$0.00 Bonville
$(700.00) QVB
$0.00 ANSTO
$0.00 $(820.00) Zig Zag
Closing cash balance 31 August 2025 $14,053.68
Open Activities Balance
$0.00
Cards 500 $70.00
Golf Week $735.00
Buchan $10,000.00
Bonville $0.00
QVB $25.00
ANSTO $850.00
Zig Zag $1,596.00
$13,276.00
Add:
Activities surplus $777.68
Unresolved fixes $0.00
Bank balance $14,053.68
TERM DEPOSIT
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,237.85, and has earned $378.99 this year,
at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a.
INTEREST
For this year, $98.75 has been received as interest – General Account $0.05, Activities Account $98.70.
ACTIVITY SURPLUS
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $777.68.
Michael Stinson​
Treasurer

Membership

Membership Sept 2025

The current membership stands at 110 active members and 3 inactive, with a female to male ratio of 60:40

Greg Holmes has resigned his membership as he is relocating to Newcastle.

Replacement badges – We are only ordering these on a six monthly basis.

Can any members who now require replacement Membership Badges, please let me know as soon as possible and I will place a combined order. Email : [email protected]
                                     Or
                                      Mobile : 0402 429 589

Please remember to wear your name badges to the monthly meetings.
​____________________________________________________________________________________________________

A reminder of our Club policies for attendance at meetings and activities.
  • Members are expected to attend a minimum of 10 functions (meetings and/or activities) per Probus year (April to March).
  • Visitors may only attend a maximum of 3 functions (meetings and/or activities) per Probus year. 

Paul Day – Membership Officer

Welfare

WELFARE REPORT Sept 2025

We have a couple of members still rehabilitating from significant health issues but are doing well.

I will be away from Wednesday 17 September 2025 returning Tuesday 11 November 2025
During this time Lorraine Sutton will cover the welfare Officer role.


 Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
<body> <p>This page uses frames, but your browser doesn't support them.</p> </body>

Sept Guest Speaker - Andrew Redfern

Picture


Family History Findings: Uncovering the Rogues, Heroes, and More in My Ancestry


Andrew Redfern is an accomplished speaker, having delivered presentations to various groups over many years. With backgrounds in education, technology and theatre, Andrew endeavours to engage his audience resulting in an informative and entertaining session. He often employs unique techniques to get the audience involved and gladly answers questions from attendees.
 
Join Andrew as he explores the fascinating characters uncovered in his family tree after decades of research. From convicts and murderers to priests and travelling musicians, this presentation brings to life the diverse and often surprising ancestors who have shaped his lineage. Alongside these captivating stories, Andrew offers valuable tips and strategies for uncovering your own family history, including where to go to for particular records.

Photos From Sept General Meeting

Birthday  Celebrations

 Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in September 2025
 ​
Robert Carritt
Deirdre Clark
Robert Clarke
Gail Day
Raymond Heaton
Rosemary Jones
Douglas Matthews 
Terry Ridge
Michael Stinson

Club Covid 19 Policy

We have set down a Covid 19 policy for the club. Essentially we will abide by the NSW health guidelines.  We ask all members to respect the health and wellbeing of their fellow members, and therefore not attend activities unless they are fully vaccinated.  We have no desire to get into a situation where we need to physically check every attendee to determine their vaccination status.  We are relying on the integrity of our members and the fact that they are endangering their friends if they do not abide by this policy.

Newsletter Copy Deadline

Please provide your contributions for the Oct 2025 Newsletter by Friday 18th Oct 2025 

 Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2025_10

​

To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group    Leaders
Book Challenge Sue Calabrese
Book Club Bev Davison
Cards David Turner, Ray Heaton 
Cycling Gerard Siddle, David Antonjuk
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) Helen Games
Dining Out Looking For Monthly Leaders
Domestic Travel Max Henderson
Gardening Julie Stinson, Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
Golf Terry Ridge, Jeff Swan
Mens Club Rene Beutler
Mixed Social Group Helen Beulter, Hilda Somerfield
Movies Donna Fraser
Overseas Travel Looking For Leader
Photography Rob Clarke, Bain Shenstone
Table Tennis Enio Dona
Tai Chi Helen Games
Ten Pin Bowling Douglas Matthews, Paul Day
Tennis Bob Davison
Theatre and Musicals Bruce Bartle, Robyn Bartle
Walking Group Enio Dona, Lynne Henderson
Wine & Cheese Julie Shenstone, Susan Antonjuk
 
For an activity group to start, a member needs to step forward to lead the group
                              

Activity Calendar

Picture

‘Books: Uniquely Portable Magic’ - UPM! Challenge

UPM! A new challenge begins, running from March ‘25 to end February ‘26.

Join at any time – set your own challenge for UPM. Calculate the average number of books you would read in a month, multiply it by the number of months up to the end of February ‘26 … +ONE more. And you are in the Challenge! Choose your own books, post about it, and enjoy the rundowns of the other readers’ books. Search WPH&D PROBUS BOOK CHALLENGE on Facebook. If you wish to join but don’t do Facebook, send me an email and I’ll put it into the page on your behalf.

Mid August-mid September reads: 13; total: 74

The Revenge Pact by Liz Mistry: the narrator of this book had a soft Scottish Brogue that made it very enjoyable to listen to. There had been a turf war between the Edinburgh and Glasgow gangs for years, but two deaths signal an escalation in violence. Detectives Jazzy Solanki and Annie McQueen must find who was responsible, and attempt to bring them under some sort of control. No easy task, as it becomes clear that there is a leak within the police. Who to trust, or not?

The Little House by Philippa Gregory: Reviewed in last newsletter and another reader found it very interesting as well. A doozie of a book with a delicious ending. Just desserts.

Dear Daisy by Rosie Goodwin: About the life and times in England of Daisy and her family during the 1880’s. These times were tough and the protocols of society so rigid and in lots of cases so unfair. A feel-good and enjoyable story, but also some very harrowing situation.
  
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku: Book Club read. The author went through the most harrowing experience in WWII. Although he considered himself to be German, he was also a Jew. He was able to gain qualifications in engineering, and this went part of the way to helping him to survive unspeakable atrocities and betrayals, first in Buchenwald, then Auschwitz, and then the Nazi death march. He made a pact with himself to never lose sight of his soul despite his hardships. His story is a tribute to those who were lost. Written as he turned 100, this story is an inspiring memoir of ‘how happiness can be found even when we’re surrounded by darkness.

The Wake-up Call by Beth O’Leary: Forest Manor Hotel needs a miracle to stay afloat. Izzy and Lucas, sworn enemies, have the same shift on the hotel’s front desk. When a lost wedding ring is returned to the owner by Izzy resulting in a reward, they set out to work together to save the hotel and their jobs by finding the owners of 4 more rings that are in the lost property box.

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall: written from three points of view. Cole genuinely believes he is a good guy. His separated wife, Mel gives a different perspective to that belief. Then another character has another point of view. A great ending twist to an enjoyable story.

Homecoming by Kate Morton: A family mysteriously dies at a waterhole on Christmas Eve, and a newborn goes missing. As with all this author’s stories, the circumstances affect the following generations. A great read.  
The Somerset Girls by Lori Foster: A story of two sisters, the men in their lives, an animal rescue farm and a small girl. Basically, a romance. A very light read.

Mother – Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon: The book has been described as The Gilmore Girls with murder, which pretty well sums it up.

Audition by Katie Kitamura: Some American novels really get confusing. The accomplished actress is in rehearsal for a play that has a pivoting moment that affects the rest of the play. She is having great difficulty nailing this scene. She meets up with a young man, - who is he to her, and who is she to him. Her long term marriage is a tangle. Then suddenly it all flips. Just as she finds her way with that difficult scene. A good story but it did do my head in.  
 
Girl Falling by Hayley Scrivenor: This was a ripper of a story. Mostly you thought you could see through the manipulative friend, Daphne, and Finn. Both lost younger sisters to suicide, and their friendship became very close – perhaps too close. Then Finn meets and falls in love with Magdu. Daphne fights to keep control over Finn. When the three of them go abseiling in an attempt to bond, Magdu falls to her death. Suicide? A terrible accident? Or something more sinister?

Conversations from a Long Marriage, Series 3 by Jan Etherington: This was really fun. More of a radio play, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam as the married couple who met in the Summer of Love and are still passionate about love, life, music and each other. Lumley is her usually hilarious self – full-on character – like Patsy Stone but not as stoned. Allam is her very droll and patient, tolerant, stoic partner – sometimes NOT. I don’t know whether to play this to own husband on a road trip. I fear his barbs. 😏😬

Hope to see more of you join. 

​Leader: Sue Calabrese
Back To Activities List
Picture
 
Book Club Report - Sept 2025

We had our meeting on Tuesday 25th August. We discussed Dusk by Robbie Arnott and then received our latest book The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku.

We will meet next at our place on Thursday 9th October.


Leader - Bev Davison




Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second.

He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp.

Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march.

He lost family, friends, his country. Because he survived, Eddie made the vow to smile every day. He pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life.

He now believes he is the ‘happiest man on earth’.

Published as Eddie turns 100, this is a powerful, heartbreaking and ultimately hopeful memoir of how happiness can be found even in the darkest of times.
Back To Activities List
Picture
Cards Report for Sept 2025

Last month we had 23 playing cards and 17 for dinner so a busy night!

Our next cards evening will be held on
Date - Friday 26 Sept 2025.

Where - Dural Club.
Dinner from 5.45 pm

Cards start at 7pm.  $5 per head to play. [Please have the correct change if possible]

An email will be sent our a few days prior to playing to ascertain numbers for dinner and those playing.
 
Looking forward to seeing you all there.


Cathy (David’s PA)

Leader - David Turner
Back to Activities List
Picture
Cycling Report for Sept 2025

The September cycling tour started off from the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal Carpark. The riders headed west along the Parramatta River up to and around the Parramatta Football Stadium before a coffee break at the historic Tudor Gatehouse and the end of George Street.
 
Following the coffee break the riders headed back along the Parramatta River to the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal via the Alfred Street Pedestrian/Cycle Bridge.

The ride length was 14.0km with an elevation gain of 58.0m.

NOTE: Next month’s ride will start off from the Silverwater Boat Ramp Carpark (Silverwater Park). The ride will head to Wentworth Point via Newington Wetlands and Bicentennial Park.  (Approximate distance – 18kms).
 
Date: Wednesday 15th October 2025 (To be confirmed pending numbers). 
Start time: 9.30am
 
We will stop for a coffee along the way.  Please bring your helmet, water and sunscreen.
 
Please let me know, if you are interested in joining the ride.


​Leader - Gerard Siddle
Back to Activities List

Two Day Trips available - Oct

Leader - Helen Games
Back to Activities List
Picture
DINING OUT  Sept 2025


YES -- there will be a dining out activity this October, plans are under way, venue is not yet finalised, but details will be at the back of the room for signing at our next meeting.

STOP PRESS :- Details released for Oct dining Out
Brunch @ Wild Pear on Monday 20th Oct at 9:30am  Sue Hackett is the contact person, on 0410 135 005. 
Stuart will create the activity on Harmony for you to update your attendance. 
Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time.  Please come and discuss with Stuart Mitchell about taking on this roll for any month in 2025.
Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders
Back To Activities List

Nelson Bay
Monday 3rd to Thurs 6th Aug 2026

Whilst I acknowledge we are booking almost twelve months in advance, if you are contemplating this trip, please don’t procrastinate, as we require a meaningful indication of final numbers. This is in order to secure our preferred meal and activity options.

To date eighteen people have advised us they have paid their deposits ($50 per apartment). Whilst currently down on recent trips, this is indicative of our numbers prior to Covid. At the moment our numbers could vary from say twenty to forty which is too broad to start selecting meal and activity options.

The whale watching is a good example, to justify chartering our own boat we require at least thirty-two, as opposed to taking the daily public cruise.

 
Accommodation
The Landmark, Nelson Bay, 61A Dowling St, Nelson Bay 2315, next to both the bowling and the golf clubs.  A short walk to Nelson Bay shops and a fifteen minute walk to d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay and Fly Point Marine Reserve.

Accommodation includes 118 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves and coffee/tea makers. Flat-screen televisions and complimentary wireless internet access.

Hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, on site complementary car parking and lift access to all floors.

Room Options & Tariffs
We have negotiated a very attractive group booking discount with the following options:
Deluxe apartments are renovated with modern bathrooms and kitchens. The deluxe two-bedroom apartments offer a full kitchen. Refer to their website for more details and photos. https://www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au/

Please Note 
  • An accommodation block has been held. Each person is to call reservations and quote
              Probus – West Pennant Hills & District to secure their own accommodation. 

Landmark Reservations 4984 4633.
  • Accommodation rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
  • Rates are non-commissionable. 
  • Rates quoted are for un-serviced apartments.
  • Additional linen such as towels are available at reception, a small fee applies.
  • Check in time is 2pm, Check out time is 10am.
  • All rooms are non-smoking.
  • Breakfast is available from the privately owned onsite restaurant. Pricing and menus are available direct.
 
Deposit, Alteration & Cancellation Policy/Payment Details 
  • A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure each apartment at time of booking.
  • The account balance is payable on arrival. Payment on arrival can be made via cash or credit
  • card, cheque payment on arrival will be refused. 
  • A credit card guarantee is required at time of booking if the deposit is being paid via direct deposit. If one is unable to provide a credit card guarantee, then a bank transfer of the first nights’ accommodation is required.
  • Cancellations made outside of 5 days of arrival will incur a $50.00 administration fee.
  • Cancellations made inside of 5 days of arrival will incur the first night’s accommodation.
  • Pre-payment can be made via credit card or bank transfer.
  • The Landmark Resort Banking Details
    • Account Name: Landmark Nelson Bay Management 
                BSB: 084 572
                ACCOUNT: 857314156
  • Please note that no-shows will be charged the full accommodation fee for the period of the stay.
  • No refunds or transfers of monies will be permitted should a group member choose to  depart earlier than the scheduled departure date.
  • For room security purposes a credit card guarantee is required on check-in for all rooms.
  • A cleaning fee applies to all room moves.
 
Reservations & Deposits
Please make your own reservations directly for your accommodation as detailed above.
Once you have reserved your room please advise me:
  • Your surname/s
  • Number of people
  • Room type/s
To allow me to coordinate the trip (make reservations for meals and activities) can you please advise by mid-September.
 
Activities (Draft)
Tuesday, we chose August to coincide with whale watching, our potential key activity with an indicative price of $80pp for a 2.5-hour cruise, departing Nelson Bay Marina 9.45am.
Wednesday, our best group option appears to be the ferry to Tea Gardens with lunch at the pub (opposite the wharf) or alternatively the Fish Co-Op (5-minute walk). Group rate for the ferry is $32.00pp return. Departs 11.30am (60min trip) and return trip departs 2.30pm (Nelson Bay 3.30pm).

As with previous trips, we will suggest group activities and venues for evening meals (WIP). We will also provide some options you can do at your leisure. For example:
Monday on the way there:
  • Fighter World for fighter aircraft aviation heritage, 10.00am to 4.00pm, adjacent the RAAF base at Williamtown.
  • Hunter Region Botanic Gardens, Heatherbrae
Tuesday afternoon:
  • Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse & Reserve, offers panoramic views, gift shop and a museum
  • Gan Gan Lookout for 360-degree views, Nelson Bay
  • Tomaree Headland lookout, to enjoy striking views of Port Stephens and the off shore islands. A good sixty-minute return walk, Shoal Bay
Wednesday before or after the Tea Gardens trip:
  • Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, Nelson Bay
  • Art Walk, Nelson Bay, twelve galleries within the CBD, not to mention some retail theory
Thursday on the way home:
  • For those who enjoy Barramundi, how about The Cookabarra Barramundi Farm, Restaurant & Function centre. Includes a daily tour 11.00am $12pp (need to book) and lunch from 12.00pm
  • Play at round of golf at the adjoining Nelson Bay Golf Club, maybe stay an extra night. We can have a closer look at this option later
Other options:
  • Tilligerry Habitat Reserve, 9.00am to 4.00pm
  • Tanilba Bay Heritage & History Trail
  • Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, 9.00am to 5.00pm, Anna Bay
  • Mambo Wetlands Walks, Salamander Bay
 

Queensland Great Central Outback Trail
Sun 1st to Wed 11th Aug 2027

Given we are seeking expressions of interest two years in advance, we had a pretty good initial response for this trip with 36 members signing the interest sheet at our last meeting.
 
This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the central Queensland outback. Please refer to the itinerary below.

We were hoping to undertake this trip with Trade Travel next year; however, the major tour operators have taken block bookings for some of our key accommodation. Subsequently we elected for 2027.

Whilst Trade Travel has secured our trip as per their itinerary, some of their suppliers are still to determine their rates for 2027. Therefore, until they can provide a ‘Tour Cost’ they are not seeking a deposit and we suggest their Itinerary is viewed as a DRAFT.

Whilst their minimum number is twenty, our accommodation at Longreach (three nights in sixteen luxury glamping tents), will restrict us to thirty-two, less potential single supplements.  I’m confident, once we have a ‘Tour Cost’ it will sell out quite quickly.

Whilst we don’t have a costing, a 2025 similar Trade Travel trip (whilst the same number of days it excluded Longreach and a flight back to Brisbane) to Southwest Queensland is $5,000. Therefore, expect to pay more.

If interested:
  • save the date
  • sign the interest sheet at our meeting, or
  • if absent send me an email
Once we have a costed itinerary, Trade Travel will require a $200pp deposit in order to confirm attendees.

Any questions, please give me a call on 0404 020 985

To download the PDF of the flyer, click HERE
Leader - Max Henderson
Back To Activities List
Mittagong Garden Centre Photos.
Leader - Julie Stinson
Back To Activities List
PictureTerry & Jeff
 Golf Club - Sept 2025  (otherwise called The Bunker News)

The Golf bonding day for September was held at the Fox Hills Golf Course. The  weather was picture perfect and the course excellent.  On the day with 11 participants enjoying the group's company for  fun friendship and fellowship.  

A meal and a warm beverage was had by all at the venue.  

Our next game will be Friday October 3rd and will be advised soon by email from Terry to confirm the details. 
 
We play social golf catering for all levels, please let us know if you would like to join us.

Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship

From Team Golf
Terry Ridge and Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators
Back To Activities List
Picture

Men's Club - Sept 2025

For our next lunch date for Mens Group,  please keep the 8th October free. 

Meet at The Bella Vista Hotel   at Midday
             13-15 Lexington Dr.  Bella Vista

​
​Leader - Rene Beutler
Back To Activities List
Picture
 Sept Coffee Morning

Join us for a coffee, a great chat and lots of fun.
Everyone Welcome!

We meet on the last Monday of the month.
PLACE : Castle Hill RSL, Bistro Area

The next morning tea will be:

Monday 29th Sept at 10:30am


All members are welcome.  Looking forward to seeing you there!
Leader- Helen Beutler
Back to Activities List
Picture
​Movie Group - Sept 2025

​​We meet on the first Tuesday of the month in the foyer area of Event Cinemas on the Piazza side of Castle Towers usually around 9.30am, depending on session times.

As the newsletter comes out earlier than the session times are advertised, we email members who have advised their interest in being on our Movie Emailing List with the relevant movies for the following first Tuesday of the month Movie Day.  Also, we usually meet at Cosmo Café after the movie for lunch.  When you receive the Movie Email, could you please advise by return email whether or not you will be joining us for lunch after your movie.

Please note that there will now be a Movie Sign-In Sheet placed on the table at the back of the hall at our monthly Probus meetings for members to sign their Intention to Participate at the next movie day.  If you would like to be added to the Movie Contact List please add your name and contact details at the bottom of this Intention to Participate sheet and we will arrange to have our Movie Emailing List updated accordingly. 

Similarly, if your name is on our list and you would like it removed, could you please draw a line through your name and it will be removed accordingly.
Leaders – Donna Fraser
Back To Activities List
Picture
Probus Photography Sept 2025 Report

August Photography Meeting
We started our meeting with a glass of wine around the fire pit. We then adjourned to watch a short music video music of Lady Ga Ga at a major concert. This is not photography but adds some fun to the night.

Besides the opening and closing music videos we look at the open and set subject images and have a discussion on a particular aspect of photography.

The discussion this month was on how images can be created with AI. The team downloaded Chat GPT and we discussed how it could be used. AI is going to have a huge influence on what we can do over the next few years.

Images of the Month and Facebook Site Banner Image

An image of the month is awarded for both the set and open categories. The set subject for the month was landscapes as we had an outing to the Blue Mountains to take images of waterfalls, the mountains and the dry canyon. The open category is any image taken over the past that does not meet the set subject criteria. Each month is getting harder to select the image of the month as outstanding images are submitted.

Each of our winning images are voted on by the those attending the meeting.

Set Subject Image of the Month
Congratulations to Lynne Henderson and Barry Wailes for having the highest votes and were both awarded image of the month.
Lynne’s image was taken in the golden hour from Cahills lookout, the contrasting colours in the image make Narrow Neck stand out. The people at the left middle ground give scale to the subject and lead the eye onto the Narrow Neck plateau.
Picture















Barry’s image of the split rock captures the power of erosion to split the boulder.

The image also demonstrates the symmetry of erosion that creates the rounded boulder.

The moss on the rock provides interest due to its different textures and colour.
Open Subject Image of the Month

The open subject for the month was won by Helen Baptise for this stunning image of a spiral staircase.

The leading line of the staircase takes the eye all the way to the top and as the eye moves through the image we observe the beautiful decorations. These images always benefit from having a point of interest where the leading line finishes and the star on the roof provides that point of interest
​Open Set Subject Image of the Month: Helen Baptise
Facebook Site Image

Our Facebook site has a banner image that we change each month.  We require a landscape image that fits in the banner space on the Facebook page.  For this month Lynne’s image became the banner image for our Facebook site.

The link to our Facebook site is:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/254025278937219/?ref=group_header

To view the site with all the images “ctrl+left click the mouse button” on the link above.

Scone Warbirds Air Show March 27 – 30, 2026
Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on Wednesday October 1 at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm.

The set subject is to create an image using AI. Your creativity is to have an image in your mind and express that idea into Chat GPT for it to create the image. There are limits on the usage of the free version of chat GPT so it’s best to create the images on separate days.  We are looking forward to seeing some amazing images.

Rob Clarke
Activity Coordinator
Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone​
Back To Activities List
Picture
Table Tennis Sept 2025

This activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday of the month (which is ’the day after the General Meeting)  10am for 90 to 120 minutes (dependent on numbers) at the Dural Squash Court, 895 Old Northern Rd Dural, for only $5.  

Coffee afterwards at Bezin Café 242 New Line Rd Dural.

​All members are welcome.  There are both male & female players, suiting all level of play.

This month we will have 'Mixed Comp' with teams of male & female playing each other.
​
If you are interested and not already done so, please contact Enio Dona
Leader - Enio Dona
Back To Activities List
Last chance to attend this term.  All are welcome. ​
To download the flyer click HERE
Back To Activities List
Picture
Sept Report 2025

​Firstly a big thank you to Eric for filling in as activity leader at very short notice last month & doing a great job.
 
This month’s Ten Pin Bowling took place last Friday with a healthy 17 players.
 
Interestingly enough the results in game 1 were far better than those in game 2. This was possibly due to the fact many of the participants were backing up from the Cowra trip. 
 
The leading bowler in game one was David with Hilda & Barry tying for second. There were also good scores recorded by Eric, Max & Bev.
 
David dominated again in game 2 with Max & Julie filling the minor places.
 
The next Bowling activity is scheduled for Friday, 17 October.
Leader - Doug Matthews
Back To Activities List
Picture
​Tennis Group Report- Sept 2025
​
We have been able to play more regularly as the weather has thankfully changed.
 
Sadly though, we are losing a member of our team who is moving away. So now we are a man down and one of our regular players is currently injured. 
 
We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill (weather permitting). 

​
​
Leader - Bob Davison
Back To Activities List
Picture

​Live Theatre Sept 2025

​ 

Away on Holiday.  Stay tuned!!
 

Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle
Back To Activities List
Picture
Walking Sept 2025

The last walk was a on the new boardwalk at Kangaroo Point, Brooklyn.  The walk was short only 2km, flat and very enjoyable.  Then some of the walkers proceeded to walk to the pub, another 2km no so flat.  Some drove.  Many thanks to all those you joined me on this activity.

Lunch was enjoyed by all who attended.   I would like to thank the Brooklyn Family Medical Centre, who helped us greatly with a incident after the walk.

Please see photos.  Many thanks Susan Hackett for her contribution

The next walk will be on Tuesday Oct 14th 2025.  Details will be emailed as they come to hand.
 
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile.

Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

Photos From Last Walk

Back To Activities List
Picture
Wine & Cheese Sept 2025
​
Lynne and Max Henderson hosted the September Wine & Cheese. We had 38 people attend.

The October Wine & Cheese will be on Friday 10th October at the home of Carmen and John Sanders.  All members are welcome.


Leaders  Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk
Back To Activities List
PLEASE NOTE
The Club Newsletter is for the private and confidential use of Club members and is not to be used for any other purpose.  Approval for any form of advertising or promotion not directly related to club activities or general club information must be granted by the club committee.
Newsletter Editor for this month: Enio Dona