Newsletter No. 102 - Nov 2025

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON  WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2025

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Vice - President's Report

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Vice President’s Report - Nov 2025
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I know you are all aware of how close we are now to Christmas and I trust your plans for the Festive Season are well in place. As we count down the days to Christmas, we have one General Meeting and importantly our Christmas lunch.

Our next General Meeting is on Wednesday 26 th November, when we will all be voting on our new Constitution and new Standing Resolutions. You will have received the email with all the relevant documents from our Secretary, Bev Watson. Can I ask that you take time to read all the documents prior to Wednesday’s General Meeting? Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact myself or any other member of the Management Committee.

We have our Christmas lunch on Wednesday 17 th December. Stuart, who has done a
wonderful job of organizing the lunch, will provide us with the details of our Christmas Lunch at Wednesday’s meeting.

Whist we move ever closer to 2026 and a suspension in our activities over the Christmas/New Year, I know all the Activity Leaders will continue to provide us with many and varied activities for us to enjoy. I would like to say a very BIG thankyou to the Activity Leaders on behalf of myself, Rosemary and our other Committee Members. Without your efforts, our club would not be what it is today. I know we are all looking forward to more “Friendship, Fellowship and Fun” in 2026 and beyond.

Without mentioning names, I have one final shout out to the following: to those who make the General Meetings not only happen but run so smoothly, to our trio of newsletter editors and to all our Committee members and their assistants. Well done and thank you to all.

Finally, on behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Rosemary for being a wonderful president. I trust she and Rob are having an enjoyable time in India.

David Antonjuk
Vice 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 - Nov 2025

Michael Stinson​
Treasurer

Membership

Membership Nov 2025

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

We have recently ordered two replacement badges.

Note that we are only ordering these on a six monthly basis so please let me know if you require replacement Membership Badges, and I will start an order list.

My contact details:
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 NOV 2025

I have returned from vacation, a big thanks to Lorraine Sutton who covered the Welfare Officer role during my absence.

If anyone hears of a member who’s not well, or is struggling with family illness or other issues please let me know and I will follow up, also anyone just wanting a good old fashioned chat please don’t hesitate to call me on 0474 242 301 or email me directly on and [email protected]

 Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
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West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook Rotary Club

Tree ​of Joy

The West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook Rotary Club is again running a Tree of Joy campaign at both Cherrybrook and Westleigh Shopping Villages.
The trees will be up from 3rd November (Westleigh), and 5th November (Cherrybrook)
See Brochure Below
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The Club has also  identified a need for Pamper Packs for Carers.
Typical recipients of pamper packs are Carers , who often ignore their needs in favour of supporting their custodial responsibilities:
  • Single Mums,
  • Aunts raising nieces and/or nephews,
  • Nannas raising Grandchildren,
  • Single Dads,
  • An Uncle raising his sibling’s children,
  • Gifts for children aged less than 5 years.

Our Tree of Joy campaign is truly an example of community collaboration.
The Rotary Club collects approximately 1,300 gifts from the community.
The Baubles on the Christmas Trees are from the 12 plus Charities that we support.

We are encouraging members of our Probus Club to supply Pamper Packs for Carers.
Elements of the suggested contents are acceptable if budgets cannot stretch to a full pack.
Please see the brochures below.
For more information or any questions please contact Keith Ball on 0478 599 155

Free Home Fire Safety Visit Program

Fire and Rescue NSW offers a free Home Fire Safety Visit program, designed to provide expert advice and practical tips to help prevent home fires. These visits include fire safety education and the installation/ servicing of smoke alarms, where needed. We would appreciate it if you could inform your members about this important service via your newsletter. [we have attached a bulletin which could be used within your newsletter] 
 
To opt-in for a free Home Fire Safety Visit, your members can simply visit the link below: 

Fire Safety Visit   
 
Additionally, Fire and Rescue NSW offers fire safety talks, which can be a great addition to any community meeting. If your organization would like to arrange a fire safety presentation for your members, I encourage you to reach out to your local fire station. You can easily find the contact details of your nearest fire station using the following link: 
Find a Fire Station 
 
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further information. We look forward to working with you to help promote fire safety in your community. 
 
Earnie Garland
Beecroft Fire Station
109 Beecroft Road,
Beecroft NSW 2119
02 94931058

Photos From October General Meeting

Birthday  Celebrations

 Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in November
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Loretta Polley
Bruse Bartle
Rashna Sahukar
Donna Fraser
​Derek Clothier

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 January 2026 Newsletter by Friday 23 January 2026.

Please note that there will be no December 2025 newsletter.  Instead there will be a combined December 2025 & January 2026 newsletter.
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 Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2026_01
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For Christmas Lunch info please see Dining Out.
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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
                              

Event Calendar
Note: This is snapshot of the calendar as at 22nd November.
​The live updated calendar is available in the Harmony app or on the website.

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‘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 October – mid November reads: 15 ( I left one out last month(; total: 110 – our target is 116 + 1. We may have to increase it!!

Funny Story by Emily Henry: A bit weird and also a bit predictable. You know the ending but it is quite pleasant getting there. Daphne meets Peter (perfect) – become engaged, then he realises he loves an old friend Petra (wow: Peter and Petra!!!) and they hook up. Petra’s boyfriend Miles lands on Daphne and Peter’s doorstep to find out what’s going on. Daphne needs somewhere to stay so she moves in with Miles now that Petra has moved out. You can see where its going but it is still an interesting read. Is it a case of falling in love with her ex-fiancée’s new fiancée’s ex??

Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor: Another great read from this Australian Author. Best friends Ronnie and Esther leave school together one Friday afternoon. Esther never makes it home. Detective Sergeant Sarah Michaels investigates and gets caught up in all the usual outback small town secrets and characters. Five days later Esther’s body is uncovered. So many twists to finally get to the answer of what happened and who did it.

The Good Turn by Dervia McTiernan: (left out of October’s newsletter). A police/crime mystery set in Ireland. Enjoyable with a good writing style. Involves police corruption, an investigation ending in tragedy, and the mystery of a little girl’s silence. Three unconnected events that are linked by one small town.

The Yellow Villa by Amanda Hampson: Australians Mia and Ben move to the Yellow Villa in France. Their marriage is very rocky, particularly after Mia discovered she cannot have children at all. The much older Harringtons, expats from England, live up the road. They are also trying to build a new life after escaping ‘events’ in England. Is Harrington even their real name? Lots of secrets and angst but a terrific story.

The 100 year old Man who climbed out the Window and disappeared  by Jonas Jonasson: Allan is a pensioner who doesn’t want to live the way others expect of a 100 year old man. He escapes through a window and what follows is a combination of adventure, friendships and accomplishments. A bit silly at times but also thought provoking.

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough: Lisa Marie died before she could finish her memoirs, but she had asked her daughter to finish it. After listening to story after story on tape, Keough completed the book, and as an audio I used some of her mother’s voice, her own voice. Julia Roberts narrates the book.

High Society Matrimony by Annie Burrows: Two books in one, but basically a lot of words describing what life was like for Victorian women. Very little substance. The reader finished it only because she likes to finish a book once started.

Death at the Belvedere by Sue Williams: The storyline was a bit uninspiring. Not recommended. The author is capable of writing some good books, but sometimes not.

Mr Einstein’s Secretary by Matthew Reilly: Reviewed a few times now and one of Reilly’s good books. Set in Germany/America during WW’s – the rise of Hitler. – this is such a good book mixing history with fiction.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden: a very intriguing read about an ex-murder who is hired as a housekeeper by a well-off family. She eventually takes off with the husband, who, as it turns out, is also a murderer.

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman: another in the Thursday Murder Club series. Millions of dollars in crypto currency is at stake in this one. Always wonder about valuing crypto with regular currency.

The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird: This story is set in the early 20th century when it was a disgrace to the family to be a divorcee. A woman who came from a wealthy family is sent off to Nevada to get her divorce. You could get the divorce after residing in Nevada for 6 weeks. An enjoyable read.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown: Not as good as previous books by the author. Set in Prague, a woman who is writing a novel about human consciousness disappears. (Sounds like a good reason I think), Her partner tries to solve the mystery. An interesting read with a great finish.

The Secret Vineyard by Loretta Hill: Grace and her three boys move to her ex-husband’s secret vineyard after he dies suddenly, leaving the vineyard to his sons. Deciding to fix it up to sell, circumstance intervene, and new opportunities present themselves. an enjoyable book.

Area 7 by Matthew Reilly: The usual fast moving story you’d expect from the author. The story centres around ‘Scarecrow’ as he gets caught up in fighting conspiracy and a secret society in the Airforce who want to kill the President and change the direction of the USA.
 
Hope to see more of you join. 
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​Leader: Sue Calabrese
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Book Club Report - Nov 2025

Our last meeting was on 20th November, which this month clashed with the first Trivia night, so we were down a little in our usual numbers. Still, we had a great get-together.

We had read and so discussed Hand Me Down World by Lloyd Jones and then received
our latest book, We Solve Murders by Richard Osman.

We next meet on 8th January following what I hope is a lovely Christmas and New Year for everyone.


Leader - Bev Davison





​Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. Hedoes the odd bit of investigation work, but heprefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favourite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy's business now.


Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good forthe soul. As a private security officer, she doesn't stay still long enough for habits or routines. She's currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D'Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job . . .


Then a dead body, a bag of money and a killerwith their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a deadly enemy?
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Cards Report for Nov 2025

We had another fun night last month with 26 players with 21 joining us for dinner.

This month cards will be on Friday 28th November.

Where: Dural Club
Dinner: 5.45 pm
Cards start: 7pm

Cost is $5 per head to play.
An email will be sent out a few days beforehand to ascertain numbers playing and dining.


This will be our last card night for the year. We will resume next year in January 2026.
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Cathy (David’s PA)

Leader - David Turner
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Cycling Report for November 2025

The November cycling tour started off from Rydalmere Ferry Terminal. The ride headed up the Parramatta River to the Light Rail Line, where the riders caught the Light Rail at Yallamundi stop, for an easy trip up to Carlingford (hence avoiding the long steep incline along the bike path).
Then, it was a downhill ride back to the Parramatta River and then onto the revitalised George Kendall Riverside Park at Ermington.

Following the enjoyable coffee break at a cafe on the river at Ermington, ended off the ride for the month.

The actual ride length was 18.0km with an elevation gain of 181.0m.

NOTE: Next month’s ride will start off from the Meadowbank Ferry Terminal Carpark (located off Bowden Street Meadowbank) and head off to Bicentennial Park. The ride will be relatively flat and will follow the bike paths in and around the parklands. (Approx. distance – 15kms). 
 
Date: Wednesday 10th December 2025 (To be confirmed pending numbers). 
NOTE: An earlier date, as the Probus Christmas Party is on the 17th December.
Start time: 9.30am
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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
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Day Trips

Our last day trip for the year is a guided historical walking tour along the Cooks River with Andrew Redfern and lunch at EBP RSL at Bardwell Park on Monday 24th November.

Probus Day Trips will begin again in February 2026. If anyone has any ideas for day trips or would be happy to organise one, please let me know. I would also appreciate anyone taking over organising  day trips in the new Probus Year.
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Thank you for all your support.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe New Year - no climbing ladders !
Leader - Helen Games
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​DINING OUT  Dec 2025



Click on link to download:  Christmas Lunch info
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 role for any month in 2026.
Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders
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Nelson Bay
Monday 3rd to Thurs 6th Aug 2026

DOMESTIC TRAVEL - 2026
Nelson Bay - Monday 3 to Thursday 6 August 2026

Except for making a group reservation for whale watching, essentially the same as last month.
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To date twenty-two members have reportedly paid their deposits ($50 per apartment) with four others expressing interest.
This is a good number as it provides us a bit more flexibility (than a larger group ) in regards to our dining and activity options.

So based on say twenty-four we can start fine tuning our options and start making some reservations. My priority is to lock in the whale watching.

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. Please call reservations and quote Probus – West Pennant Hills & District to secure your accommodation. 

Landmark Reservations 4984 4633.
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•         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 via email:
•         Your surname/s
·         Number of people
·         Room type/s
 
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

Any questions, please give me a call.

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

Essentially as per last month, except I have spoken to Trade Travel and it’s still too early to provide us with a cost for 2027.

Given we are seeking expressions of interest two years in advance, we had a pretty good initial response for this trip which has now increased to forty members after two meetings.

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 November 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 after 8th November.
To download the PDF of the flyer, click HERE
Leader - Max Henderson
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Yaralla Estate Photos.
Leader - Julie Stinson
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PictureTerry & Jeff
Golf Report - November 2025  News from The Bunker

There was no Golf for November as there was lots of players away including Terry and I.
 
The next Golf day is Friday the 5th December 2025.
10 am
Swing City Golf
2-6 Norbrik Drive
Bella Vista
 
This will be followed by lunch at Bella Vista Hotel or at Swing City.
 
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
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Men's Club - October 2025

Our last meeting at The Greengate Hotel was the last get together for the year.

We meet next on 11th of February, so remember to keep the date free.

Enjoy the holiday season catching up with family and friends.
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​Leader - Rene Beutler
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 November 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 24th Nov at 10:30am


All members are welcome.  Looking forward to seeing you there!
Leader- Helen Beutler
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​Movie Group - Nov 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
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Probus Photography Nov 2025 Report

Photography Meeting

We looked at the open and set subject images and had a discussion on a particular aspect of photography, this month being using and managing flare and glare in photography.

Images of the Month.

An image of the month is awarded for both the set and open categories. The set subject for the month was mobile phone edited images with pre and post edited photographs. We discussed how the editing improved the image and also the versatility of the available software.
 
The open category is any image taken over the past that does not meet the set subject criteria. There were a select number of entries this month that were reviewed.

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

Image of the Month
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Given the relatively few entries this month we picked only one image of the month from all the entries.

​Congratulations to Ian Roberts

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Faceebook 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 Rob’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.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting will be on Wednesday  4th February 2026 at a venue to be confirmed.

Set subject will Christmas Holidays
Bain Shenstone
Activity Coordinator understudy
Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone​
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This activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday of the month (which is the day after the General Meeting 27th Nov 2025) 10am for 90 minutes at the Dural Squash Court, 895 Old Northern Rd Dural, for only $5 per player.  Coffee afterwards at Bezin Café 242 New Line Rd Dural.

In Oct we had 7 members enjoy a session of table tennis.  Many thanks to Derek Clothier for organizing this activity.

All members are welcome.  There are both male & female players, suiting all level of play.  Please come along for the last session of the year.

If you are interested and not already done so, please contact Enio Dona
Leader - Enio Dona
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All are welcome. ​
To download the flyer click HERE
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Nov Report 2025

​The last Ten Pin Bowling activity took place last Friday with a good roll up of players.

As has been expected each month David was dominant in both games averaging over 150 pins. Glenn bowled very well in game one to run second with Eric close behind. Game two saw a three way tie for second which included Eric & John.

The girls competition was very close with Bev winning from Kim in game one and only one pin separating the next three players. Game two saw Hilda edge out Jeanette by a couple of pins.

We now go into a long break with our next game scheduled for 20 February, 2026
Leader - Doug Matthews
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We have been playing regularly but with varying numbers due to illness andavailability. It even resulted in Bev & I playing singles last Wednesday.

We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill (weather permitting).

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​Leader - Bob Davison
​0413 008 574
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​Live Theatre November 2025

​Back to the Future:
 
Our next outing to "Back to the Future" on Wednesday 3 December 2025 at the Lyric Theatre commencing at 7:00pm is now finalised with 24 attendees. Again, thank-you to all members for your ongoing support of Live Theatre.

The bus taking us that evening will be leaving at 5:45pm from West Pennant Hills Sports Club and will be returning from the Theatre around 10:30pm and attendees advised separately by email with tickets to be distributed that evening.

Despite great reviews, this show will not be touring Australia as originally planned due to very high technical costs and slow sales during difficult cost of living pressures.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is now playing at the Sydney Lyric until 25 January. Take an electrifying ride back in time with London’s Olivier Award- winning best new musical, adapted for the stage by the creators of the original movie trilogy.

Starring Tony Award-winner Roger Bart, who originated the iconic role of Doc Brown on the West End and Broadway, and rising star Axel Duffy as Marty McFly. They lead an outstanding cast including Ashleigh Rubenach as Lorraine Baines, Ethan Jones as George McFly, and Javon King as Goldie Wilson Welcome to Hill Valley! When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past and send himself… back to the future.

9 to 5 The Musical:

9 to 5 The Musical: presented by Sydney Youth Musical Theatre at the Glen Street Theatre, Belrose on Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 7:30pm Tickets estimated at $85 each (Inclusive of return coach travel) please register your interest on the sheet at our November 2025 meeting.

Get ready to clock in for a riotous ride with 9 to 5: The Musical — the smash-hit show inspired by the iconic Dolly Parton film! Bursting with high-energy songs, outrageous comedy, and a whole lot of heart, this feel-good musical is a celebration of friendship, female empowerment, and fighting back against the boss from hell.

Follow three unlikely allies as they take control of their workplace, turning the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss. With a soundtrack by the legendary Dolly Parton, this show is packed with toe-tapping tunes, big laughs, and a whole lot of sass.
Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle
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Trivia Nov 2025

The first Trivia night was held at Dural Country Club and we had 10 attendees across 2 tables. Much fun was had but we will have to do some studying if we want to go home with a prize.

The Trivia nights are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month so the next events will be on Thursday 18th of December then Thursday 15th of January in the New Year. Trivia start time is 7:00pm

If your interested in joining the Trivia nights please let Kim Nicholls or Hilda Somerfield know.

Report by Eric Scheeren on Behalf of Kim Nicholls​
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Walking Nov 2025

Thank you to all the members that joined the walk in Nov from Barangaroo to Spice Alley.  It was such a great day, perfect weather and the food & ice cream was excellent.  Great to see members that have not normally attended this activity.  Please see the attached photos.

The next walk will be on Dec 9th (NOTE the second Tuesday of the month) and I will advise the details at a later date.  I will NOT hold a walk if the expected weather is hot.


Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile.
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Please update your attendance on the Harmony web site
Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

Photos From Last Walk

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Wine & Cheese Nov 2025 X 2
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Thanks to Jeannette and Ian Roberts for hosting the November Wine and Cheese. We had 37 attendees. The Christmas Wine and Cheese will be hosted by Cathy and David Turner on Friday 12th December.

​Halloween Wine & Cheese was hosted by Julie and Bain Shenstone and thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended. Bain had gone to great lengths to create a very spooky Halloween house and everyone got into the spirit of Halloween with some excellent costumes and innovative and very ghoulish food.
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See Photos below. Pick the ones from the Halloween event.
Leaders  Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk
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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: Eric Scheeren