Newsletter No. 105 - Mar 2026

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON  WEDNESDAY 25th MARCH 2026

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President's Report

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President’s Report - March 2026
​

Just like that, another fantastic Probus year is almost over! Where did that year go? We have had so many activities and meetings to really live up to our motto of fun, fellowship and friendship.

My thanks to all members, activity leaders and committee members for making my job so easy. We are a very well-oiled club thanks to the original organising committee who ensured the club’s smooth running.

Thanks to David Antonjuk for taking the last meeting. From all accounts it was fantastic.

A new year lies ahead so now is a good time for you to become more involved. Maybe help Max or Helen Games in organising an event, become a back up for Bain with guest speakers, suggest places or events to visit. So many ways to get involved.

I look forward to seeing you all at the AGM.
​

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 - March 2026


The report is included in the "Annual Report to Members for Year Ending 31st March 2026" previously emailed to all members in preparation for the AGM.

Michael Stinson​
Treasurer

Membership

Membership Report March 2026

We are well into planning for the 10 Year Anniversary for our Club celebrating with a special
party for members in July.

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

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 March 2026

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, text me or email directly on 0474 242 301 and  [email protected]
​

 Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
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There will be no March Guest Speaker due to the AGM

Photos From February Meeting

Birthday  Celebrations

 Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in March
 ​
Susan Antonjuk
René Beutler
Bev Dona
Estelle Graham
Stuart Mitchell
Janet Nicol
Karin Regel
Janice Ridge
Hilda Somerfield
Kristine Ward
Elizabeth Wojtczak




Newsletter Copy Deadline

Please provide your contributions for the April 2026 Newsletter by Friday 17th April 2026

 Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2026_04

Eric Scheeren is the newsletter editor for April

Newsletter Editor Roster as at 21 Mar 26​
​

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
Trivia Group Kim Nicholls, Hilda Somerfield
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 21th March 2026.
​The live updated calendar is available in the Harmony app or on the website.

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‘Get On Board And Read’ - GOBAR! Challenge
 
GOBAR! Get on Board and Read! A new challenge is coming from Mid March 26 to end February 27. The last of the UPM! Challenge below.

Challenge yourself to read more. 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 ‘27 … +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.

Feb-Mid March reads: 10; total: A whopping total  of 158!!!! We all got busy but still found the time to read. Now we move on to GOBAR!
  
I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes: Pilgrim is the codenames for a man who doesn’t exist. Starts this non-existence as an adopted son of a wealthy family, moving into the world of espionage in the US Intelligence. He writes a book about committing a perfect crime. A New York detective tracks him down after the body of a woman is found facedown in a bath of acid and her teeth and fingerprints are gone. A really good read but for a professional spy, he sure makes a lot of mistakes.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding: Basically a re-write of Jane Austen’s Emma, set in Manhattan and its modern dating scene. Emma is the same character, quite well off young woman with a big opinion of her abilities to match make while ignoring the elephant in the room of her neighbour. Really fun book, even though you know the storyline well and therefore the ending.

The Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth: a really gripping story of 3 girls fostered to a woman who is manipulative and cruel – a real narcissist. They are now grown and along with the detritus of their very NON fairy tale childhood, they are trying to move on. Then a body is discovered under the home they grew up in, and they become key witnesses to the mystery. You don’t know who the victim is until way near the end which adds a real edge to the story.

Midwife on the Orient Express by Fiona McArthur: This was fun read. Midwife Kelsie achieves her dream of holidaying on the Orient Express. To her consternation, Lucas, now a Gynocologist, and the man she left at the alter when they were both teenagers, is on the same train, along with his meddling grandmother. Lots of assumptions causing upsets, makeups and angst. A woman on the train gives birth and both Kelsie and Lucas are brought together professionally.
  
The Burrow by Melanie Cheng: Reviewed in the last newsletter about a family dealing with grief. At times heartrending but giving a real insight into a child’s perception of the adults around her as she deals with her own sense of grief. Beautiful story. 

The Raging Storm by Anne Cleeves: The Marine rescue squad is called out in a storm, as a dingy with a body in it has been spotted in Scully Cove. Turns out the body is that of a local legend, sailor and adventurer. Dt Matthew Venn has to gather all the clues to solve the mystery.  
 
The Inheritance by Nora Roberts: Book 1 of the Lost Bride Trilogy. Sonya MacTavish inherits a Victorian mansion from her uncle, who she never knew. The house comes with many surprises: footsteps in the night, music playing, doors slamming. She decides to live there (as you would with all that strange stuff) and learns of the house’s history and the curse it has carried over many centuries. An easy read into fantasy and romance.  

Dirt Town by Hayley Scrivenor: It’s a sweltering Friday afternoon in Durton. Best friends Ronnie and Esther leave school together. Esther never makes it home. Reviewed a couple of months back. Starts out slow but gains some momentum with interesting twists as the mystery unfolds.
 
Stolen in Death by J.D. Robb (actually Nora Roberts): Story involves a violent death and a secret vault of stolen treasures. Different to her other books but it does have a feeling of suspense.

Cold Grave by Kathryn Fox: a mystery thriller with plenty of action. Reminiscent of Patricia Cornell, and a forensic doctor thrown in. Set on a Cruise ship. A very enjoyable book.
 
Hope to see more of you join up for the next challenge.

Sue Calabrese 
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Book Club Report - March 2026

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 2nd April and the new book is The Burrow by Melanie Cheng.
​


Leader - Bev Davison









Amy, Jin and Lucie are leading isolated lives in their partially renovated, inner city home. They are not happy, but they are also terrified of change. When they buy a pet rabbit for Lucie, and then Amy’s mother, Pauline, comes to stay, the family is forced to confront long-buried secrets. Will opening their hearts to the rabbit help them to heal or only invite further tragedy?








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Cards Report for March 2026
Well another great rollup for cards and dinner on 27 February. We had 32 playing cards and 26 for dinner!  We have a very enthusiastic group!
Our next cards night is Friday 27th of March
Dural Club
5.45 for dinner
7pm cards start
$5 per head to play

An email will go out a few days prior to find out number of members participating.
​Look forward to seeing you then.

Cathy (David’s PA)

Leader - David Turner
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Cycling Report for March 2026


The March 2026 cycling ride was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Next month’s proposed ride will commence from Silverwater Park and go to the Waterview Cafe in Bicentennial Park via Wentworth Point, before heading back to the start. (Approx. distance – 16kms).

Date: Wednesday 15 th April 2026 (To be confirmed pending numbers). 
Start time: 9.30am
Location: Silverwater Park
(located on the southern side of Silverwater Water Bridge – first left turn after crossing the bridge,
then loop back under the bridge).
  
We will stop for a coffee along the way. 
 
Please bring your helmet, water and sunscreen.
 
Please let me know by Monday 13 April (pm), if you would like to join the ride.

​Leader - Gerard Siddle
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Day Trips

Morning Tea With John Singleton - Thursday 26th March

Join us to raise funds for Parkinsons Australia at an uplifting, entertaining and truly special event at The Epping Club. Listen to an unfiltered conversation with special guest John Singleton - Australian entrepreneur, ad man and celebrated larrikin - as
he reflects on life, love and what it really means to be a senior.

Enjoy a Devonshire Tea.

Date: Thursday 26 March
​Where: The Epping Club 45 - 47 Rawson Street, Epping
Time: 10.15am for 10.30 am start
Meet: The Foyer The Epping Club

Seats are limited so if you would like to join us please let me know via the
Harmony email or by replying to this email ASAP. I will buy tickets on Tuesday
or Wednesday of this week.
​
Deposit $15 into the Probus Activities Account with your surname and
Singleton as a reference.

​How does an Amazon Warehouse really work?​

Leader - Helen Games
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No Dining out in March

Wednesday,15th April at 7:00PM
Dinner at The Pizza Pasta Kitchen
Shop 11, 83 David Road
Castle Hill
​Organizer: Marilyn Savic

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


Whilst we made a brief visit to Nelson Bay to finalise our programme, it was only two days before our meeting and just after this newsletter was published. Subsequently as per last months report. except:
Our numbers have increased to thirty-three members all of whom have paid their accommodation deposits
Next month we will confirm the respective costs and request payment into our activity account for our:
  • Whale watching cruise
  • ‘Cookabarra’ lunch and farm tour, and
  • ‘Fighter World’

As previously advised:
​
Evening Meals 
Our current preferences are the Golf Club, situated beside and behind our accommodation and the Bowling Club, situated on the other side with both being within an easy walking distance:
Monday; Nelson Bay Golf Club, 57 Dowling St, 6.00 for 6.30pm. 
​
Our Bluewater Grill restaurant offers quality food with a spectacular view! Overlooking the stunning view of the course and out to the headlands of Port Stephens. Our food is made with only quality ingredients, our signature Salt and Pepper Squid, Earth Bowls, Chicken Supreme and Lambs Fry are firm favourites. https://www.nelsonbaygolf.com/
The Golf Club

​

Tuesday, Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club, 63 Dowling Street, 6.00 for 6.30pm. 
Our Fin and Scales Restaurant is located on the first floor and overlooks the beautiful Nelson Bay Waterways, offering Seafood, Steak and Modern Club Classics.
https://nelsonbaybowlingclub.com.au/

The Bowling Club



Wednesday, Nelson Bay Golf Club, 57 Dowling St, 6.00 for 6.30pm, as above:

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Group activities

Tuesday, 10.00am. 2.5hr Whale Watching Cruise
Join Moonshadow TQC onboard their whale watching cruise venturing out to the ‘Humpback highway’ for the northern Whale migration during May-November for amazing viewing opportunities to see Whales.
You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and … the breathtaking breach.

Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary from the captain. You may also see some Australian Fur Seals, Common & Bottlenose dolphins, and view some of the outer islands
With great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants. A fully licensed bar is available on board for beverages, and snacks.
​
The current senior’s price is $75pp and departs the D’Albora Nelson Bay Marina 10.00am.
Optional walks, for those interested in walking, we suggest you walk from our accommodation to the marina (via the shops, cafes and breakfast options). This walk requires about 15min, excluding deviations.
Then following the cruise and allowing time for lunch we can walk along the waterfront to Little Beach and onto Shoal Bay (relatively level) and then back to our accommodation (mildly ascending).
This (post lunch) walk can vary from about 2.0 hours 2.5 hours dependant on how far we walk towards Shoal Bay, refer map below.
Wednesday, 12.00pm ‘Barramundi Lunch and Farm Tour’ Package
‘Cookabarra’ Restaurant and Function Centre, 476c Marsh Road Bobs Farm.
The centre is attached to a Barramundi and Hydroponic Vegetable Farm that also grows fresh produce on-site. Lunch is followed by a very informative guided tour of the Barramundi farm operation; tour duration is about 45 minutes to an hour.
Lunch Package Choices:
  • ‘Cookabarra’ Fish & Chips - Barramundi fillet lightly battered served with Salad
  • Oven roasted fillet with lemon butter, Lemon pepper served with Chips & Salad (can be GF)
  • Poached- Barramundi fillet poached in seafood broth with garlic, ginger, vegetables & steamed Jasmine rice (GF)
  • Chicken Schnitzel with chips and salad
Tour & Lunch Package $36.00 per person, lunch from 12.00pm (we need to preorder and will organise later) followed by the tour at 2.00pm. https://www.cookabarra.com/
Situated about 20 minutes from our accommodation.
​
Optional activities, this will give those interested the opportunity to visit the nearby Fighter World prior to lunch.
Fighter World includes fighter aircraft aviation heritage, 10.00am to 4.00pm, adjacent the RAAF base at Williamtown. Subject to adequate numbers we can have a guided tour which we will organise later, $16.00pp (senior).  https://fighterworld.com.au/
​Then following lunch on the return drive to Nelson Bay:
  • Gan Gan Lookout for 360-degree views, Lily Hill Road Nelson Bay
Enjoy the spectacular views of beautiful Port Stephens and beyond from Gan Gan Hill Lookout just off the main road which travels down into Nelson Bay. Accessible by car, this prominent viewpoint offers expansive views of Nelson Bay & beyond.
At your leisure activities
​
As with previous trips, apart from evening meals and a couple of group activities we also provide some options you can do at your leisure. For example:
Monday: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/council/news/2021/explore-mambo-wetlands-like-never-before
Tuesday:
  • Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, Cultural Place, Off Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay https://pscac.org.au/
  • A group walk along the waterfront, refer above
Wednesday: Thursday:
  • Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, 9.00am to 5.00pm, A2 Jessie Road, Anna Bay. Various options and prices, starting at $30pp (seniors). https://sharkencounters.com.au/
        These two options are almost neighbours and just off the road to Lemon Tree Passage
​
  • Play a round of golf on the adjoining Nelson Bay Golf Course, maybe stay an extra night
https://www.nelsonbaygolf.com/

Apart from the websites, further details of the above are also available at the Tourist Information Office, adjacent the marina.

Participants (as at 11/03/2026)
Accommodation

The Landmark, Nelson Bay, 61A Dowling St, Nelson Bay 2315, adjoins both the bowling and 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.
  • 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 & Payments (for accommodation )

Please make your own reservations directly for your accommodation, including payments as detailed above.

Once you have reserved your room please advise me via email:
  • Your surname/s
  • Number of people
  • Room type/s
After we finalise our program options, we will advise the applicable costs and request payment into the clubs’ activity account.

Except these specified payments, it is best if all other costs, e.g. accommodation (as above), meals and other activities are paid for directly by the participants.
 
Any questions, please give me a call.

​Max Henderson
Activity Leader
0404 020 985

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

Essentially as previously advised, it’s still too early to provide us with a cost for 2027.
​
Given we sought expressions of interest two years in advance, we had a pretty good response for this trip with 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 this year; however, the major tour operators had 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 those with potential single supplements.
I’m confident, once we have a ‘Tour Cost’ it should 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 was $5,000. Therefore, expect to pay more.
If interested:

 save the date and
 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.

To download the PDF of the flyer, click HERE
Leader - Max Henderson
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Garden Group – March 2026

During March, the garden group attended an educational talk at Bunnings in Rydalmere. The talk was on caring for indoor and outdoor palms, including soil preparation, positioning of palms, fertilizing and pruning. At the talk, Jan Byrne won a lucky door prize of a bottle of Seasol which I’m sure will very useful in her garden. Afterwards we had lunch at Sal’s Place Café in Rydalmere.

Our next Garden Group event will be visiting:

Flower Power - Glenhaven

Date -               Thursday 9 April 2026 
Time -              10am
Where -           Flower Power Nursery, 609 Old Northern Road, Glenhaven
Meet -              We will meet in Frankie’s Food Factory Café located inside the Nursery
Morning Tea – At your own expense.
 
Please note that Lorenza Powyer and Sue Small will be supervising our Garden Group event for April as I will be overseas.
​
If you are interested in attending please click one of the options listed in the Harmony Update email or by SMS to Lorenza Powyer on 0413 433 469 by 6th April 2026. 
Leader - Julie Stinson
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PictureTerry & Jeff
Golf Report - March 2026  News from The Bunker

HELLO Probus, Members
 
The Golf bonding day for March 2026 was held at the Fox Hills Golf Course, the weather conditions fantastic for golf on the day. We had 6 members attend while one got lost finding the course.

I do apologise for not providing better directions.

Our next game will be Friday April 10th at North Ryde Course. The WPH&D HarmonySite has been updated where you can indicate your intention to play or not play.

Please note that our next game was set down for Friday the 3rd of April this also being Good Friday it was decided to play the following Friday April 10th. Our harmony site has been updated to reflect this change.
 
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 - March 2026

Nothing planned for April as I will be away.

​Leader - Rene Beutler
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 March 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 30th March 2026 at 10:27 am
​​

All members are welcome.  Looking forward to seeing you there!
Leader- Helen Beutler
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​Movie Group - March 2026

​​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 March 2026 Report

We looked at the open and set subject images and had a discussion on a particular aspect of photography, this month being photographing reflections.

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 panning in photography to exhibit a sense of movement. We discussed how panning enabled a sense of dynamism in a photo, the merits of the subject being wholly sharp or partially blurred and the importance of the background.

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
​
Given the relatively few entries this month we picked only one image of the month from all the entries.
Congratulations Gerard Siddle
Honourable mention also to Elizabeth Wojtczak for her photo in portrait orientation preventing it from being considered as the banner photo for the month.
​

Outings
​
Our next event is Warbirds Over Scone Airshow in Late March
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 Gerard’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 April 1st at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm. We welcome all the fools plus others.
Rob Clarke
 
Set subject will be Reflections.
​
Rob Clarke
Activity Coordinator

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone​
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Table Tennis March 2026

The next session for this activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday in March (which is the day after the General Meeting 26th Mar 2026) 10am for 90 minutes at the Dural Squash Court, 895 Old Northern Rd Dural, for only $5 per player.  Coffee and/or lunch afterwards at Bezin Café 242 New Line Rd Dural.
All members are welcome.  There are both male & female players, suiting all level of play.  Please book the 4th Thursday of the month for all sessions in 2026. 
If you are interested and not already done so, please contact Enio Dona
Leader - Enio Dona
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                   All are welcome
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March 2026 Report

​Ten Pin Bowling took place last Friday and as has become customary there were some surprising results.

It was situation normal in game one with David & Bev having comfortable victories.

Game two however, saw Bev have a win over both the girls and the boys with Eric a close second. 


Worth noting is Deirdre’s win over Eric in game one & Carmen just falling short of beating John in game two.

The next bowling activity will take place on 15 May due to school holidays in April.
 
Leader - Doug Matthews
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Tennis Group report March 2026

Play has resumed and after such a long break it’s been good to get back into the game.
 
Bev & I have missed a couple of games recently, as we were away but hopefully things have continued in our absence
 
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​
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​Live Theatre March 2026


Cluedo -The Murder Mystery:
Our next theatre party is to Cluedo a play at the Theatre Royal at 7:00pm on Tuesday 5th May 2026.

Tickets are just $71 each, please register your interest by return email previously sent via Harmony Friday 20th March 2026

Travel will be via metro rail that evening from Cherrybrook to Martin Place station which is located close to the theatre.

Currently we have 26 attendees however, we can cater for any number. If you now wish to attend or missed our previous meeting, please let me know by email or record your interest directly on Harmony by the date payable below.

Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Professor Plum in the library with the wrench?

Payable by Friday 10 April 2026.

Payment Details:

WEST PENNANT HILLS/DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
BSB: 633-000
Account #: 167288844 
Description: Surname Cluedo

The Lion King:

Following strong interest last month in the return production of the Lion King at the Capitol Theatre from April 2026, we will be arranging a theatre party around July 2026 including return coach travel. Stay tuned for further details.

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to Sydney! More than 120 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular.

Whispering Jack -The John Farnham Musical:

We have secured a group booking of 35 Tickets for December 15, 2026, to, Whispering Jack a major new Australian production (now virtually sold out) presented by Sydney Theatre Company premiering at the Roslyn Packer Theatre for a limited 4-week season. Tickets are expected to be $150 each including return coach travel.

Starring Michael Paynter as John Farnham, this musical celebrates the story behind the 40th anniversary of the highest-selling Australian album of all time, covering his comeback from 1980 to 1986. An invitation to join us via Harmony will follow shortly with the communication date to be advised in advance in both the newsletter and our regular monthly meeting.
Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle
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Trivia March 2026

We had 18 attend Trivia on Thursday the 19th with some dining before the game starts. Everyone had a great time as usual , lots of laughs and scratching heads in frustration!!!

Looking forward to next month April 16th at the Dural Club, lounge area 7.00pm sharp!

If your interested in joining the Trivia nights please let Kim Nicholls or Hilda Somerfield know.
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Kim & Hilda
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Walking March 2026

The last walk was Bella Vista Metro to Norwest metro station.  It was a great day for a walk plus a great coffee with 15 attendees.

The next walk on the fifth Tuesday of the month I have planned the Aboriginal Heritage Walk in the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.  Most of this walk is grade 3 BUT it has some Grade 4 sections.  It has lots of steps (up & down), and you need to have good balance over the rough sections.  You need to be fit enough to carry your food & drink.  There is no coffee and limited toilets.  Hiking shoes with good outsoles are a must, trainers with no ankle support are really not acceptable.

You need to drive to Resolute Picnic area in the Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park. This will require a hour.  You may be required to pay $12 per car, so car pool.  Bring lunch and a drink, because you are not going to get any on this walk.  The walk is only 4.6km loop returning to the car but it feels like 6km.  At the end on the walk, you get to drive home.  Did I mention that there are lots of steps (up and down).

Note Google Maps gives good directions to Resolute Picnic Area, West Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW 2084
The reward is great views and some aboriginal artwork, Red Hands cave and great photos from West Head.  We will also visit two beaches.

Details of the walk, Tues Mar 31st 2026
   Meet:     Resolute Picnic Area Car park, West Head Rd, Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park
   When:   Tuesday Mar 31st 2026.
  Time:    10:15am at the Resolute Picnic Area Car park car park. You will need to leave home by 9am due to peak hour      traffic.
  Walk:     See description above
  Parking: Free parking at the Resolute Picnic area, but it may be $12 to get into the park.  
  Coffee:   None.
  Toilets:  At start and near end of walk at West Head.
  Lunch:   Bring your own food & water, a hat and camera.

Contact me if you want a lift.  Watch out you may even enjoy it.  Contact me if you want to be added to the mailing list.
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The normal walk for April will be held on Tuesday 14th, during the school holidays.  Please leave this date free for a walk which is still to be determined
Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

Photos From Last Walk 

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Wine & Cheese March 2026
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Thank you to Rashna and Cawas for hosting the March Wine & Cheese. Another good turnout of 23 people. The April Wine & Cheese will be held at the home of Sue and Santo Calabrese on Friday 10th April. Hope to see you all there.
 



Leaders  Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk
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Newsletter Editor for this month: Eric Scheeren