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West Pennant Hills and District Probus Club Inc.

Newsletter

Newsletter No. 32  - June 2019

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President's Report

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Tony Coote President

Hi fellow members

Thanks to our members for stepping up when other members are travelling. Max Henderson and Cathy Turner have covered the MC role at our monthly meetings and Enio Dona has covered walking while Bob Carritt is away. Glenda and I are travelling from late July to mid-September, and David Antonjuk will act a president during our absence.

Now that we are an established club, it’s a pleasure to assist other clubs that are just starting out on the journey. Jim Rolls, the president of the new Pennant Hills Combined Probus Club joined our last meeting to see how we operate. Thanks for making him welcome.

Douglas, Sue, Toni, Glenda and I attended a cluster 5 meeting for Activity Leaders and Guest Speaker Coordinators on June 4th. We picked up a number of ideas for new activities and interesting speakers.

At our June meeting we will be inducting 5 new members to our club. Please introduce yourself and make them very welcome. This takes our total membership to 107.

Just a reminder that we do welcome guests at our meetings and activities. And those guests are covered by Probus insurance in the same way our members are. But this insurance only covers three activities or events in any Probus year. So please ensure your guest comply and do not attend more than 3 activities.

Please take your mobile phone or camera along, and take photos for the newsletter when you attend activities. “A picture speaks 1000 words”.

We have a very full activities calendar, thanks to the tireless efforts of our activity leaders. Please come along and join in as many activities as you can. Enjoy your Probus Club!

Tony



Secretarial

Correspondence In
  • Received new members Probus  ID cards from PSPL. These will be handed to the Membership Officer at the June Committee meeting.

  • Received hard copy of the Active Retirees Magazine.

  • Received 2 emails on May 26 and June 2 from Kay Rankine the Cluster 5 leader about the meeting to be held on June 4 for the Activity Leaders and Speaker Convenors. This meeting is to be held at the Pennant Hills Bowling Club at 10.30. Our club is sending representatives . This meeting is so that the clubs in our cluster can share information in these areas.
  
Correspondence Out

None

Cathy Turner

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


Treasurer

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Membership

Please remember to notify the membership officers Lynne Henderson or Kim Nichols if you will be absent for an extended period of time, or if your personal details change.  

For any membership issues please contact Lynne or Kim or please email the Membership Officer at [email protected]

Lynne Henderson & Kim Nichols – Membership Officers


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Guest Speaker At June Meeting - JIM HAYNES - Australia’s most unbelievable true stories

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The son of British migrants, Jim attended Sydney Boys’ High and Sydney
Teachers’ College. He taught in schools and universities in NSW and Britain,
has two masters’ degrees in literature, from New England University and the
University of Wales in the UK, and is the author of 26 books. In 2016 Jim’s
book, Australia’s Best Unknown Stories, made it into the top ten best-seller
list for his publishers Allen & Unwin.

A professional entertainer since 1988, Jim has recorded for Festival, Sony
and ABC Music and has had many songs in the Country Music Charts,
including a number one with ‘Since Cheryl Went Feral’ and a national hit with
‘Don’t Call Wagga Wagga Wagga’. He won the Comedy Song of The Year
award four times and toured his own show for many years.


Jim still performs as an entertainer and speaker, works in radio as the
Australiana expert on 2GB. He was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in
the Australia Day Honour's List in 2016, 'for service to the performing arts as
an entertainer, author, broadcaster and historian'.

Sue Hackett & Donna Fraser

Welfare

Being a member of our Probus Club fills a gap for us retirees. It gives us a sense of purpose and community. Please take advantage of your club and its activities. It’s a great opportunity to socialise, and getting out and about will make you feel good.

It is important, as members of Probus that we care for the welfare of one another. Anyone with information about an illness, bereavement, physical disability or hardship affecting a member please advise me, in order for me to make contact and offer companionship and support. I’m available any time for a chat or a coffee.
 
Please be assured that all information provided will remain completely confidential.
 
Terry Ridge is assisting with welfare. He is another point of contact and will be available if I am absent from the club.
 
Marilyn Savic – Welfare Officer


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Lunch After the General Meeting Wednesday 26th June At 1 PM

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 I have made a reservation at THE BURROW,  132 Shepherds Drive, CHERRYBROOK, (Appletree Shops) for lunch after our next meeting on Wednesday 26th June.
 

Your SET MENU choice

 1. Beef & Bacon Burger Served with Chips & Onion Rings
 2. Honey Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Chicken (or without if need be)
 3. Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Linguini with White Wine Sauce
 4. Beer Battered Flathead Chips & Garden Salad

If you would like to join the group for lunch please let me know by
FRIDAY 21st JUNE and deposit $20 into the Activities Account

Drinks and extras to be paid separately at the Cafe


Please include Surname / Burrow

Looking forward seeing you at lunch!

​Glenda Coote
Activities and Events Coordinator



Important Notice – Attendance at Activities

As a matter of courtesy, please consider the Activity Organiser, and sign up and pay well in advance. It is very difficult for the organiser and the venue if most people have booked and paid well in advance, and a few people decide to turn up at the last minute. Restaurants and venues have often allocated tables, and squeezing extra people in is difficult. It also makes the job of accounting for the payments very confusing.

If you cannot attend a function that you have booked, please notify the Activity Organiser as early as possible so that the venue can be notified.  If you have already paid, your payment will be refunded if the venue agrees to accept the reduction in bookings. This is covered in detail in our Activity Refund Policy.

Because of several recent events, we are forced to change our policy. For pre-paid events, if your money is not in the Activities Account by the organiser’s due date, you will not be able to join the group at the venue.  You are of course free to make your own booking, but those who have paid in advance will have preference for seating, and if no space is available at the booked table you may have to sit separately.

Our Activity Organisers work hard to provide you with great activities. Please help make their job as easy as possible.

Photos From The Meeting On Wednesday 22nd May (Bain Shenstone)


New Zealand Cruise 8th to 20th November 2019

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There is still plenty of time to book on the award winning Celebrity Solstice for our Probus New Zealand Cruise so if you would like to, or are thinking of joining us, please let me know at our Probus Meeting.  There are currently around thirty members and member’s friends booked for a 12 Night/13 Day New Zealand Cruise from Auckland to Sydney from the 08 to the 20 November 2019.  

The Cruise Itinerary is as follows:




08 Nov 2019        1800                       Depart Auckland
09 Nov                  0800-1800            Tauranga
10 Nov                                                  At sea
11 Nov                  0800-1700            Wellington
12 Nov                  0800-1900            Akaroa (by tender)
13 Nov                  0730-1700            Dunedin
14 Nov                  0800-1800            Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound
15 Nov                                                  At sea
16 Nov                                                  At sea
17 Nov/18 Nov  0800/1700              Hobart  (overnight)
19 Nov                                                  At Sea
20 Nov                  0630                       Arrive Sydney 
 
For those who have already booked the cruise, this is a timely reminder to also book your flight and hotel accommodation in Auckland prior to our cruise departure.  There are many hotel choices in Auckland, however, there are a number of us who have booked into the M Social (a contemporary hotel overlooking the Princes Wharf). 

I am so looking forward to enjoying this wonderful cruise with a great group of fun-loving, like-minded friends.
 
Donna Fraser / WPH&D Probus Cruise 2019 Coordinator 


Activities & Leaders

As a result of the sign-up sheets at the Foundation Meeting and expressions of interest on application forms we have set up numerous activities and interest groups.

Newsletter Copy Deadline

Please provide your contributions for the July Newsletter by Friday 1th July.

Please email to Glenda Coote for activities or direct to Andrew Little for other articles.

Alternatively place directly into Dropbox under WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2019 July
​

Activities List

Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group    Leaders
Book Challenge Sue Calabrese
Book Club Bev Davison
Bridge Glenys and Graeme Hendry
Cards Enio Dona
Cruises Sue Hackett & Donna Fraser
Cycling Bruce Bartle & Tony Coote
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) Helen Games
Dining Out Douglas Lam, Glenda Coote
Gardening Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
Golf Tony Coote, Terry Ridge
Investment Group Mike McLeod
Lawn Bowls Morrie Fitzpatrick
Mixed Social Group Kim Nicholls
Movies Sue Small and Lorenza Powyer
Opal Card Overnight Trips Max Henderson
Overseas Travel Looking For Leader
Photography Rob Clarke
Ten Pin Bowling Douglas Matthews
Tennis Bob Davison
Theatre and Musicals Bruce Bartle
Walking Group Bob Carritt
Wine & Cheese Julie Shenstone, Susan Antonjuk
 
For an activity group to start, a member needs to step forward to lead the group
                              

Book Challenge

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We have officially reached 58% of our 93 book target. All active members are now at 50% or more of their targets, one having reached 70%! To date, we’ve read 54 books this year. I think that during winter we will all snuggle up to lots more good books and get even closer to the target.
 
You are still welcome to join us. You can join and back date to the beginning of the year, or you can set a target for the rest of the year, then post as you complete each book. Targets set so far range from 6 to 25. Our Facebook group is a closed group, so that you can only see posts if you are a member of this group. Search for WPH&D Probus Book Challenge from your Facebook page. If you really don’t want to do Facebook, you can still set a challenge and keep me updated via email. You can also unjoin at any time.
 
Hardcopy, ebook, audio book, fiction or non-fiction, substantial children’s books all allowed.
 
Leader - Sue Calabrese

Back To Activities List

Book Club

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June 2019 Report
 
 At our last meeting we received our current book “Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey”, apparently it’s the Australian version of “To Kill a Mockingbird”.
 
We next on Thursday evening 11th July.  We meet at eight weekly intervals.
 
Our future dates are, 5th Sept, 31st Oct, Dec (date tba), then in 2020 - 20th Feb, 16th April, 11 June, 6th Aug, 1st Oct, 26th Nov.  If you wish to join us just me know.


Leader - Bev Davison

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Bridge

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Bridge Group Newsletter for June 2019

The Bridge Group did not met last month, as Graeme was having day surgery.

The group is now 6, as one member has pulled out.  If there are any more members that have finished or having lessons, and would like to start playing, then please give us a call, it is a friendly game with no pressure.

Please note that the next meeting is Tuesday 25th June 2019.




Leaders - Glenys and Graeme Hendry

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Cycling

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Cycling Group June 2019
The ride we had planned for June - Bella Vista to Windsor did not go ahead. Bruce did the ride and said the track is in poor condition and not suitable for us. And then it rained on 5th June so the alternate ride was also cancelled.

On Wednesday 3rd July, we will ride from Silverwater down the South side of the Parramatta River to Meadowbank, have a coffee, cross over the river and return along the North side of the river, crossing over the Silverwater Bridge back to our starting point.


We will start and finish at Wilson Park which is on the south side of the Parramatta River next to the exit from Silverwater Road immediately south of the bridge on the left. (Clyde Street). Lets meet there at 9.30AM.

Its a safe ride on bike tracks or very quiet back streets. Mostly flat with just a few gentle grades.
Please let me know if you will be joining the ride.

Next cycling group event - Wednesday 3rd July.

Rydalmere to Rhodes and return Meet at 9.30.

Contact Tony Coote
.

Leaders - Bruce Bartle & Tony Coote

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Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry)

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2nd July 2019 - Sydney University Heritage Tour with Lunch

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This includes an escorted tour of Sydney University’s Camperdown Campus and a visit to the Nicholas Museum – home to nearly 30,000 artefacts of artistic and archaeological  significance from Egypt, Greece, Cyprus and the near East.

Lunch: $40. The majority voted for lunch.
When: Tuesday 2nd July
Time: 10.15 for a 10.30 start

Address: Sydney University Camperdown. Meet at the clock tower.

Meet: Cherrybrook Community Centre Carpark at 9.15 to carpool

Please deposit of $40 into the WPH and D Probus Club Activities Account by Friday 21st June

Include your surname and Sydney Uni

Discovery Day at CMRI - Thursday 23rd May

This day trip proved to be a fantastic day of learning for us all.

The entertaining Jennifer Philps gave a talk on Genetics – The Future is Now. This was followed by a home-made morning tea.

Prof Ian Alexander then explained about Gene Therapy and described the wonderful work that was being carried out. Having worked in research for 35years Ian was so excited about the research that was going on today, that he did not want to retire.
We were then taken around the research laboratories by three researchers who explained what was being studied in the Gene Therapy and Genome Integrity Unit.

Following lunch James Duffy launched the 2019 Jeans for Genes Project.
Researchers at CMRI came from all over the world. We felt privileged to be given an insight into the this fascinating world of genetics.

Manly via Metro, Train and Ferry - Tuesday 18th June

Nine members made the journey from Castle Hill to Manly. The day was fine as we left Castle Hill on the Sydney Metro at 10.00am. By 10.50am we were drinking coffee at City Extra Restaurant at Circular Quay in glorious sun shine.

We took the Metro to Chatswood, train to Circular Quay and ferry to Manly. Each change took only a few minutes. The ferry journey gave us time to appreciate the beautiful harbour, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. The tourist clicked away taking photos and we realized how lucky we were to live only a 50 minute, $2.50 Opal Card journey, away.

As it was fine, we chose to walk along North Steyne, parallel to the beach. We had lunch at the Blue Water Grill before returning home.

Everyone gave the Sydney Metro a thumbs up – it was state of the art technology, fast and efficient.
Leaders - Helen Games, Glenda Coote
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Dining Out

Next Dining Out -

I have booked for 20 people (fairly flexible for more) on 30th June 6:30PM at PHO SAM Vietnamese Restaurant in Epping.

The banquet menu can be downloaded HERE.

Please deposit $40 per person to the Activities Account and include surname & Pho Sam.

Please let me know as well via email
.

Leaders - Douglas Lam, Glenda Coote

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Gardening

This month we visited the Lilian Fraser Garden in Pennant Hills. This small piece of land donated to the Hornsby Council by Dr Fraser in the 80s offers locals a quiet retreat full of substantial and rare trees as well as the more common plants of our own backyards. Our outing ended with lunch at the West Pennant Hills Sports Club.

Additionally we attended our regular garden session at Castle Hill Bunnings held on the second Thursday of the month. Meet at Bunnings 10.30 am for an 11.00am start.

Tree Dahlia
Bee-hive in one of the trees
The Gardening Group
Leaders -  Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
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Golf

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Probus Golf June 2019

Next golf day is Friday 5th July at Asquith.


The Calendar for remainder of 2019, has been updated as at 25.04.2019 to show our proposed plan for the remainder of 2019.

Each of the courses has a member of that club listed, and it is up to them to make the arrangements with support from the Probus golf conveners.

The normal format will be an 8AM start for the 18 hole people followed by a 10AM start for the 9 hole people, followed by lunch at the course or a nearby venue.

Sign-up sheets will be put out on the back table at each of the General Meetings.

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Golf Photos

Cop This!
Don't Hit The Tree!
The Racing Cart Boys
Oh What A Feeling
Too Many Choices!
Co-Leaders: Terry Ridge & Tony Coote
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Investment Group

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As previously mentioned, our current share market game is coming to a close on the 21st June and the winning team will be announced at the Investment Group lunch on Thursday 27th June.

Following our May meeting and with excellent feedback and input from the attendees, The Investment Group members, under the leadership of David Antonjuk, are currently evolving, agreeing and planning the future programme for the Investment Group for the 2020 financial year.



Accordingly, the meeting date for July is still to be set and will be communicated to all members in due course.

Leader - Mike McLeod

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Lawn Bowls

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Barefoot Bowls

Bowls will now be held on Wednesday afternoons in an effort to increase the playing numbers.

Next barefoot bowls TBA






Leader - Morrie Fitzpatrick

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Mixed Social Group

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Hi All

Our Mixed Social Group will meet for a catch up and coffee on:

Monday 24th June
11.00am
Castle Hill RSL
Bistro Area


Hope to
See You All There!


Leaders- Kim Nicholls & Sue Cordukes

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Movies

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Our movie group was able to choose from three movies all starting within half an hour of each other. This was great as it gave us a lot of options and all finished within an acceptable time to then gather at The Three Beans Café for lunch. The movies were Rocketman, POMS and The Hustle. All enjoyed their movie of choice!

Join us for Movies on the first Tuesday of the month. Members will be informed of the movies presented for viewing so watch out for an e-mail a few days before the first Tuesday.
Leaders – Lorenza Powyer & Sue Small
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Opal Card Overnight Trips

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Opal Card Trips – Our Next Potential Trip
 
As per our previous trips to Canberra & the Blue Mountains we would depart on Sunday and return Wednesday (3 nights-4 days) with flexibility for those that may desire a shorter or longer stay.

Current feedback favours the Southern Highlands and to fit in with our other activities the only opportunity appears to be from Sunday 20th October.

This smorgasbord of activities include the Rotary Garage sale 12 & 13 October, our November cruise, our January Tamworth trip and another trip in April to Central NSW, so if we don’t go in October we won’t have another chance until October 2020. NB; my preference for these trips is October and/or April being change of seasons which generally afford better weather conditions.

So I’m seeking your suggestions in regards to suitable accommodation and/or attractions for the Southern Highlands, to determine if we can offer an appropriate trip.
Leader - Max Henderson
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Photography

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The theme for the last month was portraits. Several members attended a portrait photography workshop on Wed evening 22nd May at Bain’s residence. We all had a go at seeing the effects of lighting and experienced modelling.

Our semi-professional model Keith again was very photogenic. The follow-up review and planning meeting on Wed 5th was an intimate affair with 2 attendees and a “phone a friend”. The available photos and other portrait photos were reviewed.

The theme for this month is shadows.  A studio type workshop concentrating on shadows was held at Bain’s place on Thursday 13th June at 2:00pm. The workshop experimented with different still life images lights and positions.

The next meeting will be at the Clarke’s residence, 17 Patricia Place Cherrybrook on Wednesday July 3 at 7:30pm.

Leader - Rob Clarke

Photos By Members Of The Photography Group (otherwise known as the "IG" - Interest Group!)

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Ten Pin Bowling

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Ten Pin Bowling Report
 
Ten Pin bowling took place on Friday 17 May.

We had 3 new players, Fran & Maurie Fitzpatrick, who swapped the grass of the bowling green for the boards at the alley, together with Bruce Fraser. They impressed on the day.
The highlight of the day was the excellent bowling from Max Henderson who had a gripping battle with David Turner in game 1 and went close to breaking David’s record.

Following the bowling we spent some time at the Castle Hill Tavern trying to pick the winner of the Federal Election & to solve some of the problems facing the world today.

As advised in the past, I will send a “sms” to all who have played previously, or expressed an interest in playing, a week out from game day asking for those wishing to play to get back to me by “sms” by Monday morning so I can book lanes.

If anyone else would like to participate please complete the sheet at the monthly meeting, or contact me.

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Leader - Doug Matthews
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Tennis

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Tennis Group Report- June 2019

Bev & I are away currently away but Tennis continues with Greg Holmes holding the fort.
 
We play at West Pennant Hills Sports Club every Monday at 8.30am.
 
Why not come along and join in a new activity, we would welcome more players.  Your standard of play isn’t important, just come along and give it a go, you might surprise yourself and have fun.


Leader - Bob Davison

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Theatre and Musicals

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Live Theatre June 2019

We will be attending SYMT’s next production, The Producers at Hornsby RSL Club on Friday 19 July 2019 at 7:30 pm with tickets just $32.
 
Based on the 1968 film, Mel Brook’s musical The Producers is a laugh-out-loud, outrageous, crowd-pleasing farce that has been a smash hit since its 2001 debut. Which ran for 2,502 performances, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards.
 
This is always a great night out, as usual we will be reserving some dining space in the club bistro that night for dinner at 6:00pm beforehand further detail to follow shortly
 
Please deposit $32 per attendee to join WPH Rotary Club at what should be a great show:
no later than Friday 28 June.
 
West Pennant Hills and District Probus Club Activities and Events Account
Please quote your surname and “Producers"
 
We also have 37 members interested in attending our theatre party to Billy Elliot the Musical 10 Year Anniversary Tour on Wednesday 23 October 2019 at the Lyric Theatre at 7:00pm. Ticket prices inclusive of return coach travel are now confirmed at $102. We have 40 tickets reserved so early payment will secure your seat.   
 
Acclaimed by audiences and critics alike, Billy Elliot the Musical is the recipient of over 85 awards internationally, including 10 Tony Awards, 5 Olivier Awards and 8 Helpmann Awards.
 
Please deposit $102 per attendee into our Probus Activities account no later than Friday 26 July.
 
West Pennant Hills and District Probus Club Activities and Events Account
Please quote your surname and “Billy Elliot"

Leader - Bruce Bartle
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Travel Within Australia

TBA
Leader - Tony & Glenda Coote
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Walking Group

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Tuesday 11th June Baulkham Hill Heritage Walk

It was a lovely day for a walk, sixteen members completed the 6.4km walk around Quarry Creek and Toongabbie Creek, up to Crestwood Reverse, onto the Crestwood shops for coffee & lunch.

The walk was on paved foot / bicycle paths without any steps.  This walk displays the local fauna in the form of Blackbutt & Ironbark trees and covered the area of first white man settlement in Baulkham Hills.

Next walk is on July 9th (second Tuesday of the month) and it will be the Burraga Track in the Bidjigal Reserve.  

More details will be emailed a few days before the next walk

Enio Dona


 Baulkham Hill Heritage Walk Photos

Leaders - Bob Carritt & Ian Palmer
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Wine & Cheese

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Wine & Cheese Night June 2019

June W& C was held at Ken & Toni Smith’s apartment in Kellyville on Friday 14th.




 Leader  Julie Shenstone
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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: Andrew Little
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