Newsletter No. 44  - July 2020
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON ZOOM AT 10.30AM NEXT WEDNESDAY 22nd July (see below for details on installing & logging in to the Zoom meeting.  If you want help in installing Zoom please let Andrew Little or Rob Clarke know)

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President's Report

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President’s Report – July 
            
Since the outbreak of Covod-19in late February, the club has had to go into hibernation mode in order to comply with constantly changing regulations. We all still need to be aware that complacency is our enemy. Adherence to current and future Covid restrictions is essential to our members’ safety. We are now slowly starting up a few of our activities.

The attendance at outdoor events has been outstanding as everyone rushed to catch up with their Probus friends. However, we need to maintain firm discipline and we cannot become complacent. So please make informed decisions on whether you should attend these events.

At the latest Committee meeting we agreed that we will be continuing with Zoom meetings until at least September. Even though it presents a few difficulties, it is still well attended and an opportunity for a bit of a chat with friends. Our thanks go to Rob & Rosemary Clarke who allow us to use their extended Zoom licence and who manage the allocation of time and sound to each of the presenters.

At this month’s meeting Jeff Swan will present the new membership and waiting list policy to members for approval. I think we have clarified a few of the issues around acceptance of new members and our aim is to have a totally transparent process that is clear to members who wish to have friends join the club, and also to those who will find themselves on the waiting list. I recommend the new policy to you.

As I have emphasized before, please let Cathy Turner know if you need assistance during these difficult Covid-19 times. Even if you just feel the need for some company, we can arrange for someone to visit.

In the meantime, keep active and join us on Zoom and on some of the planned outings.

Bob Carritt

Secretarial

Correspondence In

Received from PSPL copy of 2020-2121 Certificate of Currency for our insurance cover

Correspondence Out

None
Bev Dona

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

Treasurer

TREASURER’S REPORT    For the Month of June 2020

 
GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance      1st June 2020               $3803.45  
Fees                                                                       359.00
Interest                                                                      0.16
Domain renewal                                                       (41.95)
Closing cash balance     31st June 2020          $4120.66
                                                                      
 
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance      1st June 2020               $15315.31  
Interest                                                                       1.65
Deposits                                                                   236.00  
Payments                                                                         -
Closing cash balance     31st June 2020          $15552.96
 
 
The activities that remain open at the end of the month are:
 
Activity                                              Balance               
Bright trip                                         11000.00
Batemans Bay                                     3200.00                
Frozen                                                  702.00
Windsor                                                 36.00                 
                                                    $14938.00
Add:
Interest received                                      9.98
Activities surplus                                  604.98
Bank balance                               $15552.96
 
TERM DEPOSIT
$5 000 is invested in a Term Deposit with Bendigo at 1.85%.  Estimated interest to date is $88.45.
 
The Term Deposit is due to be rolled over on 9th July.  Alternatives to retaining the Bendigo Bank are being researched.
 
INTEREST
For the year to date, we have received $98.94 in interest from both the general and activities accounts. 
 
SURPLUS
The activities surplus stands at $604.98.
 
 
Ian Roberts
Treasurer
22nd June 2020

Membership

Just 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. 

Our membership is currently full, at the agreed maximum of 110.

Jeff Swan – Membership Officer

Welfare

I was glad to hear about Hilda’s good news re her surgery. She is recuperating well and not doing anything too strenuous yet!
Marilyn is still battling with her rehab for her knee reconstruction. Any improvement is a step forward!

Mike McLeod is hopefully coming back to Probus Golf in August. I know the golf group are looking forward to seeing him again after he has spent several months of intensive recuperation and many doctors’ appointments for a very serious problem before Christmas.

There are a couple of other members who have also been through some rough situations, please be assured that we are keeping in contact with them.

If you, or you know of anyone who has some exciting news… new grandchildren, weddings etc or may need our support, please let either Terry Ridge or myself know so that we can provide help if required.

Cathy
 
Cathy Turner & Terry Ridge – Welfare Officers

July Meeting Speaker - Carol Russell - "The World of Finance Post Royal Commission & Covid 19"
And
Nadia Messiha - "Wills & Power Of Attorney"

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Carol Russell,  Branch Principal and Franchisee owner at Yellow Brick Road, Castle Hill. Also a Rotarian with Rotary Club of West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook and it was via the kind invitation of Max Henderson and I am grateful for the opportunity.
 
Carol worked in the Banking industry for 20 or so years as a Financial Adviser, then 12 years ago moved to Castle Hill and started the Franchise with Yellow Brick Road as a Mortgage Broker and continued with Broking and in the Advice business until last year.  Today her business in mortgage broking has grown so she focus’s full time on that now, her very large client base keep her busy.
 
Belongs to Sydney Hills Business Chamber and Business Network International.
 
Carol has 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. 
 

Carol Russell​
Branch Principal & Mortgage Broker
Yellow Brick Road ‑ Castle Hill
Family Secure Pty Ltd - ABN 82 139 574 986
99 Showground Road, 
Castle Hill
NSW
2154

T 02 8850 6515 | 
M 0418 431 157 | 

E [email protected]
 | 
www.ybr.com.au

CR: 379114 - Credit Representative of Yellow Brick Road Finance Pty Limited
​ACN: 128 708 109 - ​Australian Credit Licence (ACL): 393195
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Nadia Messiha is a Hills local who has been in the legal industry for over 19 years and a practicing lawyer for 12.    She is self employed her business is Hills Family Lawyers… A mother, daughter and sister, she understands the importance of having estate planning documents well in order to protect family and loved ones. 
 
Nadia Messiha
Principal Director  
Hills Family Lawyers
Care. Clarity. Confidence.
 
A: Unit 302, 33 Lexington Drive, Bella Vista NSW 2153
P:  Po Box 8117 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153
T: 1300 HILLS LAW (1300 44 55 75) 
E: [email protected] 

 Photos From June Zoom Meeting (none taken)

Birthday  Celebrations

Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in June
 
Carolyn Carroll
John Cauchi
Wendy Crispe
Christine Ellis
Hilary Graham
Max Henderson
Karen Matthews
 Ian Palmer
Edith Swan


PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON ZOOM AT

10.30AM NEXT WEDNESDAY 22nd July.

Zoom login details, including Meeting ID & Password have been emailed by Rob Clarke to all members.

If you want help in installing Zoom please let Andrew Little or Rob Clarke know.
Make sure you turn on your video. We ask you not to turn on your audio as having to many people on audio makes it impossible for anyone to hear anything.

Bright trip - 19 to 29 April 2021

We have 51 confirmed travellers and we are unable to take any more people due to venue capacities. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list please email Rob Clarke.

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 in Victoria we will continue to monitor the outbreak. At this stage it is to early to determine if the trip will proceed. With some promising vaccines in clinical trials we are very hopeful the virus will be behind us by April next year.
 
At this stage, all deposits are fully refundable.
 
If you have any questions on this trip please do not hesitate to call me or contact me by email.

Rob Clarke

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 14th August.

Please email to Enio Dona or Bev Davison for activities or direct to Andrew Little for other articles.

Alternatively place directly into Dropbox under WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2020 08

​
Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group    Leaders
Book Challenge Sue Calabrese
Book Club Bev Davison
Bridge Rob Clarke
Cards David Turner, Barbara Taylor 
Cycling Bruce Bartle
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) Helen Games
Dining Out Wendy Carritt
Domestic Travel Max Henderson
Gardening Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
Golf Terry Ridge
Investment Group David Antonjuk
Mens Club Rene Beutler
Mixed Social Group Kim Nicholls
Movies Sue Small and Lorenza Powyer
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 & Enio Dona
Wine & Cheese Julie Shenstone, Susan Antonjuk
 
For an activity group to start, a member needs to step forward to lead the group
                              
WPH&D PROBUS BOOK CHALLENGE
 
🤷One month left in the CurlUpAndReadChallenge📚
 
13 reads this month. 37 is now our total for CUARC, with just over a month to go. Maybe join the next challenge in September? Just search Facebook for WPH&D Book Challenge.
 
Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson –Emily lives in the shadow of her outgoing and popular friend. When the friend suddenly disappears, leaving a list of tasks for Emily to complete, the list proves to be just what Emily needed to become the young woman she needed to be – go skinny dipping, go to a party alone, kiss a stranger, hug a Jamie, dance til dawn and so on. A remarkable coming of age novel.  
 
The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri –Nuri, a beekeeper, and his wife Afra, an artist, escape the death and mayhem of Aleppo, Syria, after their little boy is blown up and the rebels try to force Nuri to fight or be killed. Their journey to England is filled with other horrors both right in front of them in their journey, and also in their minds as they try to cope with past horrors. A brilliant book with many awards.
 
The Chocolate Makers Wife by Karen Brooks – Set in the times of the Plague and the great fire of London, it is a story about Rosamund, born into poverty and married off to a nobleman. A turbulent life, interesting characters and a love story with an eventual happy ending.
 
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf – This was a Book Club read. Very gentle, moving, bold, sad, and very short! An elderly widow approaches an elderly widower to spend the night with her (friendship and companionship please!) – what a brave thing to do. They cope with the small town reactions to their chosen life, and become emboldened to just not giving a damn about it – until the son shows up…... Written in the last months of the author’s life.
 
A Dog Called Hope by Jason Morgan/Damien Lewis – a beautiful true book about overcoming adversity and how support can make a difference. In this case the supporter Napal, a service dog, who helped the paralysed Jason regain control of his life.
 
The Beach House by Peter de Jonge – built up into a spectacular exposé of the seedy side of wealth and power.
 
The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher – a collection of short stories – well written but very ‘dark’.
 
Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton – yes – an abused childhood can produce very wounded people, but can also make them into very special adults. The young boy is friends with, and mentored by, murderers, bikies, drug dealers. A truly dysfunctional family – mum and partner are drug dealers (for the sake of the family) brother is a worldly wise mute, father is a drunk. Really powerful story with such an amazing link between so many diverse happenings that bring everything to a climax of revenge and karma. Riveting to the end.
 
Leader - Sue Calabrese
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Book Club - July 2020 Report

We held our meeting online again on Thurs 9th July.  It is always so nice to have a quick catch up before we discuss our latest read, which was Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf.  It was only a small book and I think everyone enjoyed it.
 
We have chosen Mortal Remains by Kathy Reichs as our next book and we meet again on 6th August to discuss this.

 
Even though restrictions are easing we will still hold our meetings via zoom for the time being.
 
Happy reading

Bev Davison

Leader - Bev Davison
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Bridge Group










Leaders - Looking For Leader(s)
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Cards Report

A couple of suggestions……

500 Trickster is a great website you can use to play 500.

You can play with friends or you can play against the computer and improve your skills!
Hearts classic card game is another website you can go to. Playing against the computer as a beginner, average player or a Pro all help in honing your card skills.

Beware though, they can be addictive and before you know it an hour or 2 has slipped by!!



Leaders - David Turner & Barbara Taylor
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Cycling Group: July 2020
 
On Wednesday 8 July 2020 we resumed cycling with a group of 6 around the Olympic precinct commencing from Wilson Park Silverwater culminating in morning coffee overlooking the Parramatta River, great to catch up with you all again!
 
 Our next ride is scheduled for Wednesday 12 August with details to follow shortly.
 

This group has been growing steadily and new riders are always welcome, so come along and enjoy our next ride as always mainly on dedicated cycle paths and of course our mandatory coffee break!!

Bruce

Bruce Bartle & Tony Coote
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Windsor Wandering - Wednesday 29 July

I am making plans for our first day trip after the Covid restrictions.

Attached you will find details of the historic walk around Windsor. If you would like to join us please let me know by Friday 26th June using email or SMS and state if you would prefer to take a picnic or buy lunch somewhere - I was thinking of the Lynwood Club at Pitt Town.

When I know roughly how many people will be attending I will be able to organize groups and ask for payment.
To download the flyer CLICK HERE.
If you have any great ideas about trips for next year please let me know.

Leader - Helen Games
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Dining out has been cancelled until further notice
Leader - Wendy Carritt
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Please note that Max has been recycled as leader of Domestic Travel which now replaces Opal Card Overnight Trips & Travel Within Australia.
Batemans Bay Trip, Monday 19 to Thursday 22 October 2020

Activities
Please note this is a very flexible trip with how much or little you do is entirely up to you. As per the Opal Card trips we will try for a major attraction each day plus various other attractions all of which will undoubtedly have various levels of appeal. Thus we recommend you do some homework (at least check out the web sites provided) to ascertain your individual preferences.
To allow us to make reservations on your behalf, during August we will email you a spread sheet seeking your preferences for the key activities and evening meals.
So unless we have made reservations for you (e.g. whale watching or a river cruise), it’s whatever appeals to you and is “at your leisure”.
Given this is a self-drive trip and the size of our group, hopefully except for the evening meals, we will need to break into smaller groups for most activities.
For starters, we can readily break into two groups by simply adopting the “odd” or “even” number allocated, via email on receipt of your request for accommodation. This will allow say the “odds” on Tuesday and the “evens” on Wednesday to do the same activities and vice versa.

Our current itinerary (WIP - work in progress) is:
  • Monday, enjoy a leisurely drive to Batemans Bay. We have identified four alternative routes that vary from (about four to four and half hours) 310km to 340km drive (details will be provided later);
    1. M7, Hume Hwy to Picton Road and then Princess Hwy to Batemans Bay
    2. As per 1), except with a coastal detour from Kiama to Bomaderry/Nth Nowra
    3. M7, Hume Hwy via the Southern Highlands and Kangaroo Valley, then the Princess Hwy
    4. M7, Hume Hwy to Goulburn, then via Braidwood and the Kings Hwy
  • Tuesday (or Wednesday), visit the amazing Mogo Zoo https://mogozoo.com.au/ and the historic gold rush village of Mogo (lunch option), both of which are within a 30 minute round trip of Bateman’s Bay.
Or extend the trip with some sightseeing along the coast back to Batemans Bay. How long you stay at the zoo is up to you/your driver.
  • Wednesday (or Tuesday), road trip encompassing the various townships (such as Tomakin, Broulee, Mogo, Moruya, Tuross Head and Bodalla) south of Batemans Bay to Narooma. https://www.southcoast.com.au/eurobodalla
If you stay on the highway Narooma is about a fifty minute drive (70km) prior to adding the option of a couple of scenic coastal roads off the highway, a) Batemans Bay to Moruya (suggest one for the return trip) and b) leave the highway just north of Narooma and follow the scenic drive to the villages of Kianga and Dalmeny.

Moruya is situated on the beautiful Moruya River, a country town in the traditional style with a number of historic buildings.
Bodella is a thriving community that offers diverse range of attractions, including the 1880's All Saints Church and its historic streetscape.  You can also visit the famous Bodella Dairy.

Narooma is a favourite holiday destination on land almost completely surrounded by the waters of Wagonga River, its estuary and the sparkling Pacific Ocean.

It has numerous attractions including the waterside boardwalks (breakwalls), Montague Island, various whale watching cruises (we are there during peak season), “Lynch’s Hotel” and “The view - coffee & bites” café both provide a $M view and are great lunch options, fresh oysters (just before and on the northern side of the bridge) and the Visitors Centre-Museum of Lighthouse.

One of the better Whale Watching operators appears to be Montague Island Discovery Cruises with departure times of 8.30am, 10.30am and 1.00am: https://montagueislandtours.com.au/whale-watching/
The 10.30 and 1.00 cruises will require either a late or early lunch, regardless it is recommended you take sea sick tablets prior to departing.

Time permitting the Heritage Listed village of Tilba Tilba is a further twenty minutes south (20km) of Narooma and includes a great bakery, leather goods, woodworks, antiques, cafes and a cheese factory.

  • Wednesday Alternative, if either Mogo Zoo or the Narooma day trip don’t appeal, an alternative is a leisurely day around Bateman’s Bay.
This may include a three hour lunch cruise with Merinda Cruises along the Clyde River, inclusive of lunch (fish & chips) and a stopover at Nelligen. Boarding from 11.00am, departing 11.30am and returning about 2.30pm.
Please note this cruise only operates four days per week (Mon, Wed, Fri  & Sat), as such we are restricted to Wednesday and your other experience (Zoo or Narooma) will need to be Tuesday.
Whilst they don’t have a webpage, for an insight try:
https://www.visitnsw.com/things-to-do/tours/merinda-cruises

  • Thursday, return home via for example Huskisson (lunch at the pub) and Berry (all those craft shops). Alternatively make this the beginning on a longer holiday and travel either further down the coast (not necessarily into Victoria) or visit Canberra via Braidwood, variation to the route 4 option.
 
Evening Meals
Whilst it’s preferable we all catch up over the evening meals, we may have to break into smaller groups, current thoughts (any suggestions?) are:
Monday, “welcome evening” the hotel has a function room that can accommodate 100 people (pre Covid) and will allow us to utilise. Considering pizzas followed by a Wine & Cheese Night with our very own DJ, guess who?
Please bring something appropriate for the wine and cheese component.
Tuesday, the Soldiers Club: 
https://www.baysoldiers.com.au/dining-bars
Wednesday, “farewell dinner” the hotel has a great bistro that can readily accommodate our group.
http://www.marinerswaterfront.com.au/bistro
Whilst we still have almost three months, we may have to amend some aspects, e.g. the “welcome evening” to be Covid safe.

 
Car Pooling
To provide some social opportunities and reduce the number of cars, carpooling is a preferred option. We recommend participants/passengers are varied each day.
For the longer trips we suggest you organise these in advance, i.e. to and from Batemans Bay and to a lesser extent the Narooma day trip. The Mogo Zoo could be almost done on the day.
Just check you are not leaving anyone in the carpark.
 
Rooms
Except for a few Standard rooms (similar to the Superior/Executive rooms, minus the water views) we have now booked all the available rooms in the hotel.

Our hotel is Mariners on the Waterfront https://www.marinerswaterfront.com.au/

Located on the waterfront in Batemans Bay CBD and just a 2-minute walk from a choice of restaurants and shopping.
The bistro offers fresh seafood and Australian/Asian cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Both cooked and continental breakfasts are available from 07:00-10:00 every morning. The lounge bar offers a relaxing place to enjoy a drink and a meal with friends or family. Fresh local Clyde River oysters are also available.
Nightly room rates (for our group booking) are-

  • Standard room $109                      $327 for 3 nights                    (only ones now available)
  • Superior room $129                       $387 for 3 nights
  • Executive room $129                     $387 for 3 nights
  • Deluxe room $159                          $477 for 3 nights

Continental breakfast $10pp or both continental and cooked buffet breakfast for $20pp.
With dinner requirements they can offer a 2 course alternate drop menu, with your choice of entree/main or main/dessert for $30-$35pp or order individually from the Bistro menu. They are also happy to look after any dietary requirements.
 
Hotel payments
Whilst the $100 deposit is refundable with no cancellation fees, provided we advise the hotel before 10 October, please me let me know prior to the end of September.
We will require the accommodation balance by the end of September.
All payments should be paid into the Activities Account and identified by your Surname & Mogo.
Whilst I’m only too happy to book additional rooms, this will be subject to both a $100 deposit and availability.
Please email me at [email protected] for all reservations, include:
  • Number of people and names
  • Room preference (Standard only)
  • Twin share or double room
  • Number of nights (if other than the three specified dates are required).
  
Costs
Except for the stated accommodation costs and the “welcome evening” (Monday Night), it is best if all other costs, e.g. breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all activities, including cruises and zoo are paid for separately on the day, by the participants.
Please add $15.00pp for the “welcome evening” to your balance due for accommodation.
Other indicative costs:
  • Mogo Zoo $34.00pp ($29.00pp concession) admission for adults
  • Whale Watching (Narooma) $79.00pp (group booking) for a 2.5 hour cruise
  • Merinda River Cruises (Batemans Bay) $48.00pp ($45.00pp concession)
 
Other
We have deposits for 30 rooms from 58 people and will continue to fine tune this report each month, with regard to:
  • any suggestions for attractions and dining options, plus
  • we have a better understanding of the impact of both the bushfires and varying Covid restrictions.
Any suggestions or questions please give me a call.
Looking forward to both your company and a great trip.

 
Max Henderson
Refurbished Activity Leader
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​In June we visited ‘Eden Gardens’ for a nice morning tea/ coffee before a relaxing meander around the extensive gardens and ‘landscaping ideas’ areas.  Following our tour of the nursery we took a short drive to the North Ryde RSL for a long chat and a well-earned wine with our lunch.  
Our August Garden Day, will be on 13 August

We’ll be visiting the Chinese Gardens of Friendship,
Pier Street – Cnr Harbour Street, Darling Harbour. 

Following a walk around the gardens and general Darling Harbour area, we’ll either have lunch at one of the many local cafes at Darling Harbour or take a short walk to Chinese Town to have lunch ‘in theme’ with our morning - majority vote of our lunch venue.
​
Travel plans for the day are: 
Catch the Rivercat from Rydalmere Wharf - ferry leaving at 9.58. (please meet at the wharf at 9.45).
Leaders -  Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
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Golf Group July2020

Hello again from the WPH&D Probus Golf Bunker (my study).

Our first Probus Golf day since Covid was a great success at North Ryde Golf Club.



Our players had a wonderful day although due to social distancing to nine-hole players and 18 hole-players were unable to compare their scores. Nine-hole players were having pies and sausage rolls at the golf club while the eighteens were having gourmet burgers at the Ranch Hotel.

Our next game will be at Muirfield thank you to Max Henderson.

I will forward the start sheet in a day or so.

Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship

Terry
Leader - Terry Ridge
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Investment Group - July
 
Given the unprecedented (most overused word of the year?) and highly fluid situation with the spread of the coronavirus throughout the community, we have for the foreseeable future, suspended the Investment Group meetings.






Leader - David Antonjuk
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MEN'S CLUB - July

The Probus Men's Group is back!

This year we will be holding our activities on the 3rd Monday of each month. Please reserve the dates in your diary.

Monday afternoon the Men's Group soaked up the sun at Edward Bennett Park.
Maintaining social distancing, Tony & Ian, Max & Alan learnt the art of playing ' Kubb'.
The main skill required is the ability to toss a piece of wood and who knew it could be such a challenge and so much fun! 

Join us next month on Monday 17th  August and test your skills.  We will meet at 1.30pm at Edward Bennett Park. 

​This is a pleasant way to enjoy the fresh air and good company while we are restricted by the Coronavirus.

Renee

Leader - Rene Beutler
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We are planning to have our Coffee Morning Catch up this month of July, it has been such a long time!!

Hope you can make it,we are looking forward to seeing you all again
 
Castle Hill RSL
27/07/20
11.00am
Bistro Area


See you there!
​
Leaders- Kim Nicholls & Sue Cordukes
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Movies July Report

A small dedicated group of movie goers were finally able to see a movie this month at Events Cinemas and then meet a large group of Probus members at Castle Hill RSL for a long relaxing lunch and lots of very overdue catch ups.  
 
Due to the recent increase in Coronavirus outbreaks reported in Sydney, an email will be sent to all movie group members closer to the next scheduled movie day – ie 4 August, to confirm if the cinema is still open and what movies will be screening.  As we did this month, following the movie we’ll go to the Castle Hill RSL Club for lunch. 
 
All Probus members are welcome to come along to the movies and / or meet at the RSL around 12.30pm for lunch.  Please let Sue Small know if you’re interested in having your name added to the movie group list. 
Leaders – Lorenza Powyer & Sue Small
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Please note that Opal Card Overnight Trips has now been incorporated into Domestic Travel, which Max Henderson is now the recycled leader for this activity.
Leader - Max Henderson
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Probus Photography Group


Probus Photography Group

The photography group meets fortnightly through Zoom or substitutes a meeting for an outing.

Facebook Site
There is also a Facebook site where members can post photos that are judged by the members.
The Facebook site is located at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254025278937219/?ref=group_header

If you would like to see the Facebook site, please put a request in from your Facebook page to join the group. If you are a member of our Probus club you will be granted access, you don’t need to join the photography meetings. There are currently 21 members who access the Facbook page which is 20% of the members of the club. A number of hints on how to take photos are added to the Facebook site to assist everyone in improving their photography.

Shipwreck Bay Outing
Over the last month the group took photos of birds and shipwrecks at Shipwreck Bay in Homebush.
Congratulations to Rob for this shipwreck reflection image in shipwreck bay which is now our banner photograph on the Facebook site.
Bird Photographs
The winner and congratulations go to Bain who took the best bird photo voted on by the group. The group thought this photo tells a good story.
Bare Island Outing August 2 6:30am
The next outing for the photography group will be to Bare Island La Perouse on August 2. We will need to meet at the island at 6:30 am to catch the sunrise over the rock shelf to the island.

Additional photos taken by members are attached.

Next Meetings
  • Next Zoom Meeting: August 5 at 7:30pm
At this meeting there will be a 10-15 minute discussion on composition. Followed by viewing some photos to discuss chow composition improves the photo.
  • August 19 Zoom Meeting. Buildings photos and a discussion on leading lines in photography.
The focus for our next month is buildings (preferably older buildings) and will include the fort at Bare Island.

Rob Clarke

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone
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July Ten Pin Bowling Report

Zone Bowling Castle Hill has reopened. To satisfy social distancing criteria there is a strict limit on numbers and based on the enquiry I made we can have up to 12 bowlers participate. They also assured me that strict steps are being taken on the hygiene side however "proof is always in the pudding".

I know some members who have bowled in the past might have reservations about playing given the virus is still with us.

In light of this I will be contacting all members who have bowled previously to ascertain firstly if you are comfortable in participating and secondly if you are available to bowl on Friday afternoon 17 July.

“After realising Friday 17 July fell in school holidays I took executive decision to cancel.
 
The next game is scheduled for Friday 21 August. As I have done in the past I will contact all members who have either bowled, or indicated they might like to bowl to ascertain who would like to participate.”
 
Apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Leader - Doug Matthews
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Tennis Group Report- July 2020
 
We are back to playing tennis again and have had a few games now.  We were not quite as rusty as I believed we would be and I have to admit it is good to be out there and playing again.
 
If anyone wants to join us please give me a call.
 
Restrictions are easing and the WPH Sports Club has reopened hours are currently noon – 10pm.


Leader - Bob Davison
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Live Theatre July 2020
 
Given ongoing social distancing in response to the Corona Virus emergency, it would appear that live theatre performances will not be reinstated until late in the recovery process however, when professional theatre returns there will be a number of exciting events offered in the new year:
 
Let’s all hope that the community recovery process will allow these events to proceed next year!!
 



Hamilton:
The Tony®, Grammy®, Olivier and Pulitzer Prize winning musical will open at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in March 2021. 
 
“Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre – a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education.”
 
This will be a huge theatrical event for Sydney next year with details to follow soon.
 
Come from Away:
We have just been advised that Sydney season of COME FROM AWAY. The Tony® and Olivier award-winning musical will commence performances at the Capitol Theatre from Thursday 3 June, 2021.
 
Closer to the time we will look at the feasibility of organising a re-scheduled theatre party to this show


Disney’s Frozen:
Adapted from the Oscar-winning film, Frozen the Musical is expertly brought to the stage by acclaimed Director Michael Grandage, giving life to this beloved story in an all new, unforgettable theatrical experience.
 
This season at The Capitol Theatre will now commence on 1 December 2020.

Tickets to our original theatre party on Wednesday 19 August 2020 at 7:00 PM have now been rescheduled to Wednesday 17 February 2021 at 7:00 PM with the same seating originally selected. If you have already paid and this date is no longer suitable please let me know a.s.a.p.
 
 We still have currently reserved 30 seats for the Australian premiere season of Disney’s Frozen at the Capitol Theatre, at 7:00pm cost is $78 including return bus. Frozen opened on Broadway on March 22, 2018 and has since set (and subsequently broken!) four St. James Theatre house records.
 
Payment is now due by 30th September 2020 to West Pennant Hills and District Probus Club Activities and Events Account.

Please quote your surname and “Frozen”.
Leader - Bruce Bartle
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The walk around Fagan park was enjoyed by all who attended with a Picnic / BBQ lunch held afterwards.  It was a clear & sunny day and Fagan park is designed for all levels of fitness.  Model aircraft flying from the adjacent strip and filming the cooking segment for Homes & Garden were other highlights of the day.
 
The next walk is now due for Tuesday 11th August and it is the Bushland Corridors Rouse Hill which was cancelled due to rain last month.   A 4.4 Km around Caddies Creek Lake, it is an easy walk very flat on wide concrete walkways.   Refer to the Hills shire web site for map and description.
 
All members are welcome for the walk.
 
When:   Tuesday August 11th
Time:     10.00 am sharp.  Do not be late.    
Where:  Rouse Hill Community Centre Car Park, Aderdour Ave Rouse Hill
Meet:     In the Car park. enter the car park from the roundabout at the intersection of Clowder Ave & Aderdour Ave.
Parking: Parking is free but limited. I suggest that car-pooling with a friend will assist.
Coffee:  After the walk, coffee will be at Aderdoon House next to the Rouse Hill Community Centre.
Leaders - Bob Carritt & Enio Dona
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Wine and Cheese

All W&C evenings have been cancelled until further notice.



 Leader  Julie Shenstone
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