Newsletter No. 61  - March 2022

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  (AGM) WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 23rd MARCH 

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President's Report

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President’s Report - March 22




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Bob Carritt President

Secretarial

​Correspondence In

None

Correspondence Out

Annual Report for 2022 emailed to all members

Bev Dona

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

Treasurer's Report

Ian Roberts
Treasurer    3rd March 22

For those that want the very boring old style treasurer's report click HERE .

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

March 2022 Welfare Report

This will be my last report as welfare officer for the Probus year.

We all seem to be gradually getting out and about and catching up with each other. More activities are starting and giving us this opportunity to reconnect with many members we have not seen for months. We are very fortunate to have such a caring, concerned and interested group of members who do manage to keep in contact regardless of actually being able to see each other.

I hope you are all keeping well and look forward to seeing those of you who will be able to make it to the next General/AGM meeting.

Thank you to the many members who have let either Terry or myself know of members needing help or support. Thank you to Terry for his help as well…..many hands make light work!
​​
Cathy Turner
Terry Ridge (assistant)

Cathy Turner & Terry Ridge – Welfare Officers

March Meeting Speaker - No Speaker Due To AGM​

February Meeting - Photos 

Yet another bit of a fiddle.....

Birthday  Celebrations

Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in March

February
Susan Antonjuk
René Beutler
Bev Dona
Estelle Graham
Stuart Mitchell
Karin Regel
Jan Ridge
Hilda Somerfield
Kristine Ward
Elizabeth Wojtczak

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.

Club Covid 19 Policy

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

Please provide your contributions for the February Newsletter by Friday 23rd April 2022.

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 – 2022 04

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To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group    Leaders
Book Challenge Sue Calabrese
Book Club Bev Davison
Bridge Looking For Leader
Cards David Turner 
Cycling Bruce Bartle
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) Helen Games
Dining Out Looking For Leader
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 Enio Dona
Wine & Cheese Julie Shenstone, Susan Antonjuk
 
For an activity group to start, a member needs to step forward to lead the group
                              
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THROW COVID BEHIND US!
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
 
COVID SHMOVID HAS NOW COME TO AN END. 69 books all up!
Now for the THROW COVID challenge. From March to the end of August. Our new freedoms have slowed the reading a little, but Winter descends. MUCH SAFER to read a book than to go out and mingle with that dreaded spiky blob! Join us to see how many books we can get through.
Since mid-February:

The Missing Sister by Lucinda Riley: The 7th book in a series. An epic tale of the complications of families and 7 adopted sisters, and their personal origins. It is based mainly in Ireland with historical aspects and Irish legends. Takes a while to get into this book, and if you’ve read all the preceding books, you may be a bit disappointed.

The Dressmakers of Yarrandarrah Prison by Meredith Jaffè: Found this when looking up for The Dressmaker. Derek is serving time for stealing money to support his gambling addiction. He joins the Backpickers in prison – a sewing circle run by a sewing charity group. His daughter, Debbie is getting married. He hasn’t seen her in years and is desperate to do something to show her how much he loves her. Under the guidance of the Backpickers’ volunteer, and the encouragement of the other stitcher crims, they set work together to make Debbie’s wedding dress. Tensions within and out of the prison rise and time is running out. A good read.

And there ends the CoShmo Challenge at 69 books.

Now for ThroCo!

The Ghost at the Wedding by Shirley Walker: Current book club read. A story of one family, three generations and two World Wars, all told through the eyes of a woman left to wait at home. Set in the Clarence River region of northern NSW, it is a moving portrayal of the impact of war on the generation of women whose brothers, husbands and sons went to fight overseas, all in the space of a few decades.
 
The House Across the Street by Lesley Pearse: Katy’ attention was drawn to the house across the street. She quite often found herself staring at the house, trying to work out the comings and goings of those who visit there. The owner, Gloria, has a fashionable dress shop nearby. Then one day the house is set ablaze, and the story sets on a journey of intrigue and unanswered questions. Katy’s father is arrested and charged with murder. Katy sets out to uncover the truth.

Judy, a Dog in a Million by Damien Lewis: a beautifully written account of a terrible time in history, and the love between a man and dog. It tells ‘of how Judy, WWII’s only animal POW, brought hope in the midst of hell’. A very enjoyable read.

Fool me Once by Harlan Coben: Very intriguing book. Maya’s husband appears on the Nanny Cam, playing with their two year old daughter. Problem – He was murdered two weeks before! Maya’s sister was murdered 3 months ago. Both of them were killed by the same gun. The provocative question is: can you believe everything you see with your own eyes? This book is what a thriller should be. And the final twist extraordinary.
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Sue Calabrese
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Book Club - March 2022 Report

We had a very lively and fun meeting on 17th March, where amongst many other things we discussed The Ghost at the Wedding by Shirley Walker. The majority of the group enjoyed the book.
 
We then received our latest book Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton which we will discuss at our next meeting on 28th April.
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Happy reading
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Bev Davison 

Leader - Bev Davison
​Brisbane, 1983: A lost father, a mute brother, a mum in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepfather and a notorious crim for a babysitter. It's not as if Eli's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learning what it takes to be a good man, but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way - not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer.

But Eli's life is about to get a whole lot more serious. He's about to fall in love. And, oh yeah, he has to break into Boggo Road Gaol on Christmas Day, to save his mum.

A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year - an instant Australian classic.
 
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March Meeting
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February Meeting
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Bridge Group










Leaders - Looking For Leader(s)
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Cards 500 Report March 2022
Last month we had a great roll up of 30 members to play at Dural Country Club.

It was great to be able to get together after not being able to play for many months!

This month cards will be on Friday 25th March at the usual starting time of 7.30 sharp. Please do not be late.

The new restaurant should be up and running then, so we will be able to get together for a meal beforehand if you wish.

It is $5 per head to play [please have correct money] and we should be playing in the new cards room which is on the left-hand side of the foyer area as you walk in.

An email will be sent out a few days beforehand confirming playing details and details for our dinner booking.

Looking forward to seeing you all again.

David Turner

​Leader - David Turner
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Cycling Group: March 2022

​No prizes for guessing that cycling was cancelled last month as most bikes are not fitted with snorkels!!!
 
Our next ride is scheduled for Wednesday 13 April 2022 with a ride around Bi-Centennial Park commencing from Wilson Park Silverwater at 10:00am.
 
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!!
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Bruce

Leaders - Bruce Bartle & Tony Coote
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Lunch at Sydney Rowing Club - Tuesday 15th March
Perfect weather for 34 younguns to ride our rivercats to Sydney Rowing Club to partake of a long walk around the foreshore and quarantine station, or a short walk along the foreshore or coffee and cake in the clubhouse.

Lunch was had by all who were quite well catered for by a fine menu.

A very enjoyable day with smiles all around.

Barry Wailes
Leader - Helen Games

Sydney Jewish Museum Guided Tour and Survivor Talk
Wednesday 20th April

To download a pdf of the flyer, click HERE
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Dining Out – February

Looking for leader.

Leader - 
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Kiama Trips

Sun 20 - Wed 23 and Sun 27 - Wed 30 MARCH 2022

No more delays or postponements, we are locked in and ready for lift off. Our lucky participants are: 
Please welcome Carmen & John Sanders, plus Deirdre Clarke & Eric Scheeren to our respective trips.

Accommodation:
We have booked the “Park Ridge Retreat” Gerringong, just south of Kiama, providing circa 4 star accommodation) and is adjacent to the local shops.               

​ https://www.parkridgeretreat.com.au

Motel Meals:
  • Hot Breakfast (Bacon & eggs and other choices) at $15.00 per person, tea, coffee, and juice.
  • One Course Dinner at $25 per person, or 2 courses $35 choices of meals to be confirmed.
I understand units include a toaster, tea/coffee making facilities, crockery, cutlery and a bar fridge. 

Evening Meals
We have booked the following:
  • Sunday; Gerringong Bowling Club, Pacific Ave, Werri Beach (7.00pm)
Modern club, with our own first floor room

https://gerringongbowlo.com.au/

  • Monday; Cronin’s Hotel, 29 Belinda Street, Gerringong (6.30pm)
Lynne and I dined here in 2020, a very good pub bistro

https://www.smithstreetfoods.com.au/jacks-grill-by-smith-st-foods-1/


  • Tuesday; Olive & Vine, 87 Manning Street, Kiama (7.30pm)
Highly recommended by one of our members and due to our numbers we have a 7.30pm booking.
Further to my email 11/03/22, thank you for your respective selections from the set menu which we have forwarded to the restaurant.

Please note the restaurant is licenced and drinks will need to be paid for separately.

http://oliveandvinekiama.com/
 
We have made reservations assuming full attendance by our respective groups at the above establishments. Therefore can you please let me know asap, if you are not attending any of these venues and we will adjust our reservations.


Activities
We have provided two day trips suggestions, departing say 8.00am to allow for group travel, car-pooling etc.
  • Monday - Scenic Drive; Jamberoo, Minnamurra Falls, Macquarie Pass and Kiama
  • Tuesday - Scenic Drive; Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Shoalhaven Heads, Seven Mile Beach and Gerroa
One alternative to a scenic drive is:
  • The Kiama Walk

Refer below as to details for these three activities, plus getting there and return trip suggestions.
There are numerous other alternatives and recommend you do some homework (at least check out some web sites etc.) to ascertain any preferences

Whilst how much or little you do entirely up to you, we should all come together as one group for the evening meals.
The hotel webpage includes a number of links to various local attractions.

https://www.parkridgeretreat.com.au/attractions.html

Costs
Except for the stated accommodation costs and meal pre-orders for the Olive & Vine restaurant (Tuesday night), it is best if all other costs, e.g. breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks and all activities are paid for separately, by the participants.

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

Attachments

Below are four detailed activities which include photos and maps just to add to your interest. 

Please click on each to see the PDF of each one. ​
As to suitable activities these are all well worth a look at, even if only to come up with your own preferences.
 
Other
For those on the second trip and in my absence, Terry Ridge and Enio Dona will do their best to coordinate “things” during this time.

Any questions please give me a call.

Enjoy your trip.

Max Henderson
Activity Leader
Broken Hill Wanderer Rail Package - Sunday 22 – Tuesday 31 May 2022
​As previously advised we have transferred this trip from August to May this year and gained four additional travellers, increasing our number to twenty eight.

For those catching the train from Central we will spend Sunday night at “The Great Southern Hotel” at Central. This will provide us with a relatively short walk to Central on Monday morning.
​
On Monday we have fifteen departing from Central at 6.18am and thirteen from Parramatta at 6.40am to arrive in Broken Hill at about 7.10pm (CST):
Then Tuesday week 31 May, we will be transferred to Broken Hill Railway Station to depart at 7.45am (CST) on the Outback Explorer.

Activities
“2022 Broken Hill Wanderer Rail Package”, refer link:
​
https://railholidaysaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Broken-Hill-Wanderer-Brochure-2022.pdf
 
Costs
Except for the stated package costs, it’s best if all other costs are paid for separately, by the participants.
Updated costs were emailed to participants on 30 September 2021 reflecting return first class train travel (previously return only) plus an annual increase.
The balances paid for the August trip have been refunded to our Probus account and our agent is only holding a deposit of $200 per person.
 
Covid 19 Guideliness
"As a minimum, our Club at all times will abide by the Covid 19 guidelines set down by NSW Health.

We would expect members to respect the health and wellbeing of their fellow members and not attend club organised activities unless they are fully vaccinated."
 
Other
Any suggestions or questions please give me a call.
Always looking for future trip suggestions.
Max Henderson
Activity Leader 
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GARDENING GROUP - March
In February we had a very enjoyable morning tea and catch up at The Fig Café in Dural, followed by a guided tour around the adjoining Mother Earth Nursery.  
Our next Gardening Day will be on 14 April.  We’re still checking out 2 potential locations and will email the Group nearer the day. 

Please send Sue Small an sms if you’d like to be added to the Gardening Group email list.
Leaders -  Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
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Golf Report March 2022.

Hi!

Our members this month were to play at Carnarvon Golf Course.

It was postponed until May 2022.

Our next game is planned for April 2022 first Friday of the month.

See you all there.


Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship

Terry Ridge.
Leader - Terry Ridge
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Investment Group - March
 
Probus Investment Group will recommence in April.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th April at 10:00am at David Antonjuk’s home.


Future meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10:00am.

As usual, homemade cake and refreshments will be served. 


David Antonjuk




 
Leader - David Antonjuk
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MEN'S CLUB - March

The walk around Woolloomooloo, which was going to be on Thursday 3rd March, was postponed to a date TBA due to rain.
 
This interesting historical Woolloomooloo area tour will be of interest to most members of the club and we will keep you advised.

"It will come as a surprise to many readers that Woolloomooloo was once the most desirable suburb in Sydney. Forget Double Bay, Ashfield, Elizabeth Bay, and don’t even think about the north shore, for in the first half of the nineteenth century if you didn’t live in the ‘Loo, you were living in the dump. Woolloomooloo was the home of judges, merchant leaders, politicians and the rest of the hoi polloi. By all accounts it was quite a beautiful setting, close to a wonderful bay, in walking distance to the heart of the colony, and a mere stone’s throw to Government House. It was also a safe distance from the rowdy soldiers at Paddington and the even rowdier sailors in the Rocks. Grand houses were built, many with spectacular gardens, and, if one were inclined, it was considered relatively safe to engage in one of the popular sports of the day, pedestrianism. There were market gardens and, on the harbour shore of the Woolloomooloo bay, fresh fish were displayed and sold. In those days the bay offered sandy beaches and, sadly, unlike today, the fish were edible. Things changed in the second half of the century as better roads, if you could call them roads, better communication systems, and later gas and water supplies, encouraged people to move further out." - Warren Fahey​

Renee


Leader - Rene Beutler
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Mixed Social group will resume TBA.




 

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Leaders- Kim Nicholls & Sue Cordukes
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​MOVIE GROUP - March

At last the cinema have reopened and we had a wide variety of movie to choose from for our last movie day.
 
Following the movies we all met up at Cosmo Café for a long lunch and great catch up.

 
The next Movie Day will be on Tuesday 5 April at the Events Cinemas in Castle Hill.

Following the movies we’ll meet up at Cosmo Café for Lunch.
 
Unfortunately, detail of what movie will be screening on our next Movie Day are not yet available.
 
An email will movie and time options will be sent out as soon as the Events Cinemas make them available.
 
Please let Sue Small know if you’d like to be added to the Movie Group email list.
Leaders – Lorenza Powyer & Sue Small
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Probus Photography Group

​February Photography Meeting

Peter Stanton kindly held the February photography meeting where some of the members’ street photography images were reviewed, there was also discussion on the upcoming Capertee Valley photography trip.

Last Month’s Photography Challenge
The challenge for last month was taking images of people we don’t know (street photography). This image by Peter Stanton was considered the best taken as it is not posed and tells a story about children learning.​
March / April Photography Challenge

The challenge for this month is landscapes.
Capertee Photography Getaway April 5-7, 2022

We have 19 photographers travelling to Turon Gates in the Capertee Valley to do some landscaping images in early April.
There is a possibility that one couple may not be able to make the trip so if there is anyone interested in coming, please give me a call on 0438 948 199. Although this is a photography trip some members are coming for the social interaction.
​
Day 1:  We will be visiting the old rail tunnel at Newnes where glow worms are active all year round.
This will be followed with a visit to the dry canyon where we hope to capture some great images of the light streaming into the canyon.

We then make our way to Turon Gates where Barry is cooking up a baked dinner for us all when we arrive.
If the night sky is good some of the keener photographers will do some images of the Milky Way whilst the others will enjoy a wine on the balcony looking the view.

Day 2: Some of the group will be doing a helicopter tour of the pagodas in the Gardens of Stone National Park.
We are attempting to gain access to the privately owned shale oil site at Glen Davis to visit the old buildings and hopefully to be able to do some Astro photography late in the evening.
Some of the group will also be photographing Photoneys tower at sunset.
Barry will again be cooking up a feast for the group whilst we enjoy the views at Turon Gates.

Day 3: On the way home, we will be taking some images of the iconic waterfalls in the Wentworth Falls area.
 
Landscape Photography Tips
The best time to take landscapes is just after dawn and just before sunset, these times are called the golden hour as the light is not overpowering at these times.

Landscapes are most often taken with a wide-angle lens; it is important to include some foreground in the image to give it depth. If using an SLR camera the settings should be f12-16 to give the depth of field, ISO 100 for clarity and the use of a tripod as the shutter speeds may be slow.

Cameras do not have the same capability to capture light the way our eyes see the same scene. Cameras capture far less colour; they lack the detail our eyes see and don’t focus as well as our eyes. It is said that cameras lie about the image taken as they are not capturing what we see.

Landscape images need to be processed in Lightroom or photoshop to get that magic image or an image closer to what we are seeing.

The power of post processing is demonstrated in these two images, the first is the image that was taken, the second is the processed image using Photoshop.​
Facebook Page

Our photography group has a Facebook page, all members are welcome to subscribe to this website and view the images posted by our members.
The link is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254025278937219/?ref=group_header

Next Meeting

Next Meeting: 7:30pm on Wednesday April 20, at the Clarke’s residence. Our meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month.
​
Our group supports I-Phone / Android photographers through to the very keen photographers with high quality camera equipment. It is also very social.
Rob Clarke
Activity Coordinator

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone

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TEN PIN BOWLING REPORT - March 2022

A small group of members have nominated to play this month (18/4).
 
As the third Friday next month falls on “Good Friday" there will be no Ten Pin Bowling in April.
 
​

Doug Mathews
Leader - Doug Matthews
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Tennis Group Report- March 2022
​
Well rain has stopped play for most of this month at the time of writing we only managed to play on approximately 3 occasions.
 
We meet on Monday & Wednesday @ 9.00am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill.
 
If you are interested in joining us, please give me a call.

Cheers

                                                          Bob

Leader - Bob Davison
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Live Theatre March 2022
 
Moulin Rouge the Musical - Capitol Theatre
Wednesday 22 June at 7:00pm
 
Thanks for your great response to our theatre party to Moulin Rouge the Musical at The Capitol Theatre on 22 June 2022!!
 
We now have 41 confirmed expressions of interest via previous return emails within our interest group, utilising a 46-seater coach that evening. All group tickets are now allocated and awaiting payment of $137 each, due no later than Thursday, 7 April 2022:
 

Payment Details:
WEST PENNANT HILLS/DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Description: Your Surname MOULIN
 
What If you have missed out or have changed your mind and still want to go… or bring a guest?
 In short, we have just 5 available seats on the coach.
 
 Please don’t hesitate but, you will now need to contact either Robyn or me who will then confirm your place on the coach and purchase the necessary ticket at normal walk-up prices on your behalf, that ticket will also incur all or part of the additional booking fee. Estimated cost for an equivalent group ticket is $139 plus (all or part of) the booking fee $9.40. However, we will not charge the bus fee component, as this expense has already been covered and is offered under our Probus “fun, fellowship and friendship” principle!!
 
Only that way we can then optimise our seating and manage those additional fees.
 
 About - Moulin Rouge! The Musical -Opens in Sydney on 28 May:

Enter a world of splendour and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular, spectacular... 

Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!

WINNER OF 10 TONY AWARDS® including Best Musical, Baz Luhrmann's revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza featuring over 70 songs including many of the iconic hits from the movie, as well as additions from Adele, Katy Perry, Sia, Beyonce, Rihanna and more. 

A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and — above all — love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.

 
Stay safe,

​Bruce Bartle
Leader - Bruce Bartle
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​Walking - March

No walking activity in March

Next walk - TBA

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Enio
Leader - Enio Dona
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After the Covid hiatus, the 2022 Wine and Cheese season kicked off on Friday 13th March at Susan and David Antonjuk’s residence. Twenty one people attended “dressed to impress”.

An enjoyable and relaxed evening was had by all, glad to be free of Covid restrictions.

The next Wine and Cheese night will be held on Friday 8th April at Cathy and David Turner’s residence.



Julie & Sue
 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