Newsletter No. 71 - February 2023

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON  WEDNESDAY 22rd FEBRUARY 2023.

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President's Report

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President’s Report - February 2023
 
The club activities are ticking over like a well-oiled machine.  Please consider helping out our activity leaders in organising the many and varied activities in the club.  The activities are the lifeblood of our club and we need to keep these vibrant by rotating responsibilities within each of these interests. Having a backup organiser for an activity allows it to continue should an organiser suddenly be “out of commission”.

Several members have had significant health issues.  Our welfare officers Toni and Ken Smith have been keeping in contact and offering support on our behalf.   On behalf of everyone I also extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Member photos are being collected. So far 40 members have had their “glamour photos” (for the ladies) or “mug shots” (for the men).  The photos are a great help for putting faces to names.  They are posted on the members only section of our website which is password protected.

The AGM is scheduled for next month on Wed 29th March (a week later than the usual 4th week schedule).  Please make an effort to attend and welcome in the new management committee.  We are still accepting nominations for Guest Speaker coordinator.  Should you wish to nominate for a backup/shadow committee position please let me, Cathy or Bev know.

Bain Shenstone - President​

Secretarial

​Correspondence In
 
  •   PSPL Capitation Fees Return 2023-24
  •   Invitation from Penrith Printing Museum
 
 
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's Report

TREASURER’S REPORT For the Month ending 31 January 2023
GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance  1 January 2023 $1,636.75
Interest $0.02
Deposits $60.00 Annual dues and joining fees received
$60.00
Expenses $0.00 PSPL Capitation fees
$(36.99) Admin costs / Website Fees
$0.00 Speaker Costs
$(183.00) Hornsby Council venue hire
$(96.58) Morning teas
$(268.00) Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c
$0.00 New member costs
$(584.57)
Closing cash balance  31 January 2023 $1,112.20
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance  1 January 2023 $3,576.20
Interest $5.24
Deposits $(20.00) Orange
$0.00 Taralga Rodeo
$700.00 Tina the Musical
$680.00 Port Macquarie
$615.00 $1,975.00 The Big Fish
Deposits to be identified $0.00
Payments $0.00 Orange
$0.00 Taralga Rodeo
$0.00 Tina the Musical
$(262.50) $(262.50) Port Macquarie
Closing cash balance  31 January 2023 $5,293.94
OPEN ACTIVITIES
Taralga Rodeo, Tina the Musical and Port Macquarie are the open activities.
Open Activities Balance
Orange $315.00
Taralga Rodeo $(1.80)
Tina the Musical $720.00
Port Macquarie $3,517.50
The Big Fish $738.00
$5,288.70
Add:
Interest received
Prior years $0.00
This year to date $0.00
Activities surplus $5.24
To be fixed / transferred $0.00
Bank balance $5,293.94
TERM DEPOSIT
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,158.91, and has earned $78.59 since, at 2.25% p.a.
INTEREST
For this year, $5.27 has been received as interest – General Account $0.03, Activities Account $5.24.
ACTIVITY SURPLUS
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $5.24 which is the interest for the month.
Michael Stinson
Treasurer 31 January 2023

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. 

Jeff Swan – Membership Officer

Welfare

WELFARE REPORT FEBRUARY 2023

We are well and truly into our hottest time of year. Air conditioning is so expensive to run but what do we do.  Maybe enjoy a day at the movies or the pool under cover.  Maybe meet friends for lunch at the local air-conditioned shopping centres.  OR just spend the kid’s inheritance and enjoy your cool comfortable home as it should be.  Whichever way you decide please take care and slip, slop, slap, sleek and slide to protect that delicate skin. Most of all stay hydrated to avoid becoming unwell.

This month has been a mixed bag with a few in hospital having operations or being observed due to illness.  To all those that have been unwell we wish you a speedy recovery. Please reach out if you need support of any kind.  We have a great bunch of members who are more than willing to assist those in need when required.

For those due to go into hospital we wish you well with your surgery and a speedy recovery.

Try to keep on top of any issues and enjoy life. It’s all about Fun, Friendship and Fellowship.

​
Toni Smith & Ken Smith – Welfare Officers
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February Guest Speaker - ??

There will be a guest speaker this month, we are just a little unsure of whom it with be.  So it is a surprise to all. 

Any complaints, please apply for the Guest Speaker Coordinator role on the Management Committee.

​We will also be taking member photos to be incorporated into a "member photo" list which will be in the private section of the website.  If you don't want your photo taken, please let Bain know (he will be the photographer).



Photos - January Meeting (none taken) 

Birthday  Celebrations

 Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in February

Santo Calabrese
Paul Day
Enio Dona
William Graham
Susan Hackett
Jeanette Roberts
Bain Shenstone
Jeffrey Swan


Club Covid 19 Policy

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

Please provide your contributions for the March Newsletter by Friday 17th March 2023.

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

Alternatively place directly into Dropbox under WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2023 03

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To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group    Leaders
Book Challenge Sue Calabrese
Book Club Bev Davison
Cards David Turner, Cathy Turner 
Cycling Tony Coote, Gerard Siddle
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) Helen Games
Dining Out Looking For Monthly Leaders
Domestic Travel Max Henderson
Gardening Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
Golf Terry Ridge, Jeff Swan
Investment Group David Antonjuk
Mens Club Rene Beutler
Mixed Social Group Kim Nicholls, Janelle Maloney
Movies Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
Overseas Travel Looking For Leader
Photography Rob Clarke, Bain Shenstone
Ten Pin Bowling Douglas Matthews
Tennis Bob Davison
Theatre and Musicals Bruce Bartle, Robyn Bartle
Walking Group Enio Dona, Lynne Henderson
Wine & Cheese Julie Shenstone, Susan Antonjuk
 
For an activity group to start, a member needs to step forward to lead the group
                              
The club is looking for activity leaders for Backup Leaders
Without a Activity Leader, we the members, do not have an activity.  In addition, existing leaders are looking for backup in the case of holidays or sickness.  This is very important as most of the leaders have now been doing their leadership for 5 years.  Please consider making a contribution to the club by taking on a roll.

Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time.  Please come and discuss with Enio about taking on this roll for any month in 2023.

The opportunity for Overseas travel is coming back.  Anyone interested in planning and organizing the next trip for the club please contact Enio.


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                          THROW COVID BEHIND US!

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
 
The THROW COVID challenge finishes at the end of February.  Some of us have surpassed our own challenge and others are about to reach their challenge.  All together so far 76 books in one year – over our combined challenge of 69.

The next Challenge will run from March to the end of February ‘24. You can join at any time – just set your challenge from your starting point – how many do you read in a month times the number of months you are in the challenge PLUS 1 more. Read your own choice of book, post about it, and enjoy the rundowns of the other readers.  If you wish to join but don’t do Facebook, send me an email and I’ll put it into the page on your behalf.

Since mid-January:

Step on a Crack by James Patterson: A detective story about the kidnapping of celebrities and Government officials.  The reader never knew what turn it would take next. A very enjoyable and quick read with short chapters. Quite a convenient thing really.

The Lincoln Highway by Amore Towles: A hefty read about a young boy who inadvertently got into trouble with the law.  It deals with finishing his time in juvenile detention, and how he tries to move forward overcoming his impoverished past after his father dies, leaving him in debt.  He tries to make a better life, taking his younger brother with him.
 
The Long Weekend by Judy Nunn: a book of short stories nowhere near her usual standard.

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley; The 2nd book in The Seven Sisters series.  Quite a marathon read but Riley tells a good story. Reviewed before.

The man she never met by Annie Hulley: Two strangers never meet, but one ends up dead and the other is accused of murder.  Jodi’s dog is stolen, then returned to her by Samantha.  Jodi believes this to be an act of kindness and friendship, but Samantha is intent on using Jodi to commit the perfect murder. A good, enjoyable story but the finish was rushed.

The Confession by Jessie Burton: Set in the 2980’s, Elise meets Connie and quickly falls under her spell. Connie is a successful writer.  When she moves to LA she thrives on the whole excitement, but Elise, who follows her finds herself floundering.  At a party, Elise makes an impulsive decision that changes her life forever. 30 years later, Rose is seeking answers about her mother who disappeared when having a baby.  She learns that Connie was the last to see her mother, so she goes to her in search of a confession.  A very different and enjoyable read.

Educated – a memoir by Tara Westover: A book club read. Brought up in a radical, isolated and violent household, Tara leaves her home at the age of 16.  She then struggles with self-invention and starts a journey that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one’s life through new eyes, and the will to change it.

Hideaway by Nora Roberts: about the kidnapping of a ten year girl from a family party. The plot was instigated by her mother so she could obtain money from the family. The story follows the girl into adulthood and now the kidnapping affected her life.

Wattle Creek by Fiona McCallum: Opens with the attempted suicide of Damien – a young farmer who can no longer remember what he’s living for.   Jacqueline moves from the city to his country town – a young psychologist escaping her own issues.  The story faced some very hard issues, particularly about Damien.  However, the fear experienced by Jacqueline when her past turns up in front of her was a missed opportunity to really expand the story.  Of course, the love interest blossomed, and Damien begins to think that an ordinary life with a glimpse of happiness might be possible.  The is a follow up book, but I don’t know.  Enjoyable but also left you with a feeling that it could have been better.

Hope to see more of you join.


​Leader: Sue Calabrese
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Book Club Report - February 2023

We had a social get together on Thurs 16th Feb to receive the first book for this year,
Educated by Tara Westover (A Memoir).  It was lovely to catch up again.   Next meeting is on Thurs 30th March.

Happy reading

Leader - Bev Davison
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Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse.  Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara's older brothers became violent.

Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself.  She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement.  Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she'd traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

Educated is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a tale of fierce family loyalty and of the grief that comes with severing the closest of ties. With the acute insight that distinguishes all great writers, Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one's life through new eyes and the will to change it.
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Cards 500 Report for February 2023

Our first card evening for 2023 was on Friday 27 January and was attended by 18 members. A lot of fun was had catching up, dinner beforehand and cards afterwards.

Our next card night for 2023 will be Friday 24 February 2023
Venue: Dural Country Club
Time: 7pm start
Cost: $5 per head to play [please have correct money if possible]
Dinner: 5.45pm

An email will be sent out to the members on the interest list with details for dinner and cards a week

If you are not on the interest list and would like to join the card group please email David Turner on [email protected]
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​Leader - David Turner
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 Cycling Group: February 2022

​The first cycling “tour” for the year commenced at the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal, followed by a leisurely ride to the Parramatta Ferry Terminal for a drink stop.  The return trip included a stop at the new footbridge under construction over the Parramatta River between Macarthur Street and James Ruse Drive.  The ride continued on to “Cafe W” on the river at Ermington for a coffee break, before a short ride back to the start point.

The next ride will start from under the Silverwater Road Bridge (southern end – western side), for a tour through Newington Parklands and Rhodes Peninsula.  Start time at 10.00am on Wednesday 15th March.  We will stop for a coffee along the way. 
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Please bring your helmet, water and sunscreen.
 
Please let Tony Coote and I know if you would like to join the ride.

​Leaders - Tony Coote / Gerard Siddle
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Day Out for January
The first day trip for 2023 is a tour of the Penrith Printing Museum for Thursday 23rd February for a limited group of 20 persons.  We will meet at the Museum located in the grounds of the Penrith Paceway entrance off Ransley Street, Penrith at 10:15am for a tour starting at 10:30am.  It takes 50 mins to travel by car from the Hills district
 
After the two hour tour & demo, we will go to lunch at the Log Cabin Pub on the banks of the Nepean River. 
 
Cost for the day will be $10 for the tour and extra for your lunch & drinks.
 
See brochure below which leads you to the printing museum website.
 
Limited to the first 20 persons but there is still some spaces available. Please contact Enio if you wish to join us.
Leader - Helen Games
January's Dining Out was attended by 24 members at the Baulkham Hill Sport Club.  See the photos below. 

Many thanks to Hilda Somerfield for organizing this activity which was enjoyed by all.
Dining Out for March 2023
 
Date             - Lunch on Thursday 23rd March 2023, Midday or 12pm
Location       - Club Parramatta
                         2 Macquarie St, Parramatta New South Wales 2150
Contact        - Please advise Christine Heaton by text message on 0425 262 581
Menu            - Range of Fish, Pasta, Asian food & burgers


To view the range of menus click here


Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time.  Please come and discuss with Enio about taking on this roll for any month in 2023. 

Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders
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Port Macquarie - Sunday 30 April to Wednesday 3 May 2023
We are happy to report we have thirty for this trip, which coincidently for our chosen motel means we have taken all the traditional motel rooms and one apartment.  That said we are happy to add anyone that is interested to a standby list.

Accommodation:
We have made reservations at the Aston Hill Motor Lodge, 15 Mort Street, Port Macquarie, providing far more affordable rooms than the brand-named establishments.

The only practical way we can accommodate this number is for two couples to share the only available two-bedroom apartment. Everyone else is in the $130 to $150/night price range.

Situated in a quiet location, adjacent parkland and 100 m from Hastings River Drive. All rooms, suites and apartments include air conditioning, kitchenette with microwave, free Wi-Fi and a TV with cable channels. Facilities include a barbecue area, swimming pool and guest laundry. It is about a 10-minute walk from Port Macquarie city centre and the Westport Club.

Everyone has paid their accommodation deposits. Room allocations (with regard to those with a stated preference) and respective costs are shown below:

Evening Meals
We have booked the following:
  • Sunday; Panthers Port Macquarie (situated in Settlement City), 1 Bay St, Port Macquarie.
        https://portmacquaire.panthers.com.au/

  • Monday; Pizza (take-away). The motel has a suitable area that will allow us to dine-in, please bring a small plate (pre-dinner nibbles or desert) to share and own drinks.
 
  • Tuesday; The Westport Club, 25 Buller St, Port Macquarie.   https://thewestportclub.com.au/

Regardless, of what you elect to do during the day we should all come together as one group for the sunset cruise and evening meals.  After that how little or much you do is entirely up to you.

Getting there
Port Macquarie is on the NSW mid North Coast, four hours’ drive (375Km) north of Sydney.  This excludes any stops or detours to break the journey.
Apart from traditional maps, try your GPS (car or mobile), or the following links:
          https://www.mynrma.com.au/travel/trip-planner’
          https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/
If you are looking to add some interest to your trip, have a break or two try:
  • Raymond Terrace, Riverside Park, Hunter Street is on the banks of the Hunter River with picnic (gazebo’s, seating etc) facilities.
  • Harrington is a small village located on the northern entrance of the Manning River, north of Taree and a few km kilometres off the highway.  The European history of the area has a strong maritime flavour.  Take a stroll on the Harrington breakwall or a drive up to Pilots Hill lookout (one of the better ones), where a monument guards the graves of ships’ pilots lost on the dangerous sandbars standing just off the river mouth. 

Activities
The Port Macquarie region is a stunning destination in its own right, luring retirees, families, couples and those looking for a nature-based holiday. Blessed with sparkling beaches lined with pockets of rainforest, the area is also a significant habitat for koalas, with the world-famous Koala Hospital caring for the lovable endangered creatures.

Port Macquarie is the largest town in the region and bursting with restaurants, beaches, fun attractions and accommodation. To the south, the villages of North Haven, Laurieton and Kendall sit along the banks of the Camden Haven River. Further inland, Wauchope is a former timber town that’s now the gateway to lush rainforests.
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A getaway in the Port Macquarie area means getting outside and enjoying the bounty of nature. From spotting dolphins from the painted break wall on the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, to whale watching cruises or strolling the boardwalk of the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, the unspoiled beauty of the region will dazzle. Further inland, hike the Laurieton track or visit World Heritage-listed Willi Willi National Park.
With so many attractions we have tried to identify those with broader appeal for Monday and leave Tuesday free to allow for some individual pursuits. Except for the Koala Hospital and the Sunset Cruise (booked) the following are our current suggestions:

Monday:
Meet outside our motel at 8.10am, for a short drive to the Koala Hospital,  8.30am
Lord Street Port Macquarie. Whilst an early start for some, this is the best time to visit the hospital as feeding time.
As a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility, the Koala Hospital has been helping rescue and rehabilitate koalas since 1973.The facility is run by Koala Conservation Australia Limited, which is a not-for-profit organisation that includes approximately 200 volunteers dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating koalas and conserving and restoring their natural habitats.
The Koala Hospital consists of exhibit enclosures, a treatment clinic, intensive care units and rehabilitation yards, many of which have trees for koalas to learn to climb as part of the rehabilitation process.  There is also a Koalaseum - a museum for Koalas which provides information on koala evolution and biology and interactive displays so visitors can touch koala fur or look down a microscope at koala poos (scat).  As well as the Koalaseum, there is  a gift shop, where you can pick up a souvenir or gift for a friend or family member.
We have booked an enjoyable, personalised 45-minute tour with an experienced, knowledgeable guide.  https://koalahospital.org.au/

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre; about 10.00am
159 Pacific Dr, Port Macquarie.  The Centre is the ideal place to begin your fascinating journey through Sea Acres National Park. Eco-displays provide a wealth of information about local Aboriginal culture and the surrounding rainforest environment. There are also regular exhibitions of works by local artists, and a gift shop stocking a range of unique environmental products, gifts, crafts, educational toys and games.
Stretch your legs along 1.3km Rainforest boardwalk, or the adjacent Rainforest Café (lunch option), nestled amidst the Bangalow palms. Entry fee $7.00 seniors.

Lighthouse Beach and Tacking Point Lighthouse, about 1.00pm
Lighthouse Rd, Port Macquarie. Lighthouse Beach is seven kilometres south of Port Macquarie and is a nine-kilometre stretch of south-east facing sand heading to Lake Cathie.  It is a favourite surf beach offering protection from the summer north easterlies.
Visit the historic Tacking Point Lighthouse with was built in 1879 which is the final stop along the 3.9km scenic coastal walk, enjoy the viewing platform for a stunning view along the coastline, it is also a great vantage point for whale watching from May to November.

Sunset River Cruise; 3.30 to 5.30pm
Town Wharf (end of Clarance Street, Port Macquarie). Cruise the beautiful Hastings River, on board the Port AdVenture and enjoy an unforgettable sunset.
Cruise the canals and watch as the magic of changing colours happens as the sun slowly sets beyond the region’s hinterland. https://cruiseportmacquarie.com.au/
  • Includes afternoon tea / snacks.
  • Licensed bar on board.
Tuesday, for those wish to team up, we suggest meeting outside our motel at 8.30am for anyone or more of the following:
  • A very scenic 90 minute, 80km return drive (excluding stops) south of Port Macquarie to Laurieton that’s takes in:
  • Bonny Hills, provide some of the most spectacular coastal views in the region, looking over some 14 kilometers of pristine beaches. The old wood fishing shacks of the past are long gone, replaced by homes and holiday parks with million-dollar views
  • Lake Cathie (pronounced 'cat-eye') large saltwater lake is the second-largest estuarine salt march area in New South Wales. When it's opened to the sea the warm shallow waters are ideal for swimming. Venture up to the northern headland where a fantastic forest walk has been established, with a viewing platform that offers fabulous views across the lake and out to the ocean
  • North Haven, sits at the mouth of the Camden Haven Inlet, surrounded by beautiful waterways, gorgeous beaches and rugged wilderness
  • Laurieton is all about views to die for. Drive or take the challenging 3km Laurieton Track to the scenic summit of North Brother Mountain. Enjoy views from Port Macquarie to Diamond Head from the Perpendicular Point Walking Track, set above pretty Pilot Beach in the Kattang Nature Reserve, where wildflowers carpet the ground in spring 
  • The Fisherman’s Co-Op (lunch option) is great place to taste the delights of the Mid-north Coast. Situated by the Camden Haven River, it offers on-site dining and if more spacious room is desired, there is an excellent park a short distance along the river
  • Ellenborough Falls, Ellenborough Falls Rd, Elands. At 200 metres, it is one the tallest single drop waterfall in New South Wales and amongst the tallest in the southern hemisphere. About a 3 hour, 170km round trip, via Wauchope from Port Mac. Great scenic drive and local café. Suggest one for the morning and add one or more of the following for the afternoon.
        https://www.visitnsw.com/destinations/north-coast/forster-and-taree-area/attractions/ellenborough-falls
  • Another relaxing short drive could be achieved by combining two or three of the following:
    • Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries, 221 Blackmans Point Rd, Blackmans Point, is just ten minutes from Port. Pick your own tomatoes and strawberries if in season. Also has a nice café for coffee and lunch. Can also buy preserves relishes and lots of other goodies. http://www.ricardoes.com/
  • Cassegrain Winery, 10 Winery Dr, Port Macquarie, their Cellar Door is surrounded by a working winery providing guests the unique opportunity to experience a tour through the winery to see where and how the magic happens. Top this off with an exclusive tasting of Cassegrain’s award winning wines including their very exciting new releases. https://www.cassegrainwines.com.au/
    • Billabong Zoo, 61 Billabong Dr, Port Macquarie, you can pat, feed, hold, hear and see over 80 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. We care for over 200 animals in this friendly 10-acre Koala and Wildlife Park. Open 9.00 to 5.00, seven days  https://www.billabongzoo.com.au/
    • In or near town, except for the museum (closed Sundays) also an option for Sunday afternoon:
      • Breakwall Walk, stop at the Little Shack for Coffee and include the adjacent Town Beach
      • Award winning Port Macquarie Museum tells the stories of those who have come before us and what makes the town special, from its beginnings as a British penal settlement through to the popular tourist and sea-change destination of today.0pen 10.00 to 4.00. Adults $5.00
      • Town Green Inn, a great spot on the river for lunch and/or a drink

Payments:
Accommodation balances vary as detailed above. Plus, please add:
  • $20.00 ($10.00pp food only) for our pizza night.
  • $70.00 ($35.00pp) for our Sunset River Cruise
  • $20.00 ($10.00pp) for the Koala Hospital
All payments should be paid into the club’s Activities Account before the end of February.
        BSB        633-000     Acc         167288844  identified with your Surname & Port.

​Costs
Except for the stated accommodation costs, sunset cruise and pizza night, it is usually best if all other costs, e.g. breakfasts, lunches, dinners and all activities are paid for separately by the participants.
 
Other
Any suggestions or questions please give me a call.

Leader - Max Henderson 
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GARDENING GROUP - February 2023
At our February Gardening Group day we visited Swane’s Nursery in Dural to enjoy the roses before the season ends.
 
Following our relaxing brunch and catch up we started off for our stroll around the gardens.  Unfortunately, the weather chose time to start sprinkling, so we headed into the large under cover gardening shop to look at the wide variety of potted roses as well as other plants and garden supplies.
Our next Gardening Group day will be on Thursday 9 March'
Leaders -  Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
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Golf Report February 2023 - The Bunker News

​This month our game was played at North Ryde Golf Club, with only 8 out of 24 members playing 9 holes. Great weather and good company. The play for the nine holes members good and without hold-ups.
 
Our next game is planned for March 03 2023, being the first Friday in the month, will be at Muirfield Golf Club, Barclay Rd North Rocks. planned to tee off starting at 10:51am respectfully.

I have no confirmed bookings for April 2023 as yet.

Emails will be sent out for player acceptance or decline so please add to your calendar
Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship

Leader - Terry Ridge along with Jeff Swan
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Investment Group - February 2023

Probus Investment Group will next meet on Tuesday 21st February.  Tony Coote will be leading a presentation and discussion on “Investing in Primary Production and Manufacturing in Australia”.
 
The March meeting will be on Tuesday 21st March at 10:00am.”

 


​Leader - David Antonjuk
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Men's Club - February 2023
​
​​Due to holidays there is no activity planned for February.

John Sanders has volunteered to organise the March activity with Virtual Golf.

The date still to be set.

Rene


Leader - Rene Beutler
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Mixed Social Coffee Morning
​
The next Morning Coffee Group is on 11.00 am at Castle Hill RSL Bistro Area on Monday February 27th 2023. 

'Coffee Mornings' are scheduled for the last Monday of the month.

​​All members are welcome.

​
Leaders- Kim Nicholls & Janelle Melouney
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​Movie Group - February 2023

​At our February Movie Group day , most of us went to see ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, which follows a film maker documenting her best friends journey toward an arranged marriage, while a few other movie group members saw other films.

Following the movies we all enjoyed our usual long relaxing lunch and catch up at Cosmo Café.
 
Our next Movie Group day will be on Tuesday 7 March.  Please let Sue Small ([email protected]) know if you’d like to be added to the Movie Group email list.
Leaders – Lorenza Powyer & Sue Small
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Photography Group February 2023
​February Photography Meeting
Our February photography meeting was held on Wednesday the 15th at the Clarke’s residence.  Following our initial chat, we filled our glasses and took the liquorice all sorts plus other snacks down to the room where we have our meetings.

Rosemary’s panorama of the February meeting

After two of our members attended a workshop in early February on the Central Coast, we had a short presentation on taking portraits outdoors. There were several key tips on outdoor portrait photography that were emailed to the members along with some u-tube links.
Image of the Month and Banner Image of the Month

Each month as a group we choose the image of the month and an image that will fit the photography clubs Facebook site.

There are also two categories.
   Set Subject: A photographic exercise for our members.
   Open Subject: Images that don’t fit the set subject.

The image of the month is the best image taken during the month from the two categories above.
The set subject for last month was the Taralga rodeo (refer below)
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The spectacular image taken at the rodeo by Bain Shenstone below was voted as the image of the month and beautifully captures how the clown bull distractors attempt to calm the raging bull after it has thrown the rider into the dust.

The banner image was taken by Andrew Little and shows the chaos at the rodeo, an action-packed image.
Taralga Rodeo Weekend Away - January 27-30
Twenty of our group spent three nights in Taralga for the rodeo. At the Taralga rodeo photographers can be right on the fence to take in the action. Besides the photography it was a very social time.

The group having dinner in one of the rented houses
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Lunch at the local café
Some other images taken at the rodeo are below:
Some open images are:
February Photography Challenge
The February photography challenge is portraits. A portrait album has been created on the Facebook site.

Photography Tour to Narrabri and the Scenic Rim
To align with the new moon and take astrological images at the Australian Telescope Compact Array in Narrabri the tour will be from June 6 – June 16, 2024.  This is a specific photography tour. The tour is limited to 18 people.
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

To view the site with all the images “ctrl+left click the mouse button” on the link above.


Next Meeting

The next meeting will be on March 15th at the Shenstone residence at 7:30pm. Meetings are always scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month.

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone​
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TEN PIN BOWLING REPORT - February 2022

Ten Pin Bowling took place last Friday with Bev & Barry the standout performers on the day.

​The next Ten pin Bowling activity will be at 10 am on Friday 17 March.
 
I will be sending an “SMS” beforehand to those who have previously played, or indicated they would like to participate, seeking player numbers.

​If you are not in the aforementioned category and would like to play, please give me a call on 0418 497 211.
Leader - Doug Matthews
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Tennis Group Report- February 2023

So far, this month has been a bit hit & miss (lol). With injuries, travel etc, we haven’t managed to have a full turnout to play.  Hopefully we will get back into the usual swing (lol) of things soon.

It would be great to welcome new players to the group. You do not have to be very skilled, just willing to have a go.


Leader - Bob Davison
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Live Theatre February 2023

Tina -The Tina Turner Musical
 
When: Wednesday 28 June 2023 at 7:30pm
Where: The Theatre Royal Sydney
 
Due to unprecedented interest in this show, we have now reserved and fully allocated our 48 tickets (in accordance with the bus capacity) to see Tina -The Tina Turner Musical.
 
Tickets are now fully costed at $142 each (inclusive of bus travel) payable by mid-April 2023 as follows:  Into Activities account
BSB – 633 000    Acc. No. – 167 288 844   plus Surname & Tina
 
Those members who have secured a place by registering their interest earlier have now been advised in writing and payment requested accordingly.
 
A wait list also now exists for this show so, if you are still interested in attending this show with us please register your interest by contacting the writer or filling in the wait list at our next meeting.
 
Direct from Broadway, this smash hit musical phenomenon is a celebration of an unstoppable woman who became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. 

With 37 award nominations including BEST NEW MUSICAL (Olivier Awards) and BEST MUSICAL (Tony Awards), this heart-pumping production is guaranteed to raise the roof at Theatre Royal Sydney.  Featuring iconic songs including, “Simply The Best”, “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, and “Proud Mary”, this story of joy, passion and resilience is as important now as ever. 

Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them and now you can experience her triumphant story live on stage. 

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is rollin’ into Sydney in May 2023. 

 
Stay safe,
Leader - Bruce Bartle
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Walking - February 2023

Nineteen (19) members braved the gloomy weather on our recent Parramatta River walk from Kissing Point Wharf via Meadowbank to Olympic Park Ferry Wharf.  Fortunately, the heavy rain fell just as we arrived at our destination!   We learnt some history of the Putney area including location of convict James Squires’ brewery, his good friend Bennelong’s grave, Halvorsen & Son boat building shed, the original 1886 railway bridge and the 2016 Bennelong Bridge at Wentworth Point.

 
Next Walk - Tuesday 14th March 2023

The next walk in March 2023 will be on March 14th 2023 and walk details will be advised by email.

Leader - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson
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Wine & Cheese February 2022

​The next wine & cheese night will be held at Ken & Toni Smith's lovely apartment at 74/40 Applegum Cresent, Kellyville, on Friday 10th March starting at 7:30pm.

All members are welcome, bring a plate, your drink of choice & a glass.  A email closer to the date will provide details how to get inside the secure building.


Leader  Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk
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PLEASE NOTE
The Club Newsletter is for the private and confidential use of Club members and is not to be used for any other purpose.  Approval for any form of advertising or promotion not directly related to club activities or general club information must be granted by the club committee.
Newsletter Editor: Enio Dona onhalf of Andrew Little