President's Report

President’s Report - June 2023
I feel like Winter has really arrived over the last month! We’ve had some very chilly mornings, ice on the car windscreen and frost on the grass.
I don’t know where the time has gone but another month has flown by. I guess that means I’ve been busy!
Another month of Probus activities, family, travel, catching up with longtime friends and the odd doctors appointment will keep us off the street! Along with all our regular activities our leaders have provided us with many opportunities to get out and about, get some exercise and of course getting together to socialize which is a strong part of our club fabric.
If you are a photographer we got to see the Steve McCurry “Icons” exhibition, if you are a reader the Writer’s festival was attended by some members and the theatre group got to see The Mousetrap at the Riverside Theatre. All this on top of our regular activities! Next week 48 members are looking forward to seeing the iconic Tina Turner musical. This will be a real treat to see.
I know a few of you have been unable to attend anything due to hospitalization, operations or looking after a family member. These are tough times, but I know many of you keep in touch and check to make sure they are ok or need help.
I’m informed that we are in a position to open up a few spots for membership now that members have been followed up and fees have been paid. Details will follow shortly when membership will open up.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next General Meeting.
Cathy Turner
President
I feel like Winter has really arrived over the last month! We’ve had some very chilly mornings, ice on the car windscreen and frost on the grass.
I don’t know where the time has gone but another month has flown by. I guess that means I’ve been busy!
Another month of Probus activities, family, travel, catching up with longtime friends and the odd doctors appointment will keep us off the street! Along with all our regular activities our leaders have provided us with many opportunities to get out and about, get some exercise and of course getting together to socialize which is a strong part of our club fabric.
If you are a photographer we got to see the Steve McCurry “Icons” exhibition, if you are a reader the Writer’s festival was attended by some members and the theatre group got to see The Mousetrap at the Riverside Theatre. All this on top of our regular activities! Next week 48 members are looking forward to seeing the iconic Tina Turner musical. This will be a real treat to see.
I know a few of you have been unable to attend anything due to hospitalization, operations or looking after a family member. These are tough times, but I know many of you keep in touch and check to make sure they are ok or need help.
I’m informed that we are in a position to open up a few spots for membership now that members have been followed up and fees have been paid. Details will follow shortly when membership will open up.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the next General Meeting.
Cathy Turner
President
Secretarial
Correspondence In
Correspondence Out
- None
Correspondence Out
- None
Bev Watson
Details of the Probus Member Benefit Scheme are at:
www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/members_offers_member_benefits_scheme (Cntl click on link)
Details of the Probus Member Benefit Scheme are at:
www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/members_offers_member_benefits_scheme (Cntl click on link)
Treasurer's Report
TREASURER’S REPORT | For the Month ending 31 May 2023 | |||
GENERAL ACCOUNT | ||||
Opening cash balance | 1 May 2023 | $5,236.43 | ||
Interest | $0.03 | |||
Deposits | $90.00 | Annual dues and joining fees received | ||
$90.00 | ||||
Expenses | $0.00 | PSPL Capitation fees | ||
$(231.67) | Admin costs / Website Fees | |||
$(547.76) | Speaker Costs | |||
$(213.40) | Hornsby Council venue hire | |||
$(24.55) | Morning teas | |||
$0.00 | Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c | |||
$0.00 | New member costs | |||
$(1,017.38) | ||||
Closing cash balance | 31 May 2023 | $4,309.08 | ||
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT | ||||
Opening cash balance | 1 May 2023 | $16,886.16 | ||
Interest | $17.78 | |||
Deposits | $442.00 | Tina the Musical | ||
$(10.00) | Port Macquarie | |||
$400.00 | Cronulla | |||
$462.00 | SCG | |||
$0.00 | $1,294.00 | 0 | ||
Deposits to be identified | $0.00 | |||
Payments | $(6,008.95) | Tina the Musical | ||
$(6,642.00) | Port Macquarie | |||
$0.00 | Cronulla | |||
$(462.00) | SCG | |||
$0.00 | $(13,112.95) | 0 | ||
Closing cash balance | $45,077.00 | $5,084.99 | ||
Open Activities | Balance | |||
Tina the Musical | 1128.05 | |||
Port Macquarie | 0 | |||
Cronulla | $3,539.90 | |||
SCG | $0.00 | |||
0 | $0.00 | |||
$4,667.95 | ||||
Add: | ||||
Interest received | ||||
Prior years | $0.00 | |||
This year to date | $0.00 | |||
Activities surplus | $417.04 | |||
To be fixed / transferred | $0.00 | |||
Bank balance | $5,084.99 | |||
TERM DEPOSIT | ||||
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,158.91, and has earned $117.70 since, at 2.25% p.a. | ||||
INTEREST | ||||
For this year, $44.87 has been received as interest – General Account $0.08, Activities Account $44.79. | ||||
ACTIVITY SURPLUS | ||||
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $417.04. | ||||
Michael Stinson | ||||
Treasurer | 31 May 2023 | |||
Michael Stinson
Treasurer
Treasurer
Membership
Can all members who have changed their contact details - address, phone numbers, email etc, please let Paul Day know so that our records are kept up to date.
Also, if any members have mislaid their name badges, please let Paul know.
It's helpful to all and especially our new members if we wear our badges, particularly to the monthly meetings.
If we do a multiple order there is a cheaper rate than one off orders
Also, if any members have mislaid their name badges, please let Paul know.
It's helpful to all and especially our new members if we wear our badges, particularly to the monthly meetings.
If we do a multiple order there is a cheaper rate than one off orders
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.
- Currently membership is closed, awaiting to see if all members renew their membership.
Welfare
WELFARE REPORT June 2023
Firstly, I would like to thank Chris Ellis for standing in for me over the past month. It was very helpful as I navigated my own health issues.
Welfare has been quite with no members reporting to us any health issues. I have heard on the grapevine that there have been a few with illnesses but those affected have since recovered which is great to hear.
Please contact either Chris or me if you hear of anyone needing any assistance. We are more than happy to help where or when needed.
It has been great for morale to see so many attending functions once again. We are so lucky to have such a great group of people in our club who can mix and socialize so easily.
Stay well and for those still recovering from illness or operations please keep on healing.
Until next time, remember, Fun, Fellowship and friendship is very much alive.
Toni Smith & Ken Smith – Welfare Officers
Firstly, I would like to thank Chris Ellis for standing in for me over the past month. It was very helpful as I navigated my own health issues.
Welfare has been quite with no members reporting to us any health issues. I have heard on the grapevine that there have been a few with illnesses but those affected have since recovered which is great to hear.
Please contact either Chris or me if you hear of anyone needing any assistance. We are more than happy to help where or when needed.
It has been great for morale to see so many attending functions once again. We are so lucky to have such a great group of people in our club who can mix and socialize so easily.
Stay well and for those still recovering from illness or operations please keep on healing.
Until next time, remember, Fun, Fellowship and friendship is very much alive.
Toni Smith & Ken Smith – Welfare Officers
June Guest Speaker - Pip Lovely talking on “Riding for the Disabled”

Pip Lovely, has been a long-time Volunteer, Vice President and Treasurer with Tall Timbers Centre, Riding For The Disabled. She was awarded an OAM for service to the community. Pip has been involved in many organisations as a Volunteer for over 40 years and her commitment to Tall Timbers Centre has been exceptional.
Tall Timbers Centre
The “Tall Timbers” Centre was founded in 1972 by Mrs Pearl Batchelor, OAM, and was operated at her riding school in West Pennant Hills. The first group of children to start riding were from Northcott Society and Crowle Home.
In 1976, due to impending development, 5 acres with a cottage (which was occupied by the first Coach/Horse Manager), with horse yards, was purchased in Kellyville in North West Sydney. Shortly after arriving in Kellyville, “Tall Timbers” began leasing the 25 acres backing on to the property, from the Government.
Over the years a further 10 acres was purchased and an amenities block, indoor arena and stable block were added to the already existing yards and outdoor arena. This made a total of 15 acres owned by RDA NSW and 25 acres leased.
At the end of 1999, once again “Tall Timbers” moved and again this was due to the major development taking place in Kellyville. This time it was to Box Hill where it is hoped that RDA will be able to settle for many, many years and that suburbia will not once again push the Centre further out!
The improved facilities were officially opened on 26th April 2008 by Sonya Phillips, Mayor of Baulkham Hills Shire Council.
Tall Timbers Centre
The “Tall Timbers” Centre was founded in 1972 by Mrs Pearl Batchelor, OAM, and was operated at her riding school in West Pennant Hills. The first group of children to start riding were from Northcott Society and Crowle Home.
In 1976, due to impending development, 5 acres with a cottage (which was occupied by the first Coach/Horse Manager), with horse yards, was purchased in Kellyville in North West Sydney. Shortly after arriving in Kellyville, “Tall Timbers” began leasing the 25 acres backing on to the property, from the Government.
Over the years a further 10 acres was purchased and an amenities block, indoor arena and stable block were added to the already existing yards and outdoor arena. This made a total of 15 acres owned by RDA NSW and 25 acres leased.
At the end of 1999, once again “Tall Timbers” moved and again this was due to the major development taking place in Kellyville. This time it was to Box Hill where it is hoped that RDA will be able to settle for many, many years and that suburbia will not once again push the Centre further out!
The improved facilities were officially opened on 26th April 2008 by Sonya Phillips, Mayor of Baulkham Hills Shire Council.
Contact Details For Riding For The Disabled Association
email address: www.rdanswtalltimbers.org.au OR click HERE.
Phone Number: 9679 1246
Email: [email protected] - click on this to send email.
Phone Number: 9679 1246
Email: [email protected] - click on this to send email.
To download brochure, click HERE
West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook Annual Trivia Night
SATURDAY 26th AUGUST - SAVE THE DATE!
As with last year, it will be an enjoyable and affordable night at only $25.00 per person (no extra costs re the trivia rounds) with the only one optional extra being a raffle drawn at the end of the last round.
Invite all your friends and relatives and start putting tables of 8 together.
We can also assist/coordinate/put teams together.
Ample parking is available.
Tea and coffee are provided - BYOG and nibbles.
Either book of table of 8, or come along as a smaller group/couple/individual.
Please call 0468 330 667 to book or
email: wphc.rotary.events @gmail.com
Website: http://www.wphcrotary.org/2023-trivia-night.html
You can also book & pay on the website
Otherwise let Max Henderson or Andrew Little know that you would like to make a booking
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BLUE WREN HOUSE, CAMDEN WOMEN'S SHELTER & OTHER ROTARY CHARITIES
To download the PDF flyer click HERE
As with last year, it will be an enjoyable and affordable night at only $25.00 per person (no extra costs re the trivia rounds) with the only one optional extra being a raffle drawn at the end of the last round.
Invite all your friends and relatives and start putting tables of 8 together.
We can also assist/coordinate/put teams together.
Ample parking is available.
Tea and coffee are provided - BYOG and nibbles.
Either book of table of 8, or come along as a smaller group/couple/individual.
Please call 0468 330 667 to book or
email: wphc.rotary.events @gmail.com
Website: http://www.wphcrotary.org/2023-trivia-night.html
You can also book & pay on the website
Otherwise let Max Henderson or Andrew Little know that you would like to make a booking
ALL PROCEEDS GO TO BLUE WREN HOUSE, CAMDEN WOMEN'S SHELTER & OTHER ROTARY CHARITIES
To download the PDF flyer click HERE
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 May Newsletter by Friday 21st July 2023.
Plese copy directly into Dropbox under :-
WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2023 07
Alternatively, please email to Andrew Little for newsletter articles.
Newsletter Copy Deadline
Please provide your contributions for the May Newsletter by Friday 21st July 2023.
Plese copy directly into Dropbox under :-
WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2023 07
Alternatively, please email to Andrew Little for newsletter articles.
To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!
Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group | Leaders |
Book Challenge | Sue Calabrese |
Book Club | Bev Davison |
Cards | David Turner, Ray Heaton |
Cycling | Gerard Siddle, Tony Coote |
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) | Helen Games |
Dining Out | Looking For Monthly Leaders |
Domestic Travel | Max Henderson |
Gardening | Julie Stinson, Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer |
Golf | Terry Ridge, Jeff Swan |
Mens Club | Rene Beutler |
Mixed Social Group | Helen Beulter, Hilda Somerfield |
Movies | John Cauchi, Donna Fraser |
Overseas Travel | Looking For Leader |
Photography | Rob Clarke, Bain Shenstone |
Ten Pin Bowling | Douglas Matthews, Paul Day |
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 Dining Out Activity leaders
Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time. Please come and discuss with Stuart about taking on this roll for July to November 2023.
Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time. Please come and discuss with Stuart about taking on this roll for July to November 2023.

MOE! Challenge has now started - ‘Move On, Enjoy’
MOE! will run from Mid-March ‘23 to next March ‘24. We have a group challenge of 86 books – one more than what was achieved this year. The group will aim to reach if through each person’s own individual challenge. We are up to 28 books now!
You can join at any time – just set your challenge from your starting point – calculate how many you read in a month x 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.
Songbirds by Christy Lefteri: Fiction inspired by the author’s knowledge of what happens to some migrant domestic workers in Cyprus. Reviewed in a previous newsletter some time ago. Petra hires Nisha to help look after her daughter and general housekeeping. Nisha had to leave her daughter in her country. Nisha vanishes and authorities don’t care. Petra, and Nisha’s secret lover Yiannis, set about trying to find her. Beautifully written book.
Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama: complaint: very small print. Deals with Obama’s life prio to becoming a politician. Deals with questions of identity, belonging, and the not so accepting aspect of mixed race marriage. An interesting biography.
The Botanist’s Daughter by Kayte Nunn: A young Sydney girl comes across some hidden things when she renovates a house left to her by her grandmother. She then researches her family history discovering the existence of an ancestor unknown to the family, and a relative still living in the UK who is connected to her family.
The Unknown Terrorist by Richard Flanagan: Book Club read. All the reviews warned that this was NOT one of RF’s best works and for more than half the book that was so true. It did pick up though and even got exciting. You even began to care for the main character – Gina Davies, aka ‘The Doll’, is a pole dancer who gets mistaken for a terrorist. Takes you into the seedy side of Kings Cross and the low life the abounded there at one time. Life has been very hard for her and all she wants now is to save enough for a deposit on her own apartment. She has no interest in any issues that don’t relate directly to her. The whole story was inspired by stories of people being followed and shot by police because they ‘looked or behaved’ suspiciously. Sounds far-fetched but it’s one of those stories starting so mundanely and then spins out of control, with the pace getting faster as it reaches a conclusion.
The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley; This has an Australian thread as CC, one of the seven sisters, searches out her family roots leading her to a new love. A bit of ‘politically correct’ stuff seeps in but not too much. Many personal dilemmas in this story. Have now finished all the stories of the girls themselves. Now to wait patiently to borrow the final book about their adoptive father Pa Salt – Atlas.
All that’s left unsaid by Tracey Lien: A Vietnamese teenage boy from Cabramatta is murdered as he is out celebrating his high school graduation with friends. His sister returns home to her family determined to discover what happened. She encounters the community’s problems with heroin at that time, and the reluctance of the Vietnamese people to speak up.
Snowy Mountains Promise by Alissa Callen: a light romance about a woman who comes back to her childhood home in the Snowy Mountains to research her great uncle’s past. A story of love & healing.
Elizabeth and Elizabeth by Sue Williams: a friendship between two pioneering women from very different backgrounds, married to very different men who had very conflicting views. Elizabeth MacArthur, married to the enemy of the establishment, John Macarthur, credited with her pioneering development of fine merino wool, and Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, pushing him towards social reform and town planning. They could have been bitter foes, but together they wielded great power and influence in the fledgling colony.
Homecoming by Kate Morton: The death of a mother, her three children and a missing baby in 1959 set the story, spanning generations. The mystery is finally solved two generations later – a great read.
The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: Three women: Siobhan, Miranda and Jane. One man: Joseph. He’s going out with the three of them. You needed a whiteboard to keep track in this one until you realise some of this was happening in the past. Despite what you may think, he’s not really a cheat but in the end, it was a good read with some quite poignant moments.
Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese
Leader: Sue Calabrese
MOE! will run from Mid-March ‘23 to next March ‘24. We have a group challenge of 86 books – one more than what was achieved this year. The group will aim to reach if through each person’s own individual challenge. We are up to 28 books now!
You can join at any time – just set your challenge from your starting point – calculate how many you read in a month x 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.
Songbirds by Christy Lefteri: Fiction inspired by the author’s knowledge of what happens to some migrant domestic workers in Cyprus. Reviewed in a previous newsletter some time ago. Petra hires Nisha to help look after her daughter and general housekeeping. Nisha had to leave her daughter in her country. Nisha vanishes and authorities don’t care. Petra, and Nisha’s secret lover Yiannis, set about trying to find her. Beautifully written book.
Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama: complaint: very small print. Deals with Obama’s life prio to becoming a politician. Deals with questions of identity, belonging, and the not so accepting aspect of mixed race marriage. An interesting biography.
The Botanist’s Daughter by Kayte Nunn: A young Sydney girl comes across some hidden things when she renovates a house left to her by her grandmother. She then researches her family history discovering the existence of an ancestor unknown to the family, and a relative still living in the UK who is connected to her family.
The Unknown Terrorist by Richard Flanagan: Book Club read. All the reviews warned that this was NOT one of RF’s best works and for more than half the book that was so true. It did pick up though and even got exciting. You even began to care for the main character – Gina Davies, aka ‘The Doll’, is a pole dancer who gets mistaken for a terrorist. Takes you into the seedy side of Kings Cross and the low life the abounded there at one time. Life has been very hard for her and all she wants now is to save enough for a deposit on her own apartment. She has no interest in any issues that don’t relate directly to her. The whole story was inspired by stories of people being followed and shot by police because they ‘looked or behaved’ suspiciously. Sounds far-fetched but it’s one of those stories starting so mundanely and then spins out of control, with the pace getting faster as it reaches a conclusion.
The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley; This has an Australian thread as CC, one of the seven sisters, searches out her family roots leading her to a new love. A bit of ‘politically correct’ stuff seeps in but not too much. Many personal dilemmas in this story. Have now finished all the stories of the girls themselves. Now to wait patiently to borrow the final book about their adoptive father Pa Salt – Atlas.
All that’s left unsaid by Tracey Lien: A Vietnamese teenage boy from Cabramatta is murdered as he is out celebrating his high school graduation with friends. His sister returns home to her family determined to discover what happened. She encounters the community’s problems with heroin at that time, and the reluctance of the Vietnamese people to speak up.
Snowy Mountains Promise by Alissa Callen: a light romance about a woman who comes back to her childhood home in the Snowy Mountains to research her great uncle’s past. A story of love & healing.
Elizabeth and Elizabeth by Sue Williams: a friendship between two pioneering women from very different backgrounds, married to very different men who had very conflicting views. Elizabeth MacArthur, married to the enemy of the establishment, John Macarthur, credited with her pioneering development of fine merino wool, and Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of the new governor Lachlan Macquarie, pushing him towards social reform and town planning. They could have been bitter foes, but together they wielded great power and influence in the fledgling colony.
Homecoming by Kate Morton: The death of a mother, her three children and a missing baby in 1959 set the story, spanning generations. The mystery is finally solved two generations later – a great read.
The No-Show by Beth O’Leary: Three women: Siobhan, Miranda and Jane. One man: Joseph. He’s going out with the three of them. You needed a whiteboard to keep track in this one until you realise some of this was happening in the past. Despite what you may think, he’s not really a cheat but in the end, it was a good read with some quite poignant moments.
Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese
Leader: Sue Calabrese

Book Club Report - June 2023
We met on Thursday 22 June to discuss our last book we read called The Unknown Terrorist by Richard Flanagan. We all decided it was not his usual style but most of us ploughed through it.
Our next book to read is called The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville.
We will meet at Elizabeth Wojtczak’s home on Thursday 3 August at 7.30pm.
Happy reading
Cathy Turner For Bev Davison
Leader - Bev Davison
The Lieutenant was inspired by a real story hidden for two centuries in the pages of a couple of shabby blue notebooks stored in a London manuscript library. The notebooks belonged to William Dawes, a soldier in the first days of the Colony of New South Wales, and they record his efforts to learn the language of the indigenous people of Sydney. Between the lines they reveal an extraordinary friendship – warm, playful and respectful – between him and one of his teachers, a young indigenous girl called Patyegarang. Reading the conversations in the notebooks – what she said, what he said – you long to know who these two remarkable people were, who could reach out across gulfs of difference and form a friendship that still blazes off the page two centuries later. Those conversations were the starting-point for the novel. I didn’t change any of the words in those conversations, but tried to draw a picture of the circumstances in which they might have happened. This is a novel, but it stays close to the historical events. They bring up issues that are still with us. How do we value difference, and learn to communicate across it? How do we learn how to listen as well as speak, and how do we respond when life presents us with a moral choice that leaves no room for evasion? |

Cards 500 Report for June 2023
Our last card night in May was enjoyed by 20 members playing and a good turnout for dinner beforehand.
Our next card night is Friday 22 June 2023.
Dural Country Club.
7pm playing start.
$5 per head to play.
Dinner beforehand is usually booked for 5.45pm.
As usual an email will be sent out the Monday of the week of play with details for player and dinner participation.
Leader - David Turner
Our last card night in May was enjoyed by 20 members playing and a good turnout for dinner beforehand.
Our next card night is Friday 22 June 2023.
Dural Country Club.
7pm playing start.
$5 per head to play.
Dinner beforehand is usually booked for 5.45pm.
As usual an email will be sent out the Monday of the week of play with details for player and dinner participation.
Leader - David Turner

Cycling Group: June 2022
The June cycling “tour” was postponed until July, as the majority of the regular riders are away on other adventures!
The next ride will be along the Parramatta River to Parramatta Park and Football Stadium, starting and finishing at the Ermington boat ramp.
Start time at 10.00am on Wednesday 19th July 2023.
We will stop for a coffee along the way.
Please bring your helmet, water and sunscreen.
Please let me know if you would like to join the ride.
Leaders - Gerard Siddle/Tony Coote
The June cycling “tour” was postponed until July, as the majority of the regular riders are away on other adventures!
The next ride will be along the Parramatta River to Parramatta Park and Football Stadium, starting and finishing at the Ermington boat ramp.
Start time at 10.00am on Wednesday 19th July 2023.
We will stop for a coffee along the way.
Please bring your helmet, water and sunscreen.
Please let me know if you would like to join the ride.
Leaders - Gerard Siddle/Tony Coote
Day Out for May
WPH and District Probus Club Day Trips Guided Tour of Sydney Cricket Ground Wednesday 31 May
The SCG guided walking tour on 31st May took us on a fascinating journey behind the scenes
of the Sydney Cricket Ground and the SCG Museum.
We heard entertaining stories of players, spectators and events and were taken behind the scenes to the field of play, the players dressing rooms, the historical members reserve, the media centre, the Walk of Honour, and the SCG museum.
We had lunch, in the sunshine,at the Entertainment Quarters Markets.
It was a fantastic day.
of the Sydney Cricket Ground and the SCG Museum.
We heard entertaining stories of players, spectators and events and were taken behind the scenes to the field of play, the players dressing rooms, the historical members reserve, the media centre, the Walk of Honour, and the SCG museum.
We had lunch, in the sunshine,at the Entertainment Quarters Markets.
It was a fantastic day.
Leader - Helen Games
Day Out For July -The Sydney Modern Project- Tuesday 11th July
The transformation of the Art Gallery of New South Wales
The last dining out was lunch at the Enigma Greek Restaurant at Castle Towers on 22nd June.
Below are photos from this lunch.
Below are photos from this lunch.
Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time. Please come and discuss with Stuart Mitchell about taking on this roll for any month July to November 2023.
Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders
Cronulla - Monday 30 October to Thursday 1 November 2023
Kurranulla place of pink shells
Also known as Cronulla
Monday 30th October
11.30am
Kurnell Whale watching platform.
Museum with a cannon from “The Endeavour”
BBQ lunch in the adjoining park.
Rydges Cronulla book in from 2.00pm
4.30pm approx. meet for Drinks & Bistro dinner at the
“Cabana and surrounds”
Cronulla RSL Bowling club
Overlooking Sth Cronulla beach.
Trivia at 7.30pm
Tuesday 31st October
Breakfast at Zimzala cafe
Sth Cronulla beach
Opens 6.30am
10.30am
Gunnamatta Wharf Cronulla.
Ferry “The Tom Thumb” leaves for a 3 hour cruise to Audley in the Royal National Park. Tea and coffee only. BYO nibbles etc.
Houseboat Cruise
Prawns, Oysters and Sausage sandwiches.
6.30pm
Dinner at Yalla Sawa (Lebanese)
Licensed not BYO
Opposite Sth Cronulla beach
Wednesday 1st November
Breakfast Rydges (before 9.00am)
Gunnamatta Wharf Cronulla
Ferries leave Cronulla to Bundeena
8.30am 9.30am 10.30am 11.30am
Leisurely walk along Jibbon Beach past the aboriginal rock carvings, turtles, dolphin, stingrays and nature beach to the headland opposite the Bombora reef.
Lunch at Bundeena RSL club
Afternoon of leisure.
Dinner 6.30pm
Sea Level restaurant
BYO & Licensed
North Cronulla beach
Thursday 2nd November
Breakfast Rydges
10.30am approx
Sydney Tram Museum
Sutherland
Vintage Tram ride through the national park.
Guided tour by volunteers.
Please note that the Cronulla trip is now fully booked.
Leader - Barry Wailes
Future Trips, any suggestions
Whilst Barry has stepped up to organise our October trip to Cronulla and I’ve been making some preliminary enquiries, I continue to seek suggestions for future trips, particularly from those that may have some local knowledge as to a potential destination.
Max
Max

Gardening Group – June 2023
On Thursday 8 June, the Garden Group spent the day at The Secret Garden and Nursery at Western Sydney University Hawkesbury campus, Richmond. Despite the disaster of the coffee machine being broken and some members having cappuccino withdrawal symptoms, the Garden Group enjoyed their time wandering around the Secret Garden and Nursery. Quite a few people bought some plants. We all had a simple but delicious lunch there at the One Mile Kitchen Café which is operated by the Norwest Disability Services.
Our next Gardening Group day will be visiting:
E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens.
In 2014, the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens were recognised by the International Camellia Society as a Camellia Garden of Excellence. There are only sixty Camellia Gardens of Excellence in the world (2 are located in NSW) The Gardens have over 400 cultivars and species of camellias plus many other rare ornamental and native plants, a duck pond and a rose garden.
About a one hour free guided tour has been organised with a member of Camellias Australia which is a Camellia research society. Please advise me via email or SMS by 7 July 2023, if you wish to attend the free guided tour. Advance notice is required because if the Probus garden group is large, we will be split into 2 tour groups and an additional Camellias Australia member will conduct the tour concurrently. Please note that the Gardens are on a slope and do not have wheelchair access to parts of the garden. There are a few steps as the gardens are planted in terraces.
Date : Thursday 13 July 2023
Meet: Be at West Pennant Hills Sports Club for an 8.30am departure. Please let me know if you require transport or are able to car pool. Please advise me also if you are going straight to the Camellia Garden. It is approximately a 2 hour drive as it will be peak hour. At the Gardens we will meet just inside the top entrance at around 10.30am for the 11 am tour start.
Where: The E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens are located on the corner of President Avenue and Kareena Road in Caringbah South.
Parking: There are two car parks and two main gate entrances. The carpark entrance on President Avenue has limited parking and is located near the top entrance gate which is also near the Jade Teahouse. The carpark entrance on the corner of Kareena Road and Matson Crescent has a lot more parking and is located near the lower gate. It is approximately 100 metres up a slope/stairs between the 2 entrances.
Toilets: Public toilets are located next to the Senses Gardens near the lower gate and there are also toilets in the Jade Teahouse.
What to bring: hat, sunscreen, wind/rain jacket, footwear suitable for walking, drink bottle, camera
Lunch: The Jade Teahouse Café is located inside the top entrance gate of the Gardens near the corner of President Avenue and Kareena Road. A booking has been made for lunch at 12pm.
Please advise me via email or SMS by 7 July, if you wish to attend the free guided Camellia tour on Thursday 13 July 2023.
Leader – Julie Stinson
On Thursday 8 June, the Garden Group spent the day at The Secret Garden and Nursery at Western Sydney University Hawkesbury campus, Richmond. Despite the disaster of the coffee machine being broken and some members having cappuccino withdrawal symptoms, the Garden Group enjoyed their time wandering around the Secret Garden and Nursery. Quite a few people bought some plants. We all had a simple but delicious lunch there at the One Mile Kitchen Café which is operated by the Norwest Disability Services.
Our next Gardening Group day will be visiting:
E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens.
In 2014, the E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens were recognised by the International Camellia Society as a Camellia Garden of Excellence. There are only sixty Camellia Gardens of Excellence in the world (2 are located in NSW) The Gardens have over 400 cultivars and species of camellias plus many other rare ornamental and native plants, a duck pond and a rose garden.
About a one hour free guided tour has been organised with a member of Camellias Australia which is a Camellia research society. Please advise me via email or SMS by 7 July 2023, if you wish to attend the free guided tour. Advance notice is required because if the Probus garden group is large, we will be split into 2 tour groups and an additional Camellias Australia member will conduct the tour concurrently. Please note that the Gardens are on a slope and do not have wheelchair access to parts of the garden. There are a few steps as the gardens are planted in terraces.
Date : Thursday 13 July 2023
Meet: Be at West Pennant Hills Sports Club for an 8.30am departure. Please let me know if you require transport or are able to car pool. Please advise me also if you are going straight to the Camellia Garden. It is approximately a 2 hour drive as it will be peak hour. At the Gardens we will meet just inside the top entrance at around 10.30am for the 11 am tour start.
Where: The E.G. Waterhouse National Camellia Gardens are located on the corner of President Avenue and Kareena Road in Caringbah South.
Parking: There are two car parks and two main gate entrances. The carpark entrance on President Avenue has limited parking and is located near the top entrance gate which is also near the Jade Teahouse. The carpark entrance on the corner of Kareena Road and Matson Crescent has a lot more parking and is located near the lower gate. It is approximately 100 metres up a slope/stairs between the 2 entrances.
Toilets: Public toilets are located next to the Senses Gardens near the lower gate and there are also toilets in the Jade Teahouse.
What to bring: hat, sunscreen, wind/rain jacket, footwear suitable for walking, drink bottle, camera
Lunch: The Jade Teahouse Café is located inside the top entrance gate of the Gardens near the corner of President Avenue and Kareena Road. A booking has been made for lunch at 12pm.
Please advise me via email or SMS by 7 July, if you wish to attend the free guided Camellia tour on Thursday 13 July 2023.
Leader – Julie Stinson
Leader - Julie Stinson

HELLO Probus Members
This month our game was played at Muirfield Golf Course. The weather was good golf was bad, food was OK as we ate at the Sports Club. Nothing much else to report.
Our next game is at Moore Park 07/07/2023 as per the draw that has been sent out.
We have 4 players for 18 holes and 6 players for 10 holes.
The event will be a good break from playing our usual courses and Lunch will be a highlight of the day.
My thanks go to Ian Roberts for facilitating the event and paying upfront for the game and carts.
I have a potential booking for North Ryde Golf Course in September and an email will be sent out shortly for those interested.
Emails will be sent out for player acceptance or decline so please add to your calendar.
Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship
Leaders - Terry Ridge & Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators
This month our game was played at Muirfield Golf Course. The weather was good golf was bad, food was OK as we ate at the Sports Club. Nothing much else to report.
Our next game is at Moore Park 07/07/2023 as per the draw that has been sent out.
We have 4 players for 18 holes and 6 players for 10 holes.
The event will be a good break from playing our usual courses and Lunch will be a highlight of the day.
My thanks go to Ian Roberts for facilitating the event and paying upfront for the game and carts.
I have a potential booking for North Ryde Golf Course in September and an email will be sent out shortly for those interested.
Emails will be sent out for player acceptance or decline so please add to your calendar.
Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship
Leaders - Terry Ridge & Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators

Movie Group - June 2023
We meet on the first Tuesday of the month in the foyer area of Event Cinemas on the Piazza side of Castle Towers usually around 9.30am, depending on session times.
As the newsletter comes out earlier than the session times are advertised, we email members who have advised their interest in being on our Movie Emailing List with the relevant movies for the following first Tuesday of the month Movie Day. Also, we usually meet at Cosmo Café after the movie for lunch. When you receive the Movie Email, could you please advise by return email whether or not you will be joining us for lunch after your movie.
Please note that there will now be a Movie Sign-In Sheet placed on the table at the back of the hall at our monthly Probus meetings for members to sign their Intention to Participate at the next movie day. If you would like to be added to the Movie Contact List please add your name and contact details at the bottom of this Intention to Participatesheet and we will arrange to have our Movie Emailing List updated accordingly. Similarly, if your name is on our list and you would like it removed, could you please draw a line through your name and it will be removed accordingly.
John Cauci and Donna Fraser
We meet on the first Tuesday of the month in the foyer area of Event Cinemas on the Piazza side of Castle Towers usually around 9.30am, depending on session times.
As the newsletter comes out earlier than the session times are advertised, we email members who have advised their interest in being on our Movie Emailing List with the relevant movies for the following first Tuesday of the month Movie Day. Also, we usually meet at Cosmo Café after the movie for lunch. When you receive the Movie Email, could you please advise by return email whether or not you will be joining us for lunch after your movie.
Please note that there will now be a Movie Sign-In Sheet placed on the table at the back of the hall at our monthly Probus meetings for members to sign their Intention to Participate at the next movie day. If you would like to be added to the Movie Contact List please add your name and contact details at the bottom of this Intention to Participatesheet and we will arrange to have our Movie Emailing List updated accordingly. Similarly, if your name is on our list and you would like it removed, could you please draw a line through your name and it will be removed accordingly.
John Cauci and Donna Fraser
Leaders – John Cauchi & Donna Fraser
Photography Group June 2023
The photography group is open to i-Phone, point and shoot and SLR Camera users. The purpose of our group is to improve our photography skills by learning from each other, whilst enjoying various group activities and sharing our own experiences often based around a theme.
The group did not meet this month as the leaders Rob and Bain are away and many members of the group are also away travelling.
Outings
The group however was active over the last month having a number of outings including:
Medieval Fayre Blacktown on Sunday 21/5/23.
A great time was had by all watching all manner of medieval, ancient, and renaissance activities including jousting, drills, Active role play battles, sword fighting demonstrations, food and crafts. There are two folders on the Facebook site, one for photos of the events and another for the characters we came across.
Steve McCurry Icons Exhibition on Thursday 25 May 2023.
We met at Cherrybrook Metro for the train to Wynyard via Chatswood and caught Bus 324 to Walsh Bay. We enjoyed viewing famous photos taken in Steve McCurry’s career including the famous Afghan Girl. The series of different portraits were stunning as were the many and varied depictions of strife-stricken World events. We had a leisurely lunch discussing which of the photos we liked the most.
Vivid Photography Outing on Wednesday7th June 2023
We caught the metro Wynyard and joined the crowd around Circular Quay, Opera House, and the Rocks. The highlight was the drone show with breathtaking coordination of intricate coordinated patterns. Members photos are in the album on the Facebook site.
Facebook Site
Our Facebook site shows members images and there are references to a wide variety of learning videos and articles that can be looked back on for reference.
The Facebook site is located at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254025278937219/?ref=group_header
Photography Folders for next meeting review
Set Theme - Travel Photos
Open folder – any recent photo you like.
Medieval Fayre photos- events and characters
Vivid Photos
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 27 members who access the Facebook site which is about a quarter of the club’s membership.
Next Photography group meeting
July 19th 7:30 pm
Venue TBA (probably either Rob Clarke or Shenstone residence)
The group did not meet this month as the leaders Rob and Bain are away and many members of the group are also away travelling.
Outings
The group however was active over the last month having a number of outings including:
Medieval Fayre Blacktown on Sunday 21/5/23.
A great time was had by all watching all manner of medieval, ancient, and renaissance activities including jousting, drills, Active role play battles, sword fighting demonstrations, food and crafts. There are two folders on the Facebook site, one for photos of the events and another for the characters we came across.
Steve McCurry Icons Exhibition on Thursday 25 May 2023.
We met at Cherrybrook Metro for the train to Wynyard via Chatswood and caught Bus 324 to Walsh Bay. We enjoyed viewing famous photos taken in Steve McCurry’s career including the famous Afghan Girl. The series of different portraits were stunning as were the many and varied depictions of strife-stricken World events. We had a leisurely lunch discussing which of the photos we liked the most.
Vivid Photography Outing on Wednesday7th June 2023
We caught the metro Wynyard and joined the crowd around Circular Quay, Opera House, and the Rocks. The highlight was the drone show with breathtaking coordination of intricate coordinated patterns. Members photos are in the album on the Facebook site.
Facebook Site
Our Facebook site shows members images and there are references to a wide variety of learning videos and articles that can be looked back on for reference.
The Facebook site is located at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254025278937219/?ref=group_header
Photography Folders for next meeting review
Set Theme - Travel Photos
Open folder – any recent photo you like.
Medieval Fayre photos- events and characters
Vivid Photos
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 27 members who access the Facebook site which is about a quarter of the club’s membership.
Next Photography group meeting
July 19th 7:30 pm
Venue TBA (probably either Rob Clarke or Shenstone residence)
Vivid Photos
Open Section Photos
Travel Photos
Medieval Fayre
Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone

TEN PIN BOWLING REPORT - June 2023
Ten Pin Bowling took place on Friday, 16 June, with ten players including 3 first timers, Deidre, Eric & Ron.
The girls competition was tight with Hilda on top in game 1 and Bev successful in game 2.
On the boys side David was the winner in game 1 with Eric coming out on top in game 2.
Our next game is scheduled for Friday, 21 July.
Leader - Doug Matthews

Tennis Group Report- June 2023
Having ruled himself out of the French Open, Rafael Nadal* decided to make himself available at our tennis matches, during the absence of Bob and Bev Davison.
Spurred on by Rafa’s appearance, Roger Federer**and Ash Barty***have also taken the opportunity of joining us (* known to you as Max Henderson, ** Enio Dona, *** Bev Dona)
Unfortunately, due to ongoing grandparent duties our “stars” are not always available. So, we are still looking for anybody who would like to have a go.
If you are reluctant to buy a tennis racquet in case the game doesn’t really suit you, I will bring an extra, so you can have a “tester” game.
Monday and Wednesday at 8:30am at the Belltree Cres, Castle Hill, off New Line Rd. If that’s too early, show up at 9:00 and we will incorporate you into the game.
Michael Stinson on behalf of Bob & Bev Davison
Leader - Bob Davison

Live Theatre June 2023
We have two theatre parties this month currently one down and one to go!!
The Mouse Trap -Tuesday 20 June, at 7:00pm
A huge thank-you to the 33 members and guests who braved a cold Tuesday night to attend The Mouse Trap at the Riverside Theatre Parramatta. This was a tour by the West End cast of the world’s longest running production and provided a great retrospective look into post-war pre-television drama that our own parents would have experienced.
A classic who-done-it that left the audience sworn to secrecy.
Tina - The Tina Turner Musical Wednesday 28 June, at 7:30pm
We have 48 attendees to Tina The Musical this Wednesday at the Theatre Royal Sydney.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is now playing to standing ovations at Theatre Royal Sydney! Experience the inspiring life story of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, who didn’t just break the rules – she rewrote them.
This heart-pumping production is bringing audiences to their feet night after night!
Featuring more than 20 of her iconic songs, including “Simply the Best”, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Proud Mary”, this smash-hit musical is not to be missed.
All attendees will be emailed shortly with the exact logistical details however:
Pick-up: 6:00pm for 6:15pm departure: West Pennant Hills Sports Club, New Line Road, West Pennant Hills.
Destination: By 7:00pm Theatre Royal Sydney, 108 King St, Sydney. Show commences 7:30pm.
Return Pick up: By 10:15pm for 10:30pm returning to West Pennant Hills Sports Club. Show run time 2 hours 45 minutes concluding at 10:15pm.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
When: Friday 22 September, at 7:00pm
Where: Riverside Theatre Parramatta
We have now reserved 40 seats to Sydney Youth Musical Theatre’s production of The Little Mermaid at Riverside Theatre Parramatta to ensure great seats for that evening, interest sheet and further detail to follow.
Stay safe,
Bruce Bartle
Members in the foyer of the Riverside Theatre Parramatta for The Mouse Trap.
Leader - Bruce Bartle

Walking - June 2023
I am sorry to disappoint but we are not able to conduct the Spit to Manly walk in July as the track is closed on weekdays (7am to 6pm) due to ‘Sydney Water’ upgrading the wastewater system. Therefore, this walk will be postponed to 2nd Tues in August.
So next month we are going to do the Clifton Gardens Reserve to Chowder Bay to Georges Head Lookout and return walk. This is moderate track mostly on wide track of approx. 3km. More details to be provided at later date.
Details of the next walk, July 18th
This walk is planned for total of 2 hours from 10 to 12pm with a coffee if you desire. Relatively flat, some dirt track, some concrete path. Bring a hat, rain jacket, good walking shoes, water.
Meet: Front of the Mosman Drill Hall Car Park at the end of Cross Street, Mosman.
Travelling to Mosman with take approx 45 mins from Castle Hill.
When: Tuesday July 18th 2023
Time: 10am. Do not be late.
Walk: Around Clifton Gardens to Chowder Bay & return
Parking: Parking is free at the Mosman Drill Hall Car Park at the end of Cross Street, Mosman. Park in front of the hall or in the car park to the left.
Coffee: Coffee available during this walk at Chowder Bay.
Toilets: Toilets are available during this walk.
Lunch: To be advised.
I am sorry to disappoint but we are not able to conduct the Spit to Manly walk in July as the track is closed on weekdays (7am to 6pm) due to ‘Sydney Water’ upgrading the wastewater system. Therefore, this walk will be postponed to 2nd Tues in August.
So next month we are going to do the Clifton Gardens Reserve to Chowder Bay to Georges Head Lookout and return walk. This is moderate track mostly on wide track of approx. 3km. More details to be provided at later date.
Details of the next walk, July 18th
This walk is planned for total of 2 hours from 10 to 12pm with a coffee if you desire. Relatively flat, some dirt track, some concrete path. Bring a hat, rain jacket, good walking shoes, water.
Meet: Front of the Mosman Drill Hall Car Park at the end of Cross Street, Mosman.
Travelling to Mosman with take approx 45 mins from Castle Hill.
When: Tuesday July 18th 2023
Time: 10am. Do not be late.
Walk: Around Clifton Gardens to Chowder Bay & return
Parking: Parking is free at the Mosman Drill Hall Car Park at the end of Cross Street, Mosman. Park in front of the hall or in the car park to the left.
Coffee: Coffee available during this walk at Chowder Bay.
Toilets: Toilets are available during this walk.
Lunch: To be advised.
Photos from Norwest Metro to Bella Vista Metro Station ‘Farm’ Walk on Tuesday 13th June
Leader - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

Wine & Cheese June 2023
The June wine and cheese was held at Marilyn and John Savic's new house with which we were all very impressed and jealous of. There were approximately 30 people who attended.
The next wine and cheese will be held on Friday 14th July at the home of Margaret and Colin McGowan. Hope to see you all there.
The June wine and cheese was held at Marilyn and John Savic's new house with which we were all very impressed and jealous of. There were approximately 30 people who attended.
The next wine and cheese will be held on Friday 14th July at the home of Margaret and Colin McGowan. Hope to see you all there.
Leader Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk
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.
The Club Newsletter is for the private and confidential use of Club members and is not to be used for any other purpose. Approval for any form of advertising or promotion not directly related to club activities or general club information must be granted by the club committee.
Newsletter Editor: Andrew Little
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