Newsletter No. 77 - August 2023

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST 2023.

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President's Report

President’s Report - August 2023

Another busy month has flown by. I was away for our last meeting and Rosemary Clarke our Vice President filled in for me. Thank you Rosemary. She will be filling in for me again in September whilst David and I are heading to Italy for about 6 weeks. Whoo hoo, very excited!

During this month the committee reviewed the applications received for membership with our Probus Club. I’m please to let you know that the committee have asked 9 new members to join us and they have all accepted!
We’ll be having an informal introduction to them at our August General Meeting and a formal Induction in October when all the new member sponsors will be back from overseas. I know you will all make them feel welcome.

During this month 5 members of your Management committee attended an Information Day held by PSPL [Probus South Pacific Ltd] which is the governing body for all Probus groups in Australia and New Zealand. Their head office is based in Parramatta. This particular Information Day was attended by 42 other Probus groups which was an excellent turnout. It was held at the Magpies Club at Waitara so not too far to go. Myself, Rosemary Clarke VP, Michael Stinson Treasurer, Stuart Mitchell Activites Coordinator and Toni Smith Welfare Officer all attended. As we have a number of new members on the Management committee who had not attended one of these functions, it was an excellent opportunity for us all to mingle and meet other clubs and members of the PSPL organization. A comprehensive presentation was made by Monica Prasad the community engagement officer. She talked about PSPL and their services, National Insurance Program, Probus publications, their website [which any Probus member can get into by using their Probus card number], members benefits, Probus month [October], what makes your club successful focusing on the fun, friendship and fellowship aspect, leadership, succession plans and growth of your club.

I am very proud to say that our club are ticking a lot of the boxes for a successful club! During the presentation there was interaction with the audience and I’m happy to say our club was able to make a number of contributions on how and what we do at our club that makes us successful. This only happens when you have many members participating and contributing… so well done to us all!

After lunch we broke into groups [Presidents, VP’s, Secretaries Toni filled in here], treasurers and activity coordinators] to share ideas, experiences and problem solve. This was a valuable eye opener. We are a relatively new club, mixed, but we had other clubs represented there who were 35 or 40 years old, mixed and/or single gender. So a glimpse into the future of challenges ahead and picking the brains of newer clubs if there is anything we can do better or differently.

A quick reminder that this coming Saturday 26 August, Donna Fraser and her family are having a Celebration of Life for Bruce at the Glenhaven Community Hall at the Glenhaven Oval complex at 12 noon with a sausage sizzle afterwards.
Please support your activity leaders, enjoy the fun, friendship and fellowship our activities and club offer and have a great month.

Cathy Turner

President

Secretarial

Correspondence In

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)

Treasurer's Report

TREASURER’S REPORT	For the Month ending 31 July 2023

GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance	01 July 2023	$2,322
Interest		$275
Deposits	$0		Annual dues and joining fees received
		$0
Expenses	$(447)		PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading
	$0		Admin costs / Website Fees
	$(123)		Speaker Costs / Welfare
	$(272)		Hornsby Council venue hire
	$0		Morning teas
	$0		Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c
	$(89)		New member costs
		$(931)
Closing cash balance	31 July 2023	$1,666

ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance	01 July 2023	$5,396
Interest		$6
Deposits	$0		Cronulla
	$235		Moore Park Golf
	$238		Art Gallery
	$0		First Aid Kits
	$50	$523	Little Mermaid
Deposits to be identified		$0

Payments	$(803)		Tina the Musical
	$0		Cronulla
	$0		Moore Park Golf
	$(408)		Art Gallery
	$(32)	$(1,243)	First Aid Kits

Closing cash balance	31 July 2023	$4,682


Open Activities		Balance
Cronulla		$3,540
Moore Park Golf		$369
First Aid Kits		$0
Little Mermaid		$50

		$3,959
Add:
Interest received
Prior years		$0
This year to date		$0
Activities surplus		$723
To be fixed / transferred		$0
Bank balance		$4,682

TERM DEPOSIT
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,000.00, and has earned $83.53 this year, at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a.

INTEREST
For this year, $334.94 has been received as interest – General Account $275.13, Activities Account $59.81.

ACTIVITY SURPLUS
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $723.10.



Michael Stinson
Treasurer	31 July 2023

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Michael Stinson
Treasurer

Membership

We opened up our membership last month and have accepted nine new members into our Club.
They comprise two couples and a lady from Cherrybrook, one couple from Glenorie, another couple from Dural and also a couple from Carlingford.

All new members are known to, and have been nominated by existing members.
We will formally induct them at a General Meeting a little later in the year.

In the meantime, please introduce yourselves and make our new members feel welcome when you meet them at upcoming monthly meetings and activities.

Finally an ongoing thank you to Ian Roberts who is helping a number of our committee members and activity leaders to navigate through the mysteries of Dropbox.

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.

Paul Day – Membership Officer

Welfare

WELFARE REPORT August 2023
The past 2 months have had a mixed bag of health issues. A few hospital visits, some still showing improvement from past medical issues and some still awaiting small procedures. We wish you all well and hope the recovery process will be a speedy one.

We are also celebrating the life of Bruce Fraser on Saturday 26th August at Glenhaven Community centre at 12 noon. After the service there will be a sausage sizzle on the ovals. Please wear red or green which represents Bruces love for his football club at Glenhaven. We would love to see our club members attend if possible. Bruce was an active member and will be missed by us all. See note below:

If anyone needs any assistance, please phone me at any time.

Toni Smith & Ken Smith – Welfare Officers

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August Guest Speaker - Peter Plowman - The First Troop Convoy from Australia in WW1

The Australian Government offered to send 20,000 troops to Britain when the war started in 1914, but a variety of unusual circumstances delayed their departure and instead of going to Britain they ended up in Egypt. My talk describes these circumstances in detail, and explains how two decisions made by a German Admiral and an Australian Admiral in the Pacific changed the whole course of the war for Australian troops.

Photos - July Meeting

Birthday Celebrations

Happy Birthday
To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in August

Judy Butler
Bev Davison
Pam Godoy
Warwick Hilder
Mary Mitchell
Kim Nicholls
Ron Peterson
Eric Scheeren
Gerard Sidddle
Ken Smith
Toni Smith
Alan Somerfield
Heather Stewart
Cathy Turner

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 August Newsletter by Friday 22nd September 2023.

Plese copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2023 09

Alternatively, please email to Andrew Little for newsletter articles.

Activities List

To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

Click on activity to go straight there!

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 August to November 2023.

Book Challenge

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. Another 10 books brings us up 44 books now and we are over the halfway mark!
You can join at any time – just set your challenge from your starting point – calculate how many you read in a month times the number of months you are in the challenge +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.

Deal Breaker by Harlan Coben: Investigator and sports agent Myron Bolitar is poised on the edge of the big-time. So is Christian Steele, a rookie quarterback and Myron's prized client. But when Christian gets a phone call from a former girlfriend, a woman whom everyone, including the police, believes is dead, the deal starts to go sour. Suddenly Myron is plunged into a baffling mystery of sex and blackmail. Trying to unravel the truth about a family's tragedy, a woman's secret and a man's lies, Myron is up against the dark side of his business—where image and talent make you rich, but the truth can get you killed. The story was good but I wasn't a fan of his writing style in this, old style, Sam Spade(ish) speak but it was written in 1995.

Wrong Review for this next book in the last newsletter so here it is:
After by Morris Gleitzman: This is book 4 of the 'Once' series. Felix continues his quest to find his parents, dodging the German army and the often cruel and self-serving actions of the people he meets up with. In this book he joins the Polish resistance even though they don't want him. More horrific experiences occur but he still looks to reconcile hatred and healing. He is now 13 years old and still has so far to go. Such an insight into the plight of the Jews, the kindness of a few, and the cruelty that comes with self-preservation.

Now by Morris Gleitzman: This is such a great series of books following the story of Felix and Zelda in Nazi occupied Poland. This is book 3, meant to be the final book but Gleitzman realised that he had more to tell so another 4 books follow.
The story moves to Australia. Felix, now 80, is a retired surgeon of reknown. His granddaughter, Zelda, is living with him in a small Victorian country town while her doctor parents work in Africa. Like young Felix, she has a simplisitic understanding about what is going on around her. She is bullied at her new school, tries so hard to make Felix happy, knowing that he still thinks of the past with much pain, and even blames herself for a huge bushfire that rips through their town, destroying so much, including Felix's house and her little dog. The world is a very puzzling place for the young when there are horrible things happening.

Soon by Morris Gleitzman: This is Book 5 in the Once Series. It's the end of the War, but Poland is a cesspit of the aggrieved, starving, selfish and violent population who just want to survive. After the Nazis they now have to contend with gangs of desperate kids and the Polish thugs - Poland for Poles. Anya is a new character in Felix's life - a young girl with a gun who takes what she needs from others in order to survive. Felix is outraged. They form a friendship of sorts but what she has got through is horrendous. War is bad, but the aftermath can bring out the worst in people.

Nightwork by Nora Roberts: The reader found this to be the worst by Nora Roberts that she has ever read. Finished it reluctantly.

The Witness by Nora Roberts: By contrast this was a great read about a young child who witnessed a Russian Mafia murder, and the impact this had on the rest of her life. He life up to then was also fraught. The whole story entails how someone’s persistence, determination and care can impact on the purpose and quality of life.

Nice Work (If You Can Get It) by Celia Imrie: Set in the French Riviera near Cannes and at the time of one of the film festivals. Some retired expats decide to start up a French restaurant but it sure ain't easy when mystery intruders, mafia and film stars show up. Family dramas abound – a daughter runs off with a con artist, a husband runs off with the nanny, then moves omt his daughter’s house heartbroken and drinking when it finished. The daughter inconveniently escapes to mum the expat. The sailing expat who thinks she’s in love with a charming drug-running Russian. The gay couple with their histrionics. The American artist, and another old gal who new secrets of the previous owner of the restaurant building. Got a bit slapstick at the end but still an okay read. Always take care if something sound too good to be true.

The Missing Sister by Lucinda Riley: reviewed a few times before. The 7th in the Seven Sisters series. A very enjoyable read involving a chase through New Zealand, Canada, England and Ireland as the sisters pursue leads on how to find their missing sister – the one Pa Salt never found to be able to adopt – she would have been the first one. Now we await Atlas – the story of Pa Salt.

Livid by Patricia Cornell: Kay Scarpetta, Chief Medical Examiner Series. A mysterious weapon is used to murder two people. Kay and her sidekick Marino succeed in solving the mystery.

Silent Night by Daniel Steel: A nine year old girl is involved in a car accident that kills her mother, leaving her with severe brain damage. She is taken in by her aunt, a psychiatrist, and so begins the long road to recovery. A enjoyable read.

Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens by Shankari Chandran: A Sri Lankan family immigrate to Sydney and buy a nursing home. They faced a lot of persecution in their homeland before coming to Sydney and continue to be the subject of discrimination in their efforts to make a life here. The reader did not like this book.

Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese

Leader: Sue Calabrese

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Book Club

Book Club Report - August 2023

We had our last book club evening on Thursday 3 August at Elizabeth Wojtczak’s home.
Thanks Elizabeth for hosting.

We had a lively discussion on The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville. We decided as we went through the questions supplied for discussion, they were way too long and complicated so we spoke mainly about our feelings and impressions of the book which pretty much covered what I think they were getting at in the discussion paper. We decided this was probably not Kate Grenville’s best book some of us had read, but it did bring up a lot of the issues that are very topical at the moment concerning the Aboriginals and land. It also brought home how difficult life was when the first fleet landed and the difficult conditions that both the convicts and 1st fleeters had to endure. Relationships, interactions and friendships between themselves and the Aboriginals brought home how different they all were in a land that was so unforgiving. It was interesting how Kate was able to mix both facts and fiction together to come up with this story.

Our next book club meeting will be Thursday 14th September at Bob and Bev’s home. It will be a very interesting evening not only discussing our book but hearing all about Bob and Bev’s holiday after 3 months away!
Cathy Turner for Bev Davison.

Leader - Bev Davison

Our next book to read is The Lost Man by Jane Harper. This is a powerful story of suspense, set against the dazzling landscape of outback Queensland. The story of the Bright family and the mysterious death of a brother.

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Cards

Cards 500 Report for August 2023

Our last Cards 500 evening was held on Friday 28 July with 19 playing and 13 for dinner beforehand.

Lots of fun as usual, with everyone enjoying themselves.
Our next Cards 500 evening will be held on Friday 25 August.
Dural Country Club, 7pm start for cards, Dinner booked for 5.45pm.

An email will be sent out a few days beforehand to all those that are on the interest list. Replies for dinner and cards availability to be emailed back as soon as possible.

If you are interested in getting on the email list or you wish to unsubscribe please let Cathy or David know.

PLEASE NOTE- September cards night will be held on the 5th Friday of the month instead of the 4th [ie Friday 29th September] as there is a clash with the theatre group going to see The Little Mermaid. This gives the option for any card players not to miss out on the theatre evening.

David

Leader - David Turner

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Cycling

Cycling Group: August 2023

The August cycling ride, was postponed until September.

The next proposed ride, is to be held on Wednesday 20 September 2023.

The ride is to commence at the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal, then head west along the Parramatta River to the UWS Campus before getting onto the light rail cycle path. The aim is to head north up to Dundas Station (Telopea and Carlingford Stations are possible – but basically the pathway is at least 2.0km uphill).

After Dundas, it is back down to Rosehill Station, then to the edge of the Parramatta business area, before heading back to Rydalmere.

Start time – 10.00am

Location: Rydalmere Ferry Carpark (off John Street Rydalmere)

We will stop for a coffee along the way.

Please bring your helmet, water and sunscreen.

Please let me know, if you are interested in joining the ride.

Gerard Siddle

Leaders - Gerard Siddle/Tony Coote

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Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry)

Sydney Science Festival - A series of 3 talks - Tuesday 15 August

Sixteen members attended the talks organised by the Powerhouse Museum and Westmead
Institute for Medical Research as part of the Sydney Science Festival.

Dr Isabella Breukelaar explained that there is a need for a new system of understanding and
treating mental disorders that is underpinned by the observable workings of the brain.
Associate Professor Kenneth Micklethwaite explained how Cell Therapy harnesses the power of
the immune system to fight cancer.

Dr Caitlin Finney has been growing mini brains in a dish using patients skin cells. It is thought that
understanding how a person’s unique genetic makeup contributes to the development of
Alzheimer’s disease and will lead to better understanding and treatment.

The knowledge of the researchers was mind blowing and led to much discussion during the
intervals.

Members also enjoyed a free morning tea and lunch in the courtyard.

September Day Trip

There are 2 options or we could do both on the same day. I will discuss this at the meeting on
Wednesday.

• Meet the Researcher WIMR Wednesday 6 September 2.00 pm until 4.30pm. Free event with
afternoon tea. See flyer.

• Marilyn: The Woman Behind the Icon. Wednesday 6 September 10.30am. Sydney Town Hall.
Cost $39.74 Find out more https://www.marilynexhibition.com.au

Leader - Helen Games

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Dining Out

August 2023

You're invited to join us for lunch at The Vicar!

Thursday 31 August
“The Vicar” 12pm-2pm
271 New Line Road
Dural

See menu
www.thevicar.com.au

Sign up sheet at the July meeting or email Jeff Swan

Edie and Jeff Swan

2023.07.24 Dining Out at Lynwood Country Club

A group of 10 enjoyed a very lovely lunch at Lynwood Country Club. We had many laughs and much talk about our travels. Many stories were told about different trips we had all done over the years. A very interesting and fun day.
Ask Chris about her earthquake experiences!!!!!!!!!

This week the club hosted The Jackie Newton Junior Championships. The greens look great after a few years of flooding. The club is up and running again and looks great. We all saw photos of the course underwater and it’s hard to believe the course was 5 metres under water during the floods.

Thank you to all that attended and helped to make our lunch memorable.

See you all at The Vicar in August.

Toni and Ken Smith - organizers

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 August to November 2023.

Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders

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Domestic Travel

Cronulla - Monday 30 October to Thursday 1 November 2023

Kurranulla place of pink shells

Also known as Cronulla

Kurranulla place of pink shells
                         Also known as Cronulla

Monday 30th October

11.00am
Kurnell Whale watching Platforms at Cape Solander
BBQ lunch from 1.00pm at Cooks Landing site. $10
(behind the visitor centre)
(bring fold up chair & drinks)
1 1/2hr if leaving from Cherrybrook area from 9.30am

Rydges Cronulla book in from 2.00pm

4.30pm approx. meet for Drinks & Bistro dinner
Cronulla RSL Bowling club
Cabana & surrounds
Overlooking Sth Cronulla beach.
Trivia at 7.30pm

Tuesday 31st October
Breakfast at Zimzala café optional
Sth Cronulla beach
Seating from 6.30am to 9.00am

Tom Thumb ferry leaves precisely at 10.30am
Gunnamatta Wharf Cronulla.
3 hour cruise to Audley in the Royal National Park. Tea and coffee only. BYO nibbles & drinks. $30

Due to the number limits on the Tom Thumb II we had to book a houseboat also. It is not a large boat but will accommodate 12 persons. Persons interested need to be relatively agile for boarding, disembarking, steadiness & climbing to the roof deck.
If the number exceeds 12 a draw will be held at the next Probus meeting.

Seafood Houseboat Cruise
Prawns, Oysters etc.
$70

6.30pm
Dinner at Yalla Sawa (Lebanese)
Licensed not BYO
Opposite Sth Cronulla beach
$65 set menu.

Wednesday 1st November
Breakfast Rydges $20 (before 9.00am) optional.

Gunnamatta Wharf Cronulla
Ferries leave Cronulla to Bundeena
8.30am 9.30am 10.30am 11.30am

Optional ferry time and distance of walk.
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 from 12.00 to 2.30

Dinner 6.30pm
Sea Level restaurant
BYO & Licensed
North Cronulla beach

Thursday 2nd November
Breakfast Rydges $20 (before 9.00am) optional.

10.30am approx
Sydney Tram Museum
Sutherland
Vintage Tram ride through the national park.
Guided tour by volunteers through the museum.
Includes lunch (platters of sandwiches) $25

Please note that the Cronulla trip is now fully booked.

Leader - Barry Wailes

Central Coast NSW – Mon 18 to Thurs 21 March 2024

I would like to acknowledge this trip has effectively been prepared by Colin McGowan, who has extensive local knowledge and resolve, which is reflected in this detailed report.

Tour involves 3 nights on the Central Coast - 1 hour drive to Ettalong

Our initial priority is to secure the accommodation at The Mantra Resort at Ettalong Beach.
Room options at The Mantra Resort, Ettalong Beach (3-night stay)
Option 1:
Category: One-bedroom Spa Suite - Town/ Hinterland View
Bedding Configuration: 1x King Bed OR 2x King Singles
Rate p/night: $219.00

Option 2:
Category: One-bedroom Deluxe Suite - Pool/ Ocean View
Bedding Configuration: 1x King Bed OR 2x King Singles
Rate p/night: $259.00

Option 3:
Category: Two-bedroom Spa Suite - Town/ Hinterland View
Bedding Configuration;
Bedroom One: 1x Queen bed
Bedroom Two: 1x King Bed OR 2x King Singles
Rate p/night: $329.00

Option 4:
Category: Two-bedroom Deluxe Suite - Pool/ Ocean View
Bedding Configuration;
Bedroom One: 1x Queen bed
Bedroom Two: 1x King Bed OR 2x King Singles. Rate p/night: $369.00

Free car parking under the building as well as in the adjoining outdoor carpark (which is part of the Mantra and adjoining the Diggers Club.

Initial Pre Payment
Until we fine tune our activity and meal options, we have set a maximum of thirty people for this trip. It will be filled on a first come first served basis on receipt of a $100 per person deposit payable into the Activities Account identified by your Surname & Ettalong.
Balance of the pre-payment costs will be called at the end of January 2024. In addition to the accommodation cost will be the Ferry Cruise (currently concession rate is $40pp). We will have at least one dinner at the adjoining Diggers Club but are still working on dinner options for the other two nights. If a banquet dinner is involved that will require a prepayment as well. It is best if all other costs, i.e., breakfasts, lunches, dinners and activities are paid separately by the participants.
Accommodation Preference (Attendance) Sheet (below) will be available at the next meeting.
Alternatively, if you won’t be at the meeting, please advise Max.

Introductory Trip Information
Ettalong
Ettalong is a 1 hr drive from West Pennant Hills and Cherrybrook. It is a beautiful seaside location fronting Brisbane Waters where it meets Broken Bay, offering a calming and relaxing atmosphere. The town retail epicentre is the Galleria but there are many other shops (incl fashion and antique) and restaurants. The beach is rimmed by a promenade pathway with cafes. All walking in the town is level.

Our Accommodation -The Mantra Resort
Mantra Ettalong Beach is the premier accommodation in Ettalong.
It is opposite Ettalong Beach with views of Brisbane Water and Broken Bay and the Hinterland.
The adjoining Ettalong Diggers is a modern facility and can hold up to 700 delegates for even the large functions. Bike hire adjoins the Mantra.
Umina Beach and Pearl Beach is a short drive away.

Sightseeing recommendations:
The sightseeing locations below are all within 30 minutes of our accommodation at Ettalong.
1.History and Heritage Ferry Cruise on Brisbane Waters
This Cruise will be prebooked for the second day of our stay. It departs at 9.30am from Fishermans Wharf at Woy Woy and is for 3 hours. It includes live commentary on historic sites cruising to Woy Woy, Blackwall, Broken Bay, Umina, Ettalong, Empire Bay, Davistown, Saratoga, East Gosford, West Gosford, Point Clare, Tascott and Koolewong. Morning tea will be served

2. Terrigal, The Skillion, Avoca Beach, MacMasters Beach, Bouddi National Park
Terrigal, fronting the Pacific Ocean, is the main town on the Central Coast.
It is home to a high-end shopping and a number of both natural and man-made landmarks including The Skillion at The Haven which is a sedimentary rock formation formed in the Triassic Period. A boardwalk at The Haven connects to Terrigal Beach and its shopping centre. (A 10-minute level walk).

3. Avoca Beach
Avoca Beach is a major Central Coast holiday and surfing area. It’s situated among a residential coastline of wooded hills, beaches and lakes. Spectacular side-on views of the surf and rock platforms from here.

4. MacMaster Beach and surrounding Bouddi National Park.
The forecourt outside the MacMasters Surf Club and adjoining Cafe offers breathtaking views. It is a must see visit if possible. The road from MacMasters to Killcare travels through the Bouddi National Park where several pull-over areas offer excellent viewing and photo opportunities.

5. Killcare, Pretty Beach and Wagstaff
Pretty Beach is a beautiful spot for photographers- especially at low tide with its mud flats and small beached boats. Drive through Pretty Beach for a couple of minutes to reach Wagstaff where the road on this peninsula terminates. Check out the inclinators many residents must have to access their property here.

6. Umina Beach and Mt Ettalong
Umina was established as a holiday resort town in 1917 connecting to Woy Woy train station by a motor service.
Umina's long sandy beach is one of Central Coast 's most popular beaches for families, ideal for swimming and surfing. Nearby Mt. Ettalong Lookout offers panoramic views of Umina and Ettalong as well as south across Broken Bay down to Palm Beach.

7. Pearl Beach is a 'Gem' located on the western shoreline, sharing the Peninsula with nearby Patonga
The area is home or a weekend retreat for many of Sydney's media personalities.

8. The Chocolate and Nougat Factory at East Gosford
The Factory is said to be the Sweetest place on the Central Coast. Home of renown Australian confectionery producers, Nougat Limar, Bon Bon Fine Chocolate and The Sydney Marshmallow Co. Tours and a make your own chocolate with selected toppings to take home is available.

9. Gosford Gallery and Japanese Gardens
The Edogawa Commemorative Garden is a beautiful peaceful space located in the Gosford Regional Gallery precinct. Extending over 4,000m2, the garden with meandering pathways, a roofed Japanese pavilion overlooking the Koi Pond, raked dry stone garden and traditional Japanese teahouse, the garden offers a tranquil setting in which to relax and enjoy art and nature. Entry is free.

Additional Touring opportunities include:

Capitan Cook Lookout at Copacabana
Ken Duncan Gallery at Erina Heights
Block and Tackle Brewery (Craft Beer) at Kincumber
Distillery Botanica -spirits and liqueur distiller at Erina
St Mary McKillop Historic Church (1843) and graveyard
Little Creek Cheese-homemade gourmet cheese factory at Wyong
Bells Beach Boutique Hotel and Restaurant at Kilcare Heights
Coastal Drive from Terrigal to The Entrance and Return.
Mt Penang Gardens and Historic Wondabyne Sculptures, Kariong

Any suggestions or questions please give me a call.

Photos

The Mantra Resort at Ettalong Beach
Beachfront walk- Ettalong
Brisbane Water Heritage Cruise on board the Sorento
Brisbane Water Heritage Cruise Sail Plan from Woy Woy
Terrigal Boardwalk connecting with The Haven and the Skillion
The Haven at Terrigal with part of the Skillion in background
The Skillion – eastern base end
Crowne Plaza at Terrigal- a good place to have Fish and Chips and watch the beachfront action
Kilcare Beach
Pretty Beach
Wagstaff
Avoca Ocean Pool
Pearl Beach
One of the Bouddi National Park Lookouts
Japanese Gardens at Gosford
Japanese Gardens at Gosford

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

Leader - Max Henderson

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Gardening

Gardening Group – August 2023

During August, the garden group attended a very informative talk on how to look after orchids at Bunnings Rydalmere. The talk was presented by an enthusiastic member of the Orchid Society. It was a popular talk as there were 50 people attending. We had a group of 11 Probus members including Kathy Lewis from Bright. We all learnt some orchid tips and Helen Games was one of 5 lucky door prize winners. She won a lovely white orchid. During the talk, Bunnings also provided refreshments of coffee/tea and cake. Afterwards, Ken Lewis joined us for lunch at a local café near Bunnings.

Our next Gardening Group day will be visiting:
The David Jones Annual Flower Show in the Elizabeth Street Store, Sydney CBD
The David Jones Annual Flower Show has a long history dating back 83 years. Themes for the flower displays were introduced over 35 years ago. Last year’s theme was the Great Barrier Reef and there were over 300,000 blooms on display. Details of the theme for 2023 have not yet been released. Each year the flower show runs for 12 days in September.

Date :    Thursday 14 September 2023

Destination : David Jones Flower Show for approximately one hour – It is located in the David Jones on the corner of Elizabth Street and Market Street, Sydney

Meet:   9.35am Bus Stand C at Castle Hill – to catch the bus 610X City Express to the Queen Victoria Building. As per the bus timetable, this bus leaves at 9.42am and should arrive at 10.22am at the QVB. Please advise me if you decide to travel separately either by train or a different bus route. In this case please meet outside the QVB on the corner of George Street and Market Street at 10.25am.

Lunch:    Metropole Cafe – Ground Floor Queen Victoria Building, George Street Sydney

Julie Stinson

Leader - Julie Stinson

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Golf

Golf Report August 2023 - The Bunker News

Grandad

Terry & Jeff

HELLO Probus Members

This month our game was played at Gordon Golf Course. The weather was great, and a good time was had by all. Our players enjoyed a nice lunch afterwards in the Pennant Hills Hotel.

We had 16 players who enjoyed 10 holes at Gordon.

I have a potential booking for North Ryde Golf Course in September.

An email has been sent 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

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Men's Club - August 2023

Next Men's Group activity will be on Wednesday, 6th September at Hillside Hotel, Old Northern Rd. Castle Hill.

Midday for lunch.

Cheers Rene

Leader - Rene Beutler

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Mixed Social Group

Mixed Social Coffee Morning

The Mixed Social Coffee Morning meets last Monday of the Month.

Our next coffee morning is . . .

Monday 28th August

at 10.30am

Meet in the Bistro Area, Castle Hill RSL

All members are welcome. Please come along and enjoy a chat.

Our last coffee morning on the 31st July, was very well attended with 19 people present. We had a very enjoyable time with lots of chatting and laughter!

Are you sure you were only drinking coffee???

Leader- Helen Beutler

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Movies

Movie Group - August 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

Leaders – John Cauchi & Donna Fraser

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Photography

Photography Group August 2023

New Photography Meeting Date
We have been trying to find a new date for our photography meetings as we now have clashes with other meetings.

The new date for our meetings will be the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 pm.

This means our September meeting will be on Wednesday September 6.

August Photography Meeting

During August we reviewed the set subject for the month which was a mouse eye view of the word. The objective was to take images from a very low height. Some of the images below are the guitar from Elizabeth Wojtczak, Rob Clarke on the chair and Barry Wales with the puppets and cheese.

Our members can also put in images they have taken into an open section where they have a photo they would like to discuss.

Some of our open images are: The sand bank Lynne/Max, Spiral Rosemary, Helsinki sculpture Bain.

Image of the Month and Facebook Site Banner Image
Each month as a group we choose the image of the month and an image that will fit the photography clubs Facebook site. Unfortunately, we didn’t choose a banner image at the meeting.

Image of the Month

The image of the month is the best image taken during the month from the set and open categories.
Congratulations to Ian Roberts for this very creative image of a mouse eye view.

Super Blue Moon Thursday August 31
This is the night after our Wednesday General Meeting. The moon travels around the earth in ellipse and when the moon is close to the earth and full, we have a super full moon. Being closer its bigger to our eye and we can get some great images as it rises.

On Thursday night we have a group of photographers travelling to Long Reef to take images of the moon as it rises and have dinner afterwards at Harboard Diggers. Watch this space for next months super moon images, hopefully the cloud stays away.

Photography Trip to Narrabri and The Scenic Rim May 30 – June 12, 2024

Twenty of our photographers will be travelling to Northern NSW and Southern Queensland on what is a photography tour with some comforts thrown in at the end.

We will be taking astrological images of the milky way at Narrabri, an equestrian event at Coonabarabran, and the scenery of the scenic rim including a waterfall that is in a cave. Our accommodation includes staying in some old Queenslander homesteads and finishing off with two nights at O’Rielley’s guest house in the Lamington National Park.
We are fully booked for this tour but if you would like to be on a waiting list, please contact Rob Clarke.

Photography Challenge for September
Our challenge for September is travel photography. An open and travel photography album has been created on the photography Facebook site for members to add images.

Facebook Site
Our group has a Facebook site, and 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 Wednesday September 6h at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm. Meetings are now scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month.

Rob Clarke

Mouse View Of The World Photos

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone

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Ten Pin Bowling

TEN PIN BOWLING REPORT - August 2023

Ten Pin Bowling took place last Friday with a smaller roll up due to a number of our bowlers taking holidays.

Deidre was a convincing winner on the girls side leaving the competition out of sight.

The competition on the boys side in game one was intense with Eric winning with his last bowl in game one.

Game two was a cake walk for David with a magnificent score of 200 to easily break his previous best result.

The next game will take place on Friday 15 September. I will be on holidays but in my absence Toni Smith has volunteered to organise the game for which I am most grateful.

Leader - Doug Matthews

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Tennis

Tennis Group Report- July 2023

Tennis continues on Monday and Wednesday, weather and flu permitting.

Once again, 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, let me know and I will bring an extra one, so you can have a “tester” game.

Monday and Wednesday at 8:30am at the Belltree Cres, Castle Hill, off New Line Rd.

Michael Stinson on behalf of
Bob and Bev Davison

Leader - Bob Davison

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Theatre and Musicals

Live Theatre August 2023

Just a reminder that our next Probus Theatre Party is to Sydney Youth Musical Theatre’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid at The Riverside Theatre Parramatta on Friday 22 September at 7:30pm.

Tickets are just $50 with free parking being offered by The Novotel across the road for diners, or $10 at the Eat Street Car park situated in nearby Erby Place which is surrounded by a multitude of restaurants and casual dining. If you would like to bring either grand children or friends that evening, you are of course more than welcome!! Once numbers and attendees are known, we will investigate the possibility of car-pooling if necessary.

Sydney Youth Musical Theatre in moving to this venue, can now offer a much-improved viewing experience to their audience with vastly superior sets, costumes, sound and lighting to support another highly talented cast. Your support in this exciting venture is now and always has been most appreciated.

This really will be a show that you should not miss!!

If you would like to attend, please register your interest by return email to me a.s.a.p. and make payment as noted below, by 8 September 2023.

Payment Details:

WEST PENNANT HILLS/DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT

Description: Surname MERMAID

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, it is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Bruce Bartle

Leader - Bruce Bartle

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Walking Group

Walking - August 2023

The Spit to Manly walk held in August was a great success with all seventeen members completing the walk with no injuries. Great to see so many members enjoying the scenery. Please see the great photos taken.

The next walk is on Tuesday Sept 12th, and it is the Kellyville Metro Station to Rouse Hill Metro Station walk. This is a easy grade 4km walk for 1.5 hours, with all this walk on paved paths. We will meet outside the Kellyville metro station, have a coffee at Rouse Hill town centre, then finish at Rouse Hill Metro Station.   This is a short walk expected to be completed (including coffee) by midday.

What you will see
• Remnant Cumberland Plain Woodland (especially large old Forest Red Gums and Angophora foribunda trees) and River Flat Eucalypt Forest, both listed in NSW as Endangered Ecological Communities.
• Caddies Creek and Strangers Creek, both tributaries of the Hawkesbury River
• Native water birds including Coots, Waterhens, Cormorants and several species of ducks.

Details of the next walk, Sept 12th
Meet: outside Kellyville Metro station.
When:   Tuesday Sept 12th 2023
Time: 10am.
Walk:     Kellyville Metro Station to Rouse Hill Metro Station
Parking: Get to Kellyville Metro Station any way you like.
Coffee:   Coffee stop near the end of this walk at Rouse Hill Town Centre.
Toilets: Toilets are available during this walk.
Lunch:    Lunch can be purchased at Rouse Hill.

Photos from the walk on Tuesday

Leader - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

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Wine & Cheese

Wine & Cheese August 2023

Thank you to Cathy and David Turner for hosting the August Wine & Cheese. As usual there was a good turnout with plenty of good food and lively conversation.

The September Wine & Cheese will be on Friday 8th at the home of Karin Regal.

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: Andrew Little

Newsletter

Newsletter No. 77 - August 2023THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST 2023.

President's Report

Secretarial

Treasurer's Report

Membership

Welfare

August Guest Speaker - Peter Plowman - The First Troop Convoy from Australia in WW1

Photos - July Meeting

Birthday Celebrations

Club Covid 19 Policy

To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

​Sydney Science Festival - A series of 3 talks - Tuesday 15 August

September Day Trip

August 2023

Cronulla - Monday 30 October to Thursday 1 November 2023

Central Coast NSW – Mon 18 to Thurs 21 March 2024

​Future Trips, any suggestions

Mouse View Of The World Photos

Newsletter No. 77 - August 2023

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST 2023.

Sydney Science Festival - A series of 3 talks - Tuesday 15 August

Future Trips, any suggestions