Newsletter No. 81 - December 2023 and January 2024
THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 24th JANUARY 2024.

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President's Report

President’s Report - January 2024

Welcome to a new year! Time keeps slipping past.

I hope you all had a happy Christmas and New Year. Our Christmas party held at the Castle Hill Country Club on Wednesday 29th December was a great success and enjoyed by all those that attended. Congratulations to those lucky members that won a lucky door prize. I’d also like to thank Hilda and Alan for putting together 2 raffles for the ladies and men and providing some delicious chocolates for each table.

Reports filtering back let me know the New Year’s Eve party hosted at the Shenstone’s home was a fabulous occasion and enjoyed by all welcoming in the new year! Thank you Bain and Julie for providing a great venue.

January has already provided us with some activities to keep us busy. School holidays makes it difficult for some activities but by February we will be back in full swing. Please keep in mind that the Activity leaders all need a back up or 2 so if you’d like to help out please let the activity leader of the group you are interested in know. This is also a great way for you to get to know the members that also share your interest and enjoyment for that activity.

As I mentioned at the Christmas party the Annual General Meeting will be held in March. Having done some canvassing for committee positions I hope you will be happy to know all members of the current committee are putting up their hands to stand for the same positions they currently hold. If there are any other members who would like to nominate for any position or backup role, please let anyone on the committee know as we are always looking to the future to have enthusiastic, passionate and committed members to lead our club.

Having spoken to some members many of you are starting to think about travelling again this year. Our club has some exciting trips planned. We have Ettalong coming up in March, the Scenic Rim in May/June and the big one to Norfolk Island in September/October. Exciting times ahead!

Looking forward to seeing you at the next General meeting on Wednesday 24 January.

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 December 2023

GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance	1 December 2023	$1,360.70
Interest		$0.02
Deposits	0		Annual dues and joining fees received
		$0.00
Expenses	0		PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading
	$0.00		Admin costs / Website Fees
	$(65.00)		Speaker Costs / Welfare
	$(21.00)		Hornsby Council venue hire
	$0.00		Morning teas
	$0.00		Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c
	$0.00		New member costs
		$(86.00)
Closing cash balance	$45,291.00	$1,274.72

ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance	1 December 2023	$14,302.28
Interest		$17.38
Deposits	0.00		Cronulla
	0		Ettalong
	$0.00		Scenic Rim
	$0.00		Norfolk Island
	$240.00		Christmas Party
	$0.00		Cards 500
	$0.00	$240.00	Nepean Belle
Deposits to be identified		$0.00

Payments	$0.00		Cronulla
	$0.00		First Aid Kits
	$0.00		Ettalong
	$0.00		Scenic Rim
	$0.00		Norfolk Island
	$(6,280.76)		Christmas Party
	$0.00	$(6,280.76)	Nepean Belle

Closing cash balance	31 December 2023	$8,278.90


Open Activities		Balance
Cronulla		$0.00
Ettalong		$4,492.00
Scenic Rim		$3,544.00
Norfolk Island		$0.00
Christmas Party		$0.00
Cards 500		$190.00
Nepean Belle		$0.00

		$8,226.00
Add:
Activities surplus		$52.90

Bank balance		$8,278.90

TERM DEPOSIT
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,000.00, and has earned $186.34 this year,
at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a.
INTEREST
For this year, $275.20 has been received as interest General Account $275.20, Activities Account $0.00.

ACTIVITY SURPLUS
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $52.90.



Michael Stinson
Treasurer	31 December 2023

Michael Stinson
Treasurer

Membership

Membership January 2024

We will be having formal inductions for new members Judy & Ross Butler (intro by Hellen Donnelly) and Dianne & Jim Simpson (intro by Rosemary Clarke) in the January monthly meeting - please continue to make them all feel welcome.

Please remember to wear your name badges to the monthly meetings to make it easier for our new members to get to know all the friendly faces in our Club.

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.

Paul Day – Membership Officer

Welfare

WELFARE REPORT January 2024

Wishing you all a very happy New Year. Let’s work on 2024 being the best year ever. I do hope you all had an enjoyable Christmas with family and friends.

So here we all are ready for another great year with your Probus family. Fun Friendship and Fellowship are all going to come into play very soon. Once we kick off our activities, see if you can make a few and maybe introduce yourself to one or more activities this year that you haven’t tried before and enjoy the companionship of fellow members.

I have had no reports of illness over the holiday period so hopefully that’s a great start to the coming year. No doubt some have had the dreaded covid and if so, I hope you are on the mend. It appears to be all around us now so take care. I have heard of a couple of friends that have picked it up at Castle Towers so maybe a mask isn’t a bad idea until this wave passes.
If anyone needs any assistance, please feel free to give me a call and I will do my upmost best to assist where possible. If I am not available Chris Ellis is my backup and I am sure she would be happy to have a chat.

Look forward to seeing you all back at our January meeting.

Toni Smith & Ken Smith – Welfare Officers

16.1.24 NOTE: You have all received an email in regard to Wendy and Bob’s daughter Jazz. It is with a heavy heart that I add this paragraph to my newsletter.

Wendy and Bob, we are all sending you and your families all our love and prayers and are thinking of you all during this difficult time.

Please respect their privacy at this most difficult time.

Toni Smith & Chris Ellis – Welfare Officers

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January Guest Speaker - Pam Wilson - "The Castle Hill Rebellion and Battle of Vinegar Hill"

Pam Wilson has lived in the Hills District since 1962. She taught Social Science at local High Schools until her retirement in 2009.
In 1992 Pam joined The Hills District Historical Society and has been the Secretary for the last 30 years. She has co-authored 4 Society publications and published 2 Walking Tour booklets and gives local history presentations.

As well as conducting tours of the Society’s Museum and the old Masonic Schools precinct for community groups and schools, she also organises Hills District Tours and represents the Society in Council heritage matters.

She is a member of the Committee for Castle Hill Heritage Park where there will be a re-enactment on the site of the Rebellion, 220 years later, on 2nd March 2024.

Pam is also a member of the Convict Trail Committee, Baulkham Hills Ladies Probus Club and Dural and District Garden Club. Further, she is the President of the North Rocks View Club and a Life Member of The National Trust NSW.

She will have books for sale for those interested in the local area.

Photos - NovemberMeeting

Christmas Lunch Wednesday 20th December 2023

Birthday Celebrations

Happy Birthday
To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in January

Helen Baptiste
Janice Byrne
Wendy Carritt
Rosemary Clarke
Helen Clothier
Tony Coote
Sue Cordukes
Helen Donnelly
Flora Kortlepel
Kathy Lewis
Margaret McGowan
CawasSahukar
John Sanders
Manja Sheiles
Peter Stanton
Lorraine Sutton
Barry Wailes

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 February 2024 Newsletter by Friday -23rd February 2024.

Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2024 02

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 February to November 2024.

Book Challenge

 ‘Move On, Enjoy’ - MOE! Challenge

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 last year. We have reached 81! Only a few to go but I think we will overtake our target by heaps. The group will aim to reach the total through each person’s own individual challenge, and along the way everyone is introduced to potential reading material they may never have considered.

You can still join at any time – just set your own 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.

The German Wife by Kelly Rimmer: German scientists working on rocket development during WWII are brought to America after the war. They went on to develop the V2 Rocket. The book tells of their struggles for acceptance and recognition.

The Ghost by the Billabong by Jackie French: A homeless girl meets a ghost on her travels to find her family. He helps her in her quest. She eventually finds them and in doing so finds a purpose in life and a large family to share it with.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Set in WWII, and a very interesting read, narrated by a third party - DEATH. Given away by her mother, adopted by her grandfather, he teaches her to read. She steals books to satisfy her passion to read.

The Match by Harlan Coben: A small boy is found in the woods. Years later no parent has claimed him. A very emotional ending and an interesting plot.

The Liar by Nora Roberts: the reader felt this was one of Roberts’ best reads. A captivating novel about betrayal, love and courage, after the death of Shelby’s husband and all it’s devastating consequences. A great read, unpredictable, with the last third of the book enticing.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: Nora commits suicide and discovers that between life and death there is a library with shelves of books that go on forever. Each book is a version of her life as it could have been – it is up to her whether to find a different life or choose what she had. A very enjoyable Book Club read.

The Huntress by Kate Quinn: a very long but intriguing story about the capture of a Nazi war criminal.
The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley: this series has become a favourite read for many of our members. Full of intrigue and mystery around the origins of the 7 sisters. Reviewed in other newsletters.

The Seven by Chris Hammer: An interesting murder mystery exploring the power and secret of seven wealthy families in regional Australis.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult: A very interesting and well written story about the alleged murder of a transgender girl by her boyfriend.

The Pacific – in the wake of Captain Cook with Sam Neill: an interesting and thought provoking read that accompanies the TV series. Cook was an amazing navigator and explorer but his legacy is complicated.

There was still Love by Favel Parrett: A story of a family between different decades. The strength of the women in the family and how despite distance, they bond the family together. It was a bit confusing because to the jumps between locations and times.

The Land Before Avocado by Richard Glover: Glover takes a journey to an almost unrecognisable Australia. Scary, weird, dangerous and incomprehensible, and occasionally appealing, it’s the Australia of his childhood in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s. A bit of a whinge-fest.

All We Dream by Pamela Cook: a wedding search for ‘something old’ brings up the mystery of a forgotten necklace, a family secret and two women hiding from the truth. Enjoyable read.

The Sun Walks Down by Fiona McFarlane: Very descriptive writing makes this book very enjoyable. 6 year old Denny gets lost in a dust storm while collecting kindling. For a few hours life carries on as normal for his parents and family. Then there is the realisation that Denny isn’t’ coming home and all join forces to find him. The book presents an child’s-eye view of his terrifying predicament.

Where the Sky Begins by Rhys Bowen: A terrific read set in London 1940. A young wife, Josie, survives her house bombing, and is evacuated to the countryside into the very reluctant care of an aristocrat. Josie sees opportunity in a new environment, and maybe a new love. When her overbearing husband returns from being missing in action her new life of hope is threatened.

Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Rhys Bowen: 19th Century China – wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived almost in total seclusion, with their own secret codes of communication. A special friendship if organised between Snowflower and Lily and they develop a bond that brings them together through famine and rebellion. Their arranged marriages are so different and brings some separation. Then a misunderstanding arises and threatens the end of their bond. The horrendous foot binding process and the attitudes towards women really makes you thankful for your own life. Still a beautiful book.

The Sands of Windee by Arthur W. Upfield: Book 2 in the series set in outback NSW/Queensland featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte (Boney), Queensland police force. His unerring attention to the smallest detail leads him to solving the mysterious disappearance of Luke Marks – but is murder or an accident.

The Wings above the Diamantina by Arthur W. Upfield: Book 3 – a seemingly paralysed woman is found in a plane, no pilot, no one nearby. A murder plan has gone badly awry, and of course Boney has to use his powers of intense observation to solve the mystery.

With My Little Eye by Sandra Hogan: a book club read and most of us enjoyed it. A true story about a family where dad and mum (up to having children) are working for ASIO, and rather than keeping their jobs a secret from their 3 children, they are recruited by their parents into spying – basically trained to be spies. The Petrovs, Abe Saffron, not so quick visits to brothels by dad leaving mum and kids out in the car – all very intriguing. The children were trained to never reveal what their parents did, and only after the middle child, Sue-Ellen, began to search it out did they begin to share their stories.

The Day I Fell Into a Fairytale by Ben Miller: A very clever intertwining of fairy tales – but not so happy ever after. A new supermarket comes to town and brings with it a portal into another world for young Lana, and eventually her brother, Harrison – together they have to overcome the not so happy ever after situations and become resourceful in working as a team to overpower evil. A great kids book that the reader found very gripping.

Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese

Leader: Sue Calabrese

Back To Activities List

Book Club

Book Club Report - January 2024

Happy New Year everyone.

At our meeting on 7th December, we discussed The Midnight Library and then our new read was distributed: With my little eye by Susan Hogan. Our first meeting in the New Year was on 18th January. We had a great meeting and it was lovely to see everyone again. The book was enjoyed by everyone and an interesting discussion was had. Our latest book is Esther by Jessica North.

Next meeting is on 29th February.

Leader - Bev Davison

Growing up in the 1950s, the three Doherty children were trained by their parents to memorise car number plates, to spot unusual behaviour on the street and, most important of all, to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

The children became unwitting foot soldiers in Australia's battle against Soviet infiltration in the Cold War. They attended political rallies, stood watch on houses owned by communist sympathisers, and insinuated themselves into the UFO Society. In 1956 the Doherty family went on a beach holiday with Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov, the famous Soviet defectors, who were hiding from Soviet assassins.

Dudley and Joan Doherty swore their children to secrecy, and for decades, they didn't even discuss among themselves the work they did for ASIO.

Esther only just escaped the hangman in London. Aged 16, she stood trial at the Old Bailey for stealing 24 yards of black silk lace. Her sentence was transportation to the other side of the world. This is the story of Esther, embarking on a perilous journey on the First Fleet as a convict, with no idea what lay ahead.

The little-known rags to riches love story of a convict girl who arrived in Australia on the First Fleet. Much like another, better-known colonial woman, Elizabeth Macarthur, Esther successfully managed her husband's property and became a significant figure in the new colony.

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Cards

Cards 500 Report for January 2024

Our final cards night for 2023 was held on Friday 22 December. We had a great turnout with about 28 for cards and over 20 for dinner. Lots of fun, chatter and excitement with Christmas and all the festivities on our doorstep. We also managed to play quite a few games of cards!

There will not be any cards in January. We will resume in February.

Leader - David Turner

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Cycling

Cycling Group: January 2024

Those participating in the December cycling ride met at the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal Carpark, prior to heading off to Parramatta Park. The ride included another trip up to the Dundas Lightrail Station, then back down to Rosehill before crossing over the new Alfred Street pedestrian/cycle bridge (over the Parramatta River). The ride continued along the Parramatta River with a stop to view the construction progress of Sydney’s new Power House Museum. A detour around the Parramatta Football Stadium followed before stopping for coffee in Parramatta Park.

After the coffee break, the group headed back along the Parramatta with another crossover of the Alfred Street bridge, before returning to the Rydalmere Ferry terminal.

The next proposed ride, will commence at the Cherrybrook Metro Station, followed by a train trip to Rouse Hill, followed by a ride out to Box Hill to view Sydney’s expansion out to the northwest. The ride distance will be approximately 15kms (return trip).

Date: Wednesday 14th February 2024 (To be confirmed pending numbers).

Start time: 9.30am

Location: Cherrybrook Metro Station

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.

Leaders - Gerard Siddle/Tony Coote

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Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry)

The Riverboat Postman Cruise and Lunch on the Hawkesbury River - Tuesday 6th February

10.00am - 1.00pm

$55

Brooklyn Postie Wharf, Dangar Road, Brooklyn

See flyer below

The first day trip for the new year is a lovely lunch cruise around the Hawkesbury River on Tuesday 6th February.
It will be a time to relax and catch up with all your Probus friends and meet new people.

To download flyer click HERE

Leader - Helen Games

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Dining Out

November 2023

Dining Out January 2024

Wednesday 21st February 12pm for lunch

Molly's Pavilion Cafe
Cheltenham Sport and Recreation Club
60-74 The Crescent, Cheltenham
(at the rear of the building where the croquet ground is situated)

Please advise Beverly Dona by email or phone if you would like to attend so I can confirm numbers.

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 February to November 2024.

Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders

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Domestic Travel

With two greats trips already planned and booked for 2024 we are off to a great start.

We are now open to suggestions for 2025, if you have any, please share with me.

I would like to thank Col McGowan for planning our Ettalong trip and also Ros Savio of ‘Atour Travel’ for our trip to Norfolk Island.

Their respective updates follow:

Max Henderson
Activity leader

Central Coast NSW – Mon 18 to Thurs 21 March 2024

Thank you for those who have forwarded their payment for the trip and submitted their dinner option for the Beef and Barramundi Restaurant.
A reminder that trip the payment and nomination of your dinner option is required on or before the end of this month (January).
A full set of trip notes (expanding on the notes below) will be emailed to attendees before the trip.
Our Accommodation -The Mantra Resort at Ettalong Beach- 53 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, 2257
Ettalong Beach is a 1 hr drive from the Sports Club at West Pennant Hills.

The Mantra Resort is the premier accommodation in Ettalong.
It is opposite Ettalong Beach with a long beach front promenade and unbroken views of Brisbane Water, Broken Bay, and the Hinterland.
Parking for the Mantra is both under the building (entrance from Memorial Drive) and in the properties adjoining large open-air carpark, bounded by The Esplanade, Memorial Ave, Ocean View Road, Broken Bay Road, and Beach Street.
The adjoining Ettalong Diggers is a modern facility and can hold up to 700 delegates for large functions. Daily membership is free on presentation of your licence. Ice is also available from the Club on presentation of your Room Card Key. Ice buckets are in the apartments. Bicycle hire is out the front on corner of Beach Road.
An extremely large pool is within the Mantra complex- a great place to relax and read a book if you need some R@R.
All the apartments here are privately owned, with some having been put into a leasing pool managed by the Mantra Group. Mantra in turn is owned by the Accor Group. The apartments are fully self-contained -hotplates, pots and pans, jug, tea, coffee, toasters, hair dryer, beach towels etc. Need to bring own milk, drinks for fridge, tissues own food.
Check in time is 2pm. When checking in, a physical credit card will need to be presented and a $100 preauthorisation will be placed on the card as a security bond.

Ettalong Beach (opposite the Mantra Resort)
It is a beautiful seaside location fronting Brisbane Waters where it meets Broken Bay and offers a calming and relaxing atmosphere.
The beach is rimmed by a paved promenade pathway adjoining The Esplanade with cafes along the way, the most famous (and expensive) being The Box. However, its adjoining small Café is popular with the locals for coffee and snacks and a great place to sit and take in the view from the Prominade.
All walking in and around the town is level.

Side visit trip options on way to Ettalong Beach Resort
1.Japanese Gardens, Gallery, and Cafe. (36 Webb St, East Gosford 2250)
2. Mt Penang Gardens and Historic Wondabyne Sculptures.
Located at the top of the Kariong Hill.
3. The Chocolate and Nougat Factory at East Gosford (6 Jesfrute Dve, West Gosford, 2250)

Sightseeing Tour Options from the Mantra Resort
All sightseeing locations mentioned below are short drives from our accommodation. Terrigal is the furthest and only 30 minutes away. This is not a rushed trip with long drives. Take the opportunity to stop and smell the roses at each of the sightseeing locations.

Tour: Japanese Gardens, Art Gallery and Cafe (36 Webb St, East Gosford 2250)
Highly recommended visit. Located on the shores of Cariline Bay in Gosford. It is one of the Central Coasts leading tourist attractions. It’s 8 minutes away from when you are at the bottom of the Kariong Hill and preparing to turn right on to Brisbane Water Drive to Ettalong Beach (20 minutes away).

Tour: Beaches south of Ettalong to Patonga
Umina Beach, Ocean Beach, Umina Point, Mt Ettalong Pearl Beach, Patonga – (Umina Beach Surf Club & Parking 509 Ocean Beach Rd Umina Beach 2257)
Immediately south of Ettalong Beach is Ocean Beach with Umina Beach a little further on and along the beach a bit further the base of the Mt Ettalong lookout. These beaches all adjoin each other for a 4 km beach walk from our accommodation

Umina is the most populated suburb on the Central Coast. It is said to mean “repose.”
It was established as a holiday resort town in 1917 with the sale of a thousand allotments.

Umina Point (drive time from Umina Beach. 4mns, 2.5km)
After winding your way up the hill from Umina on Mt Ettalong Road is a hairpin bend. This is the money shot view point, but only off-road parking there for 2-3 cars. If unable to get a spot, the passengers(s) will have to tell the driver how good the view was. However, about 800 meters further on, is the Mt Ettalong walking track and its lookouts.

Mt Ettalong and its Lookouts (about 3 km by direct road route from The Mantra Resort).
Mt Ettalong lookouts are considered by many as the finest on the entire western shore of Brisbane Water. It is approx. 3km out and back.

Pearl Beach (1 Pearl Beach Road, Pearl Beach, 2256)
Pearl Beach was named by Clive Staples, who developed the town in the 1920's. It was named after the pearl sized pebbles that were often to be found on the beach at that time. The local street names continue the precious stones theme. Warrah Lookout- A boardwalk from near the Arboretum in Crystal Ave will take you to the Warrah Lookout
Patonga (Patonga Wharf, Patonga 2256)
Patonga is approx.11 Km south of Ettalong Beach and means "oyster" in the Darkinjung people's language.
This is a tiny village on the edge of the Hawkesbury River and Broken Bay and is the most southerly beach on the Central Coast. The not to be missed Boatshed Hotel is located on the Patonga foreshore

Tour: Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach, Wagstaff and Kilcare via Rip Bridge
Hardys Bay, Pretty Beach, Wagstaff and Killcare
Hardys Bay (Araluen Drive, Kill, 2257) is a quiet residential village with neighbouring villages Wagstaffe, Killcare and Pretty Beach. The Bay is named after Harry Hardy, who owned a small vineyard and sold wine to residents.

Pretty Beach (on Araluen Drive) It is a beautiful spot for photographers- especially at low tide with its mud flats and small beached boats. Pretty Beach was once the haven of Artists and cheap holiday accommodation in simple timber cottages built in the 40’s and 50’s.

Wagstaff (adjoins Pretty Beach) Drive through Pretty Beach for a couple of minutes to reach Wagstaff where the road on this peninsula terminates. A lovely secluded place to live.

Killcare Beach (81 Beach Road Killcare 2257) Although it’s not a must see its certainly worth a look particularly if you enjoy secluded beach walks.
It’s a popular kick off point for the Bouddi National Park Coastal Walk which commences at the end of Putty Beach Road.

Tour: Brisbane Water Ferry Cruise (booked for Tuesday morning from Woy Woy)
This Cruise has been chartered for the second day of our stay (Tuesday19th March).
It departs promptly at 9.30am from the Woy Woy Wharf (The Boulevarde, Woy Woy, 2256.)
The tour runs for approx. 2.5-3 hrs hours. It includes live commentary from the award-winning historian Perer Rea 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.

Tour: Terrigal, The Haven and Skillion, Avoca Beach, Copacabana Lookout, MacMasters Beach, Bouddi National Park
This day trip is best started at Terrigal then wind your way back to Ettalong via the cost road (Scenic Road).
We recommend you allocate at least a few hours hours to enjoy Terrigal, its shops and The Skillion area.
Terrigal, The Haven and Skillion (2 Scenic Highway, Terrigal 2260)
Terrigal is home to a number of both natural and man-made landmarks. The Skillion (about 150m high) is a sedimentary rock formation which was formed in the Triassic Period. Not only is the Skillion rock formation a beautiful artifact, one of its sides features an extremely steep hill which is used for exercise by locals and tourists. The Skillion is located on the Scenic Highway at Terrigal
A boardwalk in front of the Cove Café connects The Haven area to Terrigal Beach and its shopping centre. (A 5-minute level walk). This boardwalk was opened in 2021 and was the subject of much controversary involving arguments over the effect on the marine life.
The Terrigal Surf Club area is another good place to start your exploring.

Avoca Beach (10 Vine St, Avoca Beach 2251)
Avoca Beach is a major Central Coast holiday and surfing area.
Walk along the promenade pathway past the surf Club to where it finishes (1-minute walk). Spectacular side on views from here of the surf and rock platforms.
The Point Café adjoining the Surf Club is very popular because of its views and quality food. There is also a fish and chip shop with some small tables outside or alternatively sit on the grass or beach.

Copacabana Beach and Capt Cook Lookout (119 Delmonte Place Copacabana 2251)
The lookout is a favourite spot for whale watching whilst the dolphins are often seen just off the beach (great café there). Copacabana and Macmasters beach represent an unbroken beach line. If you can see a lagoon half way along this beach line, that is where the beaches names change.

Macmasters Beach (100 Marine Pde, MacMasters Beach, 2251).
MacMasters Beach Surf Club forecourt area must be near the top of the best places to visit on the Central Coast.
The forecourt and its adjoining Cafe offer spectacular views of Macmasters and Copacabana Beach and board riders off the point out front.

Bouddi National Park
This road between MacMasters to Killcare travels through the Bouddi National Park.
There are several excellent car pull over areas that offer photo opportunities
The unique Marine Extension is a feature of the park. Extending from Bombi Point to Gerrin Point, the marine extension covers 287 ha and helps protect the marine life of the bay. Fishing is prohibited in this area.

Additional touring options include

Ken Duncan Gallery at Erina Heights (see over page)
Block and Tackle Brewery (Craft Beer) at Kincumber
Distillery Botanica -spirits and liqueur distiller at Erina
St Mary McKillop Historic Church (1843) and graveyard at Kincumber
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
St Huberts Island (man-made) (15 minutes away via Rip Bridge)

Activity leaders
Colin McGowan &
Max Henderson

Norfolk Island – Sun 29th Sep to Sun 6th Oct 2024

17 January, 2024

PROBUS – NORFOLK ISLAND GROUP - 29 SEPTEMBER, 2024 - UPDATE
Firstly, I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and a great New Year. Now we are looking forward to the next adventure with a visit to Norfolk Island in late September, 2024.

Just a brief update, to advise there are 37 people going on this tour, and the trip is now FULL. I thank you all for your tour deposits for which the airfares have all been issued.

As per our confirmation letter sent to everyone, the balance for the trip will be due by Monday, 15th July, 2024.

Please ensure you have your current ID, either a valid passport or driver’s licence. Nothing else is required to enter Norfolk Island.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any further information you may require.

Roslyn Savio
ATOUR TRAVEL SERVICE
Tele: 9875 2400 or Email: [email protected]

Leader - Max Henderson

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Gardening

Gardening Group – December & January 2024

The last garden group meeting for 2023 was a Christmas brunch at Flower Power. Despite the very hot day, a group of 20 members met and enjoyed chatting over a long brunch.

The first gardening meeting for 2024 was on Wednesday 11 January at Bunnings Rydalmere. A small group attended the meeting and we listened to a very informative talk on composting and worm farming. It was a popular talk as there was another Probus Group in attendance. We met Lynne Henderson’s and Robyn Bartle’s sister-in-law, Cheryl who belongs to the Dundas Probus club. During the composting and worm farming talk, Bunnings provided us with morning tea and one of the lucky door prizes was won by Janet Nicol. I don’t think any of us were convinced to take up worm farming, unfortunately. Afterwards, we had lunch at a nearby café.
Our next Gardening Group day will be visiting the:

Swain Gardens
77 Stanhope Road, Killara

Date: Thursday 8 February 2024.

The Swain Gardens was created by Arthur Newling “Mick” Swain. In the early 1960s, he learnt that the 3.4 hectares of bushland next to his home was earmarked for development. He purchased this bushland to save it from being developed with houses. Over the next 10 years, he planted several large, exotic trees and shrubs. Stonemasons constructed paths, steps and sandstone bridges with sandstone excavated from the Tank Stream in Pitt Street, Sydney.

When Mr Swain died in 1973, he gifted the gardens to the National Trust. In 1980 the gardens were passed over to Ku-ring-gai council who maintain them along with a group of volunteers.
The Gardens are a hidden gem in Killara with dappled light shining through a serene and peaceful place. The tall tree foliage provides a haven for several birds.

There are a couple of steep sealed sections so good walking shoes are required.

Meet: Be at West Pennant Hills Sports Club for a 10am departure. Please let me know if you can volunteer to carpool or if you require transport. If you decide to go straight to Swain Gardens, please let me know and we’ll meet at the entrance at around 10.30am. It is approximately a 30 minute drive and there is only street parking available.

Lunch: We plan to dine at The Killabrew Café, East Killara Shops, 50 Koola Avenue Killara. The cafe is about 5 minutes’ drive from the Gardens. Toilets are available at the shops.

Photos From Bunnings Rydalmere

Leader - Julie Stinson

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Golf

Golf Report January 2024 - The Bunker News

Terry & Jeff

HELLO Probus Members

This month our game was played at Gordon Golf Club on Friday 1st December. We had 12 players who enjoyed each others company.

The weather was fine, warm and a good time was had by all. This was followed by lunch in the Pennant Hills Hotel.

Our next game will be in the New Year keep an eye out for an email for February 2024. so please check out your calendar.

We play social golf catering for all levels, let us know if you would like to join us.

Grandad

Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship

Leaders - Terry Ridge & Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators

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Men's Club - January 2024

There will NOT be a Men's Group activity for January.

Men's group will resume with the first get together on Wednesday 14th February 2024.

Put the date in your calendar.

See you there!

Leader - Rene Beutler

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Mixed Social Group

Mixed Social Coffee Morning

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

Our next coffee morning is . . .

Monday 29th January, 2024

at 10.30am

Meet in the Bistro Area, Castle Hill RSL

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

Leader- Helen Beutler

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Movies

Movie Group - January 2024

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 Participate sheet 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.

Leaders – John Cauchi & Donna Fraser

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Photography

Probus Photography: January Report

February Photography Meeting
Our first meeting for 2024 will be at 7:30 pm on Wednesday February 7th at the Clarke’s residence.

Images from the Christmas New Year period is the set subject for review at the meeting. Please put two or three images into the folder on the Facebook site.

The Year Ahead
Our group is for I-Phone users as well as for more serious photographers, we are also a very social group.
We have an exciting year ahead with some great outings planned along with learning more about how to take better images.
Simple composition and lighting can create great images, we will be exploring how these elements can used to create some great images during 2024.

Police officers check documents of a man in central Moscow, Russia, on June 25. Dmitri Lovetsky—AP

We also have our Scenic Rim photography tour in June to do some landscape and Astro photography. This tour is fully booked.

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.

Rob Clarke

Photography Group Christmas Meeting Photos

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone

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Ten Pin Bowling

TEN PIN BOWLING REPORT - January 2024

Ten Pin Bowling will resume at 10am on Friday, 16 February at Zone Bowling, 3 Salisbury Road, Castle Hill.

I will forward to those members who have played, or indicated they would like to play, a text a week out requesting those who wish to participate to let me know by return text.

Should any member like to add their name to my list, please call, or message me.

On the other hand, if any member would like to remove their name please also let me know.

Leader - Doug Matthews

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Tennis

Tennis Group Report- January 2024

We played into the middle of December and then call it a day for Christmas & the New Year.

We will restart playing on 5th February with our usual arrangements.

Meeting every Monday and Wednesday at 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill.

Leader - Bob Davison

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Theatre and Musicals

Live Theatre January 2024

Happy New Year and we hope you all had a great Festive Season!!

Still procrastinating about what shows best suits our requirements so at our January meeting we will be bringing out the interest sheets and a show of hands to get a consensus on which way we should be heading and noted below are our options:

& Juliett -Lyric Theatre Thursday 24 April 2024 Est. Cost $145 with Bus

What if Romeo’s ending, was Juliet’s beginning?

The Emmy®-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek flips the script on Shakespeare in this hilarious and poignant story of self-discovery and second chances.

After premiering on the West End and earning a staggering 8 x Olivier Awards nominations, & JULIET has also been one of the most unexpected and spectacular theatrical triumphs on Broadway.Rob Mills and Casey Donovan lead this extraordinary Australian cast alongside rising star; Lorinda May Merrypor in the title role of Juliet, who has been hailed “A revelation” by The Age.
With music from Katy Perry, Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Ariana Grande, Pink, Just Timberlake, and SO many more! & JULIET creates a truly mind-blowing concert-like atmosphere that Broadway World said “Will blow your mind. It’s the pop musical we’ve been waiting for”.

Grease - Capitol Theatre Thursday 28 March Est. Cost $120 with Bus

GREASE is back, in an all-new production, and it promises to be slicker, sexier, and more electrifying than ever before.
It’s one of the world’s most iconic and loved musicals and nothing beats the feeling you get, going back to Rydell High. Danny, Sandy, Kenickie, Rizzo and the whole gang are back to give you a night out, like only GREASE can!

Witness rising stars Joseph Spanti (Danny) and Annelise Hall (Sandy) take on two of the most iconic roles and light up the stage alongside an all-star cast.

Jay Laga'aia is set to sizzle as Vince Fontaine and the incomparable Marcia Hines will bring Teen Angel to life in this multi-million-dollar production.

Jersey Boys -Concourse Theatre Chatswood Thursday 30 May 2024 Cost $65

Willoughby Theatre Company are thrilled to announce that JERSEY BOYS will be gracing The Concourse stage in a spectacular production that promises to leave you dancing in your seats. Jersey Boys traces the remarkable rise of four talented individuals from humble beginnings to becoming the iconic Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Prepare to be swept away by a narrative of friendship, dedication, and the pursuit of musical stardom that spans over four unforgettable decades.
JERSEY BOYS has rightfully earned its place as the Best Musical at both the Tony Awards and Olivier Awards, setting a standard of excellence in the world of theatre. With chart-topping hits such as "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Walk Like a Man," the show's music is a testament to its enduring popularity and universal appeal.

School of Rock -Riverside Theatre Parramatta 5 April 2024 Cost $49

Sydney Youth Musical Theatre is proud to present School of Rock the Musical, based on the hilarious hit movie which follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn an extra bit of cash by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious school. There he turns a class of straight-A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school's headmistress finding out?
With music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who has also composed 14 new songs for the show, additionally features all the original songs from the movie. The composer's numbers "You're in the Band" and "Stick it to the Man" are well on their way to becoming rock solid standards.
School of Rock the Musical, with its sensational live kids' rock band, is a loving testimony to the transforming power of music.

Look forward to seeing you at the January meeting.

Leader - Bruce Bartle

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Walking Group

Many thanks to the walkers that made the Dec walk so enjoyable, it was the Baulkham Hills Heritage walk, around the earliest land to the settled in Baulkham Hills. See photos.

The first walk for 2024 will be a short, easy walk around Parramatta Park. This is a 2.9km easy walk on wide paved paths, to get every Probus member of the club back into an enjoyable day out walking. The park includes gardens, the Parramatta river, Old Kings Oval, and Old Government House built in 1799. The walk should take no more than an hour with plenty of stops. All fitness levels are welcome.

Details of the next walk, Feb 13th
Meet: Meet in the car park next to the Macquarie St Gatehouse
When:   Tuesday Feb 13th 2024
Time: 10:00am.
Walk:     Parramatta Park circuit
Parking: Parking inside the park, go thru the gate, follow the one-way road, parking on the left near gate.
Coffee:   Coffee available at the beginning & end of the walk.
Toilets: Toilets are available on route.
Lunch:    Coffee & Cake available at the Parramatta Club, at end of walk.

Photos from the December walk

Leader - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

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Wine & Cheese

Wine & Cheese January 2023

Thank you to Tony & Glenda for hosting the December Wine & Cheese.

There was no Wine & Cheese held in January.

Our first Wine & Cheese for 2024 will be held at the home of Helen Games on Friday 9th February.

All members are welcome.

Leader Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk

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PLEASE NOTE
The Club Newsletter is for the private and confidential use of Club members and is not to be used for any other purpose. Approval for any form of advertising or promotion not directly related to club activities or general club information must be granted by the club committee.

Newsletter Editor: Enio Dona

Newsletter

Newsletter No. 81 - December 2023 and January 2024THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 24th JANUARY 2024.

President's Report

Secretarial

Treasurer's Report

Membership

Welfare

January Guest Speaker - Pam Wilson - "The Castle Hill Rebellion and Battle of Vinegar Hill"

Photos - NovemberMeeting

Christmas Lunch Wednesday 20th December 2023

Birthday Celebrations

Club Covid 19 Policy

To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

The Riverboat Postman Cruise and Lunch on the Hawkesbury River - Tuesday 6th February

November 2023

Central Coast NSW – Mon 18 to Thurs 21 March 2024

Norfolk Island – Sun 29th Sep to Sun 6th Oct 2024

Photography Group Christmas Meeting Photos

Newsletter No. 81 - December 2023 and January 2024
THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON WEDNESDAY 24th JANUARY 2024.