Newsletter No. 93 - February 2025

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON  WEDNESDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2025.

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President's Report

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President’s Report - February 2025

​​We are well and truly back into it this month! All activities have been well attended and enjoyed by everyone.

Thanks to everyone who made it to our morning tea in the park instead of our January meeting. Although the group was small we all had a great time and enjoyed catching up. We were lucky the weather was not nearly as hot as had been predicted and were able to secure some covered picnic seating.

Some of our activity leaders are lucky enough to travel or they may be sick or for other reasons not able to lead the activity that month. This is the time that a backup activity leader is so important. Thank you to those that have helped out and enabled our activities to continue. Without someone stepping in and filling the role we would not be able to enjoy our normal activity. If you are able, please let your leader know you are available to step in if required.

As you are all aware we are coming to the end of our Probus year. We have our AGM as part of the March General meeting. We will be voting for the upcoming Probus year 2025-2026. This will be my last year as President and our Vice President Rosemary Clarke will be stepping up as the new President. The Vice President role is our way of ensuring continuity of leadership of our Club. This year all members of the committee have decided they will be continuing in their role except for Welfare where Toni Smith will be stepping down. Toni has her new candidate on board! Bev Watson our Secretary is looking for a backup so anyone, male or female, are encouraged to put their hand up so Bev has peace of mind when she is unavailable.

The following Probus year [2026-2027] will see some vacancies come up so it would be great to see some members wanting to take on a role and show some leadership and enthusiasm being involved in our wonderful club.

Looking forward to seeing you at our meeting next Wednesday.

Cathy Turner
President

Secretarial

Correspondence In 
  • ​Notice of WPH & Cherrybrook Book Sale (see flyer below)
​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 January 2025
GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance 1 January 2025 $1,977.05
Interest $0.02
Deposits $0.00 Annual dues and joining fees received
$0.00
Expenses $0.00 PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading
$(361.00) Admin costs / Website Fees
$0.00 Speaker Costs / Welfare
$(122.50) Hornsby Council venue hire
$0.00 Morning teas
$0.00 Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c
$0.00 New member costs
$(483.50)
Closing cash balance 31 January 2025 $1,493.57
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance 1 January 2025 $895.06
Interest $4.89
Deposits $9,196.50 Newcastle
$0.00 Cards 500
$0.00 Golf Week
$480.00 $9,676.50 Irish Lunch
Deposits to be identified
Payments $0.00 Newcastle
$0.00 Cards 500
$0.00 $0.00 Golf Week
Closing cash balance 31 January 2025 $10,576.45
Open Activities Balance
Newcastle $9,196.50
Cards 500 $190.00
Golf Week $489.80
Irish Lunch $480.00
$10,356.30
Add:
Activities surplus $148.15
Unresolved fixes $72.00
Bank balance $10,576.45
TERM DEPOSIT
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,237.85, and has earned $40.22 this year,
at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a.
INTEREST
For this year, $4.91 has been received as interest General Account $0.02, Activities Account $4.89.
ACTIVITY SURPLUS
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $148.15.
Michael Stinson
Treasurer 31 January 2025
Michael Stinson​
Treasurer

Membership

Membership February 2025

Certificates have been printed for those members who joined the Club through the Covid period when there were no Inductions undertaken. These will be given out at the February Monthly meeting.
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Replacement badges – these have now been received and will also be distributed at the meeting.
Please remember to wear your name badges to the monthly meetings.


Please note that Probus Membership numbers can now be viewed in the private (login) section of the website.

They are in Information For Members/Probus Membership Numbers.

Please click HERE to view them.


Paul Day – Membership Officer

Welfare

WELFARE REPORT February 2025

​Good morning all

Well, the year has started off with Hot and wet weather. No different to any other year I suppose. This past month I have only been advised of one member having a fall which ended up with no broken bones but bad bruising. It is so important to take care around the home and while out to avoid injury. As we age falls become one of the most reported accidents in hospitals.
I wish everyone a safe and healthy year ahead. Look after each other and continue to socialize and take part in as many activities as you can. As they say, “Move it or lose it” and the older I get the more I can agree with this comment.

​See you soon

Toni Smith

Toni Smith  – Welfare Officer
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February Guest Speaker - Sue Butler AO – “Lexicographer at Large” - “Australian Slang”
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Susan Butler has worked on the Macquarie Australian Dictionary since it began in 1970, and was involved in the production of the first edition in 1981. She also oversees The Dinkum Dictionary, which records the etymology and meanings of colloquial Australian words and expressions.
 
The history of slang in Australia follows the pattern of vocabulary development in Australian English as a whole. The convict era introduced a number of terms, some of which survived in the community as a whole. From colonial times to the present day there has been a steady stream of borrowed items, first from British English and then from American, such items often flourishing in their new circumstances even when obsolete in their home variety. Geographical and cultural features in the new country demanded new forms of expression which were sometimes coined anew, more often adapted from existing resources. Much that was colloquial in the source variety ended up being standard in Australian English. New coinages travelled the same path from slang to respectability. The end result was a unique synthesis into a new variety of English.
 
Sue will have some of her publications available for purchase after her talk.
https://www.suebutler.com.au/

No Photos - No January Meeting

Birthday  Celebrations

 Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in February 2025
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Santo Calabrese
Paul Day
Enio Dona
William Graham
Susan Hackett
Meg Heaton
Jeanette Roberts
Bain Shenstone
Jeffrey Swan



2025 West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook Rotary
Annual Giant Book Sale

Friday 7th March 9am to 5pm
Saturday 8th March 9am to 5pm
Sunday 9th March 11am to 2pm CLEARANCE SALE

We are looking for donations of books (preferably less than 10 years old), in good
condition , original CD's, DVD's, records & sheet music.

Simply call our hotline (0468 330 667) for a convenient drop off point.

Or drop off at the Uniting Church 134 New Line Rd Cherrybrook, between 9am and 12 noon on our book sort days:

Saturday 1st February
Saturday 15th February
Saturday 1st March

Donations accepted until 12 noon Saturday 1st March.

Please note: we are unable to accept text books, encyclopaedias, dictionaries. damaged or
dirty/mouldy books, magazines, coffee table books, Readers Digest & condensed books.
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To download the PDF of the flyer click HERE.

Club Covid 19 Policy

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

Newsletter Copy Deadline

Please provide your contributions for the March 2025 Newsletter by Friday 21 March 2025.

 Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2025 03

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To go to the Activities Calendar - click HERE!

Click on activity to go straight there!
Activity Group    Leaders
Book Challenge Sue Calabrese
Book Club Bev Davison
Cards David Turner, Ray Heaton 
Cycling Gerard Siddle, Tony Coote
Day Trips (Bus/Train/Ferry) Helen Games
Dining Out Looking For Monthly Leaders
Domestic Travel Max Henderson
Gardening Julie Stinson, Sue Small, Lorenza Powyer
Golf Terry Ridge, Jeff Swan
Mens Club Rene Beutler
Mixed Social Group Helen Beulter, Hilda Somerfield
Movies Donna Fraser
Overseas Travel Looking For Leader
Photography Rob Clarke, Bain Shenstone
Tai Chi Helen Baptiste
Ten Pin Bowling Douglas Matthews, Paul Day
Tennis Bob Davison
Theatre and Musicals Bruce Bartle, Robyn Bartle
Walking Group Enio Dona, Lynne Henderson
Wine & Cheese Julie Shenstone, Susan Antonjuk
 
For an activity group to start, a member needs to step forward to lead the group
                              
The club is looking for Dining Out Activity leaders
Currently Dining Out is being organized on a rotational basis for one month at a time.  Please come and discuss with Stuart about taking on this roll.

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‘Books: Uniquely Portable Magic’ – UP’M! Challenge 

 UPM! A new challenge begins, running from March ‘25 to end February ‘26.

TBT! The Texted Best Thing is coming to an end. 22 more books have taken us over and above the 100 book challenge to 116! A new record! Some great reads this month along with some that were less than inspiring. Join up for the next challenge. You never know what might grab you.

Join at any time – set your own challenge for UP’M. Calculate the average number of books you would read in a month, multiply it by the number of months up to the end of February ‘26 … +ONE more. And you are in the Challenge! Choose your own books, post about it, and enjoy the rundowns of the other readers’ books. Search WPH&D PROBUS BOOK CHALLENGE on Facebook. 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.
November-February reads:

The Women’s Pages by Victo
ia Purman: Set at the end of WWII in Sydney, Tilly is waiting for her prisoner-of-war husband to return. She is struggling to work on the women’s pages of her newspaper, but then she begins to write about the lives of the many underpaid and overworked women around her, who had enjoyed freedom and independence during the war, now lost with the return of the soldiers. It’s a new world – quote from the cover: The war may have ended, but the fight is just beginning. 

The Radio Hour by Victoria Purman: in 1956, spinster Martha Berry gets things done without fanfare or reward in her work in the national broadcaster. Then she is sent to work for an egotistical, erratic young producer on a brand new radio serial. He is less than useless so Martha steps in, ghost writing the scripts and in the process rescuing the serial from cancellation. Then someone finds out and she has to make a decision – step into the spotlight and stop being passed over or remain in the shadow. Quite a good story.

A Woman’s Work by Victoria Purman: This author knows how to write a good story with some surprising hidden secrets. In the lead up to the Melbourne Olympics, 1956 Women’s Weekly runs a cooking competition. War widow and single mum Ivy with her 12 year old son, and mother of five Kathleen have the chance to control their own futures. They both begin to question their lives. There are secrets and relationships to face.

Yellowface by Rebecca Kuang: Book club had mixed feelings about this one. The newly celebrated author Athena dies suddenly in a choking fit. June, her ‘friend’ is present at the time but is unable to save her. Then June steals Athena’s unpublished manuscript, heavily edits it, then presents is as her own work, changing her name to Juniper Song to try to give herself ‘Asian-Cred’. Can she get away with it or are there others who can make her life very difficult.

Treasure and Dirt Chris Hammer: This author writes ripper thrillers. Set among the opal mines, a Sydney homicide detective, Ivan Lucic is sent to investigate the death of an opal miner, found dead and crucified in his mine shaft. Of course small country towns have many secrets to work around in trying to solve the murder. Gripping.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Another book club read and enjoyed by most. What a life! Sheer ambition with success achieved by using others. Set in the times when homosexuality was a forbidden lifestyle choice, and when movie studios created unreal performers with much backstabbing, scandal, luck and bad luck. Evelyn chooses an unknown reporter to write her true story. Their relationship develops over the process, but there is an ulterior motive behind Evelyn’s desire to ‘tell the truth’.

Life and Crimes by Andrew Rule: 18 Australian crime stories are told including the disappearance of the Beaumont children in the 60’s, the 70’s Easey Street murders that threatened the freedoms of young women, and the execution-style shooting of Gary Abdallah by a detective in the 80’s. Journalist and podcaster Rule has covered crime for decades and lived to tell the tales.

The Court Reporter by Jamelle Wells: a memoir of one of the ABC’s most experienced court reporters. Insights into the court system from horrific to petty crime. Her observations of those surrounding the court, as well as fellow journalists, victims and the amazing court-watchers makes for a mostly good, and at times, chilling yarn.

The Seven by Chris Hammer: Reviewed last month and as with his other novels many secrets have got to be sorted to solve the murder of one member of the seven founding and powerful families in the Murrumbidgee River area. Never a straight forward task in this writer’s books.

The Little Teashop in Tokyo by Julie Caplin: a bit too predictable and uncomplicated to really enjoy, but there were interesting insights into Japanese culture and traditions.

The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth: Reviewed some time ago, but it is a good story with lots of twists. Intrigue, uncomfortable family relationships, and of course hidden secrets. The writer has the ability to keep you reading. 

You need to know by Nicola Moriarty: reviewed a while ago, but it is a very good read with a most satisfying twist at the end.

Leave the Girls behind by Jacqueline Bublitz: Ruth’s childhood friend is murdered, so she drops out of college to focus on proving her serial killer theory. Unfortunately, the reader found this book difficult to keep reading and a little boring. The story line was very disconnected. 

Promise Me by Harlan Coben: Some aspects of this story were disjointed and over the top. Some of the violence just seemed unnecessary. However, the plot was a bit different so there was enough interest to get to the end. Always a plus I suppose.

The Love Contract by Steph Vizard: Single mum Zoe’s plans to return to work are derailed when the childcare dries up. For some reason her nemesis and handsome neighbour Will steps into the breach. Then his boss mistakenly believes him to be the father to Zoe’s child Hazel and insists on him taking parenting leave. Then it becomes a bit of a romance that could be derailed by secrets.

Live Wire by Harlan Coben: The reader persists with this author. In this the quote: All families have secrets. Some will kill you. Not one of his better stories so getting to the end was hard going.

Obsessed by James Patterson: Deals with an aspect of life that most of us confront – trying to balance family and work life and how our own environment impacts on it. Had lots of twists that kept you interested till the end.

The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth: reviewed some time ago but a really good story and insight into the mind of those with Alzheimer’s. Anna is only 38 years old when diagnosed, so the family believe it is best for her to move into Rosalind House, an assisted living facility. There is only one other resident of her age, Luke, and love blossoms. The adverse family reactions to this situation is both understandable and heartbreaking, but it is also the kindness of others who understand Anna and Luke’s feelings that make for some very insightful thoughts about this horrible disease.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty: The reader found this a little strange and sometimes a little boring – nothing like the author’s prior novels. On an ordinary flight from Hobart to Sydney, one of the passengers stands , then predicts the time of death and the reason of all the other passengers. It was a challenge to finish the book.

The Girl in Times Square by Paullina Simons. Two girls live together but then one of them disappears. The other wins the lottery only to then develop cancer. The detective sent to investigate the missing girl's disappearance falls for the sick one and becomes very supportive throughout her cancer treatment while solving the other girl's disappearance. A good read.

Company of Liars by Karen Maitland:This is a 14th Century fantasy tale about a man making a pilgrimage to a shrine. Along the journey he meets up with 8 other people, who join him on his journey. The group is forced to outrun the plague. A very likable story.

Camino Island by John Grisham: A story about early slavery in the US. Some slaves escaped to Camino Island where they lived out their lives. Developers are now trying to take over the island and turn it into a resort. The last descendant of the slaves feels the island belongs to her, and a court case ensues. a very good read.
 
Hope to see more of you join.
Sue Calabrese
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​Leader: Sue Calabrese
Back To Activities List
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Book Club Report - February 2024

​Sue Calabrese will be hosting the next meeting on 13th March as I will be away.  Our current book is The Court Reporter by Jamelle Wells.
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Leader - Bev Davison


​As a seasoned court reporter, the ABC’s Jamelle Wells has filed thousands of stories on murderers, sex offenders, thieves, bad drivers, family feuds and business deals gone wrong. In more than 10 years, Jamelle has witnessed many of Australia’s most notorious and high-profile court cases. In the line of duty, she has sat next to criminals and their families, been chased, spat on, stalked and carted off by ambulance for emergency surgery after an accident outside ICAC.
Every day in courts across Australia the evidence, facts and theories are played out in a kind of theatre, with their own characters, costumes and traditions. But ever-present is the human tragedy of ordinary people’s lives disrupted, destroyed and forever altered. The judges, the lawyers and barristers, the witnesses and the victims—all striving to play their part in the quest for fairness, justice and always, the truth of what really happened.
From the calculated and cruel, to the unfair and unlucky, from pure evil to plain stupid—Jamelle Wells, the court reporter, has seen it all.
Court Reporter is a tough and fearless journalist’s memoir that looks at the cases that have shocked, moved and never left us.

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Back To Activities List
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Cards Report for February 
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January 24 saw us have our first card night for 2025. We had 26 playing and 20 for dinner.

Lots of chatter and catching up after the Christmas break!

Our next cards evening will be held
Friday 28th February
Dural Club
5.45 for dinner
7pm for cards

$5 per head to play
An email will be sent out a few days beforehand to ascertain numbers having dinner and playing cards.

If you wish to be added or deleted from the cards email interest list please see Cathy Turner.

Cathy (David’s PA)

Leader - David Turner
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Cycling Group: February 2025

Due to the majority of the keen cyclists being away in February, the monthly ride was cancelled.
 
NOTE: Next month’s ride will commence from the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal Carpark and follow the bike paths to Meadowbank Ferry Terminal and return. (Approx. distance – 18kms).
 
Date: Wednesday 19th March 2025 (To be confirmed pending numbers). 
 
Start time: 9.30am
 
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
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Anniversary Cruise:
Sydney under Japanese Attack
Sunday 1st June
Cost $70

To download flyer click HERE

Temple Tales
A guided minibus tour
Monday 28th April

Saint Patrick's Day Lunch - Monday 10th March

To download flyer click HERE

Government House Visit Photos

Leader - Helen Games
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Dining Out February 2025

No Dining Out in February.



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 in 2025.
Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders
Back To Activities List
Newcastle - Monday 31 March to Thursday 3 April 2025


There is still an opportunity for a lady to share a twin room and we still have no one on standby. Please contact me if interested in either.

Newcastle is a city and whilst it still has street parking (majority metered), it is limited. Therefore, we recommend parking your car at our accommodation and walking and/or catching the light rail to take full advantage of the various sites and attractions. In many ways the adjacent Honeysuckle (harbour) precinct is a scaled down version of our Darling Harbour, with the added benefit of the light rail.

As none of us are getting any younger, a key consideration was to ensure our evening meals and two group activities were all within a reasonable walking distance of our accommodation. Respective walking distances and times are included below.
For our second evening meal and ‘William the Fourth’ cruise you could utilise the light rail. At Fort Scratchley, parking is available if you prefer not to walk the 950m (fifteen minutes). Likewise limited parking is available along the six kilometres Bathers Way, a wonderful walk (or part thereof) you can do at your leisure. This is separate to and adjoins the Honeysuckle Boardwalk at Nobby’s.

With forty members attending our dining options are generally limited to hotels, clubs or fixed price restaurants. Whilst there are no clubs within a reasonable walking distance, there are many restaurants. However, they cannot cater for forty and/or provide a fixed price menu. The good news is there are many hotels (you will never die of thirst in Newcastle). I think we have chosen the three best suited for our group. The first one is on the harbour and the other two enjoy superior food reputations, the latter providing us a fixed price menu in their restaurant.

Honeysuckle and the Harbour - Newcastle harbour is home to Honeysuckle, a major waterfront rejuvenation project transforming the previously industrial landscape. Working wharves are becoming places of play with the creation of foreshore promenades and open squares offering waterfront cafes and restaurants – all with glorious views.

Accommodation
The Terminus Apartment Hotel, 111 Scott St (Cnr. Bolton St), within the historic Newcastle East precinct overlooking the iconic Honeysuckle promenade with views of the harbour and historic buildings.

There is only one car space per apartment with a strict vehicular height clearance of 2.1m.

Access to the multi-level carpark is off Bolton Street, on arrival please use the intercom and indicate you are with the Probus group. Some spaces are reserved for others in the complex.
Whilst the units are self-contained (BYO breakfast) for those wishing to dine out, there are abundant cafes, including the Moor Café who does a full breakfast at 33 Hunter Street (about 250m).
Please note:
  • No rooms are guaranteed until we lodge our Group Deposit of $300 per room-(done)
  • Cancellation fees apply for late cancellations from March 2025
  • The Group organiser is required to notify the hotel in writing of any reductions in group numbers or cancellations. Verbal amendments & and cancellations are not accepted.
The light rail passes our accommodation (150m to the Queens Wharf stop). It travels between the Newcastle Interchange, mainly along Hunter and Scott streets to just short of Newcastle Beach. Don’t forget your Opal card.
Newcastle East - Where the city meets the ocean and harbour. This is Newcastle’s oldest precinct and was the original town site. The area affords delightful contrasts, with the city centre surrounded by beach on one side and harbour on the other. As Australia’s second oldest city, the streetscapes abound with gracious heritage buildings and this precinct showcases some of the nation’s most significant sites.

Evening Meals
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We have booked the following:
  • Monday; Queens Wharf Hotel, 150 Wharf Rd, 6.30pm on the upper level (first floor via stairs). Offering waterfront views of the harbour and good quality bistro-style pub food. About a 200m (five-minute) walk from our accommodation. https://www.queenswharfhotel.com.au/
  • Tuesday; The Lucky Hotel, 237 Hunter St, 6.30pm in the covered courtyard. Offers a range of tasty meals from the unexpected to the traditional. Includes a selection of small bites and a range of vegetarian choices.

Centrally located in Newcastle and only one stop to Crown St station (adjacent the hotel) on the light rail from our accommodation. https://theluckyhotel.com.au/
  • Wednesday; Customs House Hotel, 1 Bond St, 5.30pm for 6.30pm in the restaurant. Offers an iconic dining experience within a heritage listed building with harbour views.  We have a set menu that includes main (3 options), sides and dessert (2 options).
Suggest we start with drinks on the front terrace at 5.30pm.
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Only a short 150m (three-minutes) walk from our accommodation and a great option for our final night.  https://customshouse.net.au/

  • Wednesday; Customs House Hotel, 1 Bond St, 5.30pm (drinks) for 6.30pm in the restaurant. Offers an iconic dining experience within a heritage listed building with some harbour views.  We have a set menu that includes main (3 options), sides and dessert (2 options). $75.00pp please include in your balance payable. Suggest we start with drinks on the veranda at 5.30pm.
Only a short three-minute walk from our accommodation and a great option for our final night.  https://customshouse.net.au/
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Group Activities
  1. Tuesday, William the Fourth, 9.00 (departs) to 11.00am. Moored at 5 Honeysuckle Drive. Can 
The unique character of William the Fourth is Australia's first oceangoing paddlewheel steamship. Enjoy the serenity or soak up the grand vistas of the Newcastle city panorama from the harbour. Our two-hour charter is inclusive of morning tea.
Only two stops to Civic station on the light rail and then a 200m (five-minutes) walk.


  1. Wednesday, Fort Scratchley, our tours are booked for 10.30am and 10.50am
​Offering a fascinating glimpse into Australia's military past with breathtaking views along the coast.

Built on the headland in 1882 to defend Newcastle against a possible Russian attack, Fort Scratchley is now a museum.
The Fort’s guns were not fired in anger until 8 June 1942 during the shelling of Newcastle. The Australian Army left the site in 1972.

The Federal Government allocated $8 million to restore the site in 2004. Following completion, it was handed over to Newcastle Council with the Historical Society taking operational control and continued to develop the site to what you see today.

We have booked a full tunnel tour at 10.30am and a modified tour at 10.50am. We had to book two tours to accommodate our group. Allowing time to take in the views both tours should conclude about 12.30.
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A 950m (fifteen-minute) gentle uphill walk from our accommodation.
At Your Leisure

Monday afternoon,
Stockton - For maritime history and a spectacular coastal landscape. Stockton Ferry (Opal card), A short ferry ride from Queens Wharf Honeysuckle is Stockton. It has a rich maritime history and has seen over 100 ships wrecked on its shores, one of which has been incorporated into the 'Shipwreck Walk' along Stockton breakwall. Stockton is also famous for its massive sand dunes, the largest moving coastal sand mass in the southern hemisphere. The sand dunes have formed the background of many films, including the popular Australian 'Mad Max' films.
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Tuesday afternoon
Following our cruise, there is ample time to take in the Honeysuckle promenade, and its numerous attractions, such as the boardwalk, cafés, the Newcastle Museum (free), Stockton Ferry, plus at the eastern end of Honeysuckle, Nobby’s Beach and lighthouse. 

We are also adjacent (south side of Hunter Street) the City Centre precinct-a mix of buildings, old and new, with rich architectural history blended with edgy new developments. The civic precinct is a focal point of the city centre. Here you’ll find City Hall, the Civic Theatre and the relaxed greenery of Civic Park.
Good lunch options are The Kingfish (dine-in or take away) for those that enjoy seafood or The Beehive Café both situated in the same building at 15 Honeysuckle Drive.

Wednesday afternoon
Following Fort Scratchley for those whose enjoy a scenic walk there is the Bathers Way providing two options from the fort:
  1. To the north, Nobbys Beach & Lighthouse with lunch at a Nobby’s Beach café.
  2. To the south Merewether Beach with lunch at say a Newcastle Beach café. This section of the walk is about 4.3 km (65 minutes). You can catch the No. ‘21’ bus back, (departs Watkins St, just after John St Merewether 3.14pm and 4.29pm and terminates 26 minutes later at the former Newcastle railway station, almost opposite our accommodation.

Alternatively, the Strzelecki lookout and Anzac Memorial Walk are only about 2.0km (30 minutes) from the fort. I suggest you detour on your return  to include the Christchurch Cathedral.
Please note the section of the walk-through King Edward Park is reasonably steep with many steps. I suggest if you intend doing either of the above walks you skip the Bogey Hole and skirt the park (from Newcastle Beach to the Anzac Memorial Walk).

Bathers Way is a coast-hugging six-kilometre walk from Nobbys Lighthouse to Merewether Beach. Notable landmarks include Fort Scratchley, Nobbys, the spectacular Bogey Hole, all three-convict built, King Edward Park and enjoy the vistas from the clifftop Anzac Memorial Walk, including the Strzelecki lookout. You also pass Bar Beach and Dixon Park being one continuous long beach that includes Merewether.
If these walks don’t appeal you could catch the light rail that provides ready access to numerous other Newcastle attractions, some of which are suggested for Tuesday afternoon, such as the City Centre Precinct.
Please refer to the links (includes Bathers Way) at the end of this report and also the following ‘Newcastle Snapshot’ as to numerous options you can do at your leisure.

Thursday Morning (on your way home)
If you haven’t already been there, drive through King Edward Park and from there the southern end of Bathers Way, stopping at the various vista points. After that you could take the old Pacific Highway via Swansea, Doyalson and the ‘link road’ to the M1.
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This would give you the option of visiting some of Newcastle other beaches such as Redhead, Blacksmiths, Caves Beach and/or Catherine Hill Bay. Lunch options include the Belmont 16s (footers) a large modern club or the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club an older club building and marina. Both clubs are on Lake Macquarie and offer good views. 

Payments

Thank you for making your respective payments.
Your accommodation payments are refundable, provided I advise the apartment-hotel prior to the end of February 2025.
Except for the specified costs, it is best if all other costs, e.g. breakfasts, lunches, dinners, drinks and other activities are paid for separately by the participants.
Please note; there are cancellation fees applicable for both the Lucky Hotel ($35.00pp) and Customs House ($40.00pp) for less than 24 hours’ notice of a decrease in our numbers.
 
Other

Newcastle is where the city meets the sea, from museums to stunning coastal views and world-class beach breaks, including the famous Merewether Beach. Take a scenic walk from our accommodation to Newcastle Beach, maybe via Nobbys Beach and its Lighthouse along the breakwall, where you can watch a coal ship being ushered into the harbour by tug boats.

With a number of historical sites including the breathtaking Newcastle Ocean Baths, The Lock-Up (90 Hunter Street, behind our accommodation and now an art gallery- open Wednesday to Sunday) and the Christchurch Cathedral - two of Newcastle’s most significant heritage buildings.
Newcastle also has a unique city geography and a 200-year history that helped create distinctive precincts..
Our focus is mainly on the Honeysuckle and City East precincts, followed by Stockton, City Centre and The Hill and Bar Beach (Bathers Way). Refer Link below for more detail.

Participants

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Links

This link is on Bathers Way, one of the best coastal walks in Australia
https://youtu.be/tgnETHbcLFE
Bathers Way Map

https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/getmedia/5BA4469A-0EA4-4C31-BF8C-0D89724BCEF3/Bathers-Way-Map_web.pdf

These links also provide some good insights into some Newcastle’s attractions:
https://www.visitnewcastle.com.au/see-do/precincts
 
https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/how-steel-city-is-stealing-the-visitor-limelight-20210215-h1tzpa.html
 
https://premiumbuses.com.au/newcastle-guided-tour-newcastle-tours/
Leader - Max Henderson
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Garden Group – February 2025

Our first Gardening Group activity for 2025 was a hands on garden workshop at Bunnings Castle Hill, where we created our own Kokedama. This workshop was certainly a learning experience for the eleven Probus members who attended. During the workshop there was some chuckling going on as well as some cursing. Despite all the mess we made with the various materials provided by Bunnings, we all managed to create a Kokedama without destroying the plant. Overall it was a fun activity.
 
Our next Garden Group day will be visiting:
 
The Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan
 
The botanical gardens are located in Mount Annan, in a hilly area of the southwestern Sydney between Campbelltown and Camden. They cover 416 hectares and are the largest botanical garden in Australia, specializing in native plants with a collection of over 4000 species. 
 
A guided tour of the gardens is in the process of being arranged. Details of the cost will be advised later once known.
Date:   Thursday 13 March 2025
Meet:   Be at the West Pennant Hills Sports Club for a 9:15am departure. Please let me know if you require transport or are able to car pool. Please also, advise me if you plan to go straight to Mount Annan.
For those members who are driving straight to the Gardens, please be there at 10:30am at the Tourist Information Centre which is near the P3 Car Park and the cafe
The drive from West Pennant Hills Sports Club to the Botanic Gardens is approximately a 1 hour and 10 minutes’ drive using the M7.
Address:  362 Narellan Road, Mount Annan.
What to bring: hat, sunscreen, wind/rain jacket, footwear suitable for walking, enclosed shoes, drink bottle, camera
Lunch: Approximately 12.30pm at the Garden’s Café which is located within the Mount Annan Botanic Gardens.
 
If you are interested in attending please contact me by email or SMS.
Garden Activity Leader – Julie Stinson   
  
Garden Activity Leader – Julie Stinson   

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Photos From Kokedama Workshop
Leader - Julie Stinson
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PictureTerry & Jeff
Golf Club - February 2025  (otherwise called The Bunker News)

​Our February game was played at North Ryde Golf Club. It was a hot day to be out and about enjoying the company of our fellow Probus Members. The course was in fabulous condition even with heat over previous days with the greens having a good pace.

Two of our members enjoyed an early start and played 18 holes. While 6 members enjoyed 9 holes. As I said it was a hot one. Everyone joined together after their rounds at the Ranch for soft drink or two.

No incidents to report.
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Lunch and drinks were enjoyed at the Ranch Hotel.
 
Our next game will be on Friday 07th March 2025 at TBA Golf Club.
 
We play social golf catering for all levels, please let us know if you would like to join us.
We play social golf, catering for all levels, please let us know if you would like to join us.
PictureGrandad
Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship

Leaders - Terry Ridge & Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators
Author: TAR
Edited by: J Swan

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Men's Club - February 2025

February’s activity was a catchup and drinks followed by an enjoyable couple of rounds of snooker at Dural Country club.
 
While the weather is still good we will try our luck with Mini golf at Thornleigh Golf Centre.
Wednesday 12th March, meeting there at 1:30 pm. Dartford Rd.   Thornleigh. 
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​Leader - Rene Beutler
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Mixed Social Group - Coffee Morning

Everyone welcome to join in this very non strenuous activity.

Meets last Monday of the month.
PLACE : Castle Hill RSL, Bistro Area

The next morning tea will be:

Monday 24th February @  10:30am



All members are welcome.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Leader- Helen Beutler
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​Movie Group - February 2025

​​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 – Donna Fraser
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Probus Photography February 2025 Report

There was no photography meeting in January and there will also not be one in February due to Rob being away and Bain unable to host that night.

Hence the next photography meeting will be in March.

Details of the meeting will be emailed prior to this.

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone​

Open

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Tai Chi  ​
To download the flyer click HERE
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February Report

Ten Pin Bowling, following a long hibernation, got underway last Friday with a healthy 14 bowlers in attendance.
 
With one of our premier bowlers not available it was thought that David would have it all his own way. This turned out to not be the case with serious competition coming from Jeanette, John and Eric in game one with scores of 155, 148, 145 & 140 respectively.
 
Game two saw David edge Jeanette again with Bev & John close behind.
 
Our next game will take place on 21st March.
 
If there are members who would like to participate who have not previously expressed an interest please let me know by phone or text.
Leader - Doug Matthews
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​Tennis Group Report- February 2025
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The weather this month has been a mixed bag so we haven’t managed to play as often as we would have liked.  Added to that, members are travelling so numbers are also down.  We keep playing dodging storms and when we can rustle up 4 or more players.
 
Bev & I are away now for a few weeks and have left the activity in Michael Stinson’s capable hands.
 
We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill. 
 

Leader - Bob Davison
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Live Theatre 2025

​MJ the Musical:

Our theatre party to MJ the Musical at the Lyric Theatre on Wednesday 26 March 2025 is now fully subscribed and again thank-you to everybody for getting back to us promptly and for your ongoing support!!
 
Places were restricted to just 24 due to bus size with an email confirming all details to all attendees will follow shortly.
 
Billy Elliot the Musical:

 Our April 2025 theatre party is to Billy Elliot presented by Sydney Youth Musical Theatre at the Glen Street Theatre, Belrose on Wednesday 23 April at 7:30pm.
 
 Tickets are just $86 each (Inclusive of return coach travel), please register your interest at next meeting or by return email
 
 Pick up is 6:15pm, from West Pennant Hills Sports Club that evening.
 
 SYMT shows are always a very high standard (per Shrek, School of Rock and The Little Mermaid all previously presented at Riverside Parramatta) your support is always much appreciated!
 
Payment Details:
WEST PENNANT HILLS/DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT

Description: Surname Billy E
 
 Millions of fans... thousands of standing ovations... ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical.... Billy Elliot The Musical, the spectacular show with the heart, humour and passion to be named TIME Magazine's "Best Musical of the Decade!" 
 
 Based on the international smash-hit film, and featuring a score by music legend Elton John, Billy Elliot is an astonishing theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.
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Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle
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Walking Group February 2025

Thank you to all the members that joined the last walk from the QVB to Pyrmont Point Hotel.  I am sorry that I could not join you on the day, but I have reports that Derek did an excellent on my behalf.  It turned out to be a lovely day and it is an interesting section of the harbour from a history and photography point of view.  The group photo was taken by our resident photography expert Rob Clarke.

Again many thanks to Derek and well done!

The next walk will be the Cheltenham Bush area.  It is half on well maintained bush track and half on a sealed road.  We will cross the railway track, head into the bush get to the M2, walk under the M2, and walk back via Sutherland Road. The walk is 4.8km in length, about 90mins and has a number of small uphill inclines.
Details of the walk, Tues Mar 11th 2025

  Meet:  Meet on the street outside the Cheltenham Recreation Club, 60-74 The Crescent, Cheltenham.
  When:  Tuesday March 11th 2025.
  Time:  10:00am.
  Walk:  See description above
  Parking: Parking on the street outside the club, or in the Cheltenham Recreation Club car park.
  Coffee:  At the beginning or the end of the walk at Molly’s Pavilion.
  Toilets:  At the beginning & end of walk, but no toilets on route.
  Lunch:  Lunch or Coffee at the Cheltenham Recreation Club.

Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile. 

Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

Photo From Last Walk

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Wine & Cheese February 025
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Thank you to Glenda and Tony Coote for hosting the first Wine & Cheese of 2025. There were 17 attendees who enjoyed a balmy evening of conversation, wine and food.
 
The next Wine & Cheese will be held at the home  of Diedre Clarke and Eric Scheeren on Friday 14th March.

 
We look forward to seeing you all there.
Leaders  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 for this month: Enio Dona