President's Report

President’s Report - April 2025
Our club is off to a great start for the new Probus year. Members are attending our many activities with renewed vigour. Maybe its due to the lovely weather but I like to think it’s due to the fun, friendship and fellowship that is so vital for a club to be successful.
Thank you to Max and Lynne for the fabulous organisation of the Newcastle trip. We all found out new bits of information about the area especially the working harbour and Fort Scratchley. Evening meals were loud and usually delicious, especially our farewell dinner at Customs House. If you would like to find out what is involved in Trips Away, please speak to Max as he is looking for an assistant.
At out recent committee meeting, it was decided that 4 of us will be attending an information day in June to find out about the proposed Constitution and Standing Resolution (By-Laws) changes. As a club, we have until the AGM next year to adopt these so no need to rush!
Harmony will be explained to the club at our next general meeting. Michael held an information session for activity leaders and committee members last week. As with all new ideas and changes, there is a lot to learn but as we get older it is important to keep learning to keep our brains active, please give it a go with an open mind and see where it can take us.
At our monthly meetings, could all activity leaders please keep their session short? If details are in the newsletter, they don’t need to be repeated. It’s a time for any updates or reports of a past event. That way we can have a longer morning tea and be on time for our guest speaker!!
I’m including an information session on Probus in each newsletter, but I won’t be referring to it at the meeting. Just some interesting facts.
Enjoy your Probus activities with fun, fellowship and friendship.
Rosemary Clarke
President
PROBUS FACTS
The Probus movement was created in the UK in 1965 by some retired Rotary members – James Raper, Harold Blanchard and Edward Mockett. The inaugural luncheon was held on March 2, 1966 when 42 men attended. Why only men?!?
Our club is off to a great start for the new Probus year. Members are attending our many activities with renewed vigour. Maybe its due to the lovely weather but I like to think it’s due to the fun, friendship and fellowship that is so vital for a club to be successful.
Thank you to Max and Lynne for the fabulous organisation of the Newcastle trip. We all found out new bits of information about the area especially the working harbour and Fort Scratchley. Evening meals were loud and usually delicious, especially our farewell dinner at Customs House. If you would like to find out what is involved in Trips Away, please speak to Max as he is looking for an assistant.
At out recent committee meeting, it was decided that 4 of us will be attending an information day in June to find out about the proposed Constitution and Standing Resolution (By-Laws) changes. As a club, we have until the AGM next year to adopt these so no need to rush!
Harmony will be explained to the club at our next general meeting. Michael held an information session for activity leaders and committee members last week. As with all new ideas and changes, there is a lot to learn but as we get older it is important to keep learning to keep our brains active, please give it a go with an open mind and see where it can take us.
At our monthly meetings, could all activity leaders please keep their session short? If details are in the newsletter, they don’t need to be repeated. It’s a time for any updates or reports of a past event. That way we can have a longer morning tea and be on time for our guest speaker!!
I’m including an information session on Probus in each newsletter, but I won’t be referring to it at the meeting. Just some interesting facts.
Enjoy your Probus activities with fun, fellowship and friendship.
Rosemary Clarke
President
PROBUS FACTS
The Probus movement was created in the UK in 1965 by some retired Rotary members – James Raper, Harold Blanchard and Edward Mockett. The inaugural luncheon was held on March 2, 1966 when 42 men attended. Why only men?!?
Secretarial
Correspondence In
- None
- None
Bev Watson
Details of the Probus Member Benefit Scheme are at:
www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/members_offers_member_benefits_scheme (Cntl click on link)
Details of the Probus Member Benefit Scheme are at:
www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/members_offers_member_benefits_scheme (Cntl click on link)
Treasurer's Report
TREASURER S REPORT | For the Month ending 31 March 2025 | ||
GENERAL ACCOUNT | |||
Opening cash balance | 1 March 2025 | $1,009.59 | |
Interest | $0.01 | ||
Deposits | $120.00 | Annual dues and joining fees received | |
$120.00 | |||
Expenses | $0.00 | PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading | |
$(23.00) | Admin costs / Website Fees | ||
$0.00 | Speaker Costs / Welfare | ||
$(245.00) | Hornsby Council venue hire | ||
$0.00 | Morning teas | ||
$180.00 | Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c | ||
$0.00 | New member costs | ||
$(88.00) | |||
Closing cash balance | 31 March 2025 | $1,041.60 | |
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT | |||
Opening cash balance | 1 March 2025 | $18,789.43 | |
Interest | $17.96 | ||
Deposits | $(727.00) | Newcastle | |
$0.00 | Cards 500 | ||
$2,748.00 | Golf Week | ||
$180.00 | Irish Lunch | ||
$326.00 | MJ the Musical | ||
$1,032.00 | Billy Elliot | ||
$1,470.00 | Naval Cruise | ||
$450.00 | $5,479.00 | Temple | |
Deposits to be identified | |||
Payments | $(7,459.00) | Newcastle | |
$0.00 | Cards 500 | ||
$0.00 | Golf Week | ||
$(180.00) | Irish Lunch | ||
$(775.00) | MJ the Musical | ||
$0.00 | Billy Elliot | ||
$(1,750.00) | Naval Cruise | ||
$0.00 | $(10,164.00) | Temple | |
Unresolved fixes | $(120.00) | ||
Closing cash balance | 31 March 2025 | $14,002.39 | |
Open Activities | Balance | ||
Newcastle | $7,935.00 | ||
Cards 500 | $190.00 | ||
Golf Week | $3,537.80 | ||
Irish Lunch | $0.00 | ||
MJ the Musical | $18.85 | ||
Billy Elliot | $1,720.00 | ||
Naval Cruise | $0.00 | ||
Temple | $550.00 | ||
$13,951.65 | |||
Add: | |||
Activities surplus | $170.74 | ||
Unresolved fixes | $(120.00) | ||
Bank balance | $14,002.39 | ||
TERM DEPOSIT | |||
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,237.85, and has earned $81.80 this year, | |||
at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a. | |||
INTEREST | |||
For this year, $27.53 has been received as interest General Account $0.05, Activities Account $27.48. | |||
ACTIVITY SURPLUS | |||
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $170.74. | |||
Michael Stinson | |||
Treasurer | 31 March 2025 | ||
Michael Stinson
Treasurer
Treasurer
Membership
Membership April 2025
The current membership stands at 112 active members and 3 inactive, with a female to male ratio of 60:40
Membership Certificates for those who were not formally inducted through Covid have been prepared and signed and will be given out to those members at upcoming meetings.
Replacement badges – we will be asking members for any replacement badge orders on a six monthly basis.
Please remember to wear your name badges to the monthly meetings.
A reminder of our Club policies for attendance at meetings and activities.
Paul Day – Membership Officer
The current membership stands at 112 active members and 3 inactive, with a female to male ratio of 60:40
Membership Certificates for those who were not formally inducted through Covid have been prepared and signed and will be given out to those members at upcoming meetings.
Replacement badges – we will be asking members for any replacement badge orders on a six monthly basis.
Please remember to wear your name badges to the monthly meetings.
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.
Paul Day – Membership Officer
Welfare
WELFARE REPORT APRIL 2025
A number of members had a trip to Newcastle early April where as far as I am aware we managed to avoid trips falls and bites. One member jammed his finger in a door but was given speedy care by his wife and a trip to a pharmacy where the staff member did a great job of cleaning taping and bandaging and was able to continue to enjoy the trip.
The Newcastle trip gave me the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with others which is very valuable going forward in the role of Welfare Officer for the club.
As mentioned at the AGM Donna and her car had an accident just prior to the AGM I have followed up with her and she has recovered although her car did not. Cathy T has been in contact with many members and is enjoying their support and kindness during this challenging time for her.
If anyone hears of a member who’s not well, or is struggling with family illness or other issues please let me know and I will follow up, also anyone just wanting a good old fashioned chat please don’t hesitate to call me or email me directly.
Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
A number of members had a trip to Newcastle early April where as far as I am aware we managed to avoid trips falls and bites. One member jammed his finger in a door but was given speedy care by his wife and a trip to a pharmacy where the staff member did a great job of cleaning taping and bandaging and was able to continue to enjoy the trip.
The Newcastle trip gave me the opportunity to meet new people and catch up with others which is very valuable going forward in the role of Welfare Officer for the club.
As mentioned at the AGM Donna and her car had an accident just prior to the AGM I have followed up with her and she has recovered although her car did not. Cathy T has been in contact with many members and is enjoying their support and kindness during this challenging time for her.
If anyone hears of a member who’s not well, or is struggling with family illness or other issues please let me know and I will follow up, also anyone just wanting a good old fashioned chat please don’t hesitate to call me or email me directly.
Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
April Guest Speaker - Michael Stinson On Harmony Site
The guest speaker will be Michael Stinson who will be introducing and give an overview of the Harmony Site program that is being trialed for our Probus club.
Club Covid 19 Policy
We have set down a Covid 19 policy for the club. Essentially we will abide by the NSW health guidelines. We ask all members to respect the health and wellbeing of their fellow members, and therefore not attend activities unless they are fully vaccinated. We have no desire to get into a situation where we need to physically check every attendee to determine their vaccination status. We are relying on the integrity of our members and the fact that they are endangering their friends if they do not abide by this policy.
Newsletter Copy Deadline
Please provide your contributions for the May 2025 Newsletter by Friday 23 May 2025
Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-
WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2025_05
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 |
Table Tennis | Enio Dona |
Tai Chi | Helen Games |
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.
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.

‘Books: Uniquely Portable Magic’ – UP’M! Challenge
UPM! A new challenge begins, running from March ‘25 to end February ‘26.
Join at any time – set your own challenge for UPM. 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.
April reads:
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh: Book Club read. A young woman learns how to deal with her horrendous past of neglect and change through the language of flowers and their meanings. From being feral, she comes to slowly learns to trust those around her but its quite a journey. From abandonment to commitment, she grows – just like flowers. A very different kind of read but worth it.
The Cryptic Clue by Amanda Hampson: Book 2 in the series ‘A Tea Ladies Mystery. More mysteries for the ragtag group of tea ladies to solve. They face the loss of their jobs by being ousted by the dreaded Coffee Break Machine and become a little militant in trying to stop the progress of profit over people. Hazel’s young neighbour, working as a housekeeper at the local Catholic Church finds things are very amiss when 2 ‘brothers’ turn up with the new Irish priest. And the rough-head tea lady Irene finds that her jailbird husband has suddenly died in gaol, leaving her a cryptic clue to solve so she can find what he has left for her. Throw in bent cops, Utson and the building of the opera house, a planned bombing and a kidnapping and it all becomes quite exciting. Don’t be put off by the slow start that seems to be a theme in this series.
The Lost Flowers by Holly Ringland: a beautiful story about Alice, the daughter of an abusive father, and her journey to discover herself, some secrets from her past, and how she could turn her life around and find peace. This is an Australian story and is a very good read.
High Noon by Nora Roberts: a very early book in Roberts’ career. Despite the very small print it was a very good read with many unpredictable turns.
The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird: A flu-like virus is spreading rapidly. It is deadly – but only to men. Set in the near future, the pandemic leaves only one in ten men alive. The novel follows several different characters in brief chapters where they recount their experiences, and how the pandemic changed their lives. The book was written before COVID, but the author said it was good to have a point of reference when editing the book while going through it.
Three Little Birds by Sam Blake: while the book started a bit confusing, as it went on it was a real page turner. The author is fabulous at creating a visual of the beautiful Irish countryside. Two murders become entwined with an unsolved disappearance from 14 years prior. Discovery of a skull in the loche and the clever expertise of a facial reconstruction expert build the tension of the story. If you enjoy a mystery you’ll enjoy this book.
Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese
Leader: Sue Calabrese

Book Club Report - April 2024
Our last meeting was on 13th March and we are currently reading The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh.
The story is about Victoria Jones, who by the age of 18 had lived in 32 foster homes and became a flower arranger. It was inspired by a flower dictionary.
Our next meeting is on Thurs 24th April.
Bev
Leader - Bev Davison
The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it's been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her questioning what's been missing in her life. And when she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness. |

Cycling Group: April 2025
This month’s ride commenced from the Silverwater Boat Ramp Carpark before heading east along the Parramatta River before heading through the Newington Wetlands.
Due to road and pathway closures, the group had to detour around the Indoor and Football Stadiums to get to Bicentennial Park for a well earned coffee break at the Waterview cafe. Following the break, it was a leisurely ride through Bicentennial Park up to Rhodes before crossing over to Wentworth Point, then back along the Parramatta River to Silverwater Park.
NOTE: Next month’s ride will tour from Bella Vista to Rouse Hill and return. The ride will be relatively and will follow the bike paths adjacent to the Norwest Metro Line. (Approx. distance – 16kms).
Date: Wednesday 14th May 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
This month’s ride commenced from the Silverwater Boat Ramp Carpark before heading east along the Parramatta River before heading through the Newington Wetlands.
Due to road and pathway closures, the group had to detour around the Indoor and Football Stadiums to get to Bicentennial Park for a well earned coffee break at the Waterview cafe. Following the break, it was a leisurely ride through Bicentennial Park up to Rhodes before crossing over to Wentworth Point, then back along the Parramatta River to Silverwater Park.
NOTE: Next month’s ride will tour from Bella Vista to Rouse Hill and return. The ride will be relatively and will follow the bike paths adjacent to the Norwest Metro Line. (Approx. distance – 16kms).
Date: Wednesday 14th May 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

Dining Out April 2025
Christine Heaton is hosting lunch at the Vicar at Dural on the 1st May.
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
Newcastle - Monday 31 March to Thursday 3 April 2025
Cowra & Lachlan Valley – Sunday 14 to Thursday 18 September 2025
Further to last month’s emails and newsletter, Trade Travel now have deposits from twenty-eight of our members for this trip.
The following is an extract from the Trade Travel website:
‘We are specialists in providing travel solutions for Probus Clubs, National Senior Clubs, Retirement Villages, over 50’s Leisure Centres, and various specialty groups. Our touring options span both national and international destinations, and each can be tailored specifically to meet your group's unique needs.’
From my perspective they have the experience of conducting previous similar tours so they should know their tours. This includes the appropriate locals, accommodation, meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners) and numerous attractions, some of which include a local guide. For our trip they provide eleven meals and a tour host.
The coach can pick us up and return us from a yet to be nominated location, possibly Cherrybrook.
As per their itinerary, in my view this is a comparatively active tour, inclusive of many varied attractions and activities.
If you would like to join in the fun, simply advise me via email and I will forward you the booking form.
To download the PDF of the flyer, click HERE
Photos From The Newcastle Trip (Lynne H & Andrew L)
Leader - Max Henderson
Garden Group – April 2025
During April, the Garden Group visited the Grounds of Alexandria which is an inner city café with themed gardens. We travelled back to our childhood with the story theme of Snow White including the Magic Mirror on the Wall and a visit to the cottage in the woods. We had some fair maidens appear in the Mirror on the Wall. Refer to the photos.
Our next Garden Group day will be visiting:
The Mother Earth Nursery and the Grove Café.
Mark, the owner of the Nursery will give a short talk on what preparation work can be done at this time of year, to keep your garden thriving and looking beautiful.
Date: Thursday 8 May 2025
Time: 10:00am
Address: 1A Annangrove Road, Kenthurst
Meeting Location: Meet inside the Grove Café which is part of the Mother Earth Nursery
Please advise either Sue Small or Lorenza Powyer if you require transport or are able to car pool.
Morning Tea: Approximately 10.00am at the Grove Cafe
If you are interested in attending please contact Sue Small or Lorenza Powyer either by email or SMS.
Garden Activity Leader – Julie Stinson
During April, the Garden Group visited the Grounds of Alexandria which is an inner city café with themed gardens. We travelled back to our childhood with the story theme of Snow White including the Magic Mirror on the Wall and a visit to the cottage in the woods. We had some fair maidens appear in the Mirror on the Wall. Refer to the photos.
Our next Garden Group day will be visiting:
The Mother Earth Nursery and the Grove Café.
Mark, the owner of the Nursery will give a short talk on what preparation work can be done at this time of year, to keep your garden thriving and looking beautiful.
Date: Thursday 8 May 2025
Time: 10:00am
Address: 1A Annangrove Road, Kenthurst
Meeting Location: Meet inside the Grove Café which is part of the Mother Earth Nursery
Please advise either Sue Small or Lorenza Powyer if you require transport or are able to car pool.
Morning Tea: Approximately 10.00am at the Grove Cafe
If you are interested in attending please contact Sue Small or Lorenza Powyer either by email or SMS.
Garden Activity Leader – Julie Stinson
Photos From Grounds of Alexandria
Leader - Julie Stinson

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 28th April @ 10:30am
All members are welcome. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Leader- Helen Beutler

Movie Group - April 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.
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

Probus Photography April 2025 Report
April Photography Meeting
What a spectacular meeting with sparks flying through the air. Rob used a whisk filled with steel wool and lit with a battery and swung it around. Fortunately, the neighbourhood wasn’t burnt down. It did make for some spectacular images and videos.
April Photography Meeting
What a spectacular meeting with sparks flying through the air. Rob used a whisk filled with steel wool and lit with a battery and swung it around. Fortunately, the neighbourhood wasn’t burnt down. It did make for some spectacular images and videos.
We also reviewed the images taken over the past weeks and we had some outstanding images. A few of these images are shown below:
At each meeting we vote on two images, an open category and a set subject. As many of the photographers went to Newcastle the set subject was the images taken at Newcastle.
The overall image of the month was taken by Nikki Siddle of dead trees in a lake. Congratulations Nikki on a great image. This is now the banner image for our Facebook site.
The overall image of the month was taken by Nikki Siddle of dead trees in a lake. Congratulations Nikki on a great image. This is now the banner image for our Facebook site.
The group also voted on the best Newcastle image and the image below was taken by Rob of the waves breaking over the south breakwater.
The Photography Facebook Site.
Even though we haven’t met our photographers post images on the Facebook site. Some of the images posted recently are:
Set Subject for May Meeting
Our set subject for our May meeting is flora. An album has been created in the Facebook site along with a may open album
Facebook Site
The link to the group Facebook site 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.
Even though we haven’t met our photographers post images on the Facebook site. Some of the images posted recently are:
Set Subject for May Meeting
Our set subject for our May meeting is flora. An album has been created in the Facebook site along with a may open album
Facebook Site
The link to the group Facebook site 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.

hotography Group Outing
On Friday May 2 at 3:00pm we are meeting at the gates of the botanical gardens near the opera house to take some images of the flora in the gardens. This will be followed with a bite to eat in the city before returning home.
At each meeting we vote on two images, an open category and a set subject. As many of the photographers went to Newcastle the set subject was the images taken at Newcastle.
The overall image of the month was taken by Nikki Siddle of dead trees in a lake. Congratulations Nikki on a great image. This is now the banner image for our Facebook site.
At each meeting we vote on two images, an open category and a set subject. As many of the photographers went to Newcastle the set subject was the images taken at Newcastle.
The overall image of the month was taken by Nikki Siddle of dead trees in a lake. Congratulations Nikki on a great image. This is now the banner image for our Facebook site.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Wednesday May 7th at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm. There will be a presentation on how to expose images to avoid blowing out the highlights.
On Friday May 2 at 3:00pm we are meeting at the gates of the botanical gardens near the opera house to take some images of the flora in the gardens. This will be followed with a bite to eat in the city before returning home.
At each meeting we vote on two images, an open category and a set subject. As many of the photographers went to Newcastle the set subject was the images taken at Newcastle.
The overall image of the month was taken by Nikki Siddle of dead trees in a lake. Congratulations Nikki on a great image. This is now the banner image for our Facebook site.
At each meeting we vote on two images, an open category and a set subject. As many of the photographers went to Newcastle the set subject was the images taken at Newcastle.
The overall image of the month was taken by Nikki Siddle of dead trees in a lake. Congratulations Nikki on a great image. This is now the banner image for our Facebook site.
Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Wednesday May 7th at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm. There will be a presentation on how to expose images to avoid blowing out the highlights.
Rob Clarke
Activity Coordinator
Activity Coordinator
Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone
Photography Group Newcastle Photos
Top Five Images

Table tennis activity has started, 12 members enjoyed the first table tennis activity held this month. Everyone enjoyed this light exercise and having fun learning new skills in a noncompetitive session.
This activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday of the month (day after the General Meeting) 10am for 90 to 120 minutes (dependent on numbers) at the Dural Squash Court, 895 Old Northern Rd Dural, for only $5.
All members are welcome. There are both male & female players, suiting all level of play.
If you are interested and not already done so, please contact Enio Dona
This activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday of the month (day after the General Meeting) 10am for 90 to 120 minutes (dependent on numbers) at the Dural Squash Court, 895 Old Northern Rd Dural, for only $5.
All members are welcome. There are both male & female players, suiting all level of play.
If you are interested and not already done so, please contact Enio Dona

Tennis Group Report- April 2025
Bev & I are now back from holidays but heavily involved in renovations at Lake Macquarie, and other players are away so we have only managed the occasional game. Hopefully we will play more in the latter half of the month.
We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill.
Leader - Bob Davison
Bev & I are now back from holidays but heavily involved in renovations at Lake Macquarie, and other players are away so we have only managed the occasional game. Hopefully we will play more in the latter half of the month.
We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill.
Leader - Bob Davison

Live Theatre April 2025
Our theatre party to MJ the Musical at the Lyric Theatre on Wednesday 26 March 2025 was a truly memorable show and again thank-you to all attendees for your ongoing support!!
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 is now fully subscribed with coach Pick up at 6:15pm, from West Pennant Hills Sports Club.
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 is now fully subscribed with coach Pick up at 6:15pm, from West Pennant Hills Sports Club.
The Play that Goes Wrong:
Following significant interest expressed in attending "The Play That Goes Wrong" at our last meeting, we have now reserved 40 seats to the performance on Sunday 29 June at 1:00PM in the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
We have emailed our entire interest group requesting confirmation. If you have not replied already, please confirm that interest or otherwise, promptly by return email or if you were not at our last meeting please advise us as soon as possible if you wish to attend. Currently we still have just a hand-full of spots available
The price is $111.00 per ticket inclusive of booking fee covering admission only with no transport included. Tickets will be distributed prior to the day.
As this is a day-time matinee at Sydney Opera House public transport is recommended, e.g. the ferry from either Rydalmere, Meadowbank or Putney into Circular Quay with a short walk to the venue.
"The longest running comedy in London, the smash-hit Olivier and Tony-Award-winning, The Play That Goes Wrong, is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, things go from bad to utterly disastrous when the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society performs a classic murder mystery. Complete with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)"
Payment is required by 30 April 2025 as follows:
WEST PENNANT HILLS/DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Description: Surname Wrong
Following significant interest expressed in attending "The Play That Goes Wrong" at our last meeting, we have now reserved 40 seats to the performance on Sunday 29 June at 1:00PM in the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House.
We have emailed our entire interest group requesting confirmation. If you have not replied already, please confirm that interest or otherwise, promptly by return email or if you were not at our last meeting please advise us as soon as possible if you wish to attend. Currently we still have just a hand-full of spots available
The price is $111.00 per ticket inclusive of booking fee covering admission only with no transport included. Tickets will be distributed prior to the day.
As this is a day-time matinee at Sydney Opera House public transport is recommended, e.g. the ferry from either Rydalmere, Meadowbank or Putney into Circular Quay with a short walk to the venue.
"The longest running comedy in London, the smash-hit Olivier and Tony-Award-winning, The Play That Goes Wrong, is a hilarious hybrid of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, things go from bad to utterly disastrous when the Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society performs a classic murder mystery. Complete with an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)"
Payment is required by 30 April 2025 as follows:
WEST PENNANT HILLS/DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Description: Surname Wrong
Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle

Walking Group April 2025
The last walk was into the Cheltenham Bush area. Twenty-six members joined in this activity. We crossed the railway track, headed into the bush to get to the M2, walked under the M2, and walked back via Sutherland Road. The walk was 4.8km in length, about 90mins.
Afterwards, we had a lovely coffee at the Cheltenham Recreation Club. Please see photo.
The next walk will be on Tuesday May 13th 2025. The details to be provided at a later date.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile.
The last walk was into the Cheltenham Bush area. Twenty-six members joined in this activity. We crossed the railway track, headed into the bush to get to the M2, walked under the M2, and walked back via Sutherland Road. The walk was 4.8km in length, about 90mins.
Afterwards, we had a lovely coffee at the Cheltenham Recreation Club. Please see photo.
The next walk will be on Tuesday May 13th 2025. The details to be provided at a later date.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile.
Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson
Photo From Last Walk

Wine & Cheese April 25
Thanks to Rosemary and Rob for hosting the April Wine & Cheese. We have 19 attendees who were treated to a fire pit complete with marshmallows on bamboo garden stakes.
May’s Wine & Cheese will be at the home of Marilyn and John Savic.
Leaders Julie Shenstone & Susan Antonjuk
PLEASE NOTE
The Club Newsletter is for the private and confidential use of Club members and is not to be used for any other purpose. Approval for any form of advertising or promotion not directly related to club activities or general club information must be granted by the club committee.
The Club Newsletter is for the private and confidential use of Club members and is not to be used for any other purpose. Approval for any form of advertising or promotion not directly related to club activities or general club information must be granted by the club committee.
Newsletter Editor for this month: Enio Dona
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