President's Report
President’s Report - July 2025
What amazing weather we have been enjoying – cold but with sunny days so that we have been able to enjoy the huge array of activities offered by our club. No need for anyone to feel bored!!
A subcommittee of 5 has looked at our proposed Constitution and Standing Resolutions (the old By Laws) and will submit the final draft to the full committee when we meet in August. This will then be sent to each club member with 21 day’s notice for the club to accept at the September meeting. Nothing has greatly changed – the wording is simpler and there are more definitions regarding secretary and treasurer’s roles, membership, details for winding up a club and conflict within a club. I guess this is based on events in other clubs over the last 50 years.
We enjoyed a delightful lunch for Dining Out at Trevis on July 14 thanks to Jan and Terry Ridge. Unfortunately, some guests forgot to pay for some extras and $28 was not paid. This is not acceptable, and the hope is that either the extra is paid into the Activities account or given to Terry or Jan. We don’t want organisers to be out of pocket or others will not want to arrange Dining Out. Those who attended please think carefully about your bill.
Harmony is still a work in progress. Activity Leaders are making progress with its use, so please give it a real go. Thank you, Michael for all your efforts with training.
Thank you to Lorraine Sutton for filling in for Jan Hookkee whilst she was in America. Lorraine did a great job keeping up with Welfare even though not very well herself but still making a few phone calls.
Thank you again to all the Activity Leaders and the Committee who do such a great job organising both the club and events. Maybe some other members will step up to assist with ideas, events and guest speakers. The more the merrier is always a good outcome.
Get a coffee or tea and enjoy reading this newsletter.
Rosemary Clarke
President
PROBUS FACTS #4
Although Probus membership has its greatest concentrations in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, clubs exist today in many parts of the world, including the United States, Belgium, India, South Africa and several other countries in Africa and Asia.
What amazing weather we have been enjoying – cold but with sunny days so that we have been able to enjoy the huge array of activities offered by our club. No need for anyone to feel bored!!
A subcommittee of 5 has looked at our proposed Constitution and Standing Resolutions (the old By Laws) and will submit the final draft to the full committee when we meet in August. This will then be sent to each club member with 21 day’s notice for the club to accept at the September meeting. Nothing has greatly changed – the wording is simpler and there are more definitions regarding secretary and treasurer’s roles, membership, details for winding up a club and conflict within a club. I guess this is based on events in other clubs over the last 50 years.
We enjoyed a delightful lunch for Dining Out at Trevis on July 14 thanks to Jan and Terry Ridge. Unfortunately, some guests forgot to pay for some extras and $28 was not paid. This is not acceptable, and the hope is that either the extra is paid into the Activities account or given to Terry or Jan. We don’t want organisers to be out of pocket or others will not want to arrange Dining Out. Those who attended please think carefully about your bill.
Harmony is still a work in progress. Activity Leaders are making progress with its use, so please give it a real go. Thank you, Michael for all your efforts with training.
Thank you to Lorraine Sutton for filling in for Jan Hookkee whilst she was in America. Lorraine did a great job keeping up with Welfare even though not very well herself but still making a few phone calls.
Thank you again to all the Activity Leaders and the Committee who do such a great job organising both the club and events. Maybe some other members will step up to assist with ideas, events and guest speakers. The more the merrier is always a good outcome.
Get a coffee or tea and enjoy reading this newsletter.
Rosemary Clarke
President
PROBUS FACTS #4
Although Probus membership has its greatest concentrations in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, clubs exist today in many parts of the world, including the United States, Belgium, India, South Africa and several other countries in Africa and Asia.
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 - June 2025
| TREASURER S REPORT | For the Month ending 30 June 2025 | ||
| GENERAL ACCOUNT | |||
| Opening cash balance | 1 June 2025 | $4,716.62 | |
| Interest | $0.00 | ||
| Deposits | $0.00 | Annual dues and joining fees received | |
| $0.00 | |||
| Expenses | $0.00 | PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading | |
| $(184.67) | Admin costs / Website Fees | ||
| $0.00 | Speaker Costs / Welfare | ||
| $(127.75) | Hornsby Council venue hire | ||
| $0.00 | Morning teas | ||
| $(20.00) | Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c | ||
| $0.00 | New member costs | ||
| $(332.42) | |||
| Closing cash balance | 30 June 2025 | $4,384.20 | |
| ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT | |||
| Opening cash balance | 1 June 2025 | $10,578.44 | |
| Interest | $12.61 | ||
| Deposits | $0.00 | Cards 500 | |
| $0.00 | Golf Week | ||
| $110.00 | Wrong Play | ||
| $100.00 | Female Factory | ||
| $500.00 | Buchan | ||
| $4,025.00 | Bonville | ||
| $0.00 | $4,735.00 | ||
| Deposits to be identified | |||
| Payments | $0.00 | Cards 500 | |
| $0.00 | Golf Week | ||
| $0.00 | Temple | ||
| $0.00 | Wrong Play | ||
| $0.00 | Female Factory | ||
| $0.00 | Buchan | ||
| $0.00 | $0.00 | Bonville | |
| Closing cash balance | 30 June 2025 | $15,326.05 | |
| Open Activities | Balance | ||
| Cards 500 | $190.00 | ||
| Golf Week | $735.00 | ||
| Golf Week | $140.00 | ||
| Wrong Play | $358.87 | ||
| Female Factory | $480.00 | ||
| Buchan | $9,000.00 | ||
| Bonville | $4,025.00 | ||
| $14,928.87 | |||
| Add: | |||
| Activities surplus | $397.18 | ||
| Unresolved fixes | $0.00 | ||
| Bank balance | $15,326.05 | ||
| TERM DEPOSIT | |||
| The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,237.85, and has earned $144.51 this year, | |||
| at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a. | |||
| INTEREST | |||
| For this year, $78.12 has been received as interest General Account $0.05, Activities Account $78.07. | |||
| ACTIVITY SURPLUS | |||
| The Activity Surplus currently stands at $397.18. | |||
| Michael Stinson | |||
| Treasurer | 30 June 2025 | ||
Michael Stinson
Treasurer
Treasurer
Membership
Membership July 2025
The current membership stands at 111 active members and 3 inactive, with a female to male ratio of 60:40
Replacement badges – We are only ordering these on a six monthly basis.
Can any members who now require replacement Membership Badges, please let me know as soon as possible and I will place a combined order.
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 111 active members and 3 inactive, with a female to male ratio of 60:40
Replacement badges – We are only ordering these on a six monthly basis.
Can any members who now require replacement Membership Badges, please let me know as soon as possible and I will place a combined order.
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 July 2025
An update on Welfare will be provided at the General Meeting.
Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
An update on Welfare will be provided at the General Meeting.
Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
July Guest Speaker - Charles Fellner - Scam Awareness- Your Best Defence
Charles Fellner is a retired IT professional from Sydney. After seeing various friends being scammed, he wanted to do something to fight back. Rather than creating yet another website on the topic he decided instead to do some thorough research and then conduct presentations and group discussions at various clubs such as Rotary and Lions on the subject of scam awareness.
In these presentations his focus is on the more common scams. He explains what goes on behind these scams, the steps that one should take to avoid being scammed, and what one should do if they have been scammed. He also has a strong interest in the psychology of scamming and believes this is a very important and often neglected part of the puzzle. He talks with people almost every day about scamming every chance he gets.
In these presentations his focus is on the more common scams. He explains what goes on behind these scams, the steps that one should take to avoid being scammed, and what one should do if they have been scammed. He also has a strong interest in the psychology of scamming and believes this is a very important and often neglected part of the puzzle. He talks with people almost every day about scamming every chance he gets.
Photos From June General Meeting - none taken
2025 WPH&C Annual Rotary Trivia Night
As with last year, it will be an enjoyable and affordable night at only $25.00 per person.
A raffle with great prizes will be drawn at the end of the last round.
Invite all your friends and relatives and start putting tables of 8 together.
We can also assist/coordinate/put teams together.
Ample parking is available.
Tea and coffee are provided - BYOG and nibbles.
Our Quiz Master will be Robert Bredin, who was also the QM at last year's trivia night.
Payment
We would appreciate if you would book on the Trybooking website using the BOOK NOW button below. This will make management of the event easier for us.
Please let us know a name for your table and your friends can book on YOUR table.
BOOK NOW
Other Options
On the night please either bring $25 in cash per person or you can use our EFTPOS facility.
Please note that a merchant fee of 1.9% per $25 EFTPOS transaction will be applied if paying by EFTPOS on the night.
All proceeds go to the ESCABAGS
& other Rotary charities
COME ALONG FOR A FUN NIGHT & HELP SUPPORT THESE CHARITIES
When: Saturday 16th August 2025
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
Where: Cherrybrook Community Centre, Shepherds Drive, Cherrybrook
Booking is essential:
Please call: 0468 330 667 or
Email: [email protected]
Facebook : www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofWPHC
Thanks for your support!
A raffle with great prizes will be drawn at the end of the last round.
Invite all your friends and relatives and start putting tables of 8 together.
We can also assist/coordinate/put teams together.
Ample parking is available.
Tea and coffee are provided - BYOG and nibbles.
Our Quiz Master will be Robert Bredin, who was also the QM at last year's trivia night.
Payment
We would appreciate if you would book on the Trybooking website using the BOOK NOW button below. This will make management of the event easier for us.
Please let us know a name for your table and your friends can book on YOUR table.
BOOK NOW
Other Options
On the night please either bring $25 in cash per person or you can use our EFTPOS facility.
Please note that a merchant fee of 1.9% per $25 EFTPOS transaction will be applied if paying by EFTPOS on the night.
All proceeds go to the ESCABAGS
& other Rotary charities
COME ALONG FOR A FUN NIGHT & HELP SUPPORT THESE CHARITIES
When: Saturday 16th August 2025
Time: 6.30pm for 7.00pm start
Where: Cherrybrook Community Centre, Shepherds Drive, Cherrybrook
Booking is essential:
Please call: 0468 330 667 or
Email: [email protected]
Facebook : www.facebook.com/RotaryClubofWPHC
Thanks for your support!
To download the PDF of the flyer click HERE
ESCABAGS
Escabags Ltd is an Australian registered charity who distribute ‘Escape Bags’ for victims fleeing domestic and family abuse.
Each ‘Escape Bag’ contains high-quality products as we understand the importance of feeling comforted and worthy in a crisis.
Our ‘Escape Bags’ are not gender-specific and, by providing two variations, ‘Parent and Child’ and ‘Single Adult’, we proudly cater for ALL victims of abuse.
For more information on Escabags, please click HERE
Escabags Ltd is an Australian registered charity who distribute ‘Escape Bags’ for victims fleeing domestic and family abuse.
Each ‘Escape Bag’ contains high-quality products as we understand the importance of feeling comforted and worthy in a crisis.
Our ‘Escape Bags’ are not gender-specific and, by providing two variations, ‘Parent and Child’ and ‘Single Adult’, we proudly cater for ALL victims of abuse.
For more information on Escabags, please 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 June 2025 Newsletter by Friday 19th August 2025
Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-
WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2025_08
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.
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 to mid July reads: 15; total: 41
Elizabeth & Elizabth by Sue Williams: Reviewed in the past. Elizabeth Macarther and Elizabeth Macquarie form an unlikely friendship. It shows the power struggles of Colonial Australia from the perspective of these two amazing ladies.
The Little House by Philippa Gregory: a doozie of a book. Gaslighting by a true professional in the form of the mother in law, manipulating everything and everyone in her life – husband, son, daughter in law, and eventually her grandson. Talk about total control!!!!! A delicious ending, but a bit naughty of the daughter in law – can’t say I blame her though.
The Valley by Chris Hammer: this may be a glitch from this author. He is usually so good, but the reader found it very hard going. ‘The Sins of the Father, The Love of a Daughter, The Secrets that Divide Them’
Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout: set during the lock downs of covid, and a follow on from Oh William. William, exhusband of Lucy, knows that what is to come from the Covid outbreak is not going to be good. He convinces Lucy to move with him to Maine - he considers that this would be the best place to be while it rampages in the cities. The isolation brings about a new relationship with her ex, her children and their families, and the people they befriend in their new location beside the sea. Heartbreaking at times but still so much hope and peace.
Atlantis Found by Clive Cussler: a fantastic read – one of the author’s most audacious books he has written. An adventure fiction book with an historic basis, filled with constant suspense & twists on all of its 534 pages. He saved the 2 of the best very unexpected twists to the last pages. A book that was hard to put down.
Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson: These two writers have put together a fast moving, ‘can’t put it down’ story. From the very beginning there is excitement building to a crescendo. Very enjoyable.
Pure Human by Gregg Braden: a little hard to understand in some chapters but very thought provoking. A compelling journey of self-discovery.
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller: Book Club read and enjoyable. Reviewed in April newsletter – much enjoyed by all in the book club.
The Sparkle Pages by Meg Bignell: Susannah feels her marriage has lost it’s sparkle, and like many overthinkers she sets out to keep a journal of her journey into putting the sparkle back into her marriage. No more of the mundane presented with raising a young family, but she wants to become interesting, thoughtful, useful, cheerful, relevant, self-sufficient, stylish, alluring and intelligent – and of course lots of sex experimentation with the aforementioned husband who seems to be drifting away. Quite tiring at times – well she was.
Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher: Iris and Piper are twins born to a drug addicted uncaring mother. Their grandmother gains custody and their lives begin to settle. Then Piper, the pretty and outgoing twin, is abducted right in front of Iris who was left behind. She sets out to find and confront the man she believes to be her sister’s killer. She methodically sets out a life plan that will take her to an island hospital for the criminally insane but then all hell breaks loose. A real page turner towards the end as she seeks the truth.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See: Book Club read and all readers found it a real eye opener into the lives of what it was to be a young girl in 19th century China. Lily and Snow Flower are paired by a matchmaker at the age of 7 with a laotong – an emotional match that will last a lifetime. Snow Flower introduces herself to Lily by sending her a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu - a unique language used by the higher class women to communicate away from the influence of men. Over the years they form a strong bond, undergoing the agony of foot-binding, eventually marrying and their escape, along with their husbands, into the hills to hide from the soldiers of the Chinese uprising. A misunderstanding arises and their deep friendship suddenly threatens to be torn apart. A beautiful novel based on history.
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty: a very confused storyline that took too long to come together. The miniseries was more enjoyable than the book.
In My Skin by Kate Holden: Based on the spiral of addiction and the resulting way of life that eventuates. Brutal candour and confronting – approach with care.
Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese
Leader: Sue Calabrese
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 to mid July reads: 15; total: 41
Elizabeth & Elizabth by Sue Williams: Reviewed in the past. Elizabeth Macarther and Elizabeth Macquarie form an unlikely friendship. It shows the power struggles of Colonial Australia from the perspective of these two amazing ladies.
The Little House by Philippa Gregory: a doozie of a book. Gaslighting by a true professional in the form of the mother in law, manipulating everything and everyone in her life – husband, son, daughter in law, and eventually her grandson. Talk about total control!!!!! A delicious ending, but a bit naughty of the daughter in law – can’t say I blame her though.
The Valley by Chris Hammer: this may be a glitch from this author. He is usually so good, but the reader found it very hard going. ‘The Sins of the Father, The Love of a Daughter, The Secrets that Divide Them’
Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout: set during the lock downs of covid, and a follow on from Oh William. William, exhusband of Lucy, knows that what is to come from the Covid outbreak is not going to be good. He convinces Lucy to move with him to Maine - he considers that this would be the best place to be while it rampages in the cities. The isolation brings about a new relationship with her ex, her children and their families, and the people they befriend in their new location beside the sea. Heartbreaking at times but still so much hope and peace.
Atlantis Found by Clive Cussler: a fantastic read – one of the author’s most audacious books he has written. An adventure fiction book with an historic basis, filled with constant suspense & twists on all of its 534 pages. He saved the 2 of the best very unexpected twists to the last pages. A book that was hard to put down.
Eruption by Michael Crichton and James Patterson: These two writers have put together a fast moving, ‘can’t put it down’ story. From the very beginning there is excitement building to a crescendo. Very enjoyable.
Pure Human by Gregg Braden: a little hard to understand in some chapters but very thought provoking. A compelling journey of self-discovery.
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller: Book Club read and enjoyable. Reviewed in April newsletter – much enjoyed by all in the book club.
The Sparkle Pages by Meg Bignell: Susannah feels her marriage has lost it’s sparkle, and like many overthinkers she sets out to keep a journal of her journey into putting the sparkle back into her marriage. No more of the mundane presented with raising a young family, but she wants to become interesting, thoughtful, useful, cheerful, relevant, self-sufficient, stylish, alluring and intelligent – and of course lots of sex experimentation with the aforementioned husband who seems to be drifting away. Quite tiring at times – well she was.
Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher: Iris and Piper are twins born to a drug addicted uncaring mother. Their grandmother gains custody and their lives begin to settle. Then Piper, the pretty and outgoing twin, is abducted right in front of Iris who was left behind. She sets out to find and confront the man she believes to be her sister’s killer. She methodically sets out a life plan that will take her to an island hospital for the criminally insane but then all hell breaks loose. A real page turner towards the end as she seeks the truth.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See: Book Club read and all readers found it a real eye opener into the lives of what it was to be a young girl in 19th century China. Lily and Snow Flower are paired by a matchmaker at the age of 7 with a laotong – an emotional match that will last a lifetime. Snow Flower introduces herself to Lily by sending her a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu - a unique language used by the higher class women to communicate away from the influence of men. Over the years they form a strong bond, undergoing the agony of foot-binding, eventually marrying and their escape, along with their husbands, into the hills to hide from the soldiers of the Chinese uprising. A misunderstanding arises and their deep friendship suddenly threatens to be torn apart. A beautiful novel based on history.
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty: a very confused storyline that took too long to come together. The miniseries was more enjoyable than the book.
In My Skin by Kate Holden: Based on the spiral of addiction and the resulting way of life that eventuates. Brutal candour and confronting – approach with care.
Hope to see more of you join. Sue Calabrese
Leader: Sue Calabrese
Book Club Report - July 2025
Rosemary hosted our last meeting on Thursday 17th July. We discussed Snowflower & the Secret Fan. We then received our latest book, Dusk by Robbie Arnott.
Thanks Sue & Rosemary for filling in for me, hosting the meetings and collecting & returning the books to the library.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 28th August, 7.30pm at the Davison’s.
Leader - Bev Davison
|
In the distant highlands, a puma named Dusk is killing shepherds. Down in the lowlands, twins Iris and Floyd are out of work, money and friends. When they hear that a bounty has been placed on Dusk, they reluctantly decide to join the hunt. As they journey up into this wild, haunted country, they discover there's far more to the land and people of the highlands than they imagined. And as they close in on their prey, they're forced to reckon with conflicts both ancient and deeply personal. |
Cards Report for July 2025
Cards will be held on
Date - Friday 25 July.
Where - Dural Club.
Dinner from 5.45
Cards start promptly at 7pm.
$5 per head to play. [Please have the correct change if possible]
This is a fun evening and even if you haven’t played before or feel you could be a bit rusty there is plenty of help available if needed.
Looking forward to seeing you on Friday.
Cathy (David’s PA)
Leader - David Turner
Cards will be held on
Date - Friday 25 July.
Where - Dural Club.
Dinner from 5.45
Cards start promptly at 7pm.
$5 per head to play. [Please have the correct change if possible]
This is a fun evening and even if you haven’t played before or feel you could be a bit rusty there is plenty of help available if needed.
Looking forward to seeing you on Friday.
Cathy (David’s PA)
Leader - David Turner
Cycling Group: July 2025
The July cycling tour started off from the Waterview Cafe Carpark located in Bicentennial Park. The group rode through the Badu Mangroves in the park before heading back south via Wentworth Common before doing a lap around the entertainment centre and football stadium.
After crossing over Hill Road, the group followed the bike paths through the Newington parkland and Armoury Reserve before heading to a Wentworth Point for a coffee and a chat (and to thaw out!).
Following a shorter than usual coffee break (due to recently installed metered parking restriction in Bicentennial Park), the group rode back to the start point at a quicker pace to check on whether there were any parking tickets on car windscreens!
The ride length was 16.7km with an elevation gain of 75.0m.
NOTE: Next month’s ride will start off from the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal Carpark (located off John Street Rydalmere) and head off to Meadowbank via the Carlingford light rail line! The ride will be relatively flat and will follow the bike paths in and around the parklands. (Approx. distance – 15kms).
Date: Thursday 14th August 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 and your OPAL Card.
Please let me know, if you are interested in joining the ride.
Leader - Gerard Siddle
The July cycling tour started off from the Waterview Cafe Carpark located in Bicentennial Park. The group rode through the Badu Mangroves in the park before heading back south via Wentworth Common before doing a lap around the entertainment centre and football stadium.
After crossing over Hill Road, the group followed the bike paths through the Newington parkland and Armoury Reserve before heading to a Wentworth Point for a coffee and a chat (and to thaw out!).
Following a shorter than usual coffee break (due to recently installed metered parking restriction in Bicentennial Park), the group rode back to the start point at a quicker pace to check on whether there were any parking tickets on car windscreens!
The ride length was 16.7km with an elevation gain of 75.0m.
NOTE: Next month’s ride will start off from the Rydalmere Ferry Terminal Carpark (located off John Street Rydalmere) and head off to Meadowbank via the Carlingford light rail line! The ride will be relatively flat and will follow the bike paths in and around the parklands. (Approx. distance – 15kms).
Date: Thursday 14th August 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 and your OPAL Card.
Please let me know, if you are interested in joining the ride.
Leader - Gerard Siddle
A guided Tour Of
Queen Victoria Building
Monday 18th August 2025
Click HERE if you would like to download a PDF of the flyer.
Photos from the Female Factory Visit
Leader - Helen Games
Dining Out August 2025
--- details available at our next meeting for the August Dining Out activity
DINING OUT THURSDAY 19th JUNE 2025
We had a lovely time dining out at The Baulkham Hills Sports Club. There were about 30 in attendance. It was nice that the group that were already there for another function could join us to help make the lunch a success. The food was great, the company was excellent, and the ease of parking made it a great day.
Thank you all for your company.
Regards
Toni Smith
We had a lovely time dining out at The Baulkham Hills Sports Club. There were about 30 in attendance. It was nice that the group that were already there for another function could join us to help make the lunch a success. The food was great, the company was excellent, and the ease of parking made it a great day.
Thank you all for your company.
Regards
Toni Smith
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
Cowra & Lachlan Valley – Sunday 14 to Thursday 18 September 2025
Our pick up and drop off point is the Cherrybrook Technology High School, 28-44 Purchase Road, Cherrybrook at the school bus stop.
Pick up Sunday; please be there by 7.30am to allow time to load the coach etc to ensure we can depart by 8.00am.
Drop off Thursday 6.30pm, please note this is an indicative time only given we have a long drive with a number of stops.
Wee now have twenty-seven fully paid members (balance payments were due mid July) for this trip and Trade Travel still have three rooms on hold for any late starters.
Participants:
Pick up Sunday; please be there by 7.30am to allow time to load the coach etc to ensure we can depart by 8.00am.
Drop off Thursday 6.30pm, please note this is an indicative time only given we have a long drive with a number of stops.
Wee now have twenty-seven fully paid members (balance payments were due mid July) for this trip and Trade Travel still have three rooms on hold for any late starters.
Participants:
As per their itinerary, in my view this is a comparatively active well catered for 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.
If you would like to join in the fun, simply advise me via email and I will forward you the booking form.
Other
As a number of the major operators have taken block bookings, our trip to outback southern Queensland has been postponed to about August 2027. With a bit of luck our consultant will get in before them.
We are also looking at a couple of options for next year for late March and possibly early September. At this stage, we will be doing both as opposed to engaging a commercial operator (eg Trade-Travel or OnCourse).
As a number of the major operators have taken block bookings, our trip to outback southern Queensland has been postponed to about August 2027. With a bit of luck our consultant will get in before them.
We are also looking at a couple of options for next year for late March and possibly early September. At this stage, we will be doing both as opposed to engaging a commercial operator (eg Trade-Travel or OnCourse).
To download the PDF of the flyer, click HERE
Leader - Max Henderson
Gardening July 2025
On Thursday 10 July, twenty Probus members braved the winter weather to visit the Paddington Reservoir Garden. It is an interesting site that has been a reservoir, a maintenance workshop, a car park, a petrol station and now is a small garden built into the historic remains of its previous usage.
Afterwards we had lunch at a nearby café and some of us then visited an Indigenous Tiwi Islands art exhibition which was being held next door at the University of NSW’s Art Gallery.
Our next Garden Group day will be visiting:
Swanes Nursery, Dural
A garden talk is being arranged but has not yet been confirmed. An email will be sent out when further information becomes available.
Date: Thursday 14 August 2025
Time: 10:15am
Address: 490 Galston Road, Dural
Lunch: Green Vibes Cafe
If you are interested in attending please contact me by email by Tuesday 12 August 2025, or respond to my email using the buttons provided. This will be sent when details are confirmed
Proposed Suggestion for Friday 12 September 2025 – Bowral Tulip Flower Festival
All members of the Probus Club are welcome to join the Bowral day trip. You don’t have to be in the Garden Group.
Transportation for the proposed trip to Bowral is being investigated.
Option 1 If there is a minimum of 20 people interested, a minibus can be hired with an approximate cost of $46 per person.
Option 2 is to carpool and drive down to Bowral.
The departure time from Cherrybrook Community Centre is 8am and the return time is approximately 4.30pm.
The Tulip Festival entrance ticket of $13.50 per person can be paid only by card at the entrance gate to the Tulip Festival. Individuals can book online but the cost is $15 per person with a booking fee included. Food and drinks would be extra at your own expense.
Please note that the Probus trip to Cowra departs on Sunday 14th September 2025. This may affect some members.
Please email me ASAP if you are interested in attending and specify which option you prefer. If your preference is for carpooling, please indicate whether you are willing to drive and take others or if you would need a lift. If you require a lift, it's assumed that you will offer to share the cost.
Depending on the responses I receive, will determine which option is selected.
On Thursday 10 July, twenty Probus members braved the winter weather to visit the Paddington Reservoir Garden. It is an interesting site that has been a reservoir, a maintenance workshop, a car park, a petrol station and now is a small garden built into the historic remains of its previous usage.
Afterwards we had lunch at a nearby café and some of us then visited an Indigenous Tiwi Islands art exhibition which was being held next door at the University of NSW’s Art Gallery.
Our next Garden Group day will be visiting:
Swanes Nursery, Dural
A garden talk is being arranged but has not yet been confirmed. An email will be sent out when further information becomes available.
Date: Thursday 14 August 2025
Time: 10:15am
Address: 490 Galston Road, Dural
Lunch: Green Vibes Cafe
If you are interested in attending please contact me by email by Tuesday 12 August 2025, or respond to my email using the buttons provided. This will be sent when details are confirmed
Proposed Suggestion for Friday 12 September 2025 – Bowral Tulip Flower Festival
All members of the Probus Club are welcome to join the Bowral day trip. You don’t have to be in the Garden Group.
Transportation for the proposed trip to Bowral is being investigated.
Option 1 If there is a minimum of 20 people interested, a minibus can be hired with an approximate cost of $46 per person.
Option 2 is to carpool and drive down to Bowral.
The departure time from Cherrybrook Community Centre is 8am and the return time is approximately 4.30pm.
The Tulip Festival entrance ticket of $13.50 per person can be paid only by card at the entrance gate to the Tulip Festival. Individuals can book online but the cost is $15 per person with a booking fee included. Food and drinks would be extra at your own expense.
Please note that the Probus trip to Cowra departs on Sunday 14th September 2025. This may affect some members.
Please email me ASAP if you are interested in attending and specify which option you prefer. If your preference is for carpooling, please indicate whether you are willing to drive and take others or if you would need a lift. If you require a lift, it's assumed that you will offer to share the cost.
Depending on the responses I receive, will determine which option is selected.
Leader - Julie Stinson
Terry & Jeff
Golf Club - June 2025 (otherwise called The Bunker News)
HELLO Probus Members
The Golf bonding day for July was held at the Swing City Driving range due to poor weather affecting the course and the use of carts on the day with 11 participants enjoying unlimited balls for 1.5 hours of fun friendship and fellowship.
A meal and a warm beverage was had by all at the venue.
Our next game will be in August at North Ryde GC on the 1/8/2025 see email from Jeff Swan to confirm the details.
We play social golf catering for all levels, please let us know if you would like to join us.
HELLO Probus Members
The Golf bonding day for July was held at the Swing City Driving range due to poor weather affecting the course and the use of carts on the day with 11 participants enjoying unlimited balls for 1.5 hours of fun friendship and fellowship.
A meal and a warm beverage was had by all at the venue.
Our next game will be in August at North Ryde GC on the 1/8/2025 see email from Jeff Swan to confirm the details.
We play social golf catering for all levels, please let us know if you would like to join us.
Yours in Fun, Fellowship & Friendship
From Team Golf
Terry Ridge and Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators
From Team Golf
Terry Ridge and Jeff Swan
WPH&D Probus Inc - Golf Coordinators
Movie Group - July 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 July 2025 Report
All our meetings start with some socialising over a glass a wine and some nibbles, if it is nice weather we often sit around the fire pit. Last meeting we were treated to Tina Turner opening the meeting with a rendition of Proud Mary. I am not too sure how this was received by the girls, the boys liked it.
We then adjourned to look at some aspect of photography that will improve how we take images. At the last meeting we looked at textures and how having varying textures can enhance an image or make an element pop out of the image.
The learning session usually becomes the set subject for our monthly meetings which for next month is textures.
Following our short learning experience, we review the set subject images and open images that are posted onto the groups Facebook site.
Images of the Month and Facebook Site Banner Image
An image of the month is awarded for both the set and open categories. The set subject for the month was contrast. The open category is any image taken over the past that does not meet the set subject criteria. Each month is getting harder to select the image of the month as outstanding images are submitted.
Each of our winning images are voted on by the those attending the meeting.
Set Subject Image of the Month
Congratulations to Helen Games for a great image of the opera house and fire boat. The contrast in this image is the colour of the water from the fire boat that draws the viewers eye away from the opera house at first look then back to the opera house. Another great aspect of the image is that the spray from the fire boat matches the sail shape of the opera house. A nice image showing how contrast can draw the eye to a part of the image even though the image has an iconic building. Refer Image Next Page.
Open Subject Image of the Month
There a was a tie for the open category between Cathy and Max.
Cathy Tuner’s image with an almost water colour feel looking towards Mount Barney very late in the day showing the blue haze mixing with the last light was equal first.
Max Henderson’s image of a pier with a great leading line down the pier to the sun set was also equal first. What enhances the image is having a person on the pier.
All our meetings start with some socialising over a glass a wine and some nibbles, if it is nice weather we often sit around the fire pit. Last meeting we were treated to Tina Turner opening the meeting with a rendition of Proud Mary. I am not too sure how this was received by the girls, the boys liked it.
We then adjourned to look at some aspect of photography that will improve how we take images. At the last meeting we looked at textures and how having varying textures can enhance an image or make an element pop out of the image.
The learning session usually becomes the set subject for our monthly meetings which for next month is textures.
Following our short learning experience, we review the set subject images and open images that are posted onto the groups Facebook site.
Images of the Month and Facebook Site Banner Image
An image of the month is awarded for both the set and open categories. The set subject for the month was contrast. The open category is any image taken over the past that does not meet the set subject criteria. Each month is getting harder to select the image of the month as outstanding images are submitted.
Each of our winning images are voted on by the those attending the meeting.
Set Subject Image of the Month
Congratulations to Helen Games for a great image of the opera house and fire boat. The contrast in this image is the colour of the water from the fire boat that draws the viewers eye away from the opera house at first look then back to the opera house. Another great aspect of the image is that the spray from the fire boat matches the sail shape of the opera house. A nice image showing how contrast can draw the eye to a part of the image even though the image has an iconic building. Refer Image Next Page.
Open Subject Image of the Month
There a was a tie for the open category between Cathy and Max.
Cathy Tuner’s image with an almost water colour feel looking towards Mount Barney very late in the day showing the blue haze mixing with the last light was equal first.
Max Henderson’s image of a pier with a great leading line down the pier to the sun set was also equal first. What enhances the image is having a person on the pier.
Set Subject Image of the Month: Helen Games
Open Set Subject Image of the Month: Cathy Turner in equal first place
Open Set Subject Image of the Month: Max Henderson in equal first place
- Facebook site Image
The link to our 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.
Blue Mountains Outing
We have a two-day trip planned in the Blue Mountains where we will be taking images of hidden waterfalls, vistas of the mountains and walking through a canyon. At our next meeting we will be going though each of the walks that could be difficult for some members.
Rob in the Dry Canyon
Next Meeting
The meeting for next month will need to be moved to the second Wednesday as the Clarke’s will be away in the first week.
As our Blue Mountains outing will involve getting into areas with poor light we will have a presentation on how to take low light images.
Meeting details
The next meeting will be on Wednesday August 13th at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm.
The meeting for next month will need to be moved to the second Wednesday as the Clarke’s will be away in the first week.
As our Blue Mountains outing will involve getting into areas with poor light we will have a presentation on how to take low light images.
Meeting details
The next meeting will be on Wednesday August 13th at the Clarke’s residence at 7:30pm.
Rob Clarke
Activity Coordinator
Activity Coordinator
Contrast Album Photos
Open Album Photos
Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone
Table Tennis July 2025
This activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday of the month (which is ’the 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.
Coffee afterwards at Bezin Café 242 New Line Rd Dural.
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 (which is ’the 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.
Coffee afterwards at Bezin Café 242 New Line Rd Dural.
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- July 2025
We are back from our overseas trip now and looking forward to getting back into tennis, it’s been a while.
There hasn’t been much tennis played whilst we have been away, due to travel, illness and the weather but we will be back into our routine from Monday 21st July.
We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill (weather permitting).
Leader - Bob Davison
We are back from our overseas trip now and looking forward to getting back into tennis, it’s been a while.
There hasn’t been much tennis played whilst we have been away, due to travel, illness and the weather but we will be back into our routine from Monday 21st July.
We play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill (weather permitting).
Leader - Bob Davison
Live Theatre July 2025
The Play that Goes Wrong:
Last month 34 members and guests attended "The Play That Goes Wrong" on Sunday 29 June at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, thank-you for your wonderful support of this activity!
Back to the Future the Musical:
We have been looking at options for our next theatre party and will gauge interest in attending Back to the Future the Musical coming to the Sydney Lyric from September for its Australian Premiere. Take an electrifying ride back in time with London’s Olivier Award-winning best new musical, adapted for the stage by the creators of the original movie trilogy.
Stay tuned!!
Many thanks,
Bruce & Robyn Bartle
Activities Co-ordinators Live Theatre
Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle
Walking July 2025
The last walk was along the Balaka Falls circuit, which was a 3km nature track along the Hunts Creek North Rocks to the falls. It was a medium grade bush walk, with some uneven ground, a stepping stone creek crossing and the track was not muddy after the rain.
This was a very enjoyable walk on a lovely winter day. Afterwards most members had a coffee at the North Rock Shopping Centre. It is amazing that such nice walks can be found in the middle of Sydney’s suburbia.
Please see photos. Many thanks Rosemary Clarke for her contribution.
The next walk will be on Tuesday August 12th 2025. Details as they come to hand.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile.
The last walk was along the Balaka Falls circuit, which was a 3km nature track along the Hunts Creek North Rocks to the falls. It was a medium grade bush walk, with some uneven ground, a stepping stone creek crossing and the track was not muddy after the rain.
This was a very enjoyable walk on a lovely winter day. Afterwards most members had a coffee at the North Rock Shopping Centre. It is amazing that such nice walks can be found in the middle of Sydney’s suburbia.
Please see photos. Many thanks Rosemary Clarke for her contribution.
The next walk will be on Tuesday August 12th 2025. Details as they come to hand.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes & water and a smile.
Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson
Photos From Last Walk
Wine & Cheese July 2025
Thank you to Julie and Bain for hosting the July Wine & Cheese. We had 30 people attend.
The August Wine & Cheese will be on Friday 8th August at the home of Sue and Santo Calabrese.
Thank you to Julie and Bain for hosting the July Wine & Cheese. We had 30 people attend.
The August Wine & Cheese will be on Friday 8th August at the home of Sue and Santo Calabrese.
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.
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Newsletter Editor for this month: Andrew Little
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