Newsletter No. 104 - Feb 2026

THE NEXT GENERAL MEETING  WILL BE HELD  AT THE CHERRYBROOK COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 10.30AM ON  WEDNESDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2026

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President's Report

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President’s Report - February 2026
​
Here we go! One more month to the AGM. Please consider getting involved - if not on the committee but as a backup or being involved with the activity leaders. I know that Bain is looking for a backup for Guest Speakers for this coming year with his intention to step down in 2027. It’s not as hard as you think as there is a comprehensive list provided by PSPL. Bain is willing to walk you through the process.

Activities are in full swing. One week I went to 4 activities including a cheeky 5-minute visit to the Men’s Group!! I don’t know who was more surprised – me or them! Consider our new activity of Trivia, it will be a lot of fun. Some activity leaders have been in their role for nearly 10 years and would like back up people to consider taking an interest with the idea of becoming the new leader. Please consider so that our wonderful club can continue providing exciting opportunities and events
.
The committee together with Helen Games and Sue Hackett are busy planning for our 10th anniversary in July. At our committee meeting last week, we are looking at a celebratory meeting/lunch on July 22 at Springfield House. More details will follow. It should be fantastic, so please put that date in your diary. You won’t want to miss it!

At the AGM we will also be voting on continuing the use of Harmony. It is a valuable tool for the efficient running of the club. Michael is willing to chat to anyone who needs clarification.
​
My apologies for missing the February meeting but I know David will do an amazing job. Thanks David.
Let’s continue to keep having fun, friendship and fellowship!


Rosemary Clarke President

Secretarial

Correspondence In 
  • ​None
​Correspondence Out
  • None
Bev Watson

Details of the Probus Member Benefit Scheme are at:
www.probussouthpacific.org/pages/members_offers_member_benefits_scheme   (Cntl click on link)

Treasurer's Report - January 2026

TREASURER S REPORT For the Month ending 31 January 2026
GENERAL ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance 1 January 2026 $3,855.06
Interest $0.00
Deposits $0.00 Annual dues and joining fees received
$0.00
Expenses $(62.00) PSPL Capitation fees / Fair Trading
$0.00 Admin costs / Website Fees
$(100.00) Speaker Costs / Welfare
$(303.50) Hornsby Council venue hire
$0.00 Morning teas
$(160.00) Transfers to / (from) Activity A/c
$0.00 New member costs
$(625.50)
Closing cash balance 31 January 2026 $3,229.56
ACTIVITIES ACCOUNT
Opening cash balance 1 January 2026 $10,196.17
Interest $7.18
Deposits $0.00 Cards 500
$0.00 Golf Week
$0.00 Buchan
$0.00 Bonville
$160.00 Xmas Lunch
$6,100.00 Warbirds over Scone
$673.00 John Singleton
$2,267.00 $9,200.00 9 to 5
Deposits to be identified
Payments $0.00 Cards 500
$0.00 Golf Week
$0.00 Buchan
$0.00 Bonville
$68.84 Xmas Lunch
$(610.00) Warbirds over Scone
$0.00 John Singleton
$(1,650.00) $(2,191.16) 9 to 5
Closing cash balance 31 January 2026 $17,212.19
Open Activities Balance
Cards 500 $70.00
Golf Week $50.00
Buchan $10,000.00
Bonville $0.00
Xmas Lunch $(291.28)
Warbirds over Scone $5,490.00
John Singleton $673.00
9 to 5 $617.00
$16,608.72
Add:
Activities surplus $603.47
Unresolved fixes $0.00
Bank balance $17,212.19
TERM DEPOSIT
The Term Deposit was rolled over in July at a value of $5,237.85, and has earned $378.99 this year,
at current interest rate of 4.75% p.a.
INTEREST
For this year, $7.18 has been received as interest General Account $0.00, Activities Account $7.18.
ACTIVITY SURPLUS
The Activity Surplus currently stands at $603.47.
Michael Stinson
Treasurer 31 January 2026
Michael Stinson​
Treasurer

Membership

Membership Report February 2026

This year marks the 10 Year Anniversary for our Club and members will be celebrating with a special party in July – more details to come.

The current membership stands at 110 active members and 3 inactive, with a female to male ratio of 60:40

Please let me know if you require replacement Membership Badges, and I will start an order list.

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 February 2026

Barbara Tyas is spending quiet recovery time on the North Coast with her daughter after her recent hospitalisation.
With the intense bouts of heatwaves we need to look out for one another to ensure we are keeping cool and drinking plenty of water.

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. 

 Jan Hookkee – Welfare Officer
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February Speaker - Noel
 Phelan - How We Won The America's Cup
The achievement of the Australian team in winning the America's Cup in 1983
was one of the most remarkable feats in Australian sporting history.
Australia II captured the hearts of the nation when they won the America's Cup in1983, breaking a 132-year winning streak by the Americans in sport's oldest trophy. Perhaps the most iconic of Australian sporting moments, the competition caught the attention of sailors and non-sailors alike, throughout Australia and abroad.

The America's Cup fascinated the Australian sailing community for 20 years before they were victorious. Up until 1962, Britain and Canada were the only two nations to challenge for the Cup. In 1962 an Australian syndicate from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron challenged the Americans for the first time. Led by Sir Frank Packer, the challenge by Gretel was unsuccessful, but they became the first challenger to win an America's Cup match race against the Americans since 1930. They then challenged with Dame Pattie in 1967, Gretel II in 1970, Southern Cross in 1974, and Australia in 1977 and 1980.
Then in 1983, Australia challenged with their best prepared syndicate ever, AUSTRALIA II. Owned and built by a syndicate of Western Australians headed by businessman Alan Bond. The Australians were determined to bring home the Auld Mug. The designer of Australia II, Ben Lexcen, had conceived a winged keel that under secret testing in the Netherlands had out-performed conventional keels. The yacht was built in WA by boat builder Steve Ward.
Lexcen's winged keel was at the centre of much controversy. Upon arrival in Newport, the keel was hidden from view with tarpaulin 'modesty skirts'.

The design was protested by the Americans, but ultimately the "off-water"
psychological battle was won by the Aussies and they were given the all-clear to race.
Skippered by John Bertrand, the crew of Australia II displayed a 'never-say-die'
attitude when they came back from being 1-3 down, in the best of seven series. The Aussies fought their way back and the final race proved a real wrestle. The American boat Liberty led from the start, until being overtaken on the last downwind leg by Australia II. During the final windward leg the team aboard Australia II tacked 45 times to defend their precious lead. At 5.21pm on September 26, Australia II crossed the line to win the America's Cup, taking the Auld Mug in an historic 4-3 win.
"You captured the imagination of the people the world over" said American President Reagan, as he congratulated the Australia II crew on a visit to the White House two days after the race. "You have shown us the stuff of which Australians are made."
 
Come along and learn what really happened.
  
Noel Phelan Biography
Noel Phelan's first career was as a science and mathematics teacher. He then moved into IT with IBM as a systems engineer and spent 25 years in various technical and management positions.
He has been a volunteer guide at the Maritime Museum for over 15 years. Noel was the team leader of the speakers for many years.
Noel is a Past President of the Northbridge Rotary club. He spent many years as sailing captain of his sailing club.  He also spent several years with Marine Rescue and the Rural Fire Service.
Noel is also a volunteer at the Naval Historical Society where he has developed three Navy harbour cruises. He has also organised a speaker’s program for the Navy Historical Society where the presentations are delivered by ZOOM to the 500 members around Australia.
He fulfilled a boyhood dream to fly a WW II fighter by flying a SPITFIRE at The Imperial War Museum at Duxford in the UK recently. 
​

Photos From October January Meeting

Birthday  Celebrations

 Happy Birthday
 To all our members
Celebrating a birthday in February
 ​
Susan Antonjuk
René Beutler
Bev Dona
Estelle Graham
Stuart Mitchell
Janet Nicol
Karin Regel
Janice Ridge
Hilda Somerfield
Kristine Ward
Elizabeth Wojtczak


2026 West Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook Rotary
Annual Giant Book Sale

Friday 6th March 9am to 5pm
Saturday 7th March 9am to 5pm
Sunday 8th 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 28th February

Donations accepted until 12 noon Saturday 28th February.

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

Newsletter Copy Deadline

Please provide your contributions for the February 2026 Newsletter by Friday 20 March 2026

 Please copy directly into Dropbox under :-

WPHD Probus Activities / Activity Newsletter Contributions / Contributions – 2026_03

Eric Scheeren is the newsletter editor for March & April

Newsletter Editor Roster As At 21 Feb 26​
​

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, David Antonjuk
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
Trivia Group Kim Nicholls, Hilda Somerfield
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
                              

Event Calendar
Note: This is snapshot of the calendar as at 21th February 2026.
​The live updated calendar is available in the Harmony app or on the website.

2026 February          
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
             
             
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Movies Group
Castle Hill 9.30AM
Contact Donna Fraser		     Golf Group Gordon Golf Club
Contact : Terry Ridge		    
  Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 Photography Group

7.30PM		        
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Walking Group
TBA
Contact Enio Dona 		Men's Club

Contact Rene Beutler		 Gardening Group
Mount Penang
Contact Julie Stinson		      
  Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 Theatre & Musicals
9 to 5 - The Musical
   Wine and Cheese Contact : Susan Antonjuk    
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		   Cycling Group
TBA
Contact Gerard Siddle		 Management Com'te Meeting
@ 7:30pm 		Ten Pin Bowling
10am AMF Castle Hill
Contact Doug Matthews		    
  Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 Day Out Trips
Amazon Centre.
Contact : Helen Games		 Trivia Group Dural Club

Contact Kim Nicholls		      
23 24 25 26 27 28 01
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 General Meeting
Cherrybrook Community Hall @ 10.30AM 		Table Tennis Dural Squash Courts. Contact : Enio      
Coffee Morning Catch Up
Castle Hill RSL Bistro Area
10:30am		       Cards 500
Dural Country Club 7pm
Contact David Turner		    
02            
             
2026 March          
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
23 24 25 26 27 28 01
             
             
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Movies Group
Castle Hill 9.30AM
Contact Donna Fraser		     Golf Group
Contact : Jeff Swan		    
  Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 Photography Group

7.30PM		        
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Walking Group
TBA
Contact Enio Dona 		Men's Club

Contact Rene Beutler		        
  Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 Gardening Group

Contact Julie Stinson		   Wine and Cheese Contact : Susan Antonjuk    
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 Cycling Group
TBA
Contact Gerard Siddle		 Trivia Group Dural Club

Contact Kim Nicholls		 Ten Pin Bowling
10am AMF Castle Hill
Contact Doug Matthews		    
           
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		 General Meeting
Cherrybrook Community Hall @ 10.30AM 		Day Out Trips.
John Singleton
Contact : Helen Games		      
      Table Tennis Dural Squash Courts. Contact : Enio Cards 500
Dural Country Club 7pm
Contact David Turner		    
30 31          
Tennis Group
Contact B Davidson
Mon & Wed 8.30AM		 Tai Chi - 12.30pm
Blue Gum Centre, Glenhaven
Contact : Helen Games		          
Coffee Morning Catch Up
Castle Hill RSL Bistro Area
10:30am		            
2026 April          
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
             
             
06 07 08 09 10 11 12
             
      Management Com'te Meeting
@ 7:30pm 		     
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
             
             
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
             
             
27 28 29 30 01 02 03
             
             
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‘Books: Uniquely Portable Magic’ - UPM! Challenge

UPM! challenge ending, mid March ‘26. A new challenge is coming from Mid March 26 to end February 27. This challenge will be GOBAR – Get on Board and Read!
Challenge yourself to read more. 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 ‘27 … +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.

Jan - Feb reads: 11; total: A whopping total  of 148 – way over our target!!!! We all got busy but still found the time to read. We still have the rest of February to go for an even bigger result.
 
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig: Read by Joanna Lumley and she was an absolute treat to listen to. Haig is also the author of ‘The Midnight Library’ and this story is just as quirky.Grace is a retired Maths teacher. She is left a run-down house in Ibiza, Spain. A former student writes to her about his own life struggle, so Grace proceeds to tell him about how she had also struggled, but how her life has changed for the better by taking the gift of this house. The former owner ‘disappeared’ into another world. She left the house to Grace as a way of thanking her for advice given when she was also struggling with life. A journey into the mind and finding yourself.

The Detective by Matthew Reilly: Set in the South of the United States, this story deals with an icky part of history and the treatment of slaves in the deep south by entitled and wealthy Southerners, and warped attitudes. Over 150 years there has been a steady disappearance of a group of women (slaves) every 20 odd years or so. Sam Speedman, on the spectrum and a brilliant private detective finds himself revisiting one of the ‘disappeared’ – LaToya Martyn, a sex worker - when a doll containing the body of a new-born turns up in the river. This baby has direct DNA to LaToya. Even though other investigators have disappeared while trying to solve all these disappearances, Sam has a special approach. Torture, murder, Southern Belles who should be well slapped in the face and brutish, arrogant privileged males abound. Good book though. 

The Deadly Dispute by Amanda Hampson: reviewed in last month’s newsletter. Greatly enjoyed by another reader.

The Burrow by Melanie Cheng: The story follows the Lee family as they navigate grief and hope in their quiet Australian suburb. Jin is an emergency physician and father; Amy is a published author and mother; Lucie is their bookish and introverted ten year old, and Pauline, Amy’s mother, is trying to make amends.

The Match by Harlan Coben: An ok book but not recommended by the reader. Fast-paced action-packed thriller about a DNA match on an ancestry site that leads to murder, mayhem and intrigue.  

The Lightning Ridge Ladies by Fiona McArthur: an easy read set in the heart of Australia’s opal mining district, Lightning Ridge. The author had visited Lightning Ridge to learn about the town, and then incorporated this into her novel. Made the reader feel like going there to check it out.  

Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Roberts Giuffre: a memoir of surviving abuse and fighting for justice. The author was abused by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislainen Maxwell. A sad read. A horrible childhood contributed to her horrifying time with Epstein. She fought hard to expose the child sex trafficking. Many of the men and women involved have not been brought to justice.  

Jessica by Bryce Courtney: reviewed in last month’s newsletter.

The Wrong Daughter by Dandy Smith: a 13 year old girl is kidnapped. She comes back home after 16 years away having married her captor. She misses her sister, so tries to kidnap her to bring back to her captor’s home so she isn’t so lonely. An interesting story.

The Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey: Two inspectors are sent to a remote island off Scotland’s New Hebrides Islands, to investigate the death of a teenager. There is no police presence on the island, so the inhabitants make their own laws. The reader loved this story and couldn’t put it down.

Dust by Michael Brissenden: this book had everything – murder, drug trafficking, people smuggling, kidnapping, environmental activities and developmental problems. The reader got through it, but would not recommend it.  

Hope to see more of you join in the next challenge. 
​
Sue Calabrese
​
​Leader: Sue Calabrese
Back To Activities List
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Book Club Report - February 2026

We returned from our overseas trip just in time to host the Book Club meeting on 19th February. Our numbers were down a little as the date clashed with the Committee Meeting.  Nevertheless we had a great get-together and discussed the book at length.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday 2nd April and the new book is The Burrow by Melanie Cheng.
​


Leader - Bev Davison


​
On a flight from Hobart to Sydney, Australia, a woman stands up and moves though the cabin, pointing at the seated passengers and without asking for permission, states how each person will die and how old they will be when it happens. This unnerves many of the passengers and the book follows these characters after-the-fact. How they dealt with this knowledge was different for each person -- some accepted their fate, others took steps to keep the death from happening, while still others changed their lives believing they had a short time left.

Readers do not learn of the identity of the psychic or her history until page 92. Her name is Cherry and her mother was also a psychic medium. “'Fate won’t be fought,'” she says. Then the plane lands, and its passengers have to figure out how to go about their lives with these predictions in mind."[1] The passengers find each other post-flight and create a Facebook group to discuss the aftermath, calling the psychic "The Death Lady". Three deaths occur in strangely odd ways similar to what had been predicted.











Amy, Jin and Lucie are leading isolated lives in their partially renovated, inner city home. They are not happy, but they are also terrified of change. When they buy a pet rabbit for Lucie, and then Amy’s mother, Pauline, comes to stay, the family is forced to confront long-buried secrets. Will opening their hearts to the rabbit help them to heal or only invite further tragedy?








​
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Cards Report for February 2026

​​​We had a good rollup in January with 28 people playing. It was great to get together after a break since November.

We are playing next on Friday February 27.
​
Dural Club
5.45 Dinner
7.00 cards start
$5 per head to play.



An email will follow shortly to work out numbers for paying and dinner.
​
See you then!

Cathy (David’s PA)

Leader - David Turner
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Cycling Report for February 2026

The November cycling tour started off from Rydalmere Ferry Terminal. The ride headed up the Parramatta River to the Light Rail Line, where the riders caught the Light Rail at Yallamundi stop, for an easy trip up to Carlingford (hence avoiding the long steep incline along the bike path).

Then, it was a leisurely downhill ride back to the Parramatta River, followed by an enjoyable coffee break at a cafe on the river at Ermington. After the break, the riders did a loop of the George Kendall Riverside Park at Ermington, before heading back to the Carpark at Rydalmere.
 
The actual ride length was 19.4km (actually included a few kilometres on the light rail) with an elevation gain of 166.0m.
 
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 18th March 2026 (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.

​Leader - Gerard Siddle
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Day Trips

Morning Tea With John Singleton - Thursday 26th March

Join us to raise funds for Parkinsons Australia at an uplifting, entertaining and truly special event at The Epping Club. Listen to an unfiltered conversation with special guest John Singleton - Australian entrepreneur, ad man and celebrated larrikin - as
he reflects on life, love and what it really means to be a senior.

Enjoy a Devonshire Tea.

Date: Thursday 26 March
​Where: The Epping Club 45 - 47 Rawson Street, Epping
Time: 10.15am for 10.30 am start
Meet: The Foyer The Epping Club

Seats are limited so if you would like to join us please let me know via the
Harmony email or by replying to this email ASAP. I will buy tickets on Tuesday
or Wednesday of this week.
​
Deposit $15 into the Probus Activities Account with your surname and
Singleton as a reference.

Move It Or Lose It!

Seniors' Week is in early March. The Hills and Hornsby Councils have various free activities available for Seniors in March.

The Centre in Dural has a free exercise class.

​Bookings can be made using the QR code on the poster.

​Photo From How does an Amazon Warehouse really work? Trip​

Leader - Helen Games
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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 role for any month in 2026.
Leader - Looking For Monthly Leaders
Back To Activities List

Nelson Bay
Monday 3rd to Thurs 6th Aug 2026

In late January Lynne and I made a brief detour to Nelson Bay in order to refine our program options. We will do something similar in March to try and finalise. In the interim we have updated this report to reflect our current recommendations, all of which are looking very promising.
We now have twenty-six members who have paid their accommodation deposits ($50 per apartment). Whilst it’s not too late to join in the fun, once we start finalising reservations for meals and activities (late March) we will have to introduce a standby list.

Updates:
Evening Meals
Our current preferences are the Golf Club, situated beside and behind our accommodation and the Bowling Club, situated on the other side with both being within an easy walking distance:
  • Monday; Nelson Bay Golf Club, 57 Dowling St, 6.00 for 6.30pm.
Our Bluewater Grill restaurant offers quality food with a spectacular view! Overlooking the stunning view of the course and out to the headlands of Port Stephens. Our food is made with only quality ingredients, our signature Salt and Pepper Squid, Earth Bowls, Chicken Supreme and Lambs Fry are firm favourites. https://www.nelsonbaygolf.com/
  • Tuesday, Nelson Bay Bowling & Recreation Club, 63 Dowling Street, 6.00 for 6.30pm.
Our Fin and Scales Restaurant is located on the first floor and overlooks the beautiful Nelson Bay Waterways, offering Seafood, Steak and Modern Club Classics.
  • Wednesday; Nelson Bay Golf Club, 57 Dowling St, 6.00 for 6.30pm, as above
Group activities

Tuesday, 10.00am. 2.5hr Whale Watching Cruise
Join Moonshadow TQC onboard their whale watching cruise venturing out to the ‘Humpback highway’ for the northern Whale migration during May-November for amazing viewing opportunities to see Whales.
You will never forget seeing the awesome bulk of a humpback whale, up to 18 metres long and weighing 40 tonnes! Being the most surface active of all the whales, it is possible that you will see spectacular displays – spy hops, pectoral slaps, body rolls and … the breathtaking breach.

Enjoy entertaining and informative commentary from the captain. You may also see some Australian Fur Seals, Common & Bottlenose dolphins, and view some of the outer islands
With great viewing decks (both inside and outside), you can be sure you are getting the best view of these friendly giants. A fully licensed bar is available on board for beverages, and snacks.
​
The current senior’s price is $75pp and departs the D’Albora Nelson Bay Marina 10.00am.
Optional walks, for those interested in walking, we suggest you walk from our accommodation to the marina (via the shops, cafes and breakfast options). This walk requires about 15min, excluding deviations.
Then following the cruise and allowing time for lunch we can walk along the waterfront to Little Beach and onto Shoal Bay (relatively level) and then back to our accommodation (mildly ascending).
This (post lunch) walk can vary from about 2.0 hours 2.5 hours dependant on how far we walk towards Shoal Bay, refer map.
Wednesday, 12.00pm ‘Barramundi Lunch and Farm Tour’ Package
‘Cookabarra’ Restaurant and Function Centre, 476c Marsh Road Bobs Farm.
The centre is attached to a Barramundi and Hydroponic Vegetable Farm that also grows fresh produce on-site. Lunch is followed by a very informative guided tour of the Barramundi farm operation; tour duration is about 45 minutes to an hour.
Lunch Package Choices:
  • ‘Cookabarra’ Fish & Chips - Barramundi fillet lightly battered served with Salad, or
  • Oven roasted fillet with lemon butter, Lemon pepper served with Chips & Salad (can be GF), or
  • Poached- Barramundi fillet poached in seafood broth with garlic, ginger, vegetables & steamed Jasmine rice (GF), or
  • Chicken Schnitzel with chips and salad
Tour & Lunch Package $36.00 per person, lunch from 12.00pm (we need to preorder and will organise later) followed by the tour at 2.00pm. https://www.cookabarra.com/
Situated about 20 minutes from our accommodation.
​
Optional activities, this will give those interested the opportunity to visit the nearby Fighter World prior to lunch.
Fighter World includes fighter aircraft aviation heritage, 10.00am to 4.00pm, adjacent the RAAF base at Williamtown. Subject to adequate numbers we can have a guided tour which we will organise later, $16.00pp (senior).  https://fighterworld.com.au/
​Then following lunch on the return drive to Nelson Bay:
  • Gan Gan Lookout for 360-degree views, Lily Hill Road Nelson Bay
Enjoy the spectacular views of beautiful Port Stephens and beyond from Gan Gan Hill Lookout just off the main road which travels down into Nelson Bay. Accessible by car, this prominent viewpoint offers expansive views of Nelson Bay & beyond.
At your leisure activities
​
As with previous trips, apart from evening meals and a couple of group activities we also provide some options you can do at your leisure. For example:
Monday: https://www.portstephens.nsw.gov.au/council/news/2021/explore-mambo-wetlands-like-never-before
Tuesday:
  • Port Stephens Community Arts Centre, Cultural Place, Off Shoal Bay Road, Nelson Bay https://pscac.org.au/
  • A group walk along the waterfront, refer above
Wednesday: Thursday:
  • Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, 9.00am to 5.00pm, A2 Jessie Road, Anna Bay. Various options and prices, starting at $30pp (seniors). https://sharkencounters.com.au/
https://www.tilligerryhabitat.au/ or
  • Tanilba Bay Heritage & History Trail
https://portstephensfamilyhistory.com.au/the-heritage-trail-blaze
These two options are almost neighbours and just off the road to Lemon Tree Passage
  • Play a round of golf on the adjoining Nelson Bay Golf Course, maybe stay an extra night
https://www.nelsonbaygolf.com/
Apart from the websites, further details of the above are also available at the Tourist Information Office, adjacent the marina.

Participants
​As previously advised:
Accommodation
The Landmark, Nelson Bay, 61A Dowling St, Nelson Bay 2315, adjoins both the bowling and golf clubs. A short walk to Nelson Bay shops and a fifteen-minute walk to d'Albora Marina Nelson Bay and Fly Point Marine Reserve.
Accommodation includes 118 air-conditioned rooms featuring kitchenettes with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves and coffee/tea makers. Flat-screen televisions and complimentary wireless internet access.
Hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub, a sauna, on site complementary car parking and lift access to all floors.
Room Options & Tariffs
We have negotiated a very attractive group booking discount with the following options:
​Deluxe apartments are renovated with modern bathrooms and kitchens. The deluxe two-bedroom apartments offer a full kitchen. Refer to their website for more details and photos. https://www.landmarknelsonbay.com.au/
Please Note 
  • An accommodation block has been held. Please call reservations and quote
Probus – West Pennant Hills & District to secure your accommodation. 
Landmark Reservations 4984 4633.
  • Accommodation rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
  • Rates are non-commissionable. 
  • Rates quoted are for un-serviced apartments.
  • Additional linen such as towels are available at reception, a small fee applies.
  • Check in time is 2pm, Check out time is 10am.
  • All rooms are non-smoking.
  • Breakfast is available from the privately owned onsite restaurant. Pricing and menus are
available direct.
 
Deposit, Alteration & Cancellation Policy/Payment Details 
  • A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure each apartment at time of booking.
  • The account balance is payable on arrival. Payment on arrival can be made via cash or credit
card, cheque payment on arrival will be refused. 
  • A credit card guarantee is required at time of booking if the deposit is being paid via direct deposit. If one is unable to provide a credit card guarantee, then a bank transfer of the first nights’ accommodation is required.
  • Cancellations made outside of 5 days of arrival will incur a $50.00 administration fee.
  • Cancellations made inside of 5 days of arrival will incur the first night’s accommodation.
  • Pre-payment can be made via credit card or bank transfer.
  • The Landmark Resort Banking Details
    • Account Name: Landmark Nelson Bay Management 
BSB: 084 572
ACCOUNT: 857314156
  • Please note that no-shows will be charged the full accommodation fee for the period of the
stay.
  • No refunds or transfers of monies will be permitted should a group member choose to
depart earlier than the scheduled departure date.
  • For room security purposes a credit card guarantee is required on check-in for all rooms.
  • A cleaning fee applies to all room moves.
 
Reservations, Deposits & Payments
Please make your own reservations directly for your accommodation, including payments as detailed above.
Once you have reserved your room please advise me via email:
  • Your surname/s
  • Number of people
  • Room type/s
After we finalise our program options, we will advise the applicable costs and request payment into the clubs’ activity account.
Except these specified payments, it is best if all other costs, e.g. accommodation (as above), meals and other activities are paid for directly by the participants.
 
Any questions, please give me a call.

Queensland Great Central Outback Trail
Sun 1st to Wed 11th Aug 2027

Essentially as previously advised, including it is still too early to provide us with a cost for 2027.
Given we sought expressions of interest two years in advance, we had a pretty good initial response for this trip which increased to forty members after two meetings.

This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the central Queensland outback. Please refer to the itinerary below.
We were hoping to undertake this trip with Trade Travel this year; however, the major tour operators had taken block bookings for some of our key accommodation. Subsequently we elected for 2027.
Whilst Trade Travel has secured our trip as per their itinerary, some of their suppliers are still to determine their rates for 2027. Therefore, until they can provide a ‘Tour Cost’ they are not seeking a deposit and we suggest their Itinerary is viewed as a DRAFT.

Whilst their minimum number is twenty, our accommodation at Longreach (three nights in sixteen luxury glamping tents), will restrict us to thirty-two, less those with potential single supplements.  I’m confident, once we have a ‘Tour Cost’ it should sell out quite quickly.

Whilst we don’t have a costing, a 2025 similar Trade Travel trip (whilst the same number of days it excluded Longreach and a flight back to Brisbane) to Southwest Queensland was $5,000. Therefore, expect to pay more.
​
If interested:
  • save the date and
  • send me an email
Once we have a costed itinerary, Trade Travel will require a $200pp deposit in order to confirm attendees.
Any questions, please give me a call.

To download the PDF of the flyer, click HERE
Leader - Max Henderson
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Garden Group – February 2026

The garden group were very lucky with the weather as we had a pleasant day with a gentle breeze for our visit to Mount Penang Gardens in Kariong. We had a leisurely walk around the gardens followed by a delicious lunch at the Waterfall Café.
 
Our next Garden Group event will be visiting:

Bunnings at Rydalmere for a one hour garden talk
Date -    Wednesday 11 March 2026 
Please note that the Garden group day for this month has changed from Thursday to Wednesday due to the Bunnings garden talk schedule. 
Where -  The Garden Centre at Bunnings - 316 Victoria Road, Rydalmere. 
Meet -     We will meet outside the Bunnings’ Garden Centre entrance at about 9.45am for the 10am talk. Please let me know if you require transport or are able to carpool. It is approximately a 30 minute drive.

Free Morning Tea – Provided by Bunnings

Lunch -    From Bunnings, it is a 5 minute drive to Sal’s Place, 10-16 South Street, Rydalmere.  There is parking available outside the café.   
Mount Penang Gardens Photos
Leader - Julie Stinson
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PictureTerry & Jeff
Golf Report - February 2026  News from The Bunker

The Golf bonding day for February 2026 was held at the Gordon Golf Course, with weather conditions being a little warm it was a unanimous decision to have lunch at the Hotel Pennant Hills and forgo the remaining golf for the day.

Our next game will be Friday March 6th at Fox Hills Golf Course. The WPH&D Harmony Site has been updated where you can indicate your intention to play or not play.
Please note that our next game is set down for Good Friday the 3rd of April an email will sent asking for feedback to forgo the day, move the game another day in April or play.
 
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
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Men's Club - February 2026

Our next lunch for Mens Club is on Wednesday 11th March
 
Meet at Midday at Pennant Hills Bowling Club,  52  Yarrara Rd.
Pennant Hills

​Leader - Rene Beutler
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 February Coffee Morning

Join us for a coffee, a great chat and lots of fun.
Everyone Welcome!

We meet on the last Monday of the month.
PLACE : Castle Hill RSL, Bistro Area

The next morning tea will be:

Monday 23rd February 2026 at 10:30am
​​

All members are welcome.  Looking forward to seeing you there!
Leader- Helen Beutler
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​Movie Group - January 2026

​​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 2026 Report

As usual we started our February meeting with a short music video. This is not photography but adds some fun to the night.
Besides the opening and closing music videos we look at the open and set subject images and have a discussion on a particular aspect of photography.
The discussion for January was for images taken over the holiday period, we did not have a set subject.

Image of the Month
The image that was chosen as the image of the month was taken by Bain at Toronga Zoo. I am not sure what he would call it by Eye of the Tiger comes to mind. What was the tiger thinking when it was looking at the young child, was it a caring image of something more sinister? Great photographs have a story and this one has that in spades, congratulations Bain on a fantastic image and our Image of the Month.

We had a very close second for image of the month and again it is an image that has a story associated with out. Was the guy on the left looking at this lady as she walked passed? They both have their eyes closed, maybe that was meant to be the case as the two people in the image are total contrasts. Well done Elizabeth on a great story telling image.​
Outings

Everyone is welcome to join our photography group, most of our photographers only use I-phones or equivalent. We do have a very small number with the more expensive equipment but they do not dominate our meetings.
Our photography group organises outings and trips away that are open to the photography group only. We have had some comments that others in the club were not aware of these events and outings. To become aware of these events come to our meetings and it does not matter what kind of photographer you may be, our nights are highly social.

Warbirds in Scone Airshow in Late March
​
Our next event is The Warbirds in Scone Airshow in Late March.
Event photography is not just the planes but also all the other activities that surround the event. Camera settings and lens choices are very important for these outings; we will run through all of these in short presentation.
The accommodation we have is on a horse stud a short distance from Scone. As we will need to do our own catering, we will need to have a short discussion on what are options are for meals.

The link to the horse stud is: Wakefield Stud | Thoroughbred Horse Agistment Scone Hunter Valley

The link to our accommodation on the stud is: Facilities | Redbank Estate | Prestige Accommodation in the Hunter Valley

February Set Subject

Our set subject is panning which is an art in itself. This is where the shutter speed is low and the photographer follows a car, cyclist or any moving object keeping them in focus but the background is steaky due the panning. This is a difficult subject but good to practice for those going to Scone.

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be on Wednesday March 4 at the Shenstone’s residence at 7:30pm. If you do not have the address call Bain or Julie, other members also know their address (or go to the private pages of the web site....).
​
Rob Clarke
Activity Coordinator

Leaders - Rob Clarke & Bain Shenstone​
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Table Tennis February 2026

The next session for this activity is to be held on the fourth Thursday in Feb (which is the day after the General Meeting 26th Feb 2026) 10am for 90 minutes at the Dural Squash Court, 895 Old Northern Rd Dural, for only $5 per player.  Coffee and/or lunch afterwards at Bezin Café 242 New Line Rd Dural. 

In the last session held in Nov, 12 players had a great time, with many fun games.   It was good to see Doug Matthews back.

All members are welcome.  There are both male & female players, suiting all level of play.  Please book the 4th Thursday of the month for all sessions in 2026. 

If you are interested and not already done so, please contact Enio Dona
Leader - Enio Dona
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                   All are welcome
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February 2026 Report

​Ten Pin Bowling, following a long break, resumed last Friday, 20 February, with a very healthy 17 participants. We would have had 18 players, but Alan was ruled out of the game by the medical staff but not lunch.
 
On the boys side David & Max led the way, with David coming out on top in the game one & Max in game two.
 
It was a similar story with the girls with Hilda edging Bev in the first game & Bev comfortably winning the second.
 
As has been the case previously, we enjoyed lunch afterwards at a nearby cafe.
 
The next Ten Pin Bowling activity will take place on Friday, 20 March.
 
Leader - Doug Matthews
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Tennis Group report February 2026

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any tennis so far this year.  Bev and I have been away and another member has had surgery on his foot.
 
Hopefully we can get back to playing regularly very soon.
 
We (usually) play on Monday & Wednesday, 8.30am at Hasting Park Tennis Complex, 44 Belltree Crescent, Castle Hill (weather permitting).  
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​Leader - Bob Davison
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​Live Theatre February 2026

​​9 to 5 The Musical: (see photo below)

We attended 9 to 5 the Musical on Wednesday 11 February along with 28 members and 5 guests that evening. It was a story line filled with plenty of “sass” as promised, but the impressive thing about the show was the quality of performance from the young Sydney Youth Musical Theatre cast! The Singing, Dancing and Acting was simply first class. The SYMT cast, crew and committee have asked me to thank all whom attended that evening and for your ongoing support, it is truly most appreciated!!



Whispering Jack -The John Farnham Musical:
Stop Press: We have secured a group booking for December 15, 2026, to, Whispering Jack a major new Australian production (now virtually sold out) presented by Sydney Theatre Company premiering at the Roslyn Packer Theatre for a limited 4-week season. Starring Michael Paynter as John Farnham, this musical celebrates the story behind the 40th anniversary of the highest-selling Australian album of all time, covering his comeback from 1980 to 1986.
 
Further detail to follow at our forthcoming meeting this month!
 
Other possible shows for 2026:
We are currently investigating a few other possibilities for 2026 theatre parties, and we will soon be asking for your level of interest in the following shows:
  • THE LION KING opens at the Capitol Theatre April 2026. Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to Sydney! More than 120 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular.
 
  • ANASTASIA opens at The Lyric Theatre from April 2026. This romantic and adventure-filled hit musical inspired by the beloved films, is coming to Australia for the first time! This dazzling production, transports you from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria of 1920s Paris. ANASTASIA follows a brave young woman on a journey to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. Hailed as “A MONSTER HIT!” by The New York Times and “Irresistible!” by Variety.
 
  • CLUDEO a play at Theatre Royal 11 April to 10 May 2026. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Professor Plum in the library with the wrench?
 
  • WAITRESS Lyric Theatre from August 2026 Everyone deserves a slice of happiness! Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Australia for the very first time! Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film and brought to life by a trailblazing creative team, WAITRESS is the irresistible hit about resilience, friendship and hope.
Starring acclaimed powerhouse Natalie Bassingthwaighte as Jenna alongside stage and screen star Rob Mills as Dr Pomatter and legend of Australian entertainment John Waters as Joe.
​
This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.
Leaders - Bruce & Robyn Bartle
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Trivia February 2026

We had 17 attend Trivia on Thursday 19/2 some dining before the game starts Everyone had a great time as usual , lots of laughs and scratching heads in frustration!!!
Brainstorm (2 )won by 2 points over Brainstorm (1) Congratulations.

Looking forward to next month March 19 Dural Club, lounge area 7.00pm sharp!

If your interested in joining the Trivia nights please let Kim Nicholls or Hilda Somerfield know.
​
Kim & Hilda
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Walking February 2026

There was a great walk in February, from Victoria Cross Metro to Barangaroo Metro Stations on Feb 10th 2026.

This was a very easy scenic walk, taking the metro to Victoria Cross station, walking down to Milson Point, across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, up to Observatory Hill, down the Agar steps, then a short walk to the Lord Nelson Hotel for lunch.  Lunch & drinks were excellent at one of the oldest pubs in Sydney   See photos and map (so kindly provided by Gerard).


The next planned walk is Bella Vista Metro to Norwest metro station.  This will be a short day, catch the metro to Bella Vista, do the 4.4km walk have coffee at the Norwest Market town, get on the metro to go home.   It should all be done by 12:30pm.  This is an easy walk on paved paths but crosses some roads.  All levels of fitness are welcome.
Details of the walk, Tues Mar 10th 2026

  Meet:  Street level Bella Vista Metro Station
  When:  Tuesday Mar 10th 2026.
  Time:  10am 
  Walk:  See description above
  Parking:  Free at the Castle Towers for the short duration
  Coffee:  at the end at the Norwest Marketown.
  Toilets:  At start and near end of walk.
  Lunch:  Not included as part of this walk.

The next walk will not be so kind.  The Fifth Tuesday of the month I have planned the Aboriginal Heritage Walk int the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.  Most of this walk is grade 3 BUT it has some Grade 4 sections.  It has lots of steps (up & down), and you need to have good balance over the rough sections.  You need to be fit enough to carry your food & drink.  There is no coffee and limited toilets.  Hiking shoes with good outsoles are a must, trainers with no ankle support are really not acceptable.

Still Interested, read on.

You need to drive to Resolute Picnic area in the Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park. This will require a hour.  You may be required to pay $12 per car, so car pool.  Bring lunch and a drink, because you are not going to get any on this walk.  The walk is only 4.6km loop returning to the car but it feels like 6km.  At the end on the walk, you get to drive home.  Did I mention that there are lots of steps (up and down).
Note Google maps give good directions to Resolute Picnic Area, West Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase NSW 2084

The reward is great views and some aboriginal artwork, Red Hands cave and great photos from West Head.  We will also visit two beaches.

Details of the walk, Tues Mar 31st 2026

  Meet:  Resolute Picnic Area Car park, West Head Rd, Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park
  When:  Tuesday Mar 31st 2026.
  Time:  10:15am  at the Resolute Picnic Area Car park car park.  You will need to leave home by 9am due to peak hour traffic.
  Walk:  See description above
  Parking: free parking at the Resolute Picnic area, but it may be $12 to get into the park.  
  Coffee:  None.
  Toilets:  At start and near end of walk at West Head.
  Lunch:  bring your own food & water, a hat and camera.
Contact me if you want a lift.  Watch out you may ever enjoy it.  Contact me if you want to be added to the mailing list.
Leaders - Enio Dona / Lynne Henderson

Photos From Last Walk 

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Wine & Cheese February 2026
​
Another successful Wine and Cheese which was hosted by Deidre Clark and Eric Sheeren. We had 25 attendees, good food, wine and conversation. As usual, John’s sausage rolls were a big hit.
 
The next Wine and Cheese will be at the home of Rashna and Cawas Sahukar on Friday 13th March. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Things some people get up to at a New year's Eve party!
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: Andrew Little