Probus North Sydney

 Newsletter 340                                           September, 2020 

President’s Report:  As we welcome in the new Probus year, albeit an unusual one, I would like to thank Jeanette G, Paul O and Patrick W who have completed their three years and have been conscientious and excellent contributors to the committee.  They will be sorely missed.  I now welcome AnnikaT, Janice G and Mary Ann I and I look forward to working with them to ensure the ongoing spirit of Probus—friendship, fellowship and fun. 

Whilst we are unable to meet at the Golf Club due to government regulations your committee is to meet monthly in an effort to plan future activities, which hopefully you will enjoy despite restraints placed on us at this time of Covid 19.  We recognize it is everyone’s choice to protect themselves as they see fit. 

We welcome any contributions from you who may have something interesting, musical, book recommendations etc., for general distribution to all.  However in an effort to stop emails going to people who have left the club we are asking that you send your contribution to me or to Annika for mailing out.  Our email addresses are: 

                        rsolomon493@gmail.com and annikatults@gmail.com 

Last week fifteen of us gathered for a very enjoyable walk and self-isolating picnic at Tunks Park.  Sadly Evelyn’s outing to the Kokoda Memorial Track had to be cancelled due to wet weather. 

Lastly, I am very grateful to Polly for resuming her role as Newsletter editor.  I am much relieved—a big thank you Polly. 

Membership Report:  We now have 49 financial members. 

Many Happy  Returns of the Day for August and September birthdays!  August, Jeanette G07, Ian S 10, Maurice O 12, Valerie W 13, and Annika T 24. 

September, Paul O 01, Gary P 13, Douglas I 17, Margaret Rr 20, Patrick W 20, Peggy B 28, and Polly G 29. 

An email tip from Douglas :  Use the “Bcc” function for all group emails.  This will reduce spam, possible identity theft and good messages going to your bin.  In your Contacts list create “groups” that you want to send emails to multiple people.  To send an email, address it to yourself and Bcc to the group.  You will receive a copy so you know it has been sent. If anyone wants help with this just contact me. 

Program of Activities

Probus Outing:  Tuesday 25th August 2020.   Watsons Bay for Fish and Chips at “Doyle’s at the Wharf”.  Meet on the wharf at 10:30am, have lunch around 12:30pm. Ferries leave Circular Quay at 9:45 or 10:17.  

Tuesday 22nd September:  Kokoda Trail at Concord.  Details in next newsletter.

Probus Walk/Get Together:  Tuesday 8th September 2020.

Our social Get Together in September will be at Davidson Park, Roseville.  (Garigal Nat. Park under the Roseville Bridge).

MEET:  Davidson Park at 10:30am in the parking area at the very end of the road you drive down into the park.  There are plenty of parking areas.  This is a very pretty and popular picnic area.  We can walk along the riverside and return to our cars for refreshments. There is lots of picnic seating provided within the park.

Bring your own chair, sandwich/picnic lunch for a social chat with other members after the walk.  Unfortunately, there will be no Coffee Van but Douglas Irvin has kindly offered to bring a gas stove, water, billy, teabags, instant coffee and milk (you will need to bring your own cup).

Fifth Tuesday Luncheon:  29th September 2020.  At the Oaks Hotel, Neutral Bay, 118 Military Road, 9953-5515.  At 11:45 for 12 noon.

Membership news:  A sympathy card on behalf of the Club was sent to Peter MacD’s son.  Peter had been a very active member and served as President from 2001— 2002.

It is good to know Ches W is now on the mend following a couple of months of illness.

Shelagh K is fighting fit having installed a new garage and a new kitchen, whilst dealing with cracked ribs after a fall.  She has also kept herself busy making wonderful marmalade, keeping in touch with fellow members and sending cryptic emails which some of us have trouble deciphering!

Maurice O is currently on his way to Sweden to join his wife Kristina, as she is unable to return to Australia.  We wish them both well and look forward to their return.

Joke of the Month from our Jokemaster Patrick Wale.   

Dear Neighbour:  Hi, Max. This is Richard, next door.  I’ve been riddled with guilt for a few months and have been trying to get up the courage to tell you face-to-face.  When you’re not around, I’ve been sharing your wife, day and night, probably much more than you.  I haven’t been getting it at home recently.  I know that’s no excuse.  The temptation was just too great,  I can’t live with the guilt & hope you’ll accept my sincere apology and forgive me.  Please suggest a fee for usage and I’ll pay you.  Regards, Richard

Max, feeling enraged and betrayed, grabbed his gun, went next door, and shot Richard dead. 

Then he returned home, shot his wife, poured himself a stiff drink and sat down on the sofa.  Max then looked at his phone and discovered a second text message from Richard:

Second Text Message:  Hi, Max.  Richard here again.  Sorry about the typo on my last text.  I assume you figured it out and noticed that the darned Spell-Checker had changed “wi-fi” to “wife.”  Technology, huh?  It’ll be the death of us all!