Probus North Sydney

President’s Report 15th November 2011

A warm welcome to all members and guests.
I am very sad to report that our only Life Member, Len Hinde, has died. Len was a very
active member of the club and retained an interest in the club until the very end. In
fact, there was a mention of him as temporary secretary in the minutes of the
committee meeting which was accepted the day after he died. When Len was made a
Life Member, mention was made that he had served the club as President, Secretary
and Treasurer. He was, in addition, one of life’s gentlemen and we will miss him.
The monthly outing this month was to the Alpaca Farm where we were given an
explanation of the qualities of alpacas and a very sumptuous Devonshire tea.
Philip Bailey gave us all a most interesting talk on Yehudi Menuhin at our last meeting,
which was accompanied by a sample of Menuhin’s music.
At today’s meeting Judy Hawkins will speak to us about her family, who arrived here
on the First Fleet.
We are having a special outing on the 22nd November at Ian Savin’s home, where he
has very kindly agreed to show us his very extensive collection of mechanical musical
instruments some of which he has personally restored.
There is no meeting in December, but we do have our annual Christmas lunch which I
hope you can all attend. The numbers recently have begun to drop and the room can
look very empty. In addition to a delicious lunch, we have our own carolers who will I
am sure make the function a very festive occasion.

Membership Report: The current membership is 61 (37 females and 24 males).

Birthdays: Geoffrey C 7, Clive W 9, Tony H 11, Marie A 15, Norma M 17, Peter B 26, Evelyn K 26, Jenny L 28.

PROGRAM of ACTIVITIES
MONTHLY MEETINGS:

Nov. 15: Judy Hawkins will speak about her family on the First Fleet. The title of
her talk is, “From Jailbird to Judge in Seven Generations.”

Jan. 17: Dr. Colquhoun, whose talk is entitled, “Dementia: Fear and Hope.”

Feb. 21: Dr. Ron Houghton, a pilot in WW2 and also an ex-Qantas pilot, will speak
on “The New World of Aviation.”

April 17: Brendan Walsh, a Professional Speaker and Communication Skills
Coach, will speak on public presentations.

PROBUS WALKERS

Dec. 6: Cremorne to Mosman Bay. An end of year Probus tradition is the walk
from Cremorne Point along the scenic path to Mosman Bay where we will have
Christmas drinks and lunch at the Mosman Rowers Club. Non-walkers are most

welcome to join us for lunch at the club around 12 noon. (Identification needed.)
Meet: Wharf 4 (sometimes Wharf 2 at this time - please check the departure boards)
Circular Quay at 9:45 am to catch the 9:55 am ferry to Cremorne (or meet at Cremorne
Point Wharf at 10:05 am).

OUTINGS

Nov. 22: A Morning to be Spent at Ian Savins’ Home. $15. Ian has a collection
of Pianos and Pianolas. It is fascinating to see how they work and to listen as Ian
tells us a little of the history. We will have Morning Tea in the garden and lunch will
be at the Harbord Diggers, always a lovely place to go situated as it is by the beach.
This outing is booking fast, so please put your name down today if you wish to come.
We will leave at 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 13: Our Christmas Lunch at Mandalay Reception Centre, 72 Burns Bay Road. I
need to know today how many people are coming to this event. Just a reminder, it is
$50 for members, and $60 for guests.

Note:

1. All our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month.
2. Committee meetings are conducted in the NSLC Bistro area, usually on the first
Tuesday of the month. Members are welcome to observe.