Probus North Sydney

President’s Report 17 September 2013.

Good morning, everyone, it is my pleasure to welcome our members and visitors to the September meeting, and I especially want to welcome three new members we hope to induct this morning:  Mary Ann and Douglas I, and Gary P.

I am very sorry to have to advise that our long-time member, Jeanne Emery, has passed away.  She was one of our oldest members, having joined in 1994, and she will be sadly missed.

I am happy to report that Beth C has finally been able to return home–a long cherished wish finally realized!  Regrettably, Jean S has been admitted to hospital, and we can only wish her a speedy recovery.

Our speaker last month was Professor Jocelyn Chey, who spoke about her experience in China and Hongkong as part of Australia’s diplomatic team; a fascinating tale of what was no doubt a most exciting experience.  I personally would have loved to hear also the stories she was not allowed to tell!

Last month, I advised that the Mandalay reception centre would not be available for our Christmas function.  After looking into several alternatives, the Committee has now decided that this years’ function will be at Bayly’s Restaurant at the Ensemble Theatre, a most attractive venue, right on the waterfront.  The cost will be $70 per person, which includes the lunch, wine/beer and soft drinks. Parking is difficult at this venue, but a shuttle bus will be available from Milsons Point Station (details to be advised).

The September outing to ANSTO turned out to be every bit as interesting as expected.  Whilst no atomic weapons are produced at Lucas Heights, it is gratifying to see Australia punching well above its weight in the area of nuclear medicine, as well as contributing to research on climate change and many other unexpected aspects of nuclear science.

The Probus Walkers visited Lane Cove National Park.  It was a warm day (29 degrees!) and so it was a fairly strenuous, but beautiful and scenic walk.  Lunch and refreshments at the Hunters Hill Hotel were most welcome!

 

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

MONTHLY MEETINGS:    Our speaker today is Denise Cosmatosis, and her subject is “On Line.”  Next month Sarah, from Guide Dogs, will join us.  For our November meeting (and last one of the year) we welcome our own Ian S, who will tell us all about Bees.

PROBUS WALKERS:

Oct. 8th 2013.  Sir Joseph Banks Park, Botany.  This is an easy and interesting walk on the site of the first Australian Zoo and now features many animal structures symbolizing this.  There is also a lake which is home for many water birds.  We will start with coffee at Botany, then continue down to the Park past the old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel, walk around the lake and then across reclaimed land to a walkway out into Botany Bay.  After retracing our steps to the Park we have lunch at the new Sir Joseph Banks Hotel. Easy/3.5 km.  MEET:  At Circular Quay Stand D at 9:05 am to catch Bus 309 at 9:20 am to Botany.

OUTINGS:

Tuesday 24th September:  We will be visiting the “Roses 2 Go” farm at Warnervale on the Central Coast, where we will have a guided tour of this state of the art, high tech, hydroponics rose growing facility.  The tour will also include the interesting history of the farm, a detailed view of the processing shed where the roses are prepared for sale, and then a brief view of the cold storage facility for the roses.  We will then proceed to the beautiful farm retail outlet where the roses and other memorabilia may be purchased. Lunch will be at the Toukley RSL.  This outing is in need of more attendees, so please sign up for what should be a really interesting day.  Cost is $40, which includes the price of the guided tour.  Bus will leave a 9:00 am.

October:  There is no outing scheduled for this month, as some of our members will be going on a 3-day visit to Floriade in Canberra with a group from the Nepean Probus Club.

Membership report:  We have sadly lost Jeanne Emery, which brings our membership total to 53 (21 men and 32 women).  But at this meeting we are inducting three new members:  Mary Ann and Douglas I, and Gary P, and this will bring the total to 56 (23 men and 33 women).

September Birthday:  Polly G 29.