Probus North Sydney

President’s report, 15 October 2013

Good morning, everyone!  And welcome to our October meeting.  Unfortunately, a number of our committee members and other members are not here today, as they are on a Probus tour to Floriade in Canberra.  But we will do the best we can!

After inducting three new members at our September meeting, it is hoped that we will be able to induct three more new members at this meeting:  Jim McKeegan, Angela Johnson and Linda Appleton.  We also hope to welcome a number of visitors at this meeting, and trust they will enjoy their experience.  It is certainly gratifying to see our membership increase strongly!

Our speaker last month was Andrew Dowling of Tapestry, a new internet-focussed company which is trying to develop an internet program especially for seniors and others who are not usually on the internet, to enable them to easily receive pictures and messages from younger family members.  It is an interesting concept, and it is to be hoped that it may come to fruition for the benefit of all of us!

Our excursion to Roses 2 Go on the Central Coast was an eye-opener for many of us.  Their set-up was very professional; roses are grown in glass houses under optimal conditions which are constantly monitored, and nothing is left to chance. Many of us came away with a beautiful bunch of roses–guaranteed to last for at least a week, and hopefully a lot longer.  Mine lasted for10 days!

Bookings are now open for our Christmas lunch on December 10th, which will be held at Bayly’s restaurant at the Ensemble Theatre, at a cost of $65 for members, $70 for non-members.  Do not miss this wonderful event; sign-up sheets are now available, and you will also be asked to indicate your menu choices.  I hope to see you all there!

Membership report:  With three new members being inducted this month, (Linda Appleton,

Angela Johnstone, and Jim McKeegan), our membership now stands at 59 (35 women and 24 men).

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

MONTHLY MEETINGS: Today we welcome Sarah, who will tell us all about the Guide Dogs of NSW, and her friend Ali, who is a representative of the dogs trained by that organisation. Next month, we will learn about The Art of Beekeeping from our fellow Probus member, Ian Savins.

PROBUS WALKERS:

Tuesday 29th October 2013.   We will meet at Tama Cafe at Tamarama Beach at 10:30 am for a leisurely stroll along the coast to Bondi Beach to see Sculptures by the Sea.  We can even end up at Bondi Pavilion to enjoy fish and chips.  Also there is the Sculptures Inside in the marquee in Mark’s Park, Tamarama, on our way to Bondi.  Always very interesting.  There is limited parking at Tamarama, so it is preferable to go by bus.  There is the 378 bus from Lee Street (Railway Square stand A) at 9:41 am to arrive at Bronte bus terminus at 10:23. Walk along the beach north to Tama Cafe.

Tuesday 12th November 2013:  Burwood to Cabarita Wharf.  This is an easy and pleasant walk around Canada, Exile and France Bays passing a Monument erected to the Canadian Exiles of 1840–plaque unveiled by Pierre Trudeau in 1970. In keeping with the history of this area many of the streets have French names.  We will have lunch at either the Coronation Club in Burwood or the Rowing Club at Abbotsford, depending on time and transport options on arrival at Cabarita Wharf.  MEET:  At North Sydney Station (at exit barriers) at 9:05 am to catch the 9:17 am train to Burwood.  At Burwood we catch bus 463 at 9:59 am or bus 466 at 10:20 am (after coffee) to the start of our walk.

OUTINGS:

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.

Tuesday 26th November:  This will be a great fun day visiting the Saki Brewery at Penrith. The tour of the brewery costs $3, to be paid by each person on the day, and includes tasting (if interested!).  There is a shop where other products (hand cream, etc.) may be viewed/purchased.  Lunch will be at the Penrith RSL.  Cost: $30.  Bus leaves at 9:30 am.

Restaurant Outings:  John N has arranged two restaurant outings on the fourth and the fifth Tuesdays of October.  The first is on the 22nd of October, for lunch at The Laneway (at the rear of 457 Miller St., Cammeray), at 12 noon.  The second, if there is enough interest, is for dinner on the 29th of October, at S M Miller, also at 457 Miller Street, at 7 pm.  Please contact John, 9929 6054, for further details.

October Birthdays:   Peter M 8, Eleanor S 26, Jenny S 27, Tony K 30.

Note:  All our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month.  The next meeting, in November, will be held on Tuesday, the 19th.  The Committee meetings are conducted in the NSLC Bistro area, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.  Members are welcome to observe.