Probus North Sydney

President’s report, 19 November 2013

Good morning, everyone!  May I firstly welcome you to our November meeting.

Unfortunately I am not able to be present at this meeting, so Maurice has kindly agreed to be Acting President.  I am especially sorry to have to miss this meeting as I would really have liked to hear Ian’s talk about bees and bee keeping.

Our speaker at the October meeting was Sarah Hirst, from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, who was accompanied by one of their guide dogs:  a beautiful Labrador/Golden Retriever by the name of Ali I would loved to take home!  It was most interesting to hear about the many aspects involved in bringing up and training the dogs, who must be very focused and disciplined during their waking hours.

We did not have our usual excursion during October, as many members went on the trip to Floriade, but Maurice led a special visit to the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition, which I thought this year was quite outstanding.

December will be a busy month.  We will have the usual walk from Cremorne to

Mosman Bay, followed by lunch at the Buena Vista Hotel.  This event has by now become a tradition for our club, and I hope to see many of you there!

And a week later, on 10th December, we will have our Christmas Lunch at a new venue:  Bayly’s Restaurant at the Ensemble Theatre.  This should be an outstanding event in a wonderful setting, and if you have not booked yet, please book today!  Transport will be available from/to Milsons Point Station if you are arriving by train.

Membership report:  At this meeting we will be inducting two new members, Patrick and Gillian Wale, which brings our number to 60 (25 men and 35 women).

Many Happy Returns of the Day for your November Birthday: Geoff C 07, Clive W 09, Linda A 11, Marie A 15, Norma M 17, Mary Ann I 21, Peter B 26, Evelyn K 26 and Jenny L 28.

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

MONTHLY MEETINGS: Today we welcome fellow Probus member, Ian Savins, who will tell us about the art of bee keeping.  On January 21st, Tim Stapleton will speak on the topic of “All Creatures Grunt and Smell.”  At our February meeting, Dr. Tom Crow brings us up to date on Stroke Recovery, and in April we will be entertained by Poet and Actor Colin Taylor.

PROBUS WALKERS:

Tuesday 3rd December 2013.  Cremorne to Mosman Bay.  This walk is an annual tradition with Probus walkers and the Committee have decided it should be known as the Kent Memorial Walk.  The walk was originally started by Graham and then continued by Jill.  It is a very pleasant walk along a harbourside scenic path to Mosman Bay.  At Mosman Bay we catch a bus to Mosman Junction for lunch at the Buena Vista Hotel.  Non-walkers are most welcome to join us for lunch at the Hotel (upstairs) around 12 noon.  MEET:  At 10:00 am at Circular Quay, Wharf 2, to catch the 10:30 am ferry to Cremorne Point or join us at Cremorne Point Wharf at 10:40 am.  The 10:00 am meeting time will enable coffee lovers to indulge as there is no coffee shop at Cremorne Point.

Note:  If unsure walk is still on due to weather conditions, please ring Oriel at least 1.5 hours before the nominated meeting time.

Note:  There are no walks scheduled for January and February 2014, as these months are considered to be too hot/humid for the walk to be enjoyable.

OUTINGS:

Tuesday 26th November:  Money ($30) is due today for the people coming to the Saki Brewery at Penrith. The tour of the brewery will cost an additional $3.00 to be paid on the day by each person coming on the tour, and includes tasting(!).  There is a shop to explore where you can purchase Brewery items.  Cost: $30.  Bus leaves at 9:30 am.

Tuesday 28th January:  This outing is a Train Trip to Kiama, where you can visit historic sights, quaint cottages in Collins Street, or explore the Blowhole, before enjoying lunch at one of the many restaurants/hotels.  Meeting at Central Station platform 1 at 9:05 am to catch the train at 9:27 am, returning on the 2:55 pm or 3:55 pm train back to Central. Please let us know, at the November meeting or at the Christmas Lunch, if you are interested in coming on this outing.

Christmas Lunch Reminder:  The lunch, at Bayly’s Restaurant at the Ensemble Theatre is

12 noon for 12:30.  The Ensemble bus will leave from Milsons Point Station at 12 and at 12:15 (bus cost is $3 return).  Choice of meal:  turkey or pork, and dessert Christmas pudding or Lemon Parfait with fresh berries.  Cost for members is $65, and $70 for guests. Please sign up today, fill out the menu form, and make your payment.

Note:  All our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month.  The next meeting, in January 2014, will be held on Tuesday, the 21st.  The Committee meetings are conducted in the NSLC Bistro area, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.  Members are welcome to observe.