Probus North Sydney

Vice President’s Report, March 18, 2014

As we can see, our President Bob is now back from his adventures and is most welcome.

Many of you will be aware that at the last bus outing there were some problems with car parking in the Norths car park.  The Club had decided that only those members who were actually using the Club facilities at the time were entitled to use the Club’s car park.  The rational for this change of car park usage came about as the Club had noted that many people were using the parking facilities but not the Club’s facilities.  They were, for example, going into the City by bus and were just using the Club’s car park as a convenient and free facility.  The Club decided that this had to stop as some members were complaining that they were not able to park their car as the car park was full.

This new policy of the Club was not in Probus members interest and I sought a meeting with the Club’s General Manager, Mr. Glenn Ward.  Richard L and Clive W also attended the meeting.  We pointed out that many of our members were disabled and looked to our outings as a social event in which they were able to meet friends.  In that regard, due to disability, many members would not be able to attend our bus trips if unable to conveniently park their cars.

Mr. Ward was sympathetic to our arguments and we came to the amicable agreement that we can continue to use the car park for our bus outings on the fourth Tuesday of the month, and that members should show the Club membership card and the Probus badge if required by the security guard.

The outings organiser, presently Marie A, would inform the Clukb as far as possible in advance of the bus outing dates and the Club would advise Probus in good time if, for one reason or another, such dates were not suitable (for example, a popular show which many Club members were expected to attend).  It was also agreed our members would not park overnight in the Club’s car park.

On other matters:  Now that I have sat in the chair at committee meetings, I have been impressed by the enthusiasm of the committee members.  Although most of the members are to continue on the committee, there is always room for new blood.  So, best foot forward!  On the matter of new blood, it is pleasing to see that Doug Ihas prepared a list of good speakers for the coming year, and both he and Mary Ann will speak on this matter later in today’s meeting.

 

 

 

PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES

MONTHLY MEETINGS: Our speaker in April will be Rob Byrne, and his topic is the End Polio campaign.

PROBUS WALKERS:

Tuesday 8th April 2014.  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 1940; the plaque was 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:

Tuesday 25th March:  Money taken today for this visit to the beautiful Baha’i Temple at Terrey Hills, where we will have a short guided tour of the temple, view exhibits and learn more about the history and teachings of the Baha’i faith.  There will be time to browse through the bookshop as well as explore the native garden which contains a large variety of plants.  Lunch will be at Pittwater RSL before a scenic drive back home along the coast.  Bus leaves at 9:30 am.  Cost $30.

Tuesday 22nd of April:  Names and money taken today for this outing to Belgenny Farm, Australia’s oldest set of intact farm buildings.  It was the “Home Farm” of the Macarthur Dynasty, originally granted to John and Elizabeth in 1805.  We will have a guided tour of historic sites, including the Macarthur cemetery and the Belgenny cottage museum.  We will also see a DVD about the farm.  Lunch will be at Camden Golf Club in Narellan.  This will be a really great day.  Bus leaves at 9:00 am.  Cost of $40 includes entry fee to the Belgenny Farm.

Membership report:  We will be inducting one new member at this meeting, Susan Myers, from Castlecrag, which will bring our numbers to 62 (25 men and 37 women).

 Many happy returns of the day for your March Birthday:  Kristina T 01, Don B 08, Lis T 18, Elizabeth S 30, and Juliet H 31.