Probus North Sydney

President’s Report

As was mentioned in last month’s correspondence, the North’s Club has substantially increased the room hire by a factor of three, from $65 per meeting to $200 per meeting.  This will lead to a substantial increase in the yearly fees.  Your committee has been actively looking at alternative venues but has come to the conclusion that there are no better facilities in the North Sydney area, regarding transport (public and private), restaurant, social facilities as well as computer/video facilities in the meeting room.  We are pursuing a suitable agreement with the Club, but so far there is little to report.  The committee will continue to be active in this regard.
At the AGM in March we will present, along with the Treasurer’s report, our recommendation for a fee increase.
We are still members of the Probus Reform Group trying to reform Probus South Pacific Limited; it is noteworthy that about half the Probus Clubs in New Zealand have now formed their own organisation breaking away from the Australian-centred Probus South Pacific Limited.
Our former President, Bob M, was on the Probus South Pacific Limited nomination committee, but unfortunately Clive W was not selected for the PSPL Board.  The method of selecting Board Directors (via a selected nomination committee) rather than all Probus members voting for the Board is not in line with what one might call a democratic process.
I urge our members to consider joining the committee at the AGM.  It is actually “fun” as well as ensuring that this Probus Club continues to function for all our benefits.
Membership report:  We have had a resignation from Colin Nancarrow.  This brings our numbers to 60 (37 women and 23 men).
Many happy returns of the day for your February birthday - Joan H 04, Gwen M 21 and Brenda O 26.
Program of Activities
Guest Speakers:   Today we welcome Alan Linklater, who will tell us about the Sydney Heritage Fleet.  (Website: shf.org.au).  Next month is our AGM, and there will be a Member’s presentation (TBA).
Probus Walkers:  Tuesday 10th March.  Fairlight to Manly.  This will be a pleasant easy walk to begin our year.  The walkway is gently undulating, with great harbour views. We will assemble at St. Leonards to catch the Manly bus.  Alighting at Fairlight, coffee will be available at one of the three nearby cafes.  We then proceed through a couple of streets to the start of the coastal walkway.  On reaching Manly we can extend the walk if desired to North Steyne or Shelley Beach or go directly to lunch in the Corso. Meet:  At 9:20am outside St. Leonards Station (Pacific Highway) to catch the next 143 or 144 bus.
Outings:  Tuesday 24th February:  Money is to be collected today for this outing to the Minnamurra Rainforest in Budderoo National Park.  We will be able to do the short loop walk or, if there is time, the longer, harder walk to the falls.  Both walks are amazing in this beautiful rainforest.  Lunch will be at Jamberoo Bowling Club.  Cost: $30.  Bus leaves at 9:00am.
Tuesday 24th March:  Names and money taken for this outing which is a scenic drive to Prospect Reservoir for morning tea before going to visit Warragamba Dam.  There we can visit the information centre and walk around the area to view this magnificent structure.  Lunch will be at The Spillway, at the nearby Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club.  Cost:  $30.  Bus leaves at 9:00am.

Note:  All our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month.  The next meeting will be held on March 17th.  The committee meetings are conducted in the NSLC Bistro area, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.  Members are welcome to observe.

Note:  All our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month.  The next meeting will be held on March 17th.  The committee meetings are conducted in the NSLC Bistro area, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.  Members are welcome to observe.