It has been an interesting year with many good events. As well as a successful Christmas Lunch at a new venue with entertainment, there was the trip to Armidale which included meeting other Probians, our monthly walks and varied excursions. All the speakers at our monthly meetings have been excellent, giving us a wide variety of topics, leaving us with much to think about.
We inaugurated seven new members this past year and I am sure that they enjoy our company, good humour and events.
One new event that I hope will be an annual affair was to have a special lunch for our members who were not well enough to come to the Christmas Lunch. They expressed much joy at being able to catch up with Probian events and news of old friends.
I think that two events happened this past year which we did not really expect. The first, not in calendar order, was the increase in rent for our meeting room. The committee looked hard at alternative and cheaper venues but came to the realisation that meeting at The Norths Club was the most suitable for several reasons: video facilities in the meeting room, restaurant, coffee and tea, parking and public transport. We could not find a better place in the surrounding area. Unfortunately it has meant an increase in fees.
The second aspect was that we joined the Probus Reform Group. The committee had come to the realisation that Probus South Pacific Limited (PSPL) was not representing our membership in a way that we approved, and were also concerned about the governance of PSPL. The Reform Group’s Newsletters were tabled at our meetings and also sent by email to those members on our email list.
Our newsletters, in addition to being distributed at the monthly meetings, were also sent by email.
Although I was away for much of the year I was fortunate in having an excellent committee.
Each member of the committee added much to the overall excellence of our Probus Club. They each played their roles to perfection and I would like to thank all members for their good humour and forbearance of my absences.
There are many members of our Club who arrange activities, newsletters, lunches and so on who are not on the committee. My thanks to them for their work which makes our Club even more interesting.
Program of Activities
Guest Speakers: Today we welcome Club members Patrick W and Syd B, who will each give a short talk at today’s AGM. Next month Peter Sweeny will join us; his topic is Gallipoli.
Probus Walkers: Tuesday 14th April. Dover Heights to Watsons Bay. This walk will take us around the coastal path from Dover Heights past the rugged cliffs of Diamond Bay which are quite spectacular. We continue along the Bicentennial South Head Coastal Walkway to South Head and Watsons Bay.There are some steps at the beginning of the walk. Refreshments/lunch at Watsons Bay. Return to the city by ferry or bus. MEET: At Circular Quay Stand E at 9:30am to catch the 380 bus at 9:37am.
Outings: Tuesday 24th March: Money must be paid for this outing today, 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”, Warragamba Workers and Sporting Club. Cost: $30. Bus leaves at 9:00am.
Tuesday 28th April: Names and money taken for this outing to Henry Kendall Cottage and Museum at West Gosford. A small fee of $3.00 is to be paid on the day for the tour. Henry Kendall was a great poet and writer of yesteryear. Morning tea will be at Somersby Falls on the way. Lunch is to be at the Gosford Sailing Club. Cost: $30. Bus leaves at 9:00am.
Restaurant Dinner 31st March (5th Tuesday): The dinner will be held at Peter
Pan’s Italian Restaurant, 67 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest. The booking is for 7 pm. The restaurant is licensed but BYO wine only. Please contact John N, 9929-6054, for further information.
Membership report: Our membership remains at 60 (37 women and 23 men); we have four ladies on the waiting list.
Many happy returns for your March nirthdays:
Kristina T 01, Don B 08, Lis T 18, and Elizabeth S 30.
Note: All our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month. The next meeting will be held on April 21st. The committee meetings are conducted in the NSLC Bistro area, usually on the first Tuesday of the month. Members are welcome to observe.
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