Probus North Sydney

 

Newsletter 360         16August 2022                                                                      

President’s report:  A very warm welcome to all members and guests to the Probus Club of North Sydney.  I trust everyone has been avoiding COVID and that you are all well and thriving.

We need to remember that COVID hospitalisations and deaths continue to be a worry in New South Wales with deaths now averaging around 20 each day.  We are told that this wave has now passed the peak, but we still ask that if you have any symptoms, even a mild cold, please do not attend any of our activities.  I encourage all members to wear masks and I long for the day when I can omit this reminder,

A good number of members and visitors met at the Golf Club last month to hear our member, Paul Treichel, talk about a truly incredible “Day in Ostrava”.  It surely is a tale worth telling!

During the month a group of us met at Tunks Park for a picnic, instead of taking the bus on an outing.  COVID has hit the bus drivers and so buses were not available.  Noreen and Peter did a wonderful job of looking after our every need, from the food, tables, seating, and even the gorgeous weather.

Oriel led a group of 10 from Fairlight to Manly on what turned out to be a (mostly) fine day with even some sun in patches.

The Games morning was again successful.  I’ve had only two suggestions for a suitable name for the morning: “Probus Gamers” and “Probus Gamers and Chatters”.

Our Movie Group saw the French comedy, “The Villa”, during the month.  This was thoroughly enjoyable and a real delight.  If you would like to be on the email list for this group, please let me know.

As you know, we will be celebrating 40 years in April 2023.  To help us with making the anniversary booklet more personal, we are asking you to nominate 3 things that you have found really enjoyable, enriching, fun or thought provoking in the time that you have been a member.  This could be a particular walk, talk or outing, a trip away, morning tea—anything.  If you add a few words stating why you enjoyed it, that will be a bonus for us.  It will also help with planning activities for the Club.  Cards will be available at the meeting for your comments.

We always need new members to maintain the vitality of our club.  So please invite those of your friends and acquaintances who may be interested in joining to come along to a meeting.  Guests are also welcome at any of our activities. 

Note:  Our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of every month at 10:15am.  The next meeting will be held on 20th September 2022.  The committee meetings are conducted in the Northbridge Golf Club at 9:15 on the same day.  Members are welcome to attend.  

Guest Speakers:  Today we welcome Ian Bryce, whose topic is “Skeptical Investigations”.  Next month, Bob Berry of the Chatswood Croquet Club, will join us.

Probus Walkers: Tuesday 13th September.  Rydalmere to Meadowbank.

This is an easy and pleasant walk along the Parramatta River.  Starting from Rydalmere Wharf and following a paved path to Meadowbank Wharf.  Public toilets and a café for coffee are available within ten minutes from the wharf,  Walk is approx. 6 klms.  Lunch at Abbotsford Rowing Club.

MEET:  Circular Quay Wharf 5 at 9:00am to catch the 9:07 ferry to Rydalmere.  Ferries only run hourly.

Events:  Saturday 20th August 6:30pm Orpheum Theatre.  The impromptu movie group are going to see the 50th Anniversary screening of “Cabaret”.  There will be a list for people wanting to come to this and anyone can add their name to it at morning tea  at today’s meeting.  Booked ticket cost for this is $20.50 (in a labelled envelope please).

30th August 5th Tuesday movie outing.  I am not sure which movies will definitely be on at that date, but I will send around a notice to everyone over the weekend of the 27th August.

Saturday 8th October 2:00pm Shore School, Blue Street, North Sydney:  Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance”.  To secure the “Early Bird Concession Tickets” costing $39, I will need your name at today’s meeting as definitely attending.  Please would you then soon after pay for your ticket into our Bank Account at Westpac:  The Probus Club of North Sydney, BSB 032099, Account number 255-375.  Do not forget to include your name, and that it is for a Theatre Outing. 

Club members Clive and Mary Ann have attended these performances before, and tell me the productions are wonderful, and how essential it is that we make our booking early in order to obtain a group booking.  Please consider carefully now if you wish to join in—such bookings cannot usually be changed.  This is your one chance to book and be part of our group attendance!

Probus Outing:  Tuesday 23rd August.  Visit to the Sydney Cricket Ground at Moore Park.

We will leave the Club at 9:00am.  The cost is $47 for the bus, morning tea and the cricket ground.  Lunch is at your own discretion.  Please remember your mask, especially for the bus.

At the SCG we will be entertained with a 90 minute guided tour behind the scenes and visit areas not normally open to the public.  While listening to stories of the players and interesting events, we can admire the world-famous grounds and the heritagelisted buildings.  Imagine yourself as a commentator with the late great Richie Benaud in the commentary boxes, and visit the SCG Museum as well as studying the sporting memorabilia.  There isn’t a great deal of walking involved and it won’t be difficult.

After the 90 minute tour we will continue on to Coogee beach where we will have lunch at The Legion Club overlooking the beach.  Unfortunately we don’t think there will be enough time for a swim.

Arrangements for payment:  Cash at the today’s meeting in an envelope with your name, or Direct Debit: Probus Bank account BSB 032-099, account number ,  Please type “SCG” as description.  Please advise Noreen,  if you have paid by direct debit if your name is not obvious, e.g. a company account. 

Membership report:  Our membership stands at 53 (34 women and 19 men).

Many happy returns of the day for your August birthday:  Jeanette G 07, Ian S 10, Maurice O  12, Valerie   W 13, Paul T 14, and Annika T 24.