Probus North Sydney

 

Newsletter   361                                                                                                    20 September 2022

President’s report:  A very warm welcome to all members and guests to the Probus Club of North Sydney.

COVID hospitalisations and deaths are on the decrease in New South Wales, but we still ask that if you have any symptoms, even a mild cold, please do not attend any of our activities.  I also encourage all members to wear masks.

Many club members were saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth.  Many of us remember her from visits to Australia and as a wonderful example of grace and attention to duty.  May King Charles follow her example.

Almost 75% of our members and 3 visitors met at the Golf Club last month to hear Ian Bryce’s talk on Skeptical Investigations.

Our tour of the Sydney Cricket Ground was popular, with fascinating insights into the history, the players’ rooms, the extensive media rooms and even a discussion on the different grasses used on the pitch and field.  Thank you to Noreen and Peter for your planning and execution of the outing.

Oriel led a group of 10 walkers on a very scenic ferry ride to Rydalmere then an easy and pleasant walk along the Parramatta River to Meadowbank Wharf.  This was followed by a very pleasant lunch at the Abbotsford Rowing Club.

A group of 5 Probus Gamer and Chatters met at the golf club while others walked.  I have heard it was most enjoyable and that Bob was able to teach a new game called Upwords, which is similar to Scrabble with a devious twist.

Our Movie Group saw the 50th anniversary showing of Cabaret with Liza Minnelli.  It was still an amazing experience, a world fiddling while Rome prepared to burn:  gloomily sexy, elegant, with an overwhelming sense of evil.  This was thoroughly enjoyable and Liza Minnelli a real treat to watch again.  If you would like to be on the email list for this group, please let Peggy know.  Peggy is also organising a group to see The Quiet Girl at Cremorne Orpheum.  The group will meet on Wednesday the 21st September at the theatre for the movie that should start at 1:10pm.  If you would like to attend please contact Peggy.

The 5th Tuesday movie also included singing, albeit opera, in “Falling for Figaro”.  It included spectacular Scottish scenery, some wonderful music and great performances by Joanna Lumley and Danielle Macdonald—the Los Angeles-based, Australian-born star, in particular.

Our 40th Anniversary celebration plans are evolving.  We will be holding a special luncheon at the View Hotel in North Sydney on 18th April 2023.  Several members will recall that the 30th anniversary lunch was held there.  The anniversary booklet is having a make-over.  Thank you to those members who nominated 3 things that you have found really enjoyable, enriching, fun or thought-provoking in the time that you have been a member.  There is still time to contribute your thoughts.

Our Christmas lunch plans are also well under way.  It will be held on the second Tuesday in December, ie. 13th.  More details will be forthcoming.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.

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

Many happy returns of the day for your September birthday:  Paul O 01, Douglas I 17, Margaret R 20, Patrick W 20, Peggy B 28, and Polly G 29.

Guest speakers:  Today we welcome Bob Berry, of the Chatswood Croquet Club.  Next month Katherine Medic, of Anglicare Dementia Support, will join us.

The club will celebrate Probus Day on Tuesday 11th September in lieu of walking and gaming/chatting.  Please come along to a barbeque/picnic at Tunks Park.  We will meet there at 11am.  The club will supply sausages, and members are asked to bring a salad or something to share afterwards and own drinks, chairs, cutlery, plate and cups, etc.  Could we all try to wear Probus colours of yellow and blue, and name badges.  Please let Robin know if you will be attending, and what food you will bring to share.  If you would like a lift to Tunks Park, please let Robin know and we may be able to ride-share.

Events:  Saturday 8th October “The Pirates of Penzance”.  Tickets will be available for collection at our meeting on 20th September.  As was stated in the last newsletter we had to move quickly to get our early bird booking, and once it was made and the ticket money paid in,  it is too difficult to make individual changes.  I am sorry that I could not accommodate some people’s late requests.  If people who do have booked tickets and then cannot attend for any reason, their ticket can become available and sold on.

Note:  All of our Probus meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month at 10:15am.  The next meeting will be held on 16th October 2022.  The committee meetings are conducted in the Northbridge Golf Club from 9:00am on the same day.  Members are welcome to attend. 

Probus Outing:  Tuesday 27th September at 11:45 for lunch and at 12:45 for the tour of the Opera House.

We are meeting at the tables in front of Opera Kitchen, Lower Concourse of the Sydney Opera House at 11:45am.  This is before you enter the escalator to go up to the forecourt of the Opera House itself.  It is under cover and just before the Little Opera Shop and the Meeting Point for the Tour.  Louise Larouche (0412 004 563), together with several of our friends will be there to greet you as Peter and I are having a short break in the Whitsundays.

The actual Tour starts at 12:45pm so being early will give everyone time to order lunch, bring your own, or have a coffee at Opera Kitchen before you start the tour. Those who have time afterwards could gather to have coffee and cake to discuss the tour. Masks are strongly recommended at the Opera House and please bring your own.

Try link Opera House map https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/content/dam/pdfs/soh-map-2021-02.pdf.

Arrangements for payment of $35:  Cash at the meeting on Tuesday 20th September in an envelope with your name, or Direct Debit: Probus Bank account BSB 032099 account number 255375.  Please type “Opera” as description.

Please advise Noreen, noreenbyrne24@gmail.com if you have paid by direct debit, if your name is not obvious e.g. a company account.

 

                                             Opera House and Welcome Centre and Opera Kitchen behind

From the Opera House:

“The Sydney Opera House Mobility Access Tour has been re-imagined and we’re excited to take you on a journey to uncover untold stories, anecdotes, and history—it has a story to tell, and now’s your chance to uncover the magic beneath the sails.

For the first time ever, watch unforgettable moments from past Concert Hall performances, learning about the history and future of this world-famous hall in an immersive digital experience within a new purpose-built venue that boasts state-of-the-art technology. 

We Remember Clive Williams.

This has been a very sad month for our club with the death of Clive Williams, a most valued mentor, friend, companion and life member of the Club.  Clive joined the club in 2005.  He was Vice President and Secretary in 2007 and President in 2008.  He became Secretary again from 2014 through 2016.  He was awarded life membership in 2020.

Clive received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2015 for service to psychology, and to conservation and the environment.  This could have included his service to our club.  He was always very involved in every aspect of our club right up to our last club meeting.  If a sub-committee was formed to consider changes to the constitution or to organise a special event, Clive would be the first to be asked to join.  He went on just about every outing we had and all of our trips away.  Clive organised a trip to Longreach for us in 2018 which was enjoyed by all who attended.  He went on all of our monthly walks until this year when (in lieu of the walk) he was responsible for the instigation of, and happily participated in, our Gamers and Chatters.   

Clive was knowledgeable and well read and interested in everything.  He often won our monthly quiz and always asked pertinent questions of our guest speakers each month no matter the topic.  On special occasions he entertained us with bush poems, bush ballads and the occasional song.  He was always happy to contribute to our meetings and events.  Above all else, he was one of life’s gentlemen.  Clive will be remembered as a mentor “par excellence” by our Committee members and his friendship, knowledge and assistance will be sorely missed by all of our members.