Probus North Sydney

Newsletter 362 18 October 2022

President’s report: Happy Probus October and a very warm welcome to all members and guests to the Probus Club of North Sydney. You may have noticed the Probus colours of blue and yellow have been projected on to various public buildings this month to celebrate Probus.

This has been a particularly busy month for our club. It seems that we are almost back to pre-COVID attendance at meetings, with a good turnout to hear Bob Berry talk about croquet and the activities of the Chatswood Croquet Club.

Our tour of the Sydney Opera House was popular, with snippets of history and a good look at the upgraded Concert Hall. Thank you to Noreen and Peter for your planning and to Louise for managing the outing.

The Movie Group saw two movies during the month. The Quiet Girl is one of a very few feature films in Gaelic with English subtitles, a true gem of a movie. See How They Run was the second movie, at the Orpheum Theatre on Friday the 14th October.

The trip to Floriade in Canberra was thoroughly enjoyed by 6 or our members. Unfortunately 6 other members had to withdraw, mainly because of health issues. There were members from 2 other Probus clubs in the group, so we were able to swap notes and ideas for activities. We visited Corbett Gardens in Bowral, and Floriade and Tulip Top Gardens in Canberra. The consensus was that Tulip Top Gardens won the prize for the most stunning display.

The weather turned warm and sunny for our “Try Croquet” morning with the Chatswood Croquet Club. The perfect number of members turned up so that we could play three games with two pairs. The twelve of us had a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Several members braved the weather to attend the Gilbert & Sullivan Society’s production of the “Pirates of Penzance”.

Instead of our monthly walk and Probus Gamers and Chatters, we met for a Probus Day picnic at Tunks Park. We were all watching the weather forecast anxiously, but the day turned out to be one of those rare gems without a drop of rain. With at least 31 members and 3 visitors, games to play, an overabundance of food to eat and lots to chat about, I think we can call our first Probus Day picnic a success.

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. Please mark the date in your calendar. We would like to have more than 50 members and guests attending. Consider asking friends and relatives to help us celebrate this milestone. The anniversary booklet is having a make-over as well.

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

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 October birthday: Jeanette F 10, Eleanor S 26, and Joan B 29.

Guest Speakers: Today welcome Katherine Medic of Anglicare Dementia Support. Next month Richard Harris, doctor/writer, will join us.

Probus walkers: Tuesday 8th November 2022. Bronte to Bondi Beach.

This walk is an annual event for the walkers which is very enjoyable. Although the Sculptures-by-the-Sea exhibits will be over the upside is there will be less people along the pathway. The path has a gradient classed as medium with many steps. Lunch/refreshments will be at the Icebergs Club (photo ID required).

MEET: At Circular Quay at 9:45am to catch Bus 333 to Bondi Junction Interchange then Bus 379, Stand E, to Bronte.

Events: Movie 5th Tuesday the 29th November. Please put in your diary now that we are going to the Orpheum Theatre in Cremorne to see a special screening of “The Glass Onion”, a comedy, murder mystery set in Greece and supposed to be very funny. Daniel Craig heads the cast. Session time is already out: the movie starts at 12:40pm. Those who want to can meet at the Siborg Café located behind the theatre and opposite the council carpark at approximately 11:30am for a coffee and light lunch. For those not wanting lunch, we will all meet in the theatre foyer at 12:30pm.

Probus Outing: Kiama, Tuesday 25th October 2022. We will travel by train on the scenic rail journey to Kiama and catch the 9:27am train from Central. We can use our Opal card which gets us there and back for $2.50. This train usually leaves platform 25 but please check on the day.

On the trip we see spectacular coastal views and pass through the rich countryside, largely occupied by the dairy industry as well as beef and various forms of horticulture. The combination of volcanic soils and high rainfall has helped produce this bountiful environment.

From Kiama station a short 10 minute walk (or 2 min. cab ride) gets us to the famous Blowhole. Lunch will be at Diggies Restaurant, your meal choice being $15 to $30. Please contact Noreen at the meeting or phone her on 0412 957 857.

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

Club Activities in September and October, 2022

Picnic Day at Tunks Park