The Narellan The Narellan ProbusProbusProbus Informer ... 2017 - Final.pdf · New Year’s Eve...

Hello Everyone, Once again another fabulous five days touring with our Probus friends. This time it was to Port Stephens and I’m sure you will read all the stories from our roving reporters later in this edition of our newsletter. But I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone to thank Anna Degnan for the great job she has done over the past two years, not only with tours but also our monthly outings. Another year has flown by because we are all so busy but Marg Rubesa has more in store for us with Christmas and New Year festivities. Don’t forget we DO NOT have a meeting on the first Friday in January but we do look forward to our first meeting for 2018 on 2nd February. I would also like you to think about asking Malcolm Smith for a nomination form for a position on the Committee and especially as we will be needing a Vice President and Treasurer. WE NEED YOU! Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday period.

Ellen

OFFICE BEARERS & COMMITTEE

MEMBERS – 2017/2018 PRESIDENT Ellen Hill 4647-7277

V. PRESIDENT Ray Cranfield 4655-9478

SECRETARY Mirella Czerny 4683-1716

TREASURER Marian Pritchett 4626-1935

EX-OFFICIO Peter O’Loughlin 4626-6961

COMMITTEE Beverley Crawford 4647-7825

Anna Degnan 0411 205 312

Ros Hodgins 4625-7759

Jeanette Jackson 4647-9986

David Llewellyn 4626-3460

Sheila McAtamney 4626-8641

MEMBERSHIP Beverley Crawford 4647-7825

NEWSLETTER Linda Lord 0418 522 603

WEBMASTER Sue Kijurina 0402 401 494

WELFARE Carole Latham 0414 644 295

GUEST SPEAKER Carolyn Cahill 0401 452 579

HOSPITALITY Eileen McGregor, Jean Mossman

Interest Group Co-ordinators Art Appreciation Francoise Kirkland 4626-6428

Book Club Patricia Cranfield 4655-9478

Book Exchange Brenda Starkey 4625-5253

Cards Jeanette Jackson 4647-9986

Ken Starkey 4625-5253

Craft Mary Michel 4651-2465

Photography Ros Hodgins 4625-7759

Tech Savvy Seniors Ros Hodgins 4625-7759

David Llewellyn 4626-3460

Theatre/Shows Joyce Reilly 0408 248 322

Tours Anna Degnan 0411 205 312

Travel Tales Kathy & Malcolm

Smith 4655-2159

Walking, Cycling & Dining Groups, -

Margaret Rubesa 4655-4437

The Narellan The Narellan The Narellan The Narellan ProbusProbusProbusProbus Informer Informer Informer Informer Newsletter of the Narellan Probus Club Inc.

Meeting: Narellan Community Centre Hall, 10am, 1st Friday of Month

Postal Address: P O Box 643, Narellan 2567 www.narellanprobus.org.au Email: [email protected]

PRESIDENT’S

PRATTLE

THIS MONTH’S MEETING: Friday, 1 December 2017 MEET AND GREET: Carol and Bob Warner Could the Meet and Greeters please be at the meeting room by 9.20am.

MORNING TEA CLEAN UP ROSTER: Stephen Prigg, Kerin Thomas, Nerida Thompson If you are unable to fulfil your allocated day, please contact Ray Cranfield ASAP on 4655-9478.

Volume 11, 9 December 2017

Disclaimer: This newsletter is Private and Confidential for Narellan Probus Club use only and is not to be used for any

other purpose.

Narellan Probus Club – December 2017 Newsletter - 2 -

DECEMBER GUEST SPEAKER Bob Lagettie – Film & Video Production Bob’s career started in the 1970’s working as a technician on television commercials and writing jingles. During the 1980’s he produced documentaries in many countries around the world and Australia’s first Science Fiction Feature, “The Time Guardian”. Moving to Macarthur in the 1990’s his experience was used in developing videos and documentaries for councils, local businesses, The Australian War Memorial and The Royal Agricultural Society. During his career either as a technician or producer, he has worked with Queen Elizabeth, Carrie Fisher, Glen Ford, Benny Hill, Rod Taylor and Prime Ministers Gough Whitlam, John Howard and Tony Abbott.

Carolyn Cahill

December Allen Benham Edna Morgan Barbara Wadson Linda Bolton Marion Pritchett Pauline Downing Ken Starkey Bob Ferguson Jan Taylor Cyril Kirkland Kerrin Thomas Dieter Klepatzki Nerida Thompson

WELFARE

- Carole Latham I am pleased to advise there is nothing to report this month.

CARDS

- Ken Starkey / Jeanette Jackson Our next cards night will be on Australia Day evening, 26th January 2018, at the Glen Alpine Casino. Arrive at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Contact Ken & Brenda on 4625-5253.

Ken & Jeanette

ART APPRECIATION

- Francoise Kirkland Weekly on Thursdays

“Cottages by the Lake”

– by George Selway


CRAFT DAY, 7TH NOVEMBER (WHICH COINCIDED WITH MELBOURNE CUP DAY)

BOOK CLUB

- Pat & Ray Cranfield We met on Monday, 20th November to receive our last book for the year. We are very grateful our local library has a range of sets of books from which to choose. The trick is to choose one which everyone enjoys! Our next meeting will be on 11th December, one week early. Pat Cranfield

CRAFT

- Mary Michel So far this year, we have made over 250 Cuddle Bears, 80 octopies, 36 cardigan sets and over 150 beanies/hats which have been delivered to Westmead and Liverpool Hospitals. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help from those ladies in our Probus Club who come to the Craft group each month, and also those ladies who are unable to come to the Craft group but who pass on their contributions as well. Please accept my thanks for all your time and efforts. The last Craft get-together for this year will be on Tuesday, 5th December at 1.30pm. Our Christmas lunch will be held on Wednesday, 6th December, the details of which have been emailed out to those in the Craft group. I wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mary

We had a great afternoon at Mary and Petes’ home at Cobbitty. Everyone brought a plate with a mixture of hot, cold, sweet and savoury goodies, others brought bubbly and other drinks. We ran some sweeps – $5 and $2 – and at the same time we still kept knitting and sewing and of course, chatting. The little beanies, booties and cardigans for the premmie babies at Liverpool Hospital are all coming together nicely. It was a lovely afternoon had by all. Thanks, Mary and Pete.

Toni Jones

Congratulations and well done to Mary for her wonderful efforts … without her, none

of this would happen. Linda Lord


TECH SAVVY SENIORS REPORT - DECEMBER

- David & Ros We are now on our Summer break. Our Christmas Lunch will be on Friday, 8th December – venue to be advised.

Cheers David & Ros

DINING

- Margaret Rubesa Friday, 15th December Christmas Lunch at Gledswood Winery. Arrive 12 noon. Cost $36 per person. Homemade damper on arrival. Traditional roast lunch with Christmas themed dessert. One glass of wine per guest with lunch. Tea & coffee. Entertainment.

Sunday, 31st December New Year’s Eve Dinner at Wests Tigers Leagues Club Campbelltown. Bambu Restaurant. Chinese Banquet Style Dinner. Arrive 7.30 pm. Cost $30 per person. Drinks purchased separately.

COFFEE

- Tony Wolf At 10.30 am on the 2nd Wednesday of the month in

Camden, and the 4th Wednesday in Narellan. Any queries give Tony a call – 0466 962 867.

TRAVEL TALES- Kathy & Malcolm Our November meeting was the final meeting of the year when Kathy and Malcolm shared the experiences of their trip to the US. This was our Christmas meeting where we enjoyed sharing pizzas and beverages. It was great to see so many people able to attend. There are many people to thank for our successful year, particularly Ros for organizing our catering and venue throughout the year, David Llewellyn for the care and management of the equipment and to all the members who make presentations, help with the set up and clean up of the hall. Thank you very much. We wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kathy & Malcolm


TREASURER – MARIAN PRITCHETT GENERAL BANK ACCOUNT

DETAILS FOR: Joining Fees, Membership Renewal,

Anniversary Dinner, Christmas Lunch BSB 032 710 / Account No. 156057

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS FOR SHOWS –

JOYCE REILLY: BSB 032 710 / Account No. 157367

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS FOR TOURS & DAY TRIPS -

ANNA DEGNAN: BSB 032 710 / Account No. 121110

FROM OUR ROVING REPORTERS:

(A special thank you to our reporters this month – we didn’t have much time to pull this together after our trip away and I appreciate everyone’s help in sending through their contributions so promptly so they could

be included in our last newsletter for 2017. Linda)

“BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL” – LYRIC THEATRE, 8TH NOVEMBER

MEMBERSHIP: Members need to attend 50% of meetings. When signing the attendance sheet please do not write

“Apology” for a member who may be absent. Members need to contact the Membership Officer, Bev Crawford on 4647-7825 before the meeting or email [email protected]

**ALSO PLEASE NOTE THAT FOR SECURITY REASONS, MEMBERS WHO LEAVE BEFORE THE

END OF THE MEETING MUST SEE BEV CRAWFORD TO SIGN OUT.**

MEMBER CONTACT INFORMATION: Please advise Membership Officer of any contact

information which includes changes in email address and phone numbers [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP BADGE: Members are reminded to wear badges to all

meetings and on tours.

Can all contributors for the February 2018 newsletter please get their copy to me by the Friday before the meeting, i.e. 26th January. Please send to Linda via email [email protected] Thank you.

33 members travelled into the city to see the Carole King musical, “Beautiful”. As usual, there were plenty of choices of places to eat at Star City, the difficulty was choosing which one! It was also nice to catch up with some of the members of the Harrington Park Probus Club who were also there. I thoroughly enjoyed the show. The story of Carole’s life and its challenges was well told, the acting and singing was excellent, and of course the wonderful songs that we know so well and were a reminder of times gone by. It was hard to stop myself from spoiling it for everyone else by singing along! Thanks, Joyce, for giving us this opportunity.

Linda Lord


5 DAY PORT STEPHENS TRIP DAY 1 – SYDNEY TO PORT STEPHENS – 19TH NOVEMBER

DAY 2 – NEWCASTLE, FORT SCRATCHLEY, HUNTER VALLEY GARDEN LIGHTS

– 20TH NOVEMBER

Our 4 minibuses and a couple of family cars zoomed into the Catholic Club bus bay so we could all board our Travelon Coach for our 8am departure to Port Stephens, staying for 4 nights at the Marina resort at Nelson Bay. We were disappointed that Keith wasn’t with us but how fortunate we were to have Andrew who was a very safe and co-operative driver. Mary and Peter Michel thought they could keep their 40th Wedding Anniversary a secret – no way! Congratulations to you both. Morning tea was at Hawkesbury Bridge but we hadn’t anticipated a full carpark with people enjoying a great Sunday on the water. It must have been a surprise to see our huge 61 seater coach nudging in. We then took the Peats Ridge Road to the 1840’s convict built homestead Mulla Villa, near Wollombi, for a tour and an amazing meal in the servants quarters. We were not able to see inside the renovated cow shed or the house built to house convict workers on the first road north of Sydney, but underneath we were shown the convict cells which were cold and dark with beds of rock. A huge boulder on the hillside appeared to be hollow with 2 entrances so we were speculating if it was for a hideout or for storage. Some of us walked along sections of the old convict built road which was built with blood, sweat and tears. The Tourist Road 33 is an excellent alternative drive to Nelson Bay. We could have spent more time at Wollombi, seeing more of the Convict Trail and all the little towns leading to Cessnock and Maitland but that would have taken another day, so maybe on another trip. Scott from Medowie Macadamias took us into the macadamia grove and explained the interesting processes involved in the family business which has 12 acres with 5 varieties of macadamia trees. The shop did a roaring trade from our folk. Our rooms at Marina Resort had views across Nelson Bay, so what more could we ask for. Sue Kijurina

After a hearty breakfast, Andrew drove us to Stockton Wharf where we caught the ferry for the short trip across the Hunter River to Queens Wharf at Newcastle. The Newcastle CBD resembled a war zone as an army of workers were erecting grandstands, pedestrian bridges etc. in preparation for the V8 Supercar Races commencing on Friday. Undaunted by all this activity, Chris and his famous tram transported us to Fort Scratchley, an armed defence fortification established in 1882 overlooking Nobby’s Headland. After the firing of a small artillery cannon at 1pm, we were treated to an interesting tour of the above ground fortifications followed by a fascinating underground tour of the tunnels and an amazing display of guns and old cannons. The 6 inch gun at Fort Scratchley was responsible for returning fire on the Japanese submarine that shelled Newcastle in 1942. At the completion of this activity, Chris and his tram took us on a tour of Newcastle before dropping us off at Queens Wharf to rejoin Andrew and Travelon for a tricky exit from the city which involved driving along the ‘race track’, we then headed for our trip to the Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas lights. After a stopover at Pedens Hotel Cessnock for a terrific dinner, the Hunter Valley Garden Lights were absolutely amazing and beautiful with many additional displays and carnival rides. A few of our members had an amazing view of the lights from the ferris wheel to conclude a truly terrific day out with friends. Ken Starkey


DAY 3 – GUIDED TOUR OF PORT STEPHENS, 4WD TRIP STOCKTON – 21ST NOVEMBER

Again, after another hearty breakfast we boarded our coach, with Tim (the hotel manager) as our guide for an informative and interesting tour of the villages on the southern side of Port Stephens. Leaving our hotel we made our way to the shopping district of Nelson Bay, then heading east along the southern shoreline we passed Shoal Bay, listening to many and varied anecdotes of the history of Port Stephens. We stopped at Barry’s Lookout in Fingal Bay, not only to stretch our legs but to appreciate the magnificent vista. Back into Nelson Bay, we then proceeded westward, still following the shoreline through the villages of Corlette and Salamander Bay, pausing again at Soldiers Point where we were told the reason for the name. The Australian Agricultural Company had been given 1 million acres of fertile farm land along with many convicts to work the land. As this portion of Port Stephens is the narrowest passage way in the “port”, it was considered as the most likely spot any convict wishing to escape custody would attempt a water crossing.

On the return to Nelson Bay we detoured through Anna Bay before being set loose for some retail therapy. Many members took advantage of the opportunity and also found time for lunch. (I found the Gloria Jeans Coffee shop in downtown Nelson Bay.) Mid-afternoon we were transported back to Anna Bay where we abandoned our luxury coach to climb aboard (I do mean CLIMB) the waiting 4WD buses for our trip over the Stockton sand dunes, an experience which has to be appreciated, and where we visited the Tin City. Finally, back in to luxury transport and the hotel and a bar that was to open at 6pm.

Peter O’


DAY 4 – FERRY TRIP TO TEA GARDENS – 22ND NOVEMBER

Today we visited the village of Tea Gardens on the northern side of Port Stevens, with an early departure from the Marina at Nelson Bay. Tea Gardens is separated from the village of Hawks Nest by the Myall River which runs from the Myall Lakes and empties into Port Stevens. We were lucky enough to be escorted for a short time by a dolphin mother and calf on our way. Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest are joined by a road bridge known affectionately as the “Singing Bridge”, so-named as it “sings” similar to a wind harp when the strong south-westerly winds blow. There is some uncertainty about the origin of the name “Tea Gardens” as it was either derived from a failed attempt by an Agricultural Company to grow tea in the area, or because of the abundance of tea trees growing along the Myall River in the vicinity. The Tea Gardens Hotel Motel was our venue for an enjoyable lunch followed by leisurely walks along the river bank afterwards. The star attraction for lunch was the “seafood cone” version of the traditional fish and chips. We were now ready to “transported” off to the “Fighter World Aviation Museum” at Williamtown.

The Museum has been in operation for over 25 years and is a tribute to our fastest and most exhilarating flying machines. As well as the display of aircraft and artillery a significant collection of hand built model aircraft was also viewed. The Museum was established in the early 1980’s, aided by some funding from the Federal Government. Some of our intrepid members also gained a good understanding of the pilot’s world by “taking the controls” in static displays of the cockpits of actual past fighter aircraft. We were also fortunate to witness take-offs and landings of both domestic and fighter aircraft from an observation deck above the museum. After viewing the exhibits and experiencing the sights and sounds surrounding an operational Air Base many adjourned to the popular café for coffees and stimulating conversations. At the end of our time here we headed back to the Motel for a “soiree” to close our stay before returning home the next day via tours of the Barramundi Fish Farm and the Mortels UGG Boot factory. A highly enjoyable evening was experienced as everyone relaxed in friendship and to also catch up with our intrepid travelers, Ron and Elaine.

Cyril Kirkland


DAY 5 – VISITS TO BARRAMUNDI FARM, MORTELS

UGG BOOT FACTORY, THEN HOME – 23RD NOVEMBER

Our last day in Nelson Bay already! Following breakfast, Ros organized us all for the obligatory group photo. After she had placed us exactly where she wanted and several photos had been taken, we climbed on board the coach and Andrew drove us to the Barramundi Farm where we were given a guided tour of the fish tanks and an explanation of how the fish were grown from hatchlings to about a kilo in size. Waste water is used to grow hydroponic vegetables. The farm is the premier barramundi farm in NSW and produces 1000 kilos of live and chilled barramundi per week. After delicious scones with jam and cream, we boarded the coach for the short trip to our next visit, the Mortels Ugg Boot Factory at Beresfield. Owner Stephanie led us on a tour of the museum and factory where we saw boots and hats being made and where a light lunch was served. The sheepskin waistcoats were first made to keep WW1 soldiers warm in the trenches. Do you know how to tell a sheep from a goat? There is very little difference genetically but goats hold their tail up and sheep’s tails hang down. There was time for a little retail therapy for those who couldn’t resist, then it was back on the coach for our journey home after another wonderful and interesting holiday.

Clarice Stretch


THEATRES & SHOWS: - Joyce Reilly - 0408 248 322 [email protected]

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS FOR SHOWS:

BSB 032 710 / Account No. 157367

CASULA POWERHOUSE: Note: All shows at the Casula Powerhouse have complimentary tea/coffee & cake prior to the show from 10.15am on. Matinee Season shows commence at 11am. Thursday, 14th December - “The Divine Miss Bette Christmas Special”. Catherine Alchorn returns to Casula Powerhouse, guaranteed to warm the coldest Christmas nuts. A list of the shows for 2018 will be available at the meeting.

CAPITOL THEATRE: “The Wizard of Oz” Wednesday, 3rd January 2018 - $70 PAY NOW “Mamma Mia” Wednesday, 21st February 2018 - $70 PAY NOW

CAMDEN CIVIC CENTRE: “A Very Kransky Christmas” Thursday, 7th December – 8.00pm – $45 Cloistered in the old rickety family house in their hometown of ESK Qld, “The Musical Sisters” traditional Christmas festivities have until now been shrouded in secrecy. For this very special reason, they let you into their eggnog, pantyhose and painted chokoes. From Enya to Silent Night, Daft Punk to The Twelve Days of Christmas, these dysfunctional sisters take family get-togethers to a new level.

MACARTHUR SINGERS

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Carrington Retirement Hall Sunday, 10th December - $20 Please indicate at November meeting or by email if you wish to attend. Also if you would like lunch at the Salt Café at Carrington prior to concert.

CAMPBELLTOWN THEATRE

GROUP/WOFTAM PRODUCTIONS: Next February, date to be announced, Woftam Productions - “We Will Rock You” The musical by Queen and Ben Elton. Details later.


PROBUS TRIPS FOR 2017-2018: - Anna Degnan/Peter O’Loughlin

BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS FOR TOURS & DAY TRIPS:

BSB 032 710 / Account No. 121110

DECEMBER

Friday 1st Probus Meeting Tuesday 5th Craft with Mary – 1.30 pm Wednesday 6th Mary’s Craft Christmas Party Thursday 7th Camden Civic Centre – 8 pm – “A Very Kransky Christmas” Friday 8th Tech Savvy Christmas Lunch – venue to be advised Sunday 10th Macarthur Singers Christmas Concert – Carrington Retirement Hall Monday 11th Book Club – Pat & Ray’s Wednesday 13th Coffee with Tony – Camden – 10.30 am Thursday 14th Casula Powerhouse – 11am – “The Divine Miss M Christmas Special” Friday 15th Christmas Lunch at Gledswood Winery – 12 noon Wednesday 27th Coffee with Tony - Narellan Sunday 31st New Year’s Eve Dinner – 7.30 pm – Bambu Restaurant – Wests Leagues Club

CRUISING - 2018: Expressions of interest form will again be available this General Meeting. We have suggested two cruise options - you are more than welcome to place your name on the list for both. 1. 10 day cruise - Pacific Islands, Morton Bay, Tasmania, Adelaide etc. 2. Over 10 day cruise - Pacific Islands, Around Australia, NZ, Singapore etc. We are looking for members who would like to join with other members and friends for a cruise. Last meeting we had 16 members interested in the 4-10 day cruise plus 15 members interested in the longer cruise option. Nelson Bay Holiday – we were blessed with the best weather, many enjoyable outings, but most of all, we had five days with such a wonderful group of members and friends. Fun, Friendship and Fellowship at its best. Geoff and Gail Tyson would like to thank all our members and friends for making them so welcome and giving them the opportunity to enjoy a short break holiday. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for all their support during my two years of organizing Tours for our Club.

Anna

CALENDAR - 2017

DAY TRIPS AND HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – 2018: Planning for next year’s events is well under way, with two of our own Holiday Trips, firstly in March to Batemans Bay for 4 nights - there is still spare space available to invite your friends to join us on this trip - and in September a trip to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. A lot of interest has been shown in this tour and deposits are required at our February 2018 meeting. Some members are so keen for this trip they have already paid a deposit and secured their seats (and motel rooms). We have a variety of day trips planned for next year, some new venues and repeating some which have been visited over previous years of “Day Tripping”. Our first trip (in February) is again a cruise, but one we have not yet been on, the “Macquarie Princess”, a lunch cruise departing from the marina at Berowra Waters to cruise the quiet back waters of Berowra Creek. Our friends at Harrington Park Probus have decided to go to Tasmania in November even though the numbers are low. A decision has been made (by them) to make available portions of the trip as separate tours, thus they are offering three separate tours as part of the program - a short stay in Hobart or either an East Coast or West Coast option with reduced days. I will have this information at the December meeting. Peter O’


JANUARY Wednesday 3rd Capitol Theatre, “Wizard of Oz” Friday 5th NO PROBUS MEETING IN JANUARY Wednesday 10th Coffee with Tony – Camden – 10.30 am Wednesday 24th Coffee with Tony – Narellan – 10.30 am Friday 26th Cards night – Glen Alpine Casino – 7pm for 7.30pm start

FEBRUARY Friday 1st Probus Meeting – first meeting for 2018 Friday 16th Cruise, “Macquarie Princess”, Berowra Waters Wednesday 21st Capitol Theatre, “Mamma Mia” Date TBA Woftam Productions, “We Will Rock You”, the musical by Queen & Ben

Elton (details later)

MARCH Friday 2nd Probus Meeting - AGM Wednesday-Sunday 14th – 18th 5 day trip to Eurobodalla Coast/Bateman’s Bay Wednesday 14th Riverside Theatre Parramatta, “Senior Moments”

APRIL Friday 20th Henry Kendall House & Museum, West Gosford

MAY Friday 18th Berrima Courthouse & Village

JUNE Friday 15th David Parsons

JULY Friday 20th “Yulefest”, Gabby’s in Berry

AUGUST Thursday 16th Judith Dunn, Southern Highlands Homes

SEPTEMBER Saturday – Sunday 15th – 23rd 9 day trip to the Queensland Sunshine Coast

OCTOBER Friday 19th Gosford Motor Museum & Japanese Gardens

NOVEMBER Wednesday-Sunday 7th – 25th 19 day trip to Tasmania with Harrington Park Club Friday 16th Blackheath Rhododendrons

CALENDAR - 2018

The Narellan The Narellan ProbusProbusProbus Informer ... 2017 - Final.pdf · New Year’s Eve...

Documents

Transcript of The Narellan The Narellan ProbusProbusProbus Informer ... 2017 - Final.pdf · New Year’s Eve...