penn west news and views€¦ · penn west news and views no. 149, jan 2016 penn west news and...

Penn West News and Views No. 149, Jan 2016

Penn West News and Views The Newsletter of the Combined Probus Club of West Pennant Hills

! !!President’s Message

Another year has come and gone all too quickly. I sincerely hope all our members, their families and friends had an enjoyable Christmas Day and indeed have a great festive season. Unfortunately the past year has presented many challenges both here in Australia and worldwide - challenges that we did not

envisage ever happening in Australia, however I believe we would all like to think that 2016 will overcome some of these challenges and our children and grandchildren will once again enjoy our wonderful country without fear. On a lighter note our Christmas Luncheon at Springfield House in early December was a great success (thank you to Dale) and enjoyed by all who attended. It was good to see George Elborn and Stan Ellem well enough to attend. Unfortunately nothing could be done about the interruption to the water supply due to works being carried out in front of the property, however we all managed to “hang on”. Mid December our Walking Group had their Christmas “get together” which this year was a High Tea at the Mean Fiddler at Rouse Hill (or The Fiddler as it is now called), arranged by Eric and Colleen. As usual we had a large attendance who all appeared to thoroughly enjoy the High Tea/Lunch, the singer/guitar player who played songs that we actually knew the words and dancing led by “Twinkle Toes” Colleen. Hopefully we enjoy better weather this year for our Australia Day BBQ which this year is to be held at our usual meeting venue at West Pennant Hills Valley Community Centre, due to the Hills Open Air Theatre being held at Heritage Park at the same time. We would love to see as many members as are able to attend this event – we always have a good time - rain, hail or shine!! Once again wishing you all a Happy, Prosperous and most importantly Healthy 2016. !President Michael

For contributions, contact Bob Dickerson at: [email protected] or ph:9634 7108 or 0419 991 623 Page ! 1

What’s Happening in the coming months !Jan 26 Twilight Sausage Sizzle - WPH Valley Community Centre

Feb 23 2016 Afternoon Tea with Ambre Hammond - Allegro, Kenthurst

May 9 - 14 2016 Dubbo Trip Away

Incorporation Number 9880412 Accreditation Number 2217 Registration Number 56900 Foundation Meeting 3rd June 2003 Incorporated 8th September 2003 “Participation” Club Website: www.probuswph.org.au

http://www.probuswph.org.au

http://www.probuswph.org.au


NEXT MEETING – Tuesday 5th January - 9.45 am - at West Pennant Hills Valley Community Centre. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

ROSTERS (Margaret Brown) HALL

KITCHEN

Members rostered for setting up the hall or morning tea duties, are requested to find their own replacement if they are unable to perform these duties. Please note that those on roster are required to start no later than 9:00am. Duties include restoring the hall and kitchen to their original condition. Kitchen ladies please arrive at 9am to have the procedure and various tasks explained including the clean up.

If you feel that you are medically or physically incapable of helping with the hall setup or kitchen duties, please let the Welfare Officer (Margaret Brown - [email protected]) know so that your name can be removed from the list.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. !GUEST SPEAKERS (Margaret Goddard) !

!

January February March

Harold Murray John Koens Bernie Douglas

Ian Weston Graham Laughton Bob Dunning

Rob Cooper Barry Steddy Bernie Good

January February March

Di Cox-Taylor Patricia Smith Kris Douglas

Elaine Dixon Pamela Courtenay Carol Dunning

Helen Cooper Robin Evans Crystal Good

January Jo-anne Bethelsen My Journey as an Author

February Nick Cowdery Past Director of DPP

March Kevin Dearlove White Rhino Project


mailto:[email protected]


Membership Matters (Glenys Clarke)

Membership Matters

No membership matter this month.

Responsibilities of Members

Meeting Absence. Please contact the Membership Officer if you are aware that you will be/have been absent for unavoidable reasons [i.e. medical, travel, care-giver etc.] for 2 or more meetings. You can be granted 'Leave of Absence'. This means that your 50% attendance requirement will NOT include those absences.

Keep in Touch. It is important to inform the acting Membership Officer of any change to your address, email, telephones, and emergency contact details.

!Glenys [email protected] 9836 1829 or 0419 616 431

!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… !Welfare (Margaret Brown)

Sandra Western’s shoulder is recovering and is now out of a sling. Alison Guthrie is recovering from her operation. ! Wishing everyone a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year !Margaret Brown Welfare Officer. 02 9484 1968. !!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. !Money Matters - From the Treasurer (Denise Wheeler) !In the November newsletter I gave a summary of the financial situation as it appeared at that time and a forecast of what I expected to happen financially at the end of the year, which is the clubs financial 12 months. !I also explained what the situation is regarding expenditure of funds in keeping with the requirements of Probus Central and those who were at the meeting will remember that these things were also explained, and several items of business explained, discussed and resolutions passed as required. !At the January meeting I will be able to give a clearer position of our finances. The committee will have the figures for their meeting and make decisions , which will then come to the members for discussion and to be voted on. !All this depends, of course, on the auditor and the final outcome which can’t be finished by January 5th. But certainly we will be OK to go ahead on the 5th. !For contributions, contact Bob Dickerson at: [email protected] or ph:9634 7108 or 0419 991 623 Page ! 3



Very Best Wishes for a great 2016 to everyone, enjoy our club and its people. !Denise Wheeler. 9639 3003 [email protected]. !!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. !Special Events (Dale Taylor) !We all enjoyed the Christmas lunch. Don’t forget the Ambre Hammond concert and afternoon tea. (see below for details).

Cheers Dale. 02 9875 3434 !……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Outings (Colleen Woodhead) !Already we have arrived at 2016 and our first Outing of the year is a Twilight Picnic. !JANUARY !Australia Day - Tuesday 26th January - starting at 5.0 pm. The venue has been changed as the Hills Open Air Cinema has taken over Castle Hill Heritage Park. Our Australia Day Twilight Sausage Sizzle will now be at the West Pennant Hills Valley Community Centre (where we have our monthly meeting) Bring your own drinks, tables & chairs. This year’s Australia Day outing is being funded by our Probus Club. We need to know if you intend to come as the food has to be ordered. Please put your name on the List at the January meeting. If you cannot be at the meeting but wish to come just give me a ring or send an email. ! FEBRUARY !Afternoon Tea at the Allegro - Tuesday 23rd February - commencing at 1.45 pm Pianist Ambre Hammond will entertain us. Cost $45 Please bring along any friends who are interested, they will be most welcome. Please pay at the January or February meeting. This is a joint Event/Outing by Dale & Colleen


I just read an article on the dangers of drinking....Scared the hell out of me. So that's it! After today, no more reading.



Trips Away (Ron Ellis) !!LOCAL TOURING 2016 … DUBBO and Surrounds !NOTE:

• TOUR IS BOOKED FOR Monday 09MAY16 to Saturday 14MAY16 • YES, JUST 4 MONTHS AWAY • Currently 47 members have recorded their interest to join this tour • The Pegasus Coach has a total capacity of 48 • URGENT ACTION REQUIRED to advise your interest to join this Tour !1. To ADD your name to the current list please phone Ron Ellis on (0437 296 282) or send an email to

[email protected]. 2. Remember … you can record your name/s as a “reserve” for this Tour (there are always last minute

withdrawals) !

!Brochures & expression of interest schedules will continue to be available at meetings (NOT Jan16 though). !!OVERSEAS TOUR ACTIVITY …. FIJI …. Mid to Late October 2016 !

• The agency has advised definite dates &) costs will be provided during Jan16. • NOTE: Negotiations are progressing for a BONUS day (free of charge) on Plantation Island. • The agency suggests a budget of $4,400 PAX with a single supplement of $1,300 PAX. This cost

includes both flight and tour components of the Tour. !NOTE: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Schedules will be available at Meetings from February 2016. !The draft itinerary from ‘Blue Lagoon Cruises’ is as follows:

!!Ron Ellis Mobile: 0437 296 282 Email: [email protected]

Dates: Monday 09May16 to Saturday 14May16 (6 Days / 5 Nights)

Tour Operator: Pegasus Coach Tours

Accommodation: Cattleman’s Country Motor Inn, Dubbo

Cost: $955.00 pp (plus Single Supplement $280.00 pp)

Deposit: $200.00 pp …. Payable to Club no later than February 2016 Meeting

Final Payment: Balance payable to Club no later than April 2016 Meeting

Day 1 Sydney to Nadi Overnight Nadi

Day 2 Nadi to Sacred Islands Overnight Fiji Princess

Day 3 Sacred Islands to Blue Lagoon Overnight Fiji Princess

Day 4 Blue Lagoon to Tamusua Bay Overnight Fiji Princess

Day 5 Tamusua Bay to Drawaqa Island Overnight Fiji Princess

Day 6 Drawaqa Island to Plantation Island Overnight Plantation Island

Day 7 Plantation Island Overnight Plantation Island

Day 8 Plantation Island Overnight Plantation Island

Day 9 Plantation Island / Nadi / Sydney Home




Reports

Thursday Mah Jong (Terri and Bob Williams) No report this month. !…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… !Monday Mah Jong (Barbara Shannon) On the last day for our Mah Jong group for 2015, instead of playing Mah Jong our group went to lunch at the Wildpear Café at Dural. !At that lunch we acknowledged those who had achieved the highest scores throughout the year. !In the first half of the year the top scorer was Vivienne Truelove followed by Nanette D’Arcy, Mavis Todd and Lyn Tidbury. !The second half of the year saw Lyn Tidbury achieve the top score with Lyn Horne second, then Barbara Shannon and Nanette D’Arcy. !When both the scores for the first half of the year and the second half of the year were added together to decide the winner of our Grand Imperial Dragon, Lyn Tidbury was again the winner, being the winner also in 2014. Lyn will now hold the Grand Imperial Dragon for the next twelve months. Well Done Lyn. I would like to thank Ann P Turner for her assistance to our group throughout the year. Our Mah Jong group will resume on Monday 11th January 2016 at 1.30pm. !……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. !Walking Group (Eric Woodhead)

Trust you all had a great Christmas and now you have all of January to prepare and get fit, ready for a new year of “Walks” starting in February.

Hopefully by then I will back on 2 feet so at least I can stagger along to join you all at the lunch venue!

Eric

!…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… !Live Theatre Bookings (Lee Freeman)

No report this month. !…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… !Golf Group (Les McGuiness)

No report this month.



Movie group (Hilda Somerfield)

Our movie Tuesday for December was cancelled because it is a busy time of the year with Christmas parties and Christmas shopping. !I am looking forward to starting up again in the New Year and viewing some of the movie promos. !At the moment we have some good movies on offer in 2016. !

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and I wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year 2016.

!Hilda !…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… !Caravan, Camping and Cabin Group (Colin Brown) !Report on Huskisson trip 24 November – 14 December. !Another successful trip with 3 Caravans and 1 Motorhome plus 3 Couples coming along for various periods, staying in Cabins. !One of the highlights was a trip to the movies at the historic Huskisson Pictures which is in a hall dating from 1900. !We also had a interesting afternoon at the Lady Denman Maritime Museum which has the original Sydney Ferry “Lady Denman” on display along with the history of the area and other valuable maritime instruments. !Numerous Happy Hours were held followed by BBQ dinners that went on into the night. We also dined out at various restaurants and celebrated 2 notable Birthdays. !The ladies also spent time with retail therapy in various villages and at local markets. !Overall a good time was had by all. Colin Brown Caravan coordinator. !!

This is a photo taken on the Caravaners Huskisson Trip last month. (courtesy of Colin Brown) !To see a larger version of this and other photos taken on this trip, click on the website link below: !Link to Caravaners Huskisson Trip


http://www.probuswph.org.au/page11/photos-16/index.html


Bowling Along (Carol and Bob Dunning) !No report this month !……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… !Book Club (Angela Crowe deputising for Brian Wild) !The latest read of the Book Club ,”Trinity”, was enjoyed by many of us. The second book in a trilogy, ”Wars of the Roses”, tells of the days of British History in mid 15th century.

Written by Conn Iggulden, very well regarded as a writer of Historical Fiction, it is an interesting account of the life of Henry VI, a frail and ailing King supported by his wife Queen Margaret, as they endeavour to maintain his position as King of England. It recounts the factional rivalry between the Lancastrian loyalists Somerset, Percy and Clifford with the King and Queen, challenged by the York loyalists , Richard, Salisbury and Warwick. The wars between them are bloody, violent and the weaponry used in hand-to-hand battle is crude and lethal so it was not enjoyed by some members.

If you enjoy historical fiction you will find it an interesting read - well written, fast moving and comprehensive. The interaction of the leaders of each faction, as they prepare for battle keeps you very interested.

We gave it a rating of 8.

!Angela Crowe

!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………


Notice to all Members from Lynette Hope Please remember to save all those used stamps from Christmas cards so that I can send them to Geoff Harvey who collects them and trims them to be auctioned at the Philatelic Society.

All moneys raised goes to Children’s Deaf and Blind School North Rocks. I will collect them at the January meeting.

Murphy applied for a fork lift operator post at a famous Irish firm based in Dublin. A Norwegian applied for the same job and since both applicants had similar qualifications, they were asked to take a test and led to a quiet room with no interruptions by the Manager. When the results were in, both men had scored 19 out of 20. The manager went to Murphy and said, "Thank you for coming to the interview, but we've decided to give the Norwegian the job. Murphy,... "And why would you be doing that? We both got 19 questions correct. This being Ireland and me being Irish surely I should get the job. Manager, "We have made our decision not on the correct answers, but on the question you got wrong. Murphy, "And just how would one incorrect answer be better than another? Manager, "Simple; on question number 7 the Norwegian wrote down, 'I don't know’. You put down, 'Neither do I’.


Mavis Todd has requested that the below letter from Ronald McDonald House

be included in the Newsletter for all members to read.




!A Husband and Wife Christmas Shopping A couple was in a busy shopping centre just before Christmas. The wife suddenly noticed that her husband was missing and as they had a lot of shopping do, so she called his mobile phone. The wife said, "Where are you, you know we have lots to do" He said "You remember the jewellers we went into about 10 years ago, and you fell in love with that diamond necklace? I could not afford it at the time and I said that one day I would get it for you?" Little tears started to flow down her cheek and she got all choked up. "Yes, I do remember that shop!" she replied. "Well I'm in the bar next to that."


Regular Activities

!!!!!!!!

!!

Members Meeting 1st Tuesday of Month 9:45 am West Pennant Hills Community Centre

Book Club Every 6 Weeks Members Home

Book Exchange At the members meeting

Bridge Club 1st and 3rd Wednesday

1:30 pm Dural Country Club

Caravan Camping and Cabin Club

Two or three times a year

See Notice Various

Craft Group 4th Wednesday 1:30 pm Dural Country Club

Dinner Club January, March, July, September, November

See Notice Various

Golf Club 3rd Monday See Notice Various

Lawn Bowls 1st and 3rd Friday 9:15 am Castle Hill Bowling Club

Mah Jong {Monday} 2nd & 4th Monday 1:15 pm Dural Country Club

Mah Jong {Thursday} 1st and 3rd Thursday 1:15 pm Dural Country Club

Movie Club 3rd Tuesday See Notice See Notice

Theatre Group As per theatre schedules

See Notice Various Theatres

Walking Club 2nd Tuesday Various Various


Risk Management MUST READ

Members must consider their personal capabilities before undertaking any activities with the Club. This includes both housekeeping duties and organised activities such as clubs, groups, trips or walks. It is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they are physically capable of undertaking a particular activity. In particular, please advise the Welfare Officer (Margaret Brown) if you feel that your medical condition precludes you from helping in the hall set up and kitchen rosters.

penn west news and views€¦ · penn west news and views no. 149, jan 2016 penn west news and...

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