BEAUMONT HILLS
PROBUS CLUB INC. Date of Incorporation 23rd August 2013
Incorporation No. Inc 1301049
P O Box 6169 ROUSE HILL NSW 2155
Website Address: www.beaumonthillsprobus.org.au
NEWSLETTER
March 2014
®
Editor:
Lesley Dudgeon
‘Phone 9836 0243
E-Mail: [email protected]
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Hi All,
I must have been an evil sod in a previous life.
Here I am on the high seas supposedly having a great, relaxing time and “The Minister” (also answers to the title
of “Newsletter Editor”) is hassling me to prepare my “President’s Report”. So, reluctantly (as I take another sip of
my Shiraz), following is the initial epistle.
As I stated at the AGM, it really is a privilege to be installed as the third President of our
Club. No doubt all of us have many and varied backgrounds, however the one common
goal for all in joining Probus is to make new friends and acquaintances, have fun and
generally enjoy life.
Our Club is fortunate in having a full membership with a “waiting list”. Although less
than 3 years’ old, we have many interest and activity groups and I do encourage any
member who has ideas on increasing the number of “groups”, to contact one of the
Committee with relevant details and that committee member would then refer the idea
to the Management Committee for “formal endorsement”.
No club can exist, let alone expand, without continual renewal and change in
the membership of the Management Committee. I am therefore very pleased
that we have three new people who have accepted roles on the Committee;
namely, Marion Longstaff as Senior Vice President, Phil Reid as Secretary and
Renzo Doughty as Public Liaison Officer. All of these “new additions” will
undoubtedly bring new ideas, energy and vitality to the committee.
We all march to the beat of a different drum; it doesn’t matter if your drum’s
beat is a little out of sync with mine, as long as we keep marching we will find
something of interest in our club that “turns us on”.
I wish to close with a note of thanks to Past President Kerry and his “better half” Joy. The past twelve months in
the life of our club have been very successful and progressive and this is due in large part to their continued
positive energy and enthusiasm. I will try my best to emulate their efforts (now back to my Shiraz).
Cheers
Norrie
Your new Committee
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT’S REPORT
As the Probus year draws to a close, it’s not only time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, but to say Thank
You to all our members.
Firstly we were incorporated in August 2013, thanks to the efforts of our Public Officer.
Secondly in November our Club reached our maximum membership (not a bad achievement for a club that is
less than 2 years’ old) we now have a waiting list of people wishing to join our Club.
Thirdly I would like to say to the Management Committee Thank You for all your hard work and dedication
helping me steer the Club in the right direction.
To our Treasurer Val, you have done a sterling job in looking after the dollars and cents and I think this is why I
didn’t get my GONG, but I did get a silver bell, thank you.
Norrie, you have been a very supportive Secretary, you not only look after
the Minutes of our Club but you look after the hours and keep me on time.
On a personal note, I would like to say that when I was elected President
of the Beaumont Hills Probus, I dedicated my all to our Club and hope that
I have helped to build the Club to what it is today.
I may not have been on the board of BHP or been a Governor of the
Reserve Bank, but I must say I have enjoyed my term as President where I
could put to use the skills learned chairing International meetings.
When I was elected President I set myself three (3) objectives of what I
wanted to achieve in my term, and they were:-
To reinforce the reasons we all joined Probus and reinforce the
foundation on which Probus was built:
FELLOWSHIP, FRIENDSHIP and most of all FUN and I hope I have
delivered this.
I wish President Norrie and our new committee all the best for their term in office and look forward to helping
them grow the Club with the help of our Members and as usual keep safe and stay healthy.
THANK YOU.
GUEST SPEAKER LAST MONTH
The Guest Speaker for our AGM was Mr Gordon Mar who described
himself as an ABC (Australian Born Chinese) as his parents migrated
to this country around 1920. Mr Mar has us all enthralled with his
broad ranging talk "One Small Step out of the Village - The
Australian-Chinese story through the eyes of one family".
Gordon told of the history of Chinese people in Australia who first
arrived in the 1840’s from the Canton region. He described the living
conditions and prejudices they endured and reminded us that the
Chinese are a hardworking, peaceful and loyal people whose culture
has strong family relationships - the Chinese especially value
education.
Coming to Australia for these people was like taking "a giant leap to
another planet".
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
Dining Outers
Chef Lee
3 4
Monthly
Meeting
5
6 Irene Barnes
Birthday
7
Barbara
Higgins B’Day
8
Decadent Day
Trippers
Coogee
9 10 11 12
13
Lyn Hayhow
Birthday
14 15
Management
Meeting
16
Anne Willis
Birthday
17 18 19
20 21
Newsletter
Deadline
22 23
24 Cheese & Wine
Night
Kerrie Sims
Jenny Tozer
Birthdays
25
Brian Smith
Birthday
26
27
Peter
Burgdorf
Birthday
28
Wendy Smith
Birthday
29 30
Movie
Morning
April 2014
VALÉ JOHN WEBB
18/08/1931- 22/02/2014
On 22nd February 2014 the world and, more particularly our Probus Club, lost a fine, loved and valued member
in John Webb.
Most of us in the Club only knew John when he was beset by the ravages of
cancer and we knew little of his background and previous life.
John was a man of many parts and all of them good.
He was a loving and much loved family man whose thoughts right to the
end were for Yvonne and his family rather than himself.
He was a valued Senior Executive of the Tooheys Group who managed
their hotels portfolio for many years prior to his retirement.
His greatest love, after Yvonne and the family, was music. He was a
greatly talented musician and a great Band Leader. His “Big” Bands
performed professionally in a multitude of venues all over New South
Wales and beyond.
I was privileged to see a number of video recordings of his Bands and I
can affirm that the high standards and musicianship he achieved placed
the Bands in the very top echelons of similar bands from Australia and
overseas.
Those who attended John’s funeral service will never forget the Music played.
Music from:
A Chorus Line
New York New York (sung unforgettably by Keith Dubber).
All of Me.
Hail and farewell blithe spirit. Your presence and friendship have enriched us all and you will be sorely missed.
To Yvonne and the family, always remember that we are there for you.
Ron Miller
WALKING GROUP
NEXT PROPOSED WALK DATE: Thursday 15th May 2014
We will be catching the 10.15am 607X bus from the Rouse Hill Town Centre Stand 5.
We will get off the bus at Wynyard and walk down to Circular Quay, past the Opera House and around the Harbour foreshore up to Kings Cross.
There we will catch a train to Bondi Junction and from there a bus (the 380) down Bondi Road to Denham Street where we will alight. There is a small amount of shops here just before you go down the hill to the beach. There are a couple of places to buy something to eat or bring your own and after this we will proceed down the hill and do the ocean walk round to Tamarama Beach.
Then we will walk back to Bondi Beach for something to drink and then catch the bus to Bondi Junction and the train from there to the City and then the bus back home.
Time estimated: 5-6 hours.
As a member of Probus you can park in Rouse Hill Shopping Centre Car Park and get your ticket marked at the Information Centre for five hours free parking. Suggest you get to parking by 9.45am at least to give time to get ticket marked and make way to bus stand. If we are more than five hours you can get your ticket marked for all day parking for four dollars.
If you are coming please confirm by contacting Margaret Bannerman 0412 498 266 or email [email protected]. Suggest you bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat and water.
David Bannerman
DECADENT DAY-TRIPPERS
COOGEE OUTING
DATE: Tuesday 8th April 2014
ITINERARY:
Morning Tea and Lunch at the lovely seaside area of Coogee.
Take the 372 Bus from Stand A, Lee Street, Railway Square at 9:58am to Coogee, arriving at 10:30am.
(The 607X bus from Rouse Hill Town Centre departs Rouse Hill 8:35am, exit at Lee St 9:43am).
On arrival, morning tea on foreshore (covered seating area provided on grassed area).
Perhaps a walk to Bali Memorial, or Wylie Baths, or both.
Lunch at Coogee Bay Hotel, at their Beer Garden, which has beautiful views of Coogee Beach, this garden bar having under umbrella heated seating if cold, or inside seating if wet.
Depart 372 Bus at 2:45pm, back to Lee Street (Railway Square), onto 607X bus at 3:27pm (Stand D), arriving Rouse Hill at 4:30pm.
Contact: Stephen on 0400 361 633
SYDNEY TOWN HALL Trip
DATE: Tuesday 20th May 2014
ITINERARY:
Meet on the George Street steps of Sydney Town Hall around 10:15am. Our personal guide will meet us at 10:30 to take us on a behind the scenes tour including places normally off limits to the general public. The tour lasts about two (2) hours. There is a $5pp donation to building maintenance “requested”.
We then walk the short distance to Chinatown, to the New Tai Yuen licensed restaurant at 1/31 Dixon St Haymarket from 1:15pm for a special menu. A flight of stairs needs to be negotiated. We are negotiating a reduced PROBUS price (food only) of less than $18pp.
Contact: Allan on 0418 474 127.
JUST FOR FUN
Saturday morning I got up early, quietly dressed, made my lunch, and slipped quietly into the garage. I hooked
the boat up to the van and proceeded to back out into a torrential downpour. The wind was blowing 50klm, so I
pulled back into the garage, turned on the radio, and discovered that the weather would be bad all day. I went
back into the house, quietly undressed, and slipped back into bed. I cuddled up to my wife's back; now with a
different anticipation, and whispered: "The weather out there is terrible."
My loving wife of 5 years replied: "And, can you believe my stupid husband is out fishing in that?"
DECADENT DAY-TRIPPERS (continued)
COOGEE OUTING
DATE: Tuesday 8th April 2014
ITINERARY:
Morning Tea and Lunch at the lovely seaside area of Coogee.
Take the 372 Bus from Stand A, Lee Street, Railway Square at 9:58am to Coogee, arriving at 10:30am.
(The 607X bus from Rouse Hill Town Centre departs Rouse Hill 8:35am, exit at Lee St 9:43am).
On arrival, morning tea on foreshore (covered seating area provided on grassed area).
Perhaps a walk to Bali Memorial, or Wylie Baths, or both.
Lunch at Coogee Bay Hotel, at their Beer Garden, which has beautiful views of Coogee Beach, this garden bar having under umbrella heated seating if cold, or inside seating if wet.
Depart 372 Bus at 2:45pm, back to Lee Street (Railway Square), onto 607X bus at 3:27pm (Stand D), arriving Rouse Hill at 4:30pm.
Contact: Stephen on 0400 361 633
SYDNEY TOWN HALL Trip
DATE: Tuesday 20th May 2014
ITINERARY:
Meet on the George Street steps of Sydney Town Hall around 10:15am. Our personal guide will meet us at 10:30 to take us on a behind the scenes tour including places normally off limits to the general public. The tour lasts about two (2) hours. There is a $5pp donation to building maintenance “requested”.
We then walk the short distance to Chinatown, to the New Tai Yuen licensed restaurant at 1/31 Dixon St Haymarket from 1:15pm for a special menu. A flight of stairs needs to be negotiated. We are negotiating a reduced PROBUS price (food only) of less than $18pp.
Editor’s Note:
Menu to be printed in the April Newsletter.
Contact: Allan on 0418 474 127.
THE TOP 10 SELF-LIMITING BELIEFS
I’m too old
I’m not smart enough
I’m not educated enough
I’m afraid of trying and failing
You have to have money to make money
I’ve already tried everything
It’s selfish me to want more
I don’t feel that I really deserve it
I don’t have the willpower
All the good ones are taken.
DECADENT DAY-TRIPPERS (again)
CONSERVATION HUT OUTING
Despite a few days of rain prior to the outing, the day was bright and warm. The ponchos and overcoats were unnecessary! Thirteen of us made our way to the Conservation Hut in the Blue Mountains National Park arriving around 10:30am. After the mandatory Pit Stop and Caffeine top up, we headed into the National Park.
379 steps later we reached the first viewing platform and stopped to take in the rather breathtaking views. We also realised that so far the journey (like life) had all been down hill! Most of us decided to start retracing our steps. BUT, there are always a few who want to prove how fit they are, and they descended even further.
After all this exercise it was time for lunch. The Hut is on the edge of the Park so the views through the large windows are quite marvellous. We got stuck into home made pies, steak, sangers and veggie stacks! Not a chip to be seen! Talk about healthy! Fortunately we washed it all down with a few glasses of vino.
After lunch it was back on the bus for the back street tour to Katoomba. We had a bit of a wait for our train, so some indulged in a bit of retail therapy; others found a watering hole; and yet others discovered secret back rooms in the famous Paragon Café all set up in their 1930s glory – all very authentic, but in need of a bit of TLC.
Finally back on the train and back home after a long day in the mountains and very good value from our $2.50 tickets. Blue skies, good food, interesting company and spectacular views. It was a most enjoyable day out.
Allan Collins
RIVERBOAT POSTMAN OUTING
Well, Friday the 14th of March turned out to be the most beautiful day on the river.
We had our own boat and after a coffee before boarding I thought I was back on the P&O ship. We were served morning tea with those famous Anzac biscuits, our Captain was very interesting, and we handed over the mail - a very important job (how do we get a job like that? because I have my hand up.)
Lunch was very enjoyable - fresh and well presented .
I hope everyone enjoyed the day as I know I did.
Anthea
AN ACTUAL SIGN POSTED AT A GOLF CLUB IN SCOTLAND
1. Back straight, knees bent, feet shoulder width apart.
2. Form a loose grip.
3. Keep your head down!
4. Avoid a quick back swing.
5. Stay out of the water.
6. Try not to hit anyone.
7. If you are taking too long, let others go ahead of you.
8. Don’t stand directly in front of others.
9. Quiet Please …… while others are preparing.
10. Don’t take extra strokes.
11. Well done! Now, flush the urinal, wash your hands and go outside and tee off.
CHEESE & WINE EVENING
This very popular event was held on 27th February at
the home of Les and Norrie Dudgeon, when despite a
cool and drizzly evening Norrie - ably assisted by John
Armstrong - was able to very successfully cook no
less than 80 sausages which, together with a couple
of salads and numerous bread rolls were consumed
by the 33 members in attendance.
As is usually the case at these events a good time
was had by all.
Our Club Photographer was not in attendance on this
occasion and Les forgot to remove her camera from
its case so you all managed to dodge any bad
photographs.
Our March Wine and Cheese night was held at the home of Sandy Jack last Thursday. Unfortunately Norris and I were unable to attend due to our cruise holiday but I am reliably informed that a good time was had by all (as usual!).
Beautiful cheeses (and later pizzas) were in plentiful supply and club members took the opportunity to mingle and catch up. The weather ended up being kind but in any event it didn’t matter because Sandy’s home was more than able to accommodate all attendees indoors.
No pictures for this month as our intrepid photographer Barry was also unable to make it and all of the other members were obviously enjoying the evening way too much to think about photos.
At various stages of the night the subjects of world travel, local travel, sport (especially football), the perils of bush walking in the Blue Mountains and days of yore in the Hills District were well and truly analysed.
Apparently at the end of the evening one member noticed and was heard to mention that although there was a small amount of cheese and pizza left over, the wine had all been consumed (as per usual).
Thanks Sandy for a great night for all.
NEXT EVENT:
WHEN: Thursday 24th April
WHERE: At the home of Dee and Renzo Doughty - 40 River Oak Circuit KELLYVILLE
A “sign on” sheet will be available for you to register your name at the Monthly Meeting.
A MATTER OF GREAT IMPORT!
I am sad to report that we do not have a member jumping up and down shouting “PICK
ME - PICK ME” to host such an event after Dee and Renzo. It is not a difficult task and
we need to have a venue so please give the matter serious consideration.
Lesley Dudgeon
OUTINGS AND EVENTS - 2014
FRIDAY 11TH APRIL
AUTUMN COLOURS AT WILDWOOD GARDENS
The bus has been cancelled due to cost so we will be car pooling instead.
Please meet at Anthea Osborne’s house: 5 Blaise Place PARKLEA at 9.45 a.m..
For those wishing to drive, we will hand the hat around for petrol.
If it is your intention to attend please ‘phone Anthea on 8840 8516 in order that she may organize cars and let the Gardens know how many there will be for lunch.
Entry fee for the Gardens is $6 and lunch is at your own cost - around $13-15.00 per person.
SUNDAY 4TH MAY - FRIDAY 9TH MAY
LINGA LONGA AT YARRAWONGA
We have arranged to take over the hotel and the bus.
$670.00 per person to be paid on arrival. Those who have requested single room please add $175.00 per person.
FRIDAY 20TH JUNE
ANNIVERSARY DINNER - SPRINGFIELD HOUSE, DURAL at 7.00 pm
$65.00 per person.
A deposit of $45 is due in April and full payment must be made by 2nd June.
Put your party shoes on for this event.
Deposit $45.00 due in April - must be paid in full by 2nd June.
SUNDAY JULY 20TH - SAVE THE DATE
CHRISTMAS IN JULY 25TH JULY
I know Christmas is a way off but Christmas in July will be a great event.
Full Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings. Luxury Coach 1 overnight stay at the Goulburn Heritage Motel 2 days of sightseeing All meals
All for $195 per person - Single supplement $50.00
Payment due in April.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
Happy Birthday to everyone who will enjoy
their birthday during the month of April.
Irene Barnes 6th
Barbara Higgins 7th
Lyn Hayhow 13th
Anne Willis 16th
Kerrie Sims 24th
Jenny Tozer 24th
Brian Smith 25th
Peter Burgdorf 27th
Wendy Smith 28th
I am sure that everyone joins with me in
wishing all of these members a great day
and even better year head.
MOVIE MORNING
Greetings to all our Members. You are all probably aware of the change of day from the last Thursday to the last Wednesday of the month.
Our next Movie Morning will be Wednesday 26th March when we will be seeing “The Monuments Men”.
We will meet at Reading Cinemas at 10 a.m. for a 10.30 a.m. start.
Editor’s Note:
Due to our holiday cruise this event has already happened, however please read on for the April news.
Our April Movie Morning will be on Wednesday 30th April so if you were unable to attend the March Movie make sure you write the date for April in your diary.
If you haven’t already put your details on the Movie Interest Sheet, come along and you can do it on the day.
Hope to see you all there.
Many thanks Veronica.
GUEST SPEAKER APRIL MEETING
The Guest Speaker for our April Meeting will be Ms Roz
Baker whose topic is “The Power of Persistence”. Roz
underwent brain surgery and then went on to become
a successful self published author and bush poet.
This remarkable lady is an Advanced Toastmaster who
has won many trophies for humorous and impromptu
speaking. She includes a light hearted touch to her
presentations by reciting some of her humorous bush
poetry.
ART GROUP OUTING
Seven enthusiastic members met at the Art Gallery of
NSW and viewed the brilliant exhibition “Lost
Treasures of Afghanistan”, which showcases the rich
culture of the country, dating back to about 150 BC.
We saw beautiful sculptures, pottery, exquisitely
painted glassware (2,000+ years old), all sorts of
artefacts and jewellery to die for. Some of the gold
adornments that were sewn onto clothing were so
intricate and fine, that I don’t think the modern
woman would be able to cope with sewing.
Many of the carvings, pottery and jewellery influenced
or traded with other countries like India, China, Egypt,
Russia and Greece. The Taliban destroyed not only
the artworks (because they thought them to be
idolatrous) but also the National Museum in Kabul
during decades of conflict from the mid 1900’s.
It’s an exhibition well worth seeing.
Yolanda
CLUB ROSTER
SETTING UP AND PACKING UP HALL
What to do:
Set up all chairs for members.
Set up tables for Morning Tea (2 tables), set up tables for Committee, Social Events and other groups that require them. After the meeting the tables and chairs are to be packed away.
Friday 4 April 2014
Ray Willis Barry Adam Derek Allison John Feeney
Friday 2 May 2014
David Bannerman Alan Davy Peter Sharpe Stephen Thomas
MORNING TEA ROSTER
What to do:
Help “Refreshments Coordinator” with filling of urns, set up coffee – tea – cups on tables provided. During the break help monitor the tables, etc to ensure smooth running. After the meeting has finished help pack up. All supplies (tea/coffee/biscuits, etc) will be provided – no need to bring anything.
Friday 4 April 2014
Lesley Dudgeon Gloria Smith Judy Collits
Friday 2 May2014
Marilyn Forsythe Zita Franklin Doreena Teoh
TIMING: On your rostered day, please try to arrive by 9.15 am
SWAPPING: If you are unable to make it on your rostered day, please arrange for someone else to take your place and inform Theo Pronk on 0408 629 214
DINING OUTERS
Our next Dining Out is on the 2nd April at Chef Lee, Norwest Business Park (Lakeside), shop G02/8 Century Circuit Baulkham Hills.
Cost is $25 per person plus BYO $2.50 perhead.
Time: 7.00 p.m..
The menu consists of: Spring Rolls or Rice Paper Rolls for gluten free King Prawn Toast King Prawn Dish Chicken, Beefand Pork Dishes (sauce of choice) Steamed or Special Fried Rice Ice Cream
Any bookings can be made with Joy Fink on 9871 8062, 0459 056 147 or [email protected]
Joy Fink
HELLO MY FRIEND……
I became confused when I heard the word ‘service’
used with these agencies:
Banking ‘Service’
Postal ‘Service’
Telephone ‘Service’
Pay TV ‘Service’
State & Public ‘Service’
Customer ‘Service’
Bureaucratic ‘Service’
This is not what I thought ‘Service’ meant.
Then I visited my uncle, he’s a farmer, and he hired a
bull to ‘Service’ hiscows.
Suddenly WOW! It all became clear. Now I
understand what all those agencies are doing to us!
BEAUMONT HILLS PROBUS CLUB INCORPORATED
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
President Norrie Dudgeon 9836 0243
Senior Vice President Marion Longstaff 8883 4771
Secretary Phil Reid 9629 2548
Treasurer Val Berry 9624 1407
Assistant Treasurer Rob Milligan 9838 0335
Membership Officer Joy Fink 9871 8062
Speakers Convenor John Armstrong 8847 0027
Outings & Events Officer Anthea Osborne 8840 8516
Asst Outings & Events Officer Paula Green 9626 2079
Newsletter Editor Lesley Dudgeon 9836 0243
Welfare Officer Lyn Armstrong 8847 0027
Liaison/Public Officer Renzo Doughty 9629 7602
Ex Officio Kerry Fink 9871 8062
KEY CONTACTS
Refreshments Miep Pronk 9629 2142
Webmaster Theo Pronk 9629 2142
Club Photographer Barry Seach 9627 3354
GROUP LEADERS
Art Yolanda Seach 9627 3354
Book Exchange Margaret Collins 9624 4462 or 0418 474 127
Cheese & Wine Lesley Dudgeon 9836 0243
Cinema Veronica Filtness 9837 0021
Decadent Day Trippers (1) Allan Collins 9624 4462
Decadent Day Trippers (2) Stephen Thomas 8824 8384
Dining Outers Joy Fink 9871 862
Tennis Bev Potter 0429 200 560
Walking Margaret Bannerman 0412 498 266