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PROBUS WEST PUBLISHED  BY  PROBUS  ASSOCIATION  OF  WA  FOR  MEMBERS  IN  WESTERN  AUSTRALIA

VOL  8  ISSUE  3  SEPTEMBER  2017  

 

 

EDITOR:   TRISH  FLOYD       Mail  to:    103A  Stock  Road,  Attadale      6156      

EMAIL:     rpfloyd@westnet.com.au   DECEMBER  EDITION  CLOSES  ON  15th  NOVEMBER,  2017  

Private and Confidential for Probus use only and not to be used for any other purpose

Welcome to the September, 2017 edition of Probus West. It is hoped that you will enjoy the stories supplied by Probus clubs within Western Australia.

All clubs are invited to forward their contributions – either by email or post. If you require assistance at any point, please do not hesitate to contact me as I am keen to have stories from all over our State, and not from just a few clubs.

ALBANY  LADIES  PROBUS  CLUB  FOUNDING  MEMBER  CELEBRATES  HER    99TH  BIRTHDAY  

The Albany Ladies Probus Club was formed in 1985 by the wives of retired Rotarians in the district.

Only two of the original committee are still alive: Gwen Norman, who celebrated her 99th birthday at the June meeting, and June Bailey.

Gwen, who still regularly attends meetings, over the years has held the office of President twice, Secretary twice, Treasurer, Outings and Welfare officer.

Gwen's daughter Kath Hough is the current President of the Albany Ladies Probus Club.

 

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From left, Immediate Past President Allan Perkins, President Peter Melsom, with Bulletin Editor Allan Goyen during a Probus Club of Attadale outing to Dwellingup. Behind them is a picture of old Dwellingup  

Members of The Probus Club of Attadale and partners raise a glass during the outing to Dwellingup.  

MEMBERS OF THE PROBUS CLUB OF ATTADALE ENJOYED AN OUTING AND LUNCH IN CHARMING DWELLINGUP  

 

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BOORAGOON MEN’S CLUB VISIT TO

DARWIN

On 30th May, 20 members and partners of the Men's Club of Booragoon (WA) embarked on an unforgettable getaway to Darwin. The trip was conceived by Outings Officer Merv Peters and Immediate Past President Paul Simpson was the intrepid leader on the trip. Day 1 - After the flight to Darwin and registration at their hotel for the duration, The Travelodge Mirambeena Resort, a dinner cruise was enjoyed on

Day 2 - AmazingTermite Mounds, Florence Falls, and Wangi Falls Day 3 - Bombing of Darwin Cruise including visits to historic bases, museums and memorials. The afternoon was at leisure so we could explore Darwin. Day 4 – An afternoon tour of the City, including landmarks, Darwin Aviation Museum, Adelaide River the home of 1600 crocodiles, Window on the Wetlands Visitors Centre and Fogg Dam Nature Reserve. Day 5 - In the morning, a visit to Parap Village Markets, NT Museum and Art Gallery, and George Brown Botanic Gardens. After lunch the group bid a sad farewell to Darwin. Participants thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the getaway including the excellent meals. Photos (courtesy of Ron Hetherington) show the happy trippers enjoying themselves.

 

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NEVILLE GILBERT RECEIVES HIS 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CARD FROM THE PROBUS CLUB OF ATTADALE

A stalwart of The Probus Club of Attadale, Neville Gilbert is shown after receiving his 25 year anniversary card signed by the members. He is a Past President, and was Treasurer for many years. He was awarded Life Membership for his services and leadership. Looking on is President Peter Melsom.  

KARRINYUP AND NORTH BEACH PROBUS CLUB SPECIAL MORNING TEA

Every year the “colourful” members of the Probus Club of Karrinyup & North Beach meet at the Blue Lotus Cafe in Stirling for a special morning tea to celebrate their friendship, and to remember those less fortunate whilst promoting a charity. This year the chosen colour was Orange and members were asked to wear something of that colour. Orange napkins and strelitzia decorated the tables and there were loads of oranges for members to take home. The free raffle prize was a bag of goodies in keeping with the theme - orange marmalade, orange cream biscuits, orange cream chocolate, jaffas etc together with the same colour garbage bags and special tea towels. This year the chosen charity was “Orange Sky Laundry” - those marvellous people who wash clothes and bedding for the homeless. They have just set up vans with showers too. This is our President, Bob Morris, and Membership Officer, Leone Bruvelis thoroughly enjoying themselves.

BALDIVIS VISIT TO THE FRANCIS BURT LAW COURT

Our visit to the Francis Burt Law Court in May included the Supreme Law Court, the District Court and back to the Original Court House behind the Supreme Court. It was an exciting and funny day. Michelle, our Education Guide, was very knowledgeable. The court case we sat in on at the District Court was a man who had been arrested for having seven unlicensed guns, drugs, several Blackberry devices and $80,000 in neatly bundled notes. It was then back to the Original Court House to re-enact "The State vs Audrey Jacob" who was accused of the murder of her fiance in the Ballroom of Government House in 1925. It was an absolute scream when we were

given wigs, gowns, collars, police hats and scarfs to wear for our roles in the court case. Our members of the Jury found Audrey guilty and our Judge sentenced her to 15 years jail. In the original court case the jury found Audrey "not guilty"!! Michelle took 49 photos of us acting out our roles. They are so, so funny. The visit was followed by a huge delicious lunch at Citiplace - approximate cost $8 per person, which just rounded off a wonderful day. Citiplace is run by the City of Perth and is located on top of the Perth Train Station. It has an electronic board in their reception area and had "Welcome to Baldivis Probus Club" for all to see. I would highly recommend both of these outings.

 

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MOSMAN PARK PROBUS CLUB AT THE ECO ABROLHOS Our Mosman Park Probus took a trip to the Abrolhos in May. There were 17 Probus members,11 partners and guests, making a total of 28 people. All participants agreed that Jay and Sonia and their staff of ECO Abrolhos were amazing, organising delicious fresh seafood, especially crayfish, straight off the boat. We were ferried to the islands without a hitch, and used 2 glass bottom boats to look at the beautiful coral as well as snorkelling to swim among the amazing fish and coral. There was another boat to put out cray pots, fish and snorkell. Onboard was an historian, Howard Baker, who explained the Batavia story, the wreck and the horrors that followed, as well as an ornithologist/marine biologist, Chris Surman, who kept us informed of the wildlife that abounds there. Every evening there were very interesting and informative presentations of the area, once we had eaten our full of the delicious meals served up! The boat was extremely comfortable and the cabins perfect! We all agreed that it was worth another visit as the trip had inspired us all - not to mention the fun we all had together!

Ode to Outings” First Mike and Marg picked the date Then off to Gero’, and don’t be late. Now board the ship and there we’ll meet ya’ And feast tonight on ‘in-house pizza’. Thursday morning bright and early To leave at seven with weather surly, Not all were up as we headed west But to get to Pelsaert, we’re at our best. We’ve met the crew and Skipper, Jay, They work so hard to make our day. Dr. Chris leads into shore With birds to see and much much more. A fresh strong breeze and stony shore We find the birds and shells galore. Very pleasant in the sun And learn a lot. It’s so much fun. Back onboard and heaps to eat, To eat it all, too big a feat. Tomorrow as we get underway The pots are out to catch a cray. See such variety in all that floats And then to look through glass bottom boats. Now Howard Gray explains the Batavia Coast Of which the Doctor knows the most. With so much fun five days are on us, So head for home on ECO Abrolhos. Not forgetting one more big bonus, Is to do all with friends from Probus!

 

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VASSE PROBUS CLUB CELEBRATED ITS 25TH

ANNIVERSARY

 

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TONY  GIVES  HIS  THOUGHTS  ON  CANNING  VALE  PROBUS  

My name is Tony Fareso, and my wife Sally and I have been with Canning Vale Probus now for one year!

I am very impressed with the friendship and camaraderie within this group. I am ex Royal Australian Navy and have missed this type of relationship since those days with the military. The meetings, guest speakers and member’s interaction have impressed me; we are from different walks of life, yet we all get along well.

I give my views about recent outings that have enriched my local history knowledge, along with that of other club members. Our club has visited Woodbridge house in Guildford, Wilkinson Homestead in Gosnells and Woodloes Homestead near Masons Landing in Cannington. The information gained leads to great interest in WA, and on Perth’s early development. Each homestead has had a huge impact on fruit and food sustainability in the region, and the connection between the three homesteads and the Mason Mill, involving Benjamin Mason; Francis Bird logging in Carmel and Kalamunda; the creation of the Zig Zag railway to get timber down hill to Cannington at Masons Landing and then floated downstream to Fremantle. The timber was sent back to England and sold as mahogany. From the need then to now, the infrastructure has pushed our State to grow. These families have forged the first geographical tracks to roads today. Every time I dig a little deeper into their history I find so many place names related to these pioneers.

Who would have thought that at my age I would keep learning more and in such good company!

The Combined Probus Club of Murdoch Inc celebrated their 20th Anniversary in May with a special morning tea. Foundation member, Jan Collins, spoke about the beginnings of the club, which started with 75 members, and a large waiting list. Many happy times, lovely outings and special events were recalled by many of our members. Rex McKell, as President of PAWA, presented the club President, Reg Crane, with a 20th Anniversary Certificate. The members were entertained with Frank Hefferman reciting a number of bush poems.

The  cake  was  cut  by  two  of  our  Foundation  members,  Maureen  Job  and  Lorelie  Tacoma  

 

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It is difficult to put into a few words the enormity of the work done by Foodbank. Our outing consisted of an introduction to the work done by Foodbank followed by a delicious three course lunch. All the food we consumed came from donated sources. We paid $25 dollars for a meal that consisted of Pumpkin Soup, Salmon, Salad and Quiche, followed by Lemon Curd Cheese Cake and tea and coffee. We were shown around the working areas. School children are brought into the kitchen and shown how to cook and use up food that might otherwise be discarded, but is turned into nutritious meals by Foodbank. We were introduced to the Chef who showed us how he was able to produce large quantities of ready to eat meals before freezing them ready for distribution. Foodbank rescues edible food and groceries from farmers, manufacturers and retailers. It is a huge distribution centre where fresh farm foods are kept in cool rooms. Huge crates of food are stored and we were told all this food is sent out to the various charities, who then distribute the food to the large number of people in need across Western Australia. Foodbank is the pantry of Western Australian Charities. They receive food and grocery products from farmers, manufacturers, distributers , retailers and the public, and make them available to hardworking charities and community groups. The facilities at Abbotts Road, Perth Airport were opened about four years ago and is a huge organisation. Foodbank provides food to all regions of WA, and they also receive food gifts from the Eastern States. Food is cooked and frozen on the premises and is sold by weight. Meals are produced for families and larger groups.

MORLEY LADIES’ PROBUS CLUB VISITS THE FOODBANK

CONGRATULATIONS TO APPLECROSS/ATTADALE PROBUS CLUB’S

DOROTHY HARBISHER ON HER 95TH BIRTHDAY

Dorothy Harbisher, a member of our Ladies Probus Club, turned 95 years recently. Her creative mind and large garden with plants and floral art, is often shared with pleasure with friends, over a cuppa and a home baked cake. What she achieves each day in commitments, social activities and zest for life, is quite remarkable.

 

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WILLETTON LADIES PROBUS CLUB CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

On the 8th June 2017 the Willetton Ladies Probus Club celebrated its 30th birthday.

The hall was decorated in the Probus colours of blue and yellow, with balloons displaying the Probus logo. Tables were set with yellow tablecloths, blue serviettes, blue vases with yellow Chrysanthemums as the final touch. On arrival we received a drink of delicious fruit punch.

Around the room was a display of our club’s history and achievements, some honouring those members who have contributed to our growth and to our club’s special identity- a fitting story of our club for posterity. This was of great interest to our members, old members reminiscing and new members getting a better understanding of our club, and what we have achieved.

 

 

 

 

Raylene made a tablecloth that members signed. This will be an everlasting memento of our 30th year that can be used down the years.

Our President Pauline Starkey welcomed us all to our afternoon birthday celebrations and introduced our special guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Pauline accepted on behalf of our club, a framed 30th birthday congratulatory certificate, from Rex McKell of Probus WA. Rex also presented a card which he had designed himself and he got all members present to sign it. Winston Marsh, representing PSPL, also presented a framed 30th birthday congratulation certificate to our club. He then read a poem “Probus Garden”. Liz Westoby from Rotary spoke and congratulated our club on reaching the impressive milestone of 30 years.

Next to speak, was our first Vice President Wendy Hackett. It was wonderful to have her amongst us again.

June one of our Life Members, told us about a number of funny events that had happened over the years in our club. The atmosphere of the afternoon was happy and friendly. We always like gathering together and having a good old chat.

Afternoon tea was served, then we were delighted that Pat Hocking, a Life Member and member for 30 years, cut our birthday cake, which was decorated with wildflowers and a photo of our club’s banner. This delicious moreish fruit cake was made by our member Elspeth. With a glass of champagne, our President proposed the birthday toast.

Thank you to the City of Canning for their generous grant of $500 to help and support our club to celebrate our 30 years of existence. Upon leaving we all received the gift of a beautifully wrapped living plant to remember our club’s 30th birthday.

CITY BEACH PROBUS CLUB INVITES THE LADIES TO LUNCH

A good number of ladies attended the June meeting, which was followed by a luncheon at the Bowling club. Twenty-six attended to enjoy each other’s company and a finger food serving of tasty food. Two members Martin Brandreth and Brian Branch gave us a lot of laughs with an unprepared act of a momentary life interlude with the English Admiral, Lord Horatio Nelson. They both played their parts well, even better than their script in some cases. The photo of Brian Branch attached does look similar to Nelson, don’t you think. How Brian’s face has changed, or is my eyesight as bad as yours? However Nelson’s Petty Officer certainly resembles our Martin Brandreth. Well done to you both.

 

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THE PROBUS CLUB OF FREMANTLE WA (Inc) INDUCTIONS

A regular feature of our club meetings is an Induction Ceremony. The club welcomed four new members at the June meeting, giving our club a total of 86 members, and with two more to be inducted in July. We will then have 88 members, near our cap of 90. The ceremony was conducted by Vice President Kath in her normal efficient manner.

(From the left) Immediate Past President Ross proposed Peter & Ann Scott, President Glen, Scilla and Colin Johnston

were introduced by Life Member Ian Baird on behalf of their absent proposer Past President Danny Ravn.

Life Member Ian when introducing the Johnstons, commented about the current conditions and costs to be allowed to migrate to Australia. Ian and Jenny were eagerly welcomed to Australia from the UK as £10 Poms and a short time after their arrival, completed a form and received their Citizenship Certificate in the mail. The process is now more complicated and takes considerable time, as Scilla and Colin have experienced. Fortunately, Peter and Ann have successfully completed the process, having come from the UK also.

SOUTH BUNBURY NEWS

The South Bunbury Probus Club celebrated Christmas in July on the 12th of July, in the quaint hotel in Quindanning, where we were treated to a lovely hot Christmas lunch -all three courses and with the old open fireplaces keeping us nice and warm. The original building was built in the late 1800s as a stop over and rest Inn for weary travellers. It wasn't until the early 1900s that it became a hotel. Also in July our club celebrated its 29th Anniversary; our guests for the meeting were the W.A. Probus President Rex McKell and the South West Representative Don Faulks and his wife Glenda. The meeting was well attended and certificates were presented to Pam Bradshaw, Ethel Phillips, Bob and Jean Menzies for 5 years membership, and Marie Malatesta for 10 years

 

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VICTORIA PARK’S JOONDALUP JAUNT, 2017

Take a jaunt with Transperth – their transport is dry and warm and for Seniors FREE.

Twenty one Victoria Park members met at the Elizabeth Quay Station in time to catch the 10.15am train to the end of the line at Butler. Alighting at Butler, some of us partook of a coffee, much to the delight of the Station Café, then took the lift and explored. On our left was the ocean, to our front was the end of Mitchell Freeway, and to our right the Station carpark and a Medical Centre. Adjoining the Butler Train Station is Transperth bus depot, taking passengers to Alkimos, Yanchep and Two Rocks. To our amazement some members were keen to keep going to the end of the line. This was a bit difficult when buses leave every hour – however this jaunt has been noted for a future outing.

We then tagged on again and alighted three stations down at Joondalup. What a delight that turned out to be. The shopping mall is built over the train line – so easy for pedestrian access – a wonderful array and choice of shops and goods to purchase – a consumers’ delight! Members explored some avenues of the shopping mall before meeting in the Food Hall to purchase our lunch. A wide variety of food was on offer – hot and cold – restaurants were licenced so no one would have been disappointed that they couldn’t have what they wanted.

We had alerted Transperth that our Group was coming to which they replied, “you may clog the buses”! So, with trepidation on my part, we trooped out to catch either the Red or Blue CAT bus to take us a couple of rounds of the circuit and show us some of Joondalup.

We were amazed at the size of the Police Academy, the spectacular entrance of Edith Cowan University, the ECU campus, the delightful English Style townhouses, the layout of the roads in the City of Joondalup, the City of Joondalup Administration Centre; the planners, engineers, and architects must be congratulated on a well-planned City Centre.

We alighted at the entrance to Edith Cowan University, walked through the entrance, followed the path through the University, at the coffee shop followed the sign to “buses”, and picked up the Blue CAT back to the train station then home on our respective buses on our homeward journey before the bewitching hour of 3.29pm, when our Senior’s card is no longer free.

This Outing proved novel and interesting and a great experience for little expense.

 

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On July 12th the Men's Club of Booragoon and the Ladies' Club of Booragoon (WA) combined to enjoy another outing together. Approximately 70 members and partners of the two Clubs filled two coaches and embarked on a trip to Dwellingup, to partake in a "Christmas in July" lunch at the local hotel. On the way, a stop was made for morning tea at Pinjarra. Although the weather turned out to be rather wet, it by no means dampened the enthusiasm or enjoyment of the participants. Following an excellent lunch and time to explore, our replete members returned home declaring the day to have been an outstanding success.

BOORAGOON LADIES’ AND MEN’S CLUBS VISIT TO DWELLINGUP

BELMONT LADIES PROBUS CLUB VISIT TO FOOD RESCUE

The two photos were taken on our recent visit to Food Rescue which is a Uniting Care West Program committed to rescuing fresh, nutritious food and distributing it safely to people in need in WA. It was a most interesting visit to see how food is collected, sorted and given to 78 agencies in WA. These agencies feed approximately 11,325 people in need per week. They collect fruit and vegetables from supermarkets, as well as excess food such as sandwiches and wraps from 41 CBD cafes and Tasty Trucks food vans every weekday. This is of particular benefit to those sleeping rough with no access to kitchen facilities. Produce is transported back to their warehouse in refrigerated vans, quality checked by volunteers, repacked into recycled banana boxes, and then allocated for distribution, free of charge, to the recipient agencies. Food is distributed to people in need such as emergency relief, homeless and needy women and children in crisis, low income earners, new arrivals, men's support, youth in crisis and indigenous Australians. The ORCA machine digests all the waste food not required and the result is a brownish liquid that is odour free. There are only two paid workers and the rest of the staff are rostered volunteers. They have four donated refrigerated vans, two cargo carts, one warehouse in Belmont, two full time staff and four casual drivers, plus one hundred regular volunteers. At the end of our visit we sat down to morning tea (biscuits were supplied by our Club) where we all joined in a hearty conversation.

 

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COTTESLOE  LADIES  CELEBRATES  28  YEARS  IN  PROBUS    

Cottesloe Ladies Probus Club celebrated its 28th Birthday on Monday June 13. The photographs show some of the attendees, the table settings, and our current President with Past Presidents. A very successful and enjoyable meeting was held, with Past President Anne Hawkesworth speaking on life in Oman 30 years ago. An entertaining quiz was provided by Past President June Worthington.

FREMANTLE PROBUS HAVE LUNCH FOLLOWING THEIR MONTHLY MEETING The restaurant (The Galley) of the Fremantle Sailing Club is not open on a Wednesday and hence is why we meet in the restaurant. However the club with the co-operation of Head Chef Richard trialled us having lunch there and it has been a success.

 

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COLLIE PROBUS CLUB HAS FUN    Approximately twenty of our members enjoyed a Sundowner at the Hunter’s recently. It was a most enjoyable night, and will probably be repeated in the future.

A Christmas in July was held on 21st July at the Federal Hotel. What a great night this was. It was so good to see so many members attending.

A group of Bonsai enthusiasts gathered at Bill Cooper’s place recently. Bill showed us all how to trim and shape one of his Bonsai plants. From there we got to plant and shape plants for ourselves. It was a very informative and interesting morning

 

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FREMANTLE’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY IN TOODYAY

Once more we used Elite Tours with owner-driver Kevin Oliffe hosting us for the day. There were 31 members, partners and friends on the coach on a beautiful sunny day. Morning tea was enjoyed at Noble Falls near Gidgegannup and there was time to enjoy this beautiful location. The Wooroloo Brook tumbles down a modest fall. Gidgegannup is a Noongar word for “Place where spears are made”.

We then proceeded to Toodyay. Ensign Robert Dale explored the area of the Ballardon Noongar land in 1830 and his reports led several settlers taking up land. The first village was named Toodyay, a Noongar word in origin. There are two versions of the meaning of the name. The 1836 maps of the area refer to the area as “Duidgee” whilst others think that it was named after an indigenous lady called “Toodyeep” The official history gives Duidgee as “a place of plenty” but local anthropologists consider that duidgee mimics a nearby birdcall.

The original settlement began in 1836 and was named Toodyay. However as the site was prone to flooding, it was moved in the 1850s to higher ground and continued to be known as Toodyay, with the previous site called Old Toodyay. In 1860 the village was proclaimed as Newcastle and the original site became West Toodyay. However due to confusion with Newcastle in NSW, in May 1910, the town was renamed Toodyay. Today there is a riverside Duidgee Park commemorating the indigenous name.

In time, Toodyay became a regional centre with retail stores, machinery and vehicle dealers, a steam flour mill, a court, a gaol and a railway hub. A number of Government Departments were situated there. Like many rural towns in the late 1960s, it experienced a decline in population as farm machinery became bigger and the off- spring of farming families left the farms. There has been rejuvenation in recent years, as people have elected to live there for the attractive rural setting. The population is 4,686 (2016 census).

The Freemasons Hotel was built in 1861 as a single story public house named the Newcastle Hotel. In 1862 another hotel was built and also named the Newcastle Hotel. Due to the naming confusion, the older building became known as the Freemasons Tavern – Newcastle Hotel. The newer hotel in time became the Toodyay Tavern. In 1904 the front of the building was extended to the street line and a second story added. For a lengthy time, a well in the backyard supplied water to the town.

On our visit, the hotel was very organized. After welcoming us, we were swiftly served the generous sized main course of turkey and roast vegetables. Christmas pudding followed and again it was a generous serve. A complementary port was available to finish the meal with tea or coffee.

 

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PROBUS CLUB OF ESPERANCE BAY (Inc) VISIT WONGUTHA CAP SCHOOL    Our monthly outing in June was to Wongutha CAP School, 30 ks north east of Esperance. About 20 Probians were welcomed and shown over the extensive facility by the Principal, Mr Shane Meyer and assisted by Mr Harry Graham. We were treated to a sumptuous morning tea and sat and talked with some of the students . Wongutha CAPS ( Christian Aboriginal Parent Directed School ) is an interdenominational Christian Boarding and Farm School founded in 1990. It began in the 1950’s as a Mission Training Farm aimed at educating young Aboriginal men in agricultural work. Today the school offers vocationally focused courses for boys and girls in years 11 and 12. Students can come from all over Australia. Other CAP Schools are in Coolgardie and Kurrawang. Google CAPS for more interesting information. Mr Meyers noted that some things had changed, like the greatly improved amenities, modern classrooms and the large basketball stadium, but the focus was still the same: ’Training for life ‘ to give the students the opportunity to gain valuable life and work skills enabling them to be successful members of the community . Some members of Probus have watched the growth of the school and it was wonderful to see the students happy, courteous and proud to be part of such a well managed and cared for institution. We wish all concerned good luck for their futures. After a most enjoyable visit, members proceeded to lunch at the Gibson Soak ( a local watering hole!).

 

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APPLECROSS/ATTADALE PROBUS CLUB KNITTERS

Earlier this year, a small group of ladies in our club commenced knitting colourful dolls and teddies of all sizes and styles. The personality of each toy is created lovingly by our knitter, no two being alike. The organization , "Uthando Project" is based in KwaZulu Natal.. It supports the HIV/AIDS sufferers who have died leaving many orphaned grieving children. The emotional stress runs high. With hope, love and joy these gorgeous toys will uplift their spirits and give a sense of caring and belonging. Pat Pumphrey has been engaged in this work since inception. Her dolls are larger and more elaborately dressed using felt, fabric and trimmings. Sheila Creasey welcomes us each month to her home for knit'n'natter and some guidance. Many thanks for making us useful.

THORNLIE PROBUS CLUB NEWS

Thornlie Probus Club celebrated its 35th anniversary in February with a wonderful morning tea and get together at the club hall. We were privileged to have the Mayor of Gosnells, Councillor Olwen Searle present, along with Winston Marsh, the WA Director of PSPL and his lovely wife, Judy. We also decided to invite those Clubs in Western Australia who were also celebrating their 35th anniversary this year. As a consequence we had 18 members from Fremantle Probus Club, Elwyn Harries, a Past President from Bunbury and Doreen Boss, the current President from Victoria Park. Members from Canning Vale, Kalamunda and Bannister Creek Probus Clubs were also in attendance.

We had quite a number of speeches given by various people, some giving us a snapshot of their Club’s history. Our own historian, Keith Blockey also spoke and gave a detailed history of how our Club came to be the first Club in Western Australia.

The event was well catered for by the ladies of the Club, led ably by our “Master Chef extraordinaire” Maureen Blockey. It was then time to cut the cake and this was done superbly by our two oldest members, Joan Bennett who was 94 and Maisie Bickers who was 93 at the time. Sadly our beautiful Joan passed away last month a week before her 95th birthday. She will be sadly missed by all of us.

One of our members had risen very early to make some cheese scones for the occasion. Unfortunately as he was unloading the car prior to the event two young men decided that they might like them more than we would and stole them from the back of the car. Realising that they hadn’t managed to get anything of real value, they proceeded to throw them out of the window of their car, all over the carpark together with the tea towel they were wrapped in. That added a bit of light humour to the morning.

 

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Apart from that we had a very enjoyable morning to celebrate such a special occasion.

Our Club has always prided itself in following the values and ethics of Probus in general. Of course we all know that Friendship, Fellowship and Fun are at the forefront of every Probus Club.

We have 70 active members at present. Unfortunately we have lost 4 members due to long term illnesses and we have had 2 deaths of much loved members in the past month or so. However we are always picking up new members and at our last meeting we had 4 prospective members attend.

We had a wonderful Christmas in July outing with Go on a Bus to Yanchep. The day was drizzling with rain but as luck would have it every time we stepped off the bus for morning tea and lunch the sun came out. The Old Yanchep Inn provided us with a beautiful Christmas meal and a great day was had by all.

Our speakers this year have been outstanding. They have included Annette Raison “The Juke Box Lady”, Kings Park horticulturists, Fran Taylor talking about the Tall Ships she has sailed on, John Garde, a well known portrait artist from Dunsborough, Lily Budden from Perth Zoo talking about the then and now of the Zoo and its history. Next month we will be hearing from Hamish McGlashan, followed by Diana Warnock and then “The Biggest Telescope”.

We also have varied activities on a regular basis between our Day Outings. Recently we had a morning visit to Jandakot Airport which was very interesting but very windy.

All in all we are a very happy Club which of course is how it should be. Our Committee works hard to keep our members interested and content.

NORANDA COMBINED ARE HAPPY CRUISERS

This photo is of 10 Happy Noranda members on our June 2017 cruise on board the P & O Pacific Eden from Fremantle to Exmouth. Lots of laughter and fun. We certainly upheld the 3 F’s of Probus Friendship, Fellowship, and Fun. This is our 2nd cruise last year we went to Albany on the Sea Princess. Would like to hear from other Probus clubs if they think booking on a nominated cruise for next year would be a good idea for Probians to get know one another. Email me with your thoughts. Chris Gaggin at gaggin@optusnet.com.au

I have enjoyed compiling the interesting and varied stories from Probus Clubs within our State. ALL clubs are invited to submit their stories for publication in Probus West. Please send a Word document and photographs as jpegs. Please do not send in pdf format, as it is not possible to copy. SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO:

EDITOR: TRISH FLOYD 103A STOCK ROAD, ATTADALE 6156

EMAIL: rpfloyd@westnet.com.au

DECEMBER ISSUE CLOSES ON THE 15TH NOVEMBER, 2017