Probus Club Shoalhaven

Activities are generally only planned a few months in advance but an indication of the range of speakers can be gained from the following annual report for 2009. Organised trips and other functions are discussed below in the Events section.

The main guest speakers were:
April-- Stella a post graduate Chinese student from Wollongong University.
May-- Stephen Heppenstall talked about investment in the Stock market.
June-- Neal Ralph recollected on his life as a Rear Admiral.
July-- David Crossett gave us a fascinating insight into the life of an equine chiropractor.
Aug-- David Hughes spoke about mental health and its administration in the Shoalhaven.
Sept-- Anthony Bennett, a veterinary surgeon from Berry, delivered a powerful powerpoint on theileriosis and other cattle problems.
Oct-- Isabel MacCallum spoke briefly about a project involving people's experiences in World War 2.
Nov-- Gary Bromley, a sub mariner from the British and Australian Navy, kept us laughing about his experiences underwater.
Dec-- Our usual treat listening to local Nowra High School leaders - Violeta Gilabert and Jacob Rump with teacher Kerry Griffiths.
Jan-- A mini forum on global warming and climate change, brought forward lively discussion and member participation.
Feb-- Dr Alex Tahmindjis kept us guessing with Freud and Beck's girls.
March -AGM

Report prepared by Neville Stephenson

The name Probus is derived from the words profession and business. It is thus an organisation set up to cater for professional and business people. It is not a Service Club or a fundraising club. Religion and Politics are left outside the door. It is a club for retired professionals who seek to utilise their retirement leisure in travel and fellowship with their peers. Shoalhaven Probus Club Inc. is a men's club only but every second month spouses are welcome guests as they are also welcome participants in functions and excursions. The club meets on the first Monday of every month holidays included at Nowra Golf club. Though there is a ceiling on membership aspiring members are welcome to attend a couple of meetings as guests. Almost every meeting there is a guest speaker who is usually sourced from a University, Government organisation, Community organisation or profession. The club has a large committee to handle routine business so only essential matters are brought forward to general meetings.

As at the 30th January 2009 the annual membership fee is $30.00 due to be paid by the end of February, but of course aspiring new members can enrol at any time during the year.

Membershipform

2009 was another busy year where members participated at 26 outings and functions:
March 10 Changeover dinner
March 17 John McNally at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
March 26 Nowra Players - Women of Lockerbie
April 20 B.B.Q. At Elford's (Wet day)
April 30 6 day 5 night trip to Bright
May 10 Julie Anthony and Simon Gallaher concert
June 25 Anniversary Dinner Nowra Golf Club
June 12 B.B.Q. Bomaderry Creek Reserve
June 27 Stars of the Eisteddfod Concert
July 2 Nowra Players - She Stoops to Conquer
July 25 Berry Musicale Proms, with The Lydian Singers
August 7 B.B.Q. at Seven Mile Beach
August 16 Visit to Garden Island (Cancelled)
Sept 11 Cabaret Show Seven Deadly Sins
Sept 21 - 23 Trip to Canberra for Floriade
Oct 7 Creative Moments Morning Tea at Art's Centre
Oct 16 B.B.Q. at Culburra
Oct 21 Mystery Trip took us to Campbelltown
Nov 1 Fiddler on the Roof
Nov 3 Melbourne Cup Day at McLachlan's home
Nov 15 Celtic Concert
Dec 3 Nowra Players Christmas Show
Dec 7 Chicken and Champagne Lunch Greys Beach
Dec 10 Christmas Dinner Nowra Golf Club
Jan 19 Past and Present Committee Dinner
Feb 16 B.B.Q. at Fish Lift, Tallowa Dam

Report by Gordon Elford

The Victorian High Country Tour, 30 April to 5 May 2009

Something for a variety of interests was provided by the Victorian High Country Tour. For the amateur historian visits to the Gold Rush towns of Beechworth and Chiltern with their historic buildings and museum are creations of the bygone era. The frigid court house in Beechworth where choleric judges dispensed frigid, rigid nineteenth century justice to young offenders. The tour revisited the controversial Kelly Strand in a history on site at Glenrowan, the scene of the violent arrest, the prelude to the hideous conclusion of the drama in the Old Melbourne Gaol.
For admirers of the fine arts: An en route visit to the Crisp Gallery near Yass where an artist of genius is creating masterpieces in glass, some that adorn the houses of European Royalty. A final day, all too fleeting visit to the Australian Museum of Pottery at Holbrook. A large range of the potters art produced pre-1930 is here superbly displayed with historical information in a magnificent refurbished timber hall.
For those who delight in landscape and scenery: The view from the lookout on high of the Kiewa Valley with the snow capped Mount Bogong as the backdrop. The autumnal colours of Bright then at their seasonal peak, and the panorama of drowned red gums in the lake at Yarrawonga.
Well informed and jovial tour guides joined the tour party at salient points to enhance the appreciation of the features on view. Which of us will forget Veronica, the pixie-like grandmother; who guided us around Myrtleford and who interspersed her descriptions with sallies of "Aussie Bush Humour".
A highlight of the social aspect of the tour was the Sunday evening dinner attended by members of the West Wangaratta Probus Club, an active combined club with eighty members. An opportunity to "talk shop". Stellar performances of the travelling "Probus Show" were by Neville Stephenson, who gave a delightful lunchtime keyboard recital at the Crisp Gallery, and Charles Francis who revealed a semiprofessional talent in accompanying the final night folk singer with sound effects. The accommodation and meals supplied at the Gateway Motel, Wangaratta were first rate. The service of the youthful staff was outstanding. Summarising, a memorable six day tour.

Report by Les Lindsay Park