Probus goes to Floriade

by Warwick Combined Probus Club | 07 Jan 2016

Warwick Probus members shared a special moment on a visit to the Australian War Memorial in Canberra with two of their members laying commemorative wreaths. 

Group Shot Tulip - A bevy of beauties at Tulip Tops gardens Canberra. Dawn McLennan, Joan Ranger, Robyn Butler, Neil Dight, Delma Free, Caroline Hunter, Beryl Johns

John Corcut and June Banks were selected to lay wreaths at the closing ceremony on September 25^th.

John’s father, Francis Corcut served in the RAAF as an armourer fitter in New Guinea.  June’s uncle George Lindenberg was awarded a DFC while serving as a bomber pilot on the western front.  A portrait of George Lindenberg hangs in the gallery at the Australian War Memorial.

Probus members joined a tour to Canberra for Floriade and sightseeing which was organised by Crisps Coaches Warwick.

The forward journey featured an inspection of a Pecan nut farm near Moree, a visit to the Parkes radio telescope, and a leisurely stroll through the Japanese gardens in Cowra.  

Visits to Floriade, Cockington Green, Tulip Tops gardens and the national Arboretum which featured the National Bonsai exhibit, enthralled those with green fingers or a love of gardens.

Students of History and the National Capital enjoyed visits to the National Capital Exhibition where we learned about the planning and development of Canberra and the use of the natural environment in determining the location of Government and commercial centres and urban and suburban residences.

Tours of old Parliament House (now the museum of Australian Democracy) new Parliament House, Lanyon homestead and the national Museum engaged the group in events which shaped Australia and provided a better understanding of the working of parliament and the different roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate. 

At the National Art Gallery we were introduced to Blue Poles (now a national treasure) and paintings by a variety of Australian and international artists including Monet, Picasso, Frederick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan. 

The view of Canberra from the Telstra tower by night was compared with the view from Mt Ainslie over the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade, Lake Burley Griffin, old and new Parliament houses.

This led to the guided tour of the War Memorial and independent viewing of the displays. 

Other activities included a visit to the Canberra Space Station where we learned a little of the Mars mission, a morning at the Bus Depot Markets and a glass blowing exhibition and a tour of the International Embassies. 

The group was privileged to tour the residence and grounds of Yarralumla (Government House) when a rare open day was conducted to coincide with the people’s day holiday in Canberra.

Group on the lawn at Yarralumla (Government House). Betty Wells, Norma Dwan, June Banks, Caroline Hunter.

Group inspecting garden gnomes painted for competition at Floriade. Betty Wells, Dawn Locke, June Banks, Norma Dwan

Canberra Space Station. Barbara Maynard dressed or her space mission.

Australian War Memorial Gallery. June Banks with the portrait of her uncle George Lindenberg DFC

Australian War Memorial Closing ceremony. John Corcut lays a wreath.

Australian War Memorial. June Banks lays a wreath to honour her uncle Gorge Lindenberg DFC and fallen servicemen.