Probus Club of Tea Tree Gully Getaway
03 Jan 2019
26 members of the Probus Club of Tea Tree Gully drove to Port Vincent on Yorke Peninsula, some 194 kms from Adelaide to stay in cabins with sea views or caravans in the Foreshore Caravan Park run by the local council.
During the week the Club visited an Alpaca Farm where we learned the history of Alpacas in Australia and were able to view and pet a number of animals. And not to forget the lovely shop to buy items made from the fleece of the Alpaca and to view the many ribbons and trophies won by the farm.
Many members visited the Wattle Point Wind Farm, near Edithburgh on the Peninsula, which has been operating since April 2005. When it was officially opened in June of that year it was Australia's largest wind farm at 91 megawatts.
A visit to and a BBQ lunch at the Bublacowie Military Museum was a highlight for a number of members. The Museum is owned and operated by Chris Soar, a decorated veteran of conflicts in Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam, built on the grounds of the Bublacowie School. Chris lives on site in the former schoolhouse. The school itself was closed in 1943 and recently renovated into his residence. The museum keeps alive the memories of the sacrifices made by so many and helps young people learn about our military history, with its displays of medals, uniforms and memorabilia, as well as the very personal photographs and memorabilia of local servicemen and women who served their country in all major conflicts.
Not to forget a visit to the Watsacowie Brewing Company in Minlaton which has been open for just a year, and where members were welcomed and given a talk on brewing by the owner. Needless to say, almost all members purchased a paddle of four beers to sample while we played with and petted Jazz, the resident red kelpie. What a lovely way to spend an hour or so.
While in Minlaton most members visited the Harry Butler Red Devil Memorial. The memorial is dedicated to Captain Harry Butler and his famous monoplane the "Red Devil” which is housed in a glass hangar and celebrates his life and achievements. Born in Minlaton, Captain
Butler at age 26 travelled to England to join the Royal Flying Corps and within months was flying over France. He was awarded the Air Force Cross but returned to Australia after receiving a head wound in active service. He made his way back to the Yorke Peninsula with an AVRO Bi-plane and his beloved plane, the "Red Devil". On August 6th, 1919 he brought the Yorke Peninsula closer to the outside world when he flew the first airmail over water in the Southern Hemisphere.
The week’s program included lots of free time and members made use of it to enjoy walks at low tide to look for exotic sea shells and Bob, one of the members led a walk along the coast to view the geological cliffs in an area that most local people are unaware of.
Bob who also owns a ‘shack’ in the area kept members supplied with fresh fish for sandwiches and enough crabs so that all members had their fill.
In the evenings and on free time members played cards, cards, and more cards.
This was a week of Fellowship, Friendship, Fun and Food.
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