Tours galore

18 Sep 2013

In August this year, the Probus Club of Eastern Suburbs enjoyed two very successful tours.

The tour of City Hall was a wonderful outing. Because of reduced numbers all members were on the first tour at 10:30am.

Some members went off for morning tea while they waited the start of the tour.

Most noticeable was the attention to detail in the decorating and restoration in areas back to the original grandeur of the building. 

There are too many features to mention, but to note a few spectacular characteristics: the basement excavation where there is now a specialised kitchen and catering facility for City Hall functions, the restoration of the Pipe Organ (due for completion in early 2014), and the special lighting effects of the auditorium. 

Of note the Pipe Organ is one of only two of its kind in the world, the other being in Westminster Abbey, and it contains 4300 pipes. 

From all reports, everyone who attended had a great time.

Members also visited Government House. The group was met upon arrival by one of the permanent Aide de Compes together with the volunteer guides, Bill Buhmann, the editor of Q`ld Probian magazine, and Anne. 

Moving into the Investiture room, the aide spoke about the role of the Governor, and also gave a history of the residence and buildings. 

Following a pleasant morning tea, there was a tour of the beautiful gardens and grounds and the group saw the garage housing the 1972 Rolls Royce, used only for special events. 

The house manager explained how the tables are set with great detail as all the settings had to be the same. 

If the table was being set for 24 guests it could take up to eight hours to arrange.  The lunch at the Pineapple Hotel was also enjoyable.