Don Baillie

President's Report

Welcome to all members to this annual meeting.

Another year has passed and I am sure we can look forward to another which will be as successful as the last.  That we were successful – indeed are successful is due to our very varied program and the presenters of those programs.  Our “ENGINE ROOM” is very efficient and deliver every month.  I know that our program is well respected by other clubs as we often have new members who are visiting advising us of that fact.  We are maintaining our numbers – and I am aware other clubs are failing, so we must be doing things well.

It is usual at this point to extoll the virtues of each of those members of that engine room I am sure that many of you have enjoyed some of their efforts.  I know that you know who is running that particular activity or event that you are attending.

To remind you, and especially our new members of those programs that we offer I would now like to acknowledge each of the convenors, starting with -

Guest Speaker:  Emma Leermakers

Trip Organiser:  Malcolm Ellis

Newsletter & Calendar Editor:  Marj Martin

Bowls Manager:  Jim Mohan

Book Clubs (am & pm):  Margaret Mohan & Denise Shakeshaft

Table Tennis Captain:  Tony Minogue

Computer Expert:  Chris Jackson

Welfare Officer:  Liz Carroll

Theatre Organiser:  Sandra Baillie

Membership Officer:  George Hannaford

Music Appreciation:  Lisle Howard

Walks Leader:  Toni Pratley

Events Organiser & Past President:  Shirley Ellis

Ladies Lunches:  Helene Sharp

Table of Knowledge (Mens Lunch):  Ken Burkett

Krazy Whist and Trivia:  Mary Laverack

I would like to thank each of these members for their input to the well being of this club. I have been to many of the program offerings and have always been pleased to have been a part of the group – part of the fun.

There is of course – the “Executive” Committee – without which we would not exist.  Treasurer John Dixon, Vice President Chris Jackson, Secretary Sandy McGregor and finally President – me.  My “job” is made so easy by the members of that executive that I sometimes wonder if I am needed there?? These Committee meetings are very friendly and help is always available.  There are usually a couple of convenors at these committee meetings keeping us up to date with information that needs to be advertised to all members.

Secretary Sandy, always ready with up-to-date info from Probus Central, always ready with information that we need at meetings.

Treasurer, John, has everything at his fingertips and disburses that into either volubly or electronically.

Vice President, Chris, a veritable font of information, huge help to all Committee and members and electronically tuned in.

Guest Speaker Organiser, Emma, great job, good informative and topical presenters.

Membership Officer, George, member records, birthdates, phone lists and sometimes, jokes.

Welfare Officer, Liz, compassionate member that sends cards, converses with members that need an ear to listen.

Trips, Malcolm, usually with full complements in coach and a great time had by all concerned.

Events, Shirley, the events at the Parkview Meeting Room were well catered for and certainly different to previous efforts – very well received.

Theatre Organiser, Sandra. Many different efforts throughout the year, big variety of offerings, well done.

Our thanks must be recognized and go to our parent club – the Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club – for their ongoing support over the last years.

New Membership Officer, Pam, will, I am sure, be a very welcome member on the Committee.

On a personal note, I am pleased that the club is maintaining a reasonably stable membership and we are enjoying some new activities.

I have had a lot of fun as my time as President and as a member, even with a hiccup in the middle – as I was confident that my position was very ably filled whilst I was unable.

I will enjoy my role as past President and hope to see many members at many functions in 2025.

Sincerely

Don Baillie

2024

Past Presidents

Shirley Ellis

2023

Michael Baker

2022

Pierina Dick

2020 - 2021

Don Baillie

2019

Judith Wilson

2018