Sue Mansie introducesCisco and Anne

From left:  Roy Higginson (Secretary), Sue Mansie (Speaker finder), Jill Duboudin (Outings), Sue Rintoul(Welfare), Nigel George (Treasurer), Pat Pringle (Membership), Judy Alsop (President), PeterThompson (Past President), Chris Thompson (Lunches/Social) Absent: Georgie Minton (Travel) and Tony Duboudin (Newsletter)

Members recently visited Ballam Park Homestead in Frankston where members of Frankston Historical Society hosted the morning dressed in costumes of the mid 19th century when the homestead was built. The visit was followed by lunch at Fratellis restaurant, Frankston. 

Cyclists say 'Thank You' On Tuesday 27^th April the bike group held a ‘thank you’ get together for Lottie and Dennis Aylward. Dennis has been leading cycling activities for Somers Probus for many years with Lottie bringing up the rear as trusted whip.  Most of the regular cyclists were able to attend and enjoyed being together and reminiscing about some of the great rides. Just to mention a few there was South Australia in 2013 cycling the Barossa, The river Torrens into Adelaide and Victor Harbour. Some other rides that came to mind were the City Circle; Woori Yallock /Warburton; Frankston/Baxter rail trail; Williamstown/Altona; Kilkunda/Wonthaggi; Redhill rail trail; Patterson River/Jells Park; Phillip Island and Port Phillip Bay. Thank you, Lottie and Dennis for dedicated service, hard work and ever-present humour.
_{Bright at Last} From Pat Pringle We were all looking forward to getting out there and visiting regional Victoria after our postponed trip from March 2020.   Barry, with help from Di, and Bright delivered - accommodation, weather, meals and activities.  We set off in drizzle but this didn’t dampen our enthusiasm and at our coffee break in Yea we bumped into many fellow Somers travellers.  Fed and watered (but unfortunately chipless Clare B) we set off and passed lines of vehicles who were returning back after their long weekend away - so lucky to be retirees and able to holiday midweek. There are so many lovely walks around Bright and the Ovens River, coffee and lunch spots, retail therapy of course (a few ladies sporting newly purchased outfits as you do when on holiday especially), cycling along rail trails, golf and all these activities were suggested on our itinerary. We dined as a group at the Bright Brewery and the Wandi Pub - two great venues.  A visit to a fascinating Moroccan flavoured cafe in Myrtleford was also a highlight. We visited as a group the Red Stag deer farm where we had the biggest yummy scones you can imagine and the owner gave a potted and humorous history including the healing qualities of emu oil and deer horn.  We await some of our groups results with interest!  The stags, goats, emus, ostrich put on a good show especially when offered grain from a bucket.  We were warned not to bend down as that is a sign to the stag that we were challenging them.  No one tried to disprove that advice! Barry twisted the owner’s arm at Nightingales cidery into giving a tasting (promised pre-COVID but halted because of physical distancing etc) but I’m sure it increased their sales immensely!  There were many other wares and produce on offer and a wide range of apples.   A trip to Mt Buffalo was fantastic!  Amazing views, challenges on the glass floor lookout, and a look at the Chalet currently being renovated.  Attached photos will attest. Happy Hours lived up to the name in the communal Skydeck at Big4 and then we were entertained on the games night.  An hilarious and very cleverly devised trivia + noughts and crosses, frisby and bowling event.  Peter and Darryl as leaders revved their teams up and everyone had a good laugh. We will all have our own experiences of impromptu gatherings after dinner at a rotunda or other’s units but we were all aware of curfew hours even though noise levels may have exceeded limits - especially on the games night!  Cyclists and golfers will have their own stories although they might not share - what happened in Bright stays in Bright as they say! Thank you again Barry (and Di!) Looking forward to a repeat at Metung!  The Bright Photo Gallery The above photos are from Clare Baldwin The ones below are from Steph Schwarz

From left to right, Row 1. Mt Buffalo Chalet: Specctacular scenery, Mt Buffalo: A "deer" fellow Row 2. Split Rock, Mt Buffalo: Friends at the deer farm: Majestic views   Row 3 Seen by friends in Traralgon driving home And finally, these photos from Sue Mansie  Bright_photo_1.pdf
Great reminders of a fabulous trip!

The incoming President, Peter Witnish with the new committee

Peter Witnish with committee members, Vice President Sue Darcy, Treasurer Nigel George, Secretary Roy Higginson, and Committee members Pat Pringle, Georgie Minton and Sue Rintoul.  Past President Di Price. 

On a beautiful sunny autumn day a group of 8 members enjoyed the wonderful gardens hosted by two excellent guides as the group was split into two, making it an informative 90 minute tour. Thanks to Marg Harwood for her organisation.

       Pat, Jenny, Marg & Sue with their guide Jill.                   One group with their guide. 
   Clare, Clare, Peter & Chris in the Fern Gully Walk
        Jenny, Sue, Clare, Chris, Peter, Pat, Marg                                           Lotus Flower

Stephen Brown hosted the November wine Appreciation Group, with a tasting of wines from Merricks estate.  

An educational (and merry) time was had by all.

The major golfing event for the club, the competition for the Beacom Cup, was held this month. The competition is for teams of four played over nine holes. It was very well supported with eight teams competing. The winners were the team led by Barb  Plaisted with Denise Kempster, Dennis Aylward and Bill Murray. They had a great round in perfect weather and are now the worthy holders of the Beacom Cup. The putting competition was a hard fought and exciting duel with Rob Bartholomew sinking a superb hole in one on practically the last shot of the contest to win the prestigious Golden Putter. Our heartfelt thanks to Alan Harwood whose unique skill in setting handicaps, verifying scores and calculating final totals kept us all honest. Peter Cole
 

OctoberAdelaide trip A glorious gaggle of members headed to Adelaide in October.  Below are some of the photographs that passed the censor. Clearly, a great time was held by all.

 Some members of the Somers Combined Probus Group joined the Balnarring Women's Probus Group for their Silo art trip.    This very regal photo was in Boort - Nero presiding, perhaps?