March 2024
AGM - New committee
From left: Roy Higginson (Secretary), Sue Mansie (Speaker finder), Jill Duboudin (Outings), Sue Rintoul(Welfare), Nigel George (Treasurer), Pat Pringle (Membership), Judy Alsop (President), Peter Thompson (Past President), Chris Thompson (Lunches/Social) Absent: Georgie Minton (Travel) and Tony Duboudin (Newsletter)
Visit to Ballam Park Homestead
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. 
May 2022 |
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Family History Group -Visit to the historic 'Cargo Shed' located near the Flinders Pier. The shed, built in 1870 and extensively renovated, is the only building in Flinders on the Victorian Heritage Register. A guided tour was provided by a member of the Flinders Historical Society. The impressive display of memorabilia went back to before European settlement and traces the history of the Flinders area. |
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April 2022
Anzac DayImmediate Past President Peter Witnish made a moving speech at this years commemoration of Anzac Day held at Anzac Park on the corner of Frankston/Flinders Rd and Russell St, Balnarring. |
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Garden Group - Sage Cottage, Moorooduc
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Wine Appreciation Group - Pt Leo Estate
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March 2022 AGM
Membership numbers will remain at 120 members, which is the seating capacity of the Somers Yacht Club.
Committee - 2022-2023
Peter Thompson President, Vice President Carlene Tovey, Sue darcy Past President, Treasurer Nigel George and Secretary Roy Higginson.
Committee members - Sue Rintoul (Welfare), Tony Duboudin (Speaker Finder), Judy Alsop (Newsletter) and Pat Pringle (Membership).
Georgie Minton and Jill Duboudin (Travel),
Jeremy Grant was appointed Honorary Account Reviewer and thanked for his continued support.
Barry Price was presented with Life Membership recognising his commitment over many years to Somers Probus Club
The annual membership fee was set at $45 per person, however due to the impact of Covid-19, there is a discount of $8 for current members. New members will be required to pay the full fee, plus a joining fee of $50.
February
Cyclists say 'Thank You'On Tuesday 27th 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!
2020 AGM
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.
March 2020 - Outing to the Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne
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
Barbeque lunch at Coolart
The cooks
The Lunchers
The Watcher
December - End of year Christmas lunch
Book group Christmas lunch
The Bookgroup Christmas lunch for 2019 was held at Leonie Holmgren's lovely home. Fabulous hospitality, food and drink and a very exciting year coming up in 2020! Although there is a slight possibility of bias, we all agreed that this is one of the best bookgoups ever!
November
WINE APPRECIATION GROUP
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!
2019 Beacom Cup
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
October
Adelaide 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 had by all!
September
Silo Art Trail - 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 was taken in Boort - Nero presiding, perhaps?
May Family History Group meeting
Anzac Day
President Di Price attended the Anzac Service in Balnarring and laid a wreath on behalf of our club. It was a lovely service with a wide diversity of speakers. The ceremony was opened by Matthew Keogh, Commander RAN. He introduced the Mayor of the Mornington Shire who informed us that the Park in Russell St. Balnarring has now been officially renamed Anzac Park. The song “I was Only 19” was sung and a variety of speakers followed. Mr Gordon Cameron spoke about Horn Island and the part it played in the defence of Australia in World War 2, he then introduced his father, Douglas, who is 97 and served there during the war. Two grade 6 students read out their essays about what Anzac Day means to them. They were articulate and their essays were inspiring. The Balnarring School Choir sang Advance Australia Fair. Those who served in wars were acknowledged and remembered. It was a moving service and it was great that our club could participate.
March
AGM - 2019
Diane Price was elected President for 2019-20. Committee elected were Vice President Peter Witnish, Treasurer Nigel George, Secretary Margaret Tilleard, and Committee members Pat Pringle and Georgie Minton. Past President
And its December! Celebration Time ......
Funky Dancing Breakup
The last Funky Dancing for the year and finishing with a few drinks and nibbles. Andrew George really in the Christmas Spirit.
Book Group Breakup
December book group fareweled the year with a lunch at Sue Rintoul's home. We thanked Sue for her effors as coordinator, and welcomed Leonie as the new coordinator for 2019.
Don Beacom Cup Day
The Don Beacom Golf Cup day was held at Bembridge Golf Course on Nov 23.
The winning team was Jill Duboudin. Peter Cole and Sandra Shiel. The Putting Competition for The Golden Putter was won by Patsie Coates. A great day was had by all.
Visit to the Mornington Rose Garden on November 27th
Final Finance Group meeting for 2018
After a fascinating year learning how to make and save money, we also found out how to loose it! Both teams in the Share Game finished the year having lost money, but this didn't dampen the spirits as the end of year dinner. Many thanks to the two teams leaders, Daryl Cowen and Michael Pringle.
November Food Lovers:
The visit to Pure Peninsular Honey was very interesting and enjoyable. A range of products were tasted including the Manuka Honey Cider and Honey Ice-cream cream. Sweet!
Garden Group's October Visit to Mulberry Hill
On the 24th October, the Garden Group visited Mulberry Hill, former home of Sir Daryl and Lady Joan Lindsay.
The National Trust’s webpage notes that this magnificent American Colonial style-home was built in 1926 as an extension to a pre-existing 1880s weatherboard cottage and was designed by Harold Desbrowe Annear.
Sir Daryl Lindsay was Director of the National Gallery of Victoria from 1941 to 1956, and was knighted in 1957 for his services to Australian Art. A member of the famous Lindsay family of artists, he was an accomplished painter and print maker. He also assisted in founding the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) in 1956 and was its first president.
His wife, Lady Joan Lindsay was an artist and writer, best known for her novel, Picnic at Hanging Rock. Her autobiographical novel Time without Clocks is about the Lindsay’s life together at Mulberry Hill and includes commentary about the arts and social history of the time.
The house and its contents, a collection of Australian art, Georgian furniture and glassware and Staffordshire ceramics, was bequeathed to the National Trust by Sir Daryl and Lady Joan Lindsay.
Below are a selection of photos kindly provided by Clare Baldwin and Jeremy Grant.
From left to right: The front of Mulberry Hill; The Dining Room with the original crockery and cutlery bequeathed to the National Trust by Lady Joan Lindsay; Sir Daryl Lindsay’s Studio; Lady Joan Lindsay’s Study where she wrote “Picnic at Hanging Rock"; In the Gardens after our guided tour of the house; Patsie Coates resting; Tour finished and thanks to Marg Harwood for organising the outing.
New Activities Coordinators:
New Activities coordinators: The Travel group will now be coordinated by John Copeland, ably assisted by Barry Price.
June Cowen will continue to co-ordinate activities. She will produce a calendar listing planned activities. Leaders will need to contact June or use the calendar so that we can minimize the clashing of activities and outings.
Birthday Girl:
Amongst all the birthdays celebrated in October, Di Price celebrated her birthday by running the October meeting in Stephen Teh's absence
September Football Lunch:
Chris Thompson and her band of helpers organised a fabulous footy pie lunch with a wide range of pies and pasties, great salads and well chosen wines, delivered with amazing efficiency, which was well received by all. Thanks to all involved!
Canasta Group Gathering for July
Jeremy and Jean Grant hosted the July meeting of the Canasta Group. A great time was had by all!
Food Lovers and Garden Group.
On Thursday 14th June the Garden and Food Lovers groups combined for a tour of ‘Heritage Hill’ house and garden at 66 McCrae st, Dandenong at 10.30am. This was an absolute gem, hidden in the heart of Dandenong.
After leaving the beautiful gardens we had a 10 minute walkto ‘Belletis’ Italian restaurant, where we had a fabulous lunch and a glass of wine and coffee. Belletis was also a great find on the main street in Dandenong.
Wine Appreciation.
The wine appreciation Group went to Nazaaray Estate Winery at Flinders on Wednesday 23rd May. The bus delivered everyone to the Nazaaray Estate which was established in 1997. We were greeted in the tasting room by the wine maker, Paramdeep Ghumman,who gave us a very interesting talk about the winery's history and the wine making. The wines are made in small batches and cellared on site. The grapes are handpicked and the wines are handmade. Nazaaray is Persian and it means ‘beautiful visions’ and was chosen because of the magnificent, sweeping views of the Mornington Peninsula. This is the Peninsula’s southernmost vineyard. We enjoyed a wonderful Indian feast and some lovely wines. It was a fun filled day with fabulous food, interesting wines, all capped off with an explosion of Bollywood, as seen below! Thanks to Stephen and Senga for a great day.
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Mustangs
Jenny Ferguson arranged a lunch at Merricks Store for all the Mustang owners
in the club.
She also invited her Financial adviser who is also a Mustang owner. They had a lovely lunch and were joined by a few other Probus members. A great day with lots of talk about Mustangs!
Food Lovers
On Thursday 17th May we met for lunch at ‘Café Remuce’ 2680 Frankston Flinders rd, Bittern. Eleven of us enjoyed a lovely meal organized by Karen George, thanks Karen.
March Wine tasting:
Annual General Meeting:
2018 -2019 Committee
On Wed.28th Feb. we Were supposed to visit Phillip Island via the Westernport Ferry, departing from Stony Point at 7:45 am.
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| We arrived early and liked the look of this ship! |
We then looked into the dawn sky and saw this coming towards us. |
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This was the ferry! But there was a problem, the wind was increasing, they could take us but couldn't guarantee getting us back! Lottie looks worried! |
This is the ferry leaving without us! |
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We rode to Jack's Beach and took the boardwalk towards Hastings. |
We rode through Warringine Park and we are now all smiles. |
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We needed coffee! There were boats and coffee in Hastings Marina! |
Georgie and Grahame enjoying the area. |
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| We arrived at Hastings and the wind was getting stronger. |
We made it to Tyabb. A few spots of rain and a black sky had us heading back towards Crib Point. |
Welcome to new members.
New members Claire and Peter Witnish, were inducted by Stephen Teh at the February meeting.
February Sausage Sizzle
Thanks to Pat Pringle and her band of master cooks, salad makers and the wine master who helped lubricate the sausage sizzle held at Coolart after the meeting. Rudi and Michael were fabulous cooks and provided perfectly cooked sausages. Weather was fantastic and a great time was had by all.
January Probus
On the 12th of January 2018 we had our usual Family Fun Day, commencing at 4.30 approx @ Stones Pavilion. It was a bring your own affair with lots of fun, food, bar-b-queing and the occassional glass of wine. Barry had been very busy making Kittles from wood donated by Bunnings. The game invoved throwing a stick at some set up Kittles, each with a number on it. The participant had to add up the numbers on the Kittles he or she knocked over. When they totalled 50 the person won the game. If they went over 50, they had to start again. There was lots of fun, laughter and frivolity and some peoples maths skills were tested to the limit! The overall winner was Patsie Coates, a magnificent effort, and she was presented with the golden stick award. We had a great afternoon and evening, some people missed the Aylwards but not the winners! Hopefully we will have the Aylwards back next year for another hot competition. Thank you again Barry Price for a momentous January activity, it was a huge success as usual.
Christmas Break-up.
What a wonderful time we all had at our Christmas lunch at the Yacht Club. A special thanks to all those who contributed in making this such a great event. The food from Vic was again delicious and complemented by some very nice wines.
Funky Dancing
On Thursday 21st December 16 Fabulous funky dancers had their Christmas break up dinner at Basil Blue in Hastings. We enjoyed a delicious set menu and a few bubbles.
We were all able to thank Brooke, our funky dancing instructor, for a year of fun and fitness; and Sue Mansie who made it all happen.
Panorama Garden Estate
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Food LoversOn Tues 24th October we visited the Casuarina Restaurant at Chisholm Institute, Rosebud. The cost was $25 for three courses and we had a choice of three Entrees - Crab Bisque, Tomato Gazpacho or home made Gnocchi with Kale and Cherry Tomatoes. The main course was a choice between Beef Rump Steak au Poivre, Pomme Guafrette with steamed vegetables, or Crispy Snapper Fillets on a bed of sauteed leek and srping potatoes. Both were delicious, the steak was tender and the fish was crispy and beautifully cooked. Dessert was homemade Tiramisu. The vegetables were picked in Dromana at Torello Farm. The young chefs in the making, did an amazing job, the service was good and the food delicious. |
Wine Group,Wed 11th October.
We spent a most enjoyable evening at the home of Bob and Jane Welsh discussing value for wines and sampling one or two, or perhaps more, proving that wines do not have to be overly expensive to be enjoyed.
Thanks to Jane and Bob for their hospitality.
Food Lovers Thursday 27th July
This month food lovers visited Blue Bay Cheese in Mornington for a factory tour, demonstration and shopping.
Food Lovers
On 22nd June the food lovers went to Luv a Duck in Port Melbourne for a cooking demonstration followed by lunch and wine.
Funky Dancing
Some of our members getting Funky!
Funky Dancing continues at the Somers Yacht Club from 4.30pm -5.30 pm. each Tuesday until 27th June at $10 for each session. Term 3 begins on Tues. 18th July.Payment details are in this newsletter. Wear comfortable loose clothes, nonslip footwear or bare feet and bring a bottle of water. If you have any questions you can ring Sue Mansie 5983 5298.
New Members
Our president, Sue Darcy, inducted 5 new members to our club at the June meeting. Our new members are ( from the left). Nigel George, Karen George, Peter Thompson, Chris Thompson and Robyne Campbell. We welcome them to our club and look forward to getting to know them better in the future.
Guest Speakers
Alan Costello spoke to us about Landcare. Landcare first started with a small group of farmers in a small town in central Victoria, then in 1989 the Hawke Government provided $320 million to fund the activities of the newly formed Landcare Australia and the concept has now spread overseas to 20 other countries. Individual Landcare groups are formed in local areas which share a common environment and challenges. There are 11 such groups on the Mornington Peninsula and the local groups are supported by peak bodies in each state. They operate on a “bottom-up” philosophy, starting by identifying problems regarding protecting and restoring the natural environment and are made up of local people who work together to develop and implement appropriate solutions. Grants are available from local, state and federal governments and Landcare Australia. The local group covers Balnarring, Balnarring Beach, Merricks, Merricks North, Somers and part of Red Hill. Alan then introduced Chantel Kelly who is on secondment to the local group and is working particularly on protecting indigenous fauna in high quality Merricks North bushland. Local landholders are co-operating and a grant of $27,800 has been received for pest control – mainly foxes and rabbits but also feral cats and pigs! A second drive of fox poisoning will start in July.
Alan Costello and Chantel Kelly, receiving a small token of appreciation after their very interesting talk.
If you are interested in joining the Land Care group click on the following link or ring:
Alan Costello
President
Merricks Coolart Catchment Landcare Group
0412 549994
Outings.
On Wednesday the 7th of June, 10 members gathered at Stones Pavillion to car pool to Frankston. We parked at the station and boarded the train to Melbourne. We met 5 more of our group outside the National Gallery of Victoria and went in to see the “Van Gogh and the Seasons “ Exhibition. We all enjoyed it immensley and would recommend it to other Probus members, the exhibition finishes the 9th of July. After a delightful lunch at the Chocolate Buddha, in Federation Square, we returned to Somers. Thanks John for organizing and Barry for taking the activity.
Meet and Greet at the tennis club rooms on Sunday 21st May.
A meet and greet session was held for our recent new members as well as Activity Leaders. Activities and ideas for potential new ones were discussed . Drinks and nibbles were supplied by the club.
Wine Group, MAY 3, 2017 at 11.15 am. 166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North.
The wine group enjoyed a wonderful wine tasting at The Jackolope - Willow Creek Winery and lunch at the Rare Hare Restaurant. We were given a very informative talk by the wine maker before we headed into the restaurant for a 4 course lunch and a lovely glass of wine. This function was very well attended and I think enjoyed by all. Thanks Rob for some great organization.
Trip to Echuca 23rd to 25th April.
We set off from Somers in two small buses very early on Sunday morning on 23rd of April. We arrived at the Southern Cross Station in plenty of time to get a coffee before boarding the train.
We arrived in Echuca around 1pm and loaded our luggage into the small bus organized by our fearless leader John. We then set out to find some lunch. After lunch we met at the Old Police Station Museum and had a very informative guided walk around the area.
We stayed at The Settlement Inn Motel which was within walking distance of the Port area, where we spent most of our time. We settled in there and then enjoyed a “Happy Hour “ together.
On Sunday night we had a great dinner at The Rich River Golf Club.
On Monday after breakfast we met at the Discovery Centre and we were taken on a conducted tour of the Port where we learnt how important the river system was to the development of Australia.
We then took a bus out to the Heritage and Beer Museum where we spent a few very interesting hours.
After lunch we met at the Museum at the Old Police Station and spent some time exploring the history of the area.
We made our way back to the motel in time to have a happy hour and then get ready for the evening.
That night we went on a Dinner cruise /light show on the P.S. Pride of the Murray. The river certainly is different at night and the light show was very entertaining.
On Tuesday morning we had the opportunity to go to the dawn Anzac service but as it was raining heavily only 4 people attended. We then packed up and headed for the station.
It was a fantastic trip, well organized by John and supported by our other group leader Barry.
Thanks for a wonderful trip.
The Cycling Group of the Somers Combined PROBUS Club, March Activity.
We drove to Williamstown on Wednesday the 29th of March, 2017. Seven participants in 2 cars. We arrived at Williamstown Beach and were met by 2 local cyclists, who led our group along the Hobson Bay cycling and pedestrian pathway, through the coastal haven of the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary and passed the TRUGANIA Explosive Reserve, which was in active use from 1901 to 1962 and is now a Public Reserve.
After a short detour up the Hobson Bay Hill, we experienced great views of the City and Hobson Bay, prior to lunch at the Waterstone Restaurant at Sanctuary Lakes. Due to time restraints, to miss peak hour traffic, we returned by the same route, completing a cycle of 42 kilometres . A special thanks to our local guides Geoff and Barbara, a great day despite the wind.
Written by the organizers,
Dennis and Lottie.
Food Lovers.
On Mon. 27th March we met at the Stone Pavilion to car pool to Sorrento for lunch at The Baths. The restaurant was light and airy with beautiful view of the water, we watched the Sorrento Ferry come and go and all the other water activities. The food was deliciuos. Thanks to our organizers Sue and Barb for a lovely outing. We look forward to our new leaders, Jenny and Margaret, taking us on more food aventures.
March. AGM and New Committee.
Introducing our new president, Sue Darcy, pictured with our immediate past president, Peter Cole.
The 2017-18 Committee (Peter Cole, Steph, June, John, Jill, Sue, Adrian and Steven (Sue Mansie and Peter Darcy were absent).
HASTINGS POLICE SENIOR CITIZENS REGISTER
Vivienne and Kerry, volunteers representing the Hastings Police Senior Citizens Register gave a very interesting presentation. This organisation is separate from, but sponsored by the Hastings Police and is run by 40 volunteers, and its aim is to promote confident and secure living for senior citizens.
As part of the Senior Citizens Registrartion in Hastings each client is provided with an ID card which contains their name and identity number, as recorded on a secure computer data base at Hastings Police Station. This enables police and other emergency services to obtain the personal information of a client, should such information be required in an emergency. Where appropriate, regular phone calls are made to check members are OK. They will also check on your property if you let them know you are going to be away. Members were encouraged to enrol.
Cycling in February
The cycling enthusiasts rode from McCrae to Blairgowrie on Wednesday, 22nd February. The weather was perfect with dappled sunlight shining through the trees along the foreshore track. There was a coffee stop at Rosebud West and a brief visit to the site of the limestone kiln followed by lunch and a little shopping at Blairgowrie before heading back. Daryl only managed to ride to and from Rosebud West due to equipment malfunction.
Fabulous Funky Dancing
Funky dancing has taken off in a big way. The first two sessions at the yacht club were well attended. Funky dancing involves lots of movement to music, lots of laughs and plenty of valuable physical and mental exercise. Efficiently organised by Sue Mansie and presented by Brooke funky dancing is well worth attending.
February Walking Group
This month Marg Howard took the walking group from Balnarring Beach to Merricks. This is a lovely treed path with regular views of the sea.
January Games Night
Each January, Barry Price organizes a family barbecue and activities night. This year it was held on Friday 13th January starting at 5pm at the Stone Pavilion. Quoits was the activity chosen for this year, followed by a BYO BBQ or Picnic.
All members and their families are welcome. A number of people took advantage of the time to have a great social evening, meeting up with friends. The victors were again from the Aylward troupe (pictured) with the runners up being the Tansleys. Thank you to all members who participated. Next Year ?????( Possibly hookey).
More photos in the Newsletter.
Food Lovers
Barbara Schwarz, Sue Rintoul.
On Thurs. Nov. 24th the food group lunched at Volpino Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Mt Martha.
GARDENMarg Harwood |
BUSH WALKINGMarg Howard |
PHOTOGRAPHYGlenda CulleySteph Schwarz |
These three groups combined for a visit to the Cranbourne Botanic Garden on Wed. Nov. 16th. They met at 9am at the Stone Pavilion to car pool. They had a choice of a guided walk (cost $6.90) or the Hop On Hop- Off bus ($8) or doing their own thing (free). Theymet together for a very enjoyable lunch at the cafe.
CYCLING: Wednesday 23rd November
The Probus cyclists enjoyed a morning ride to Hastings Marina with a brief stop at Crib Point for coffee on the way.
After a long leisurely lunch we emerged to RAIN. Here we are overlooking the marina in our wet weather gear ready to make a soggy dash for home.
Photos and thumb courtesy of Daryl Cowen.
GOLF: Friday 18th November
Bembridge Golf Club
Picture of the two winners with organiser Peter Watkin
Jill Dubodin receiving the Don Beacom Trophy …..as overall winner
Adrian Ross receiving the Golden Putter ( Least Putts on the Day)
And
Players and Guests
Garden Group.
On Wed. October 19th Marg Harwood booked a visit and tour of The Garden Vineyard Winery in Graydens Rd. The gardens were magnificent and the morning tea they provided was stupendous! The sponges cakes were fabulous and the cheeses and sough dough bread ( made by a local winemaker, sliced very thinly and crisped with olive oil) combined beautifully.
4 DAY WANGARATTA TOUR.
On Sunday the 9th of October we set off on a large bus to tour North East Victoria. We headed north along the Hume Highway to Benalla, where we stopped for lunch, visited the Rose Gardens and viewed the Edward "Weary" Dunlop statue. We then visited the Milawa Cheese Company, located in the historic Murray Goulburn Butter Factory, for a tasting. Our visit to Milawa also includes a visit to EV Olives where we enjoyed a talk about the produce, a walk in the olive grove and a chance to sample the olives, oils and tapenades. We also viewed the very high water level of the creek behind the property.
On day 2 we headed over to Beechworth with a stop along the way at the tiny village of Eldorado to take a look at the only remaining gold dredge in Australia which is still moored in the creek. In Beechworth we were joined by our locally based guide who showed us around this imposing historical town, with many landmarks of the gold rush era still surviving. We then headed over to Bright and Wandiligong. In the afternoon we travel through to Myrtleford, with a stop along the way at the little township of Eurobin to visit the Red Stag Deer Farm for afternoon tea where they served the biggest scones I have ever seen!. The farm was established in 1987 as a commercial Deer Farm. It is situated on a 375 acre property, bordering the Mt Buffalo National Park, it was quite amazing. In Myrtleford we visited the Myrtleford Museum which was very interesting.
On day 3 we visited Corowa, the small town on the New South Wales side of the Murray River. We stopped in at the Federation Museum to see the collection of material relating to the Federation of Australia and the part Corowa played in its development. Following our tour we headed to Yarrawonga where we joined the Paradise Queen for more scones, jam and cream and a cruise on Lake Mulwala. We lunched in Yarrawonga and the headed to Rutherglen where we stopped at Reaissance Chocolates where we had afternoon tea ( and more scones!). The chocolate was handmade and very delicious.
On day 4 we headed home travelling through the historic Mitchell Shire to Nagambie, the ‘geographical heart” of Victoria. The town is home to legendary race horse Black Caviar and we viewed a full-size statue of the racehorse. From there we headed to Seymour where we visited the Vietnamese War Memorial. A great time was had by all, thanks to John and Daryl for their organization.
Photos by Steph Schwarz (and a couple from Jeremy Grant and Diane Price).
Welcome
To our newest members: Diane and Alan Costello and Jayne Morris.
Wine Appreciation Group.
Nazaaray Winery - Wine appreciation group lunch on 13th July. A most inclement start to the day but the sun was shining at the Flinders winery- Nazaaray- owned and managed by a wonderful Sikh family, Nirmal and Paramdeep Ghumman.The hospitality of the family.......the generosity of the wine tasting.....the quality of the wines.....the excellent presentation by Nirmal.....the magnificent array of Northern Indian style curries and freshly baked nam bread.....the dancing of the merry Proberians after the meal and the excellent bus trip back to Somers. Wow.
Cycling group.
Cycling activity for Wednesday 27 April was the Woori Yallock to Warburton rail trail.
The group drove to Woori Yallock and then cycled the rail trail to Warburton where they enjoyed lunch and then returned to Woori Yallock. Total distance of the ride was 34 km.
The D and C Group.
AKA: The Dog and Coffee Group. Met for the first time with four dogs in attendance,Satchmo, Gem, Duncan and Zoe. A great time was had by all the dogs and their owners, who also enjoyed coffe in the General Store at Somers.
Wine Group.
A very enjoyable wine lovers afternoon and a tasting of some unusual varieties at Vale winery, Balnarring.
Visit to Heronswood by the Garden Group.
On Wednesday 20 April the garden group visitied Heronswood in Dromana for morning tea followed by a guided tour. Beautiful gardens!
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