Stafford Probus has a very active group of members and join in many activities arranged by the Activities Coordinator.
Our activities have been tours to the Back of Bourke; day tours to Toowoomba area;Brisbane river cruises; many morning teas and lunches, just to name a few.
Current activities:
Thursday 15 October, 9.30 a.m. - Barefoot bowls and Morning tea at Enoggera Bowls Club. Lunch at Cafe 63 is optional
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Recent Activities
Trivia at Gaythorne Bowls Club - September 2020
Lunch at Hornets, Carseldine, - August 2020
Picnic in the Park, Teralba Park, Everton Park - July 2020
Breakfast, Rosetta's Cafe, Stafford City - February 2020
Club Morning Tea, Gaythorne RSL - January 2020
Lord Mayor's Christmas Concert - December 2019
Club Christmas Lunch, Aspley Hornets - 19 December 2019
Some 50 plus members joined together to enjoy the end of year celebration of Christmas. On arrival, the work done by the organizing committee was evident and things were quickly under way with Ron Boxall as MC and our President, Carmela , welcoming all. The meal was very enjoyable with much talking and laughing, drowning out the music provided by our Mr Music, Arch Young (better luck next time). A bit of excitement was about when the White Elephant gift-sharing took place with just a bit of rule-breaking happening. We then found out how little we knew about Christmas carols when tasked by Joan Boxall to name carols where two lines only were given. We shamefacedly had to declare some very poor results when the list was totalled. Our thanks to everyone on the organizing committee and to all who helped make it such a lovely day. Keith Catts.
RIVER CAT TRIP FROM NORTH SHORE, HAMILTON, TO LUNCH AT THE REGATTA HOTEL - 21 NOVEMBER 2019
River City Cruises - 19 September 2019
Our cruise on "MV Neptune" departed Southbank with 29 club members already enjoying their devonshire morning tea. During the 1 1/2 hour sightseeing cruise we we entertained by informative commentary on history and various Brisbane iconic sights along the river. The spring weather was superb and judging by the level of conversation our members enjoyed the event, with some stalwarts continuing on to lunch.
NASA “A Human Adventure” Exhibit at Qld Museum - Thursday 22nd August 2019.
On 20th July 1969 Neil Armstrong stepped on to the moon with the comment that it was one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. Fifty years later our group of 28 attended the Queensland Museum to view the Exhibition which is touring the world with Brisbane the only stop in Australia. The history of space travel was covered from Buck Rogers before the 2nd World War , the first manned space flight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961, the moon landing by Apollo 11 in 1969 and subsequent space flights. The exhibit detailed the first moon landing with all aspects from the 6 stage rocket and mock-ups of the inside of the space craft and the Lunar Module which landed on the moon. One thing obvious was that the crew was not treated as first class passengers. Their area was cramped and crammed with equipment. Displays of space suits, sleeping facilities, hygiene facilities, food and eating utensils. These utensils had magnets so they did not float away. For want of a better word the food looked unappetizing. It would be one way to diet. One of our ladies said she was most interested in the food and the underwear.
The exhibit emphasized the magnitude of the achievement and how brave they were. After seeing the exhibition we adjourned to the Fox Hotel for lunch. Fortunately the lunch menu was better than the food supplied on the space craft. It was a great day.
Thanks to Linda for organizing it. Nev Langford
VISIT TO BRISBANE TRAMWAY MUSEUM AT FERNY GROVE
On Thursday, 15th August, twenty-four members were treated to a trip down memory lane. After a visit to the museum office with its comprehensive display of tram memorabilia, morning tea of scones was served by volunteer Peter under a shady tree. Then the ‘fun’ rides began with volunteers Brian as guide and conductor and Geoff as motorman.
1. Car 47. Built in 1901 in Brisbane, a ‘California’ combination car running on 600v DC, stepped down by transformer from 11,000v. Internally lit by kerosene lamps, bell cord communication (1 ding for stop, 2 for go), Car 47 was beautifully restored by apprentices at Brisbane City Council workshops after the closure of tramways in 1969. 2. Car 341. Built in 1936 in Brisbane. A drop-centre tram for easier access; licensed to carry 110 seated and standing; 2 saloon cabins, smoking at rear only; carried ¼ million passengers a year during WW2. Busiest times were major events – Ekka, race days and hospital visiting hours, 7-8 p.m.3. Car 99. Built in 1936 in Brisbane. A short wheel-based tram for use on the hilly Botanic Gardens to Gregory Terrace line. Known as “Jumping Jack”, the result of Terrace boys jumping in a group on one bogie.
4. Car 65. Built in 1921 in Brisbane. An American matchbox style, coCar 554. Car 554 was the last tram to run a regular service in Brisbane. It is one of eight Phoenix Class Trams built in 1969 on bogies salvaged from the fire that destroyed the Paddington Depot that year. Using new technology, it was the most comfortable tram - with fluorescent lights, padded seats, opening windows, sliding doors, rear vision mirrors for safety.There were lots of questions for our guide, lots of reminiscing by those who grew up in Brisbane, lots of grunting getting in and out of the older trams, but also lots of happy memories to keep from the day. Lunch at the Ferny Grove Tavern afterwards was the usual noisy affair with trams the main topic of conversation!
A big thank-you to Linda (and Brian, Geoff and Peter) for organizing the visit.
CLUB 29TH BIRTHDAY - 18TH JULY 2019
What an enjoyable lunch 47 of our members experienced at the Aspley Hornets Football & Sporting Club for our Club birthday celebration! The weather was kind to us on the day, the venue was delightful and of course, the food was absolutely delicious. Ron Boxall very capably navigated us through the day telling jokes, giving away lucky door prizes and of course, giving cheek to all and sundry. Terry Holmes kept us entertained reciting bush poetry and telling us stories about his time working outback. If you ever thought you knew about the history of Brisbane, you would have been tested by the Trivia Quizes prepared by Arch and Jan Young. Our memories were tested and showed us how little we knew but also provided lively conversation at the tables. Pass the parcel run by Joan Boxall gave members a chance to remember some of the history of the club and service provided by our longer term members. Thank you everyone who contributed to organising the event which gave much pleasure to those who attended.
LUNCH AT LITSE (Life is too short - enjoy) LOUNGE, KEPERRA
On a chilly June Thursday, 38 Probians met for lunch. Contrary to the norm, only 6 members were present by 11.30 a.m. stressing hostess Anne. Others had several circuits of Keperra and enquiries were made at the Post Office before finding the place.
The fare was well presented and delicious. As can happen, when dishes arrived some members liked their neighbour's plate more than their own & our esteemed President thought she had been diddled when she saw Del's duck! Photos verify the point that the Chicken Roulade was smaller than the duck. Michael enjoyed the Beef Short Ribs so much he shared them with his jumper. Ron consumed and enjoyed Max's prawn entree. With a choice of 2 or 3 courses plus drinks, everyone was satisfied. Thanks to Anne for organizing a very successful day.
SENIOR MOMENTS - QPAC
On Thursday afternoon, 9th May, 20 Probus members assembled at QPAC to attend the matinee performance of the comedy review ‘Senior Moments’. We all enjoyed this show immensely since the programme included a series of sketches and songs – both topical and hilarious – about old people and the young people they have to deal with. Characters in the cast were represented by performers who were old enough to know better – all making fun of the trials and tribulations of growing old disgracefully. These performers included Gold Logie winner and veteran actor John Woods ( Blue Heelers, Rafferty’s Rules), Max Gillies (The Gillies Report, Once Were Leaders), Benita Collings (Play School icon), Kim Lewis (Sons and Daughters, The Restless Years) and Russell Newman (A Country Practice, Underbelly).
MORNING TEA - CREME & CREAM COFFEE SHOP
A lovely autumn morning, 16th May, saw 37 members gather at Stafford to eat, drink, talk and eat some more. The fare was homemade delicacies – sandwiches, scones, quiches, custard treats and caramel slices. The proprietor and her helpers (one who appeared eligible to join Probus) did well to meet our various tea and coffee choices and were all extremely friendly and helpful. This was a really enjoyable and happy social outing as evidenced by the buzz of conversation.
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