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PROBUS WEST

PUBLISHED  BY  PROBUS  ASSOCIATION  OF  WA  FOR  MEMBERS  IN  WESTERN  AUSTRALIA  

WELCOME  to  the  June  edition  of  Probus  West.    Thank  you  to  the  many  Probus  clubs  who  have  sent  their  stories  and  news.    Enjoy!    

VICTORIA PARK PROBUS CLUB NEWS

The accompanying photo was taken of our member and dear friend Jan Teasdale being presented with the 2016 City of Belmont Australian of the Year Award by the Mayor of Belmont Council, Phil Marks and President Alan Richardson of the Belmont RSL Sub-Branch, on the Australia Day celebrations at the local branch of the RSL.

Jan has been recognised for the effort she has put into the Sister Cities Programme since 1984 at a local, national and international level. The trophy commemorating the award is most attractive and depicts Simpson and his donkey at Gallipoli.

PROBUS  ASSOCIATION  OF  WA.  INC  (PAWA)  Annual  General  Meeting  –  Wed.  23rd  March  2016  

 

 

 

 

The  Annual  General  Meeting  of  the  Probus  Association  of    WA  (Inc)  was  held  on  Wednesday,  23rd  March  at  the  South  of  the  River  Yacht  Club  in  Applecross.    A  roll  call  of  42  clubs  was  in  attendance,  and  apologies  were  received  from  another  10  clubs.    

Elizabeth  Hardy  was   re-­‐elected  as  President   for  2016/17,  with  Darrell  Williams  continuing  as  Secretary,  and  Sandy  Clarkson  elected  to  the  position  of  Treasurer.    Rex   McKell     was   elected   1st   Vice   President,   and   Boyd   Ackland   is   the   2nd   Vice  President.     Committee  members  are:    Graeme  Brown,  Verna  Hevron,  Betty  Saw,  Marie  Bolt,   Jenny  McCaughan,    Patricia  Owens,  and  Trish  Floyd.        Barry  Tanner  will  continue  in  his  role  as  editor  of  News  and  Notes  and  Trish  Floyd  will  continue  as  editor  of  Probus  West.      

Following   the   meeting   many   Probians   enjoyed   a   finger   food   lunch   and   were  entertained   by   Barbara   Stephenson,   who   played   and   sang   songs   that   we   could  relate   to.         There   was   much   fun,   friendship   and   fellowship   –   in   all   a   very  successful  and  enjoyable  day.  

 

 

 

 

EDITOR:       TRISH  FLOYD  

MAIL  TO:       103A  STOCK  ROAD,  ATTADALE,  WA    6156  

EMAIL:       rpfloyd@westnet.com.au  

SEPTEMBER  EDITION  CLOSES  ON  15TH  AUGUST  2016  

PRIVATE  AND  CONFIDENTIAL  FOR  PROBUS  USE  ONLY  AND  NOT  TO  BE  USED  FOR  ANY  OTHER  PURPOSE  

 

 

VOL.  7    No.  2    JUNE  2016  

 

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SHOALWATER LADIES’ VISIT TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PERTH On a hot day in early February, a group of members from the Shoalwater Ladies Probus Club went to Perth to visit Government House. We travelled by train having previously decided which one to catch, ladies boarding in Mandurah and the next 3 stations so the group in the front carriage gradually increased in size. On arrival at the newly named Elizabeth Quay station we chose the shady side of the road to walk to Government House. As soon as we arrived, one of the staff took pity on us and led us to a lovely cool air-conditioned room where trays of cold drinks were laid out. It was already 40C outside. The tour lasted just over an hour, and our guide, herself a member of Lesmurdie Probus, was very knowledgeable and kept us informed and amused with her commentary and anecdotes. She began by telling us about the State Governors, as there was a formal portrait of each of them on the walls of the room we were in. In a corridor nearby, we were pleased to see informal photographs of their wives. One of the most important and beautiful rooms was the ballroom, which was refurbished a few years ago. It was easy to imagine elegantly dressed couples dancing in those surroundings. In the dining room with a huge portrait of the Queen at one end, the table was laid for 28 guests. In this room there was a heavy oak sideboard, the only item of furniture that survived from the first Government House that leaked and was infested with white ants. There were several portraits of other Kings and Queens in that room together with an enormous mirror. We all admired the sitting rooms, which looked very comfortable. Again there was a huge mirror, an open fireplace with old tiled panels, a grand piano and a lovely oval window recess looking out to the gardens. Our final stop was the main hall with its beautiful curved staircase and posts that originally held gas lamps. Nearby were luxuriously appointed ladies toilets with a small sitting room attached. Most ladies took advantage of a few minutes rest as by that time our feet were beginning to complain! Behind the staircase was a tall vividly stained glass window. The photo was taken by one of the staff and shows the guide (in pink on the left) and the Shoalwater members on the staircase that leads to the Governor’s private quarters.

 

On leaving there we walked across the road to ANZAC House where we enjoyed lunch and long cool drinks. After that we had an easy walk to the Town Hall where we were given a tour and learned a great deal about the history of the building and the convicts who built it, then it was back to the station for the next train home. It was one of the hottest days of the summer but a very enjoyable one that none of us would have wanted to miss.  

The Bridgetown Blackwood Valley club welcomed 32 Probians representing 15 clubs from around Western Australia who were enjoying the Villa Carlotta Probus Gathering Tour 2016.

It was a squeeze with 77 guests present including some prospective members for our club. We had a number of our regular members enjoying a cruise from Adelaide to Fremantle organised by immediate Past–President Barbara allowing more room for our visitors.

 

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PROBUS CLUB OF ATTADALE – ALL THE PRESIDENTS’ MEN!

There was a plethora of past Presidents to welcome the incoming incumbent Allan Perkins at his picnic at Point Walter. From the left: Andy Eberle, Denys Craig, Pat Pickersgill, Bob Tucker, Leon Watermeyer, Neville Gilbert, Allan Perkins, Ted Brown, Frank Cocks, Keith Alexander, Peter Golding and Chris Lemmon.

VICTORIA PARK’S Ted O’Callaghan turns 100 years! Edmond O’Callaghan (Ted) has been a member of Probus for over 30 years. Born at Narrogin in 1916, he was the first-born child of Irish immigrants. Schooled in Kulin and being academically bright, he went directly from year 5 to year 7. He was awarded a scholarship, which he was unable to accept, but continued his schooling at St Ildephonsis New Norcia. The Great Depression meant his education came to an end and he had to seek employment. He was fortunate to be accepted in to the Western Australian Government Railways. He met the love of his life when he was 18 and married Kathleen Dearle in 1936. Ted and Kath had a wonderful life together and became involved in community life wherever they lived. Ted was involved in Australian Rules football from 1938 in country towns. After a transfer to Perth, Ted became involved with Perth Football Club where he was Head Trainer for 21 years. Sport has always been a major part of his life. He was involved in cycling, wood chopping and rifle shooting. He is the life member of 5 different organisations. On retirement Ted and Kath had a lovely time travelling with their caravan. They loved the Australian bush and had many enjoyable trips around Australia with friends.

Ted has been with us since day one of The Probus Club of Victoria Park Inc. He has seen the club from its inception as single gender to a progressive Combined club. He is a Life Member and becomes a Centenarian this year. Ted is an inspiration to all who have the privilege of knowing him. Thank you for your interesting presentation at the hand-over Ted.

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WHY NOT VISIT GNOMESVILLE?

Recently it was stated that there is a list containing 100 places that tourists must visit in Australia. One of those 100 sites is in WA and is very unique. It consists of a massive number of about 3,000 model gnomes placed in a bush location by a large number of people. The collection is known as Gnomesville and is on the side of the road.

Prior to Gnomesville, there was a T intersection road junction on a hill and some concerned ratepayers urged the Dardanup Shire to install a roundabout for the safety of the school bus. However, when the survey pegs were installed, it resulted that an elderly couple, whose property was on the corner, would lose part of their land. Some of the community protested in support of the couple, but other ratepayers wanted the roundabout and the community became divided. A gnome was placed by an unknown person at the intersection as a protest, and then more gnomes started to appear as a silent protest. Safety won out and the offending roundabout was built. Being a country area, the residents put aside any differences, as the same people are the volunteers in many community organizations like the Bush Fire Brigade and sporting clubs. Legend now is that no one placed the gnome there but it came by itself and then attracted other gnomes.

From a humble beginning, the concept of leaving behind a gnome, or in a number of examples, a family of gnomes grew. A perusal of the site shows that donors are varied including sporting teams with gnomes wearing sporting numbers to families with named members. Memorial gnomes are there for departed family members. There are also Probus gnomes left by visiting Probians as well as Rotary and Lion Club participants.

Is it a slick tourist spot with immaculate paths and presentation? No it is certainly not one, but it is a testimonial to Australian humour of having a good laugh from simple things. If you are in the area, deviate to take in Gnomesville. All the roads are bituminised, well signposted and the scenery in winter and spring is stunning. Take along a gnome or two to leave behind.

From the nearest starting point of Dardanup, 16 km south east of Bunbury you travel south east on the Ferguson Road for 13 km before turning left onto the Wellington Mill Road for a drive through the picturesque Ferguson Valley for a further 7 km. This road then re-joins the Ferguson Road at the junction of the Wellington-Lowden Road at the once contentious roundabout and on the eastern side of the road is Gnomesville. The address is Lot 4059 Wellington Mill and a parking area is available.

Gnomesville has a website of www.gnomesville.com/facts and the Ferguson Valley Tourist Centre has a detailed history on their website of www.fergusonvalley

 YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD

Picture this – a group of Probians from COMO COMBINED CLUB out for a casual walk as they do every fortnight. Sometimes it’s sunny, sometimes not. The whole point of it is to walk, enjoy the company and the scenery. But no, walking is for old fogies, according to Past President Jennifer Rogers. Always the opportunist, she borrowed a scooter from one of the member’s grandson and scooted her way along the walk path, scaring the wits out of anyone in her way. The rest of the group had to put on an extra spurt to keep up with her, and to make sure she didn’t run anyone over. It was just as well really, because 30 minutes later there was a tremendous downpour with strong winds. We just got to the coffee shop in time.

 

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Social oldies live longer reports Frank Smith of the Mundaring Probus Club

The researchers tracked the health of 424 people for six years after they had retired, and compared them to a matched group of similar sex, age and health who carried on working. “Our participants are drawn from a nationally representative sample from the UK. We did not examine people from Australia in this research so we cannot say with certainty that they also apply in Australia. Nevertheless, we believe that the processes we investigated here are independent of people’s nationality and culture and hence that the results should also apply in Australia,” said Dr Steffens. Each participant reported the number of organisations, clubs, or societies they belonged to, and filled in questionnaires to assess their quality of life and physical health. Their quality of life was better with more social group memberships. Every group membership lost after retirement was associated with around a 10 per cent drop in quality of life score six years later. Nearly seven per cent of the retirees died in the first six years after stopping work. Unsurprisingly, the strongest predictor of death was age. However the number of group memberships was also a significant factor. If a person belonged to two groups before retirement, and kept these up over the following six years, their risk of death was two per cent, rising to five per cent if they gave up membership of one, and to 12 per cent if they gave up membership of both. The researchers also assessed whether changes in physical activity levels affected risk of death and compared this with the effect of social group membership. If a person exercised vigorously once a week before retirement, and kept up this frequency afterwards, their chance of dying over the next six years was three per cent rising to six per cent if they reduced the frequency to less than once a week, and to 11 percent if they stopped exercising altogether. The effects of physical activity on health were comparable to those associated with maintaining old group memberships and developing new ones. Some participants were members of groups, such as over fifty walkers, that have both social and exercise components. “In the present research people are provided with eight different categories of groups of which only one category also included sports clubs. Thus, in itself, exercising is unlikely to explain a significant part of the present relationships,” said Dr Steffens. He said no research had been carried out on seniors’ organisations such as Probus and over 60s clubs. “Yet, on the basis of other research with older adults in care homes, we would expect that membership in seniors only groups can be equally beneficial for people’s health,” he said. The research was published in the British Medical Journal.

Membership of social groups, such as book clubs or church groups, after retirement leads to a longer life, according to research led by Dr Nik Steffens of the University of Queensland. The more groups people belong to, in the first few years after they stop working, the lower their risk of death.

 

There was an excellent turn-out at the Probus Club of Attadale picnic at Point Walter, Perth, to welcome the new president. Allan Perkins, kneeling centre.    

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ALBANY LADIES PROBUS CLUB

   

THE Albany Ladies Probus Club had a fun induction to the 2016 committee, with a "Meet your new committee" board featuring early photos of each member.

From left: Veana Scott, President; Kath Hough, Vice-president; Erica Wilkinson, Secretary; Naomi McNamara, Treasurer; and Charmaine Hickman, newsletter editor.

Their early photos are featured in the same order on the board.

As something different members were encouraged to wear their favourite hat.

The Albany Ladies Probus Club, the oldest of six Probus clubs in Albany, Western Australia, celebrated its 30th birthday in 2015.

BOORAGOON LADIES’ AND MENS’ CLUBS COMBINE TO VISIT THE CASINO In April the Ladies' and Men's Probus Clubs of Booragoon (WA) again combined for a most enjoyable outing. 28 participants visited Crown Casino and, although I have not heard of anyone making their fortune, all declared it a first class day out. For the princely sum of $10 per head they received: Transport via their own exclusive coach; a first rate all you can eat buffet lunch in the Carvery Restaurant; and a free keno game.

 The photo shows a number of the happy trippers

relaxing at the Crown Metropol Hotel

 

 

ACCOLADES FOR OUTSTANDING LONG SERVICE At the conclusion of the 2015-16 Probus year, two Foundation and Life Members of the MEN'S PROBUS CLUB OF BOORAGOON (WA) had each completed an incredible 26 years of continuous service to the Club. During the whole of the Club's existence from inception to the present time, Ray Ranford had served as Auditor for 3 years, Vice President, President and Immediate Past President for 3 years and an outstanding 20 years as Treasurer. Over the same period, Doug Stokes had served 2 years as Club Liaison Officer and an amazing 24 years as our official smiling Welcomer greeting members and guests. It is true that our Club has been blessed over the years with many dedicated members, both up front and behind the scenes. However, such an extensive period of continuous long service, as demonstrated by these two, will take some beating. The photos shows President Paul, on behalf of a grateful club, congratulating Ray and Immediate Past President Maurie congratulating Doug on their fantastic contributions.

 

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PROBUS GATHERING TOUR – APRIL 2016

Some 32 probians from metropolitan, Kalgoorlie and Bunbury clubs have just returned from the Gathering Tour, visiting the Bridgetown Blackwood Valley and Denmark River clubs. Nada and Herbie from Villa promoted much fun, fellowship and friendship as we travelled from Perth to Albany, via Bridgetown, Walpole and Denmark in their coach.

We stopped in Mandurah for morning tea at the Estuary before continuing to the Bull and Bush Tavern in Boyanup for a hearty lunch. Our overnight stop was at the Nelson House Motel in Bridgetown, where we were comfortably housed and fed.

Day 2 saw us join the Bridgetown Blackwood Valley club for their monthly meeting. We were warmly greeted and had a most pleasant morning with them. Their meeting was most interesting; we enjoyed the music session with their member Brenda Dawes, and their guest speaker, who discussed the effect of childhood trauma on later life. Many of our group were fortunate to win a ‘door prize’. After an enormous morning tea, we surveyed the Bridgetown shops to work off the food!

During the afternoon we visited the Harvey Dickson Country Music Centre in Boyup Brook, where Harvey kept us entertained with his stories. We were amazed at his collection of music, and of the set up at his Centre. Many of us were in awe of his Dodge Phoenix sedan – what a beast!

We visited The Cidery on the outskirts of Bridgetown on our way back to Nelson House, and sampled their products.

Day 3 saw us up bright and early as we had a booking with Gary Muir of WOW to do a tour of the Walpole area in his boat. We saw the destruction caused by the bush fires in the Northcliffe/Shannon River area last summer. Gary and his tour was an experience not to miss – he kept us entertained for nearly 3 hours with the history of the Walpole Nornalup area and tales from his family and other pioneers of the area. We enjoyed also his morning tea and cake (cooked by his dad!)

After lunch we continued on to Albany, visiting the Torndirrup National Park and lookout at the Gap before settling in to the Ace Motel for the night.

Day 4 saw us join with the Denmark River Probus Club at a winery for a morning tea. We enjoyed meeting the Denmark members and learning much about their Club and the district. We were then taken back to Parryville where were sampled icecreams and pickles - recommended by Herbie as the best in the West! The beautiful blue wrens and other native birds in the area fascinated many of us.

We continued back to Albany where we had a coffee break in the town centre before visiting the National Anzac Centre. We were all allocated a person to follow and we learnt their war history. Some of us had happy experiences and others much sadder news. This Centre is well worth a visit if you should visit Albany. Dinner was at the Princess Royal Sailing Club at Little Grove before returning to the Ace Motel for the night.

We returned to Perth via the Mount Barker Police Museum – a very interesting place well worth a visit should you be in the area. Following morning tea, we continued on to Quindanning Hotel for lunch and back to Perth after a fantastic 5 days.

 

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Local author and publisher, Linda Moore, who writes under her maiden name of Linda Bettenay, was a star performer on Ladies Day the 2nd May when she entertained members of the Kingsley Probus Club with an illustrated and passionate talk.

Bettenay's topic found great resonance with this group of folk. Linda, who with husband Mike, owns and publishes the Roleystone Courier every month, says she blames her mum for her passionate interest in local historical characters and events.

'Wishes for Starlight' is her second novel and is based on real characters, with names being changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

It’s the story of a young deaf-mute Aboriginal boy who grew up in a time when our indigenous fellow-Australians were treated as though they were second-class citizens. Starlight’s story is full of intrigue, injustice, unlikely friendships and a degree of hope. The audience was also entranced by the unbelievable true story behind Linda's first book 'Secrets Mothers Keep' which occurred in Wubin and Dalwallinu.

Linda revealed how her husband Mike only recently discovered that his grandfather had been murdered and grandmother, mother and two aunts had been savagely assaulted and so unearthed a carefully kept secret that had existed in the family for over 80 years. She also explained how she had researched the story, discovering strange links across the globe, which assisted her to develop a complex, set of extraordinary characters and bring this pioneering yarn to life.

Both books contain a lot more fact than fiction, which certainly give them an edge on mere fictional characters and events. They are an eye-opening look into some dubious practices in WA history.

Her husband Mike, who is probably her greatest fan, accompanied Linda. Attendees eagerly purchased copies of both books, which were happily signed by the author.

“I was impressed with the delightful welcome. Special thanks to Bryan Lewis for arranging for me to come along, and President Ken Stafford and all of the members of this very accommodating group. Sharing the joy behind my books is a fulfilling experience,” Bettenay said.

Linda will be very happy to come back when her third novel, 'The Apple Core Wars' is published later this year. If you would like to know more about Linda's Books or for details on events or purchasing the book go to www.lindasbooks.com.au or for details on the author tours, visit her facebook page. www.facebook.com/lindasbookswa.

GREAT MORNING AT THE KINGSLEY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB

Not only was it a Ladies day with the buzz of extra energy that brings to our meetings, but our Speaker was to say the least, enthralling.

MELVILLE LADIES’ PROBUS TURNS 27

On Thursday 12th May Melville Ladies Probus Club celebrated their 27th birthday with a grand luncheon at the Glen Iris Golf Club, Jandakot. Seventy four members out of a possible 100 attended. With it being the 40th (ruby) Anniversary of Probus Australia, we used the theme of wearing something red. As you can see from the photos we all entered into the spirit for the occasion. The photos show our President Mary Golding standing with the tier of cup cakes (also with a touch of red) made by one of our members, Patricia Goodridge. The other photo shows six of our members receiving their ten year membership award with our President Mary in the centre. It was truly a very special day.  

 

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FREMANTLE PLAY BAREFOOT BOWLS

There were 23 members and friends who turned up to our annual Barefoot Bowls afternoon. After several days of rain, Social Organizers Megan and Eric pulled off a miracle with beautiful weather. We had more confidence in them than they had in themselves as they had prepared questions for a quiz night should it rain

Bowling Master Arthur presented all the prizes. VP Glen thanked Eric, Megan and Beverley for their great organization of the night, and Arthur for being Bowling Master on the night. Leon Watts is thanked for his photos

 

A significant event in the history of the Probus Club of Attadale occurred when Jack Eley became the first member to celebrate his 70th wedding anniversary. Jack married Jess at St Johns Anglican Church, Fremantle, exactly one year after he was discharged as a Royal Australian Air Force navigator following service during WW11. They had met at the age of 16 while ballroom dancing at Queens Hall, Bicton. Jack and Jess celebrated their anniversary at a family gathering. They have a son and a daughter, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Jack has been a stalwart and popular member of the Attadale Probus club, and served as archival custodian for 16 years. He and Jess still play an active part in the club’s social activities.  

 

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FREMANTLE INDUCTS ITS GUEST SPEAKER!

At 10:35am Rex Baker was inducted into the club. Whilst finishing his cuppa at 10:55 am, Rex, who in his working life was an executive mining engineer with ALCOA World Alumina (Australia), was asked to fill in for the non-appearance of the scheduled Guest Speaker. At 11:00am he was wired up with the speaker’s pack and commenced to give a most memorable presentation without notes. As the mines and refineries are within 170km of Perth, all those present (save perhaps for our two Gold Coast visitors) knew the locations and had frequently been past them.

 Rex is a superb communicator and coupled with his extensive knowledge of the facts that he was presenting, had the audience enthralled. As IP President Barry said when thanking him, it must surely be a Probus Record for the least time (20 minutes) between induction and starting to serve as the Guest Speaker. Also Barry said that Rex had anticipated taking home his new Probus Name Badge but now unexpectantly had a bottle of wine as well.

Fortunately member Arthur Marshall (OAM) previously had been a state politician and his electorate covered some of the area where Rex had worked. Arthur’s previous dealings with Rex meant that he could recommend Rex with extreme confidence. Meticulously organized Guest Speaker Officer Leon had suffered the worst fear of fellow holders of the position with the non-show of the speaker. Other organizers may quietly lay on the floor in a foetal position sucking their thumb with the shock, but Leon continued his duties.

 

Como Combined celebrates its 30th birthday As one would expect, it was all smiles and laughter when the Club celebrated its 30th birthday at the general meeting on May 16. There were balloons of course and a very big birthday cake. Well, it had to be big to make sure everybody got a piece!

 To help celebrate the occasion PAWA Vice President Rex McKell and PAWA member Jenny McCaughan were there to present a 30th Anniversary Certificate to President Terry Speers. Importantly three members of the original Ladies Club Phillipa Watson, Joan Scull and Val Wright were also present. Phillipa’s presence was especially significant, not only because she is is one of the two surviving Foundation members, but we needed her to cut the cake. The other Foundation member Barbara Fruin was unfortunately, unable to attend, but we made sure she received a slice of the birthday cake courtesy of a personal courier.  

 

Como Combined actually began as a Ladies Club in 1986 and looked after itself very nicely thank you very much without the help of men for almost 20 years. It was only when membership started to decline that the decision was made to invite men into the Club. So in 2007 it became a Combined Club and is thriving. The dual gender arrangement works perfectly. We can recommend it to anyone.  

 

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HARVEY – WE CAME, WE SAW, WE CONQUERED!

Twenty-­‐five   Probians   from   the   Victoria   Park,   Gosnells,   Thornlie   and   Melville   Combined   Probus   Clubs  travelled  to  Harvey  on  the  Australind  train  to  enjoy  the  many  sights  of  Harvey  town.  

Colin  Campbell,  Lawrie  Wilson  and  Rex  McKell  organised  a  bulk  ticket  for  the  travellers,  who  took  over  carriage  2  of  the  train.    The  Probians  met  at  the  Perth  Station  at  9.15am  ready  for  departure.        There  was  much  interaction  between  the  party  with  friendship,  joy  and  laughter  as  we  made  our  way  to  Harvey.      Much  of  the  countryside  was  so  green  and  beautiful   –   the   damage   to   Yarloop  was   seen  by  many  of  us   for   the   first   time  and  was   so  hard   to  comprehend.    We  can  only  offer  our  thoughts  to  those  who  have  lost  so  much.      

 

Graeme  Purnell  and  Enid  Whelan  from  the  Harvey  Probus  Club  met  us  at  the  station  and  presented  us  with  a  package  showing  all  the  fantastic  places  to  visit  in  the  Harvey  Shire.      They  are  sincerely  thanked  for  making  themselves  available  and  for  arranging  the  HACC  bus  and  Alan  –a  local  volunteer,  who  quickly  made  friends  with  members  of  our  party.  

We  visited  the  Internment  Centre  where  Kim  from  the  Visitor  Centre,  told  the  story  of  how  and  why  the  mainly  Italian  members  of  the  community  were  interned  during  the  war.    This  Centre  is  well  worth  a  visit  next  time  you  are  in  the  area.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Some  of  us   took   the  bus   to   the  Stirling  Gardens  Visitor  Centre,  whilst  others  decided  to  walk  –  a  pleasant  stroll  along  a  down  hill  path  leading  to  the  Centre.      Gum  nuts  covered  the  path  –  it  was  so  nice  to  be  in  the  country!  

We  explored  the  Centre  and  ate  our  lunch  in  the  gardens.    The  sun  shone  and  we   had   an   orange   or  mandarin   from   the  Orchard.         Our   bus   took   us   to   the  Harvey  Weir  where  we  admired  the  well-­‐kept  gardens,  the  Amphitheatre  and  the   huge   stoned  wall   of   the  weir.     Time   did   not   permit   completing   the  walk  along  the  top  –  perhaps  next  time?  

We  were   taken   to   the  War  Memorial   in   town   and  after   examining   it  walked  into  the  shopping  area  looking  for  a  bargain  or  two!    Some  of  us  found  a  very  pleasant   coffee   shop   opposite   the   Railway   station   and   enjoyed   our   drinks  before  sadly  making  our  way  back  to  catch  our  train  home.  

The   train   trip  went   all   too   fast   and  we   alighted   in  Perth  around  5pm  before  catching   our   bus   or   suburban   train   home.     All   in   all,   a   great   day   –   Colin,  Lawrie  and  Rex  of  Victoria  Park  Probus,  and  Graeme,  Enid,  Kim  and  Alan  of   Harvey,   are   sincerely   thanked   for   their   efforts   in  making   this   day   such   a  success.  

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Sincere thanks to the many clubs who have forwarded their interesting and varied stories to me for this issue. We invite ALL clubs to participate in Probus West.

Editor: Trish Floyd 103A Stock Road, Attadale 6156

EMAIL: rpfloyd@westnet.com.au

The closing date for the September edition is the 15th August, 2016.

FREMANTLE’S ANNUAL BARBECUE AT FREMANTLE SAILING CLUB

 

   

 

On a beautiful night and in a beautiful location at the Fremantle Sailing Club the largest number of members and guests present for some time enjoyed themselves. There were 61 on the list and 56 turned up, with 1 apology due to illness.

Vice President Glen welcomed everyone. The meal was tasty and the call went out for any wanting seconds. The background view of the moored boats was highlighted later in the evening when set against an attractive sunset. There was ample space for members to visit other tables. All appreciated the sunset.

 

ROSSMOYNE LADIES’ PROBUS CLUB CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

The Rossmoyne Ladies’ Probus Club celebrated its 30th birthday on the 30th May. Forty members and friends travelled by bus to Dwellingup and caught the Hotham Valley train. They had a delicious meal on the train as they made their way to Etmilyn, in the forest.