PROBUS CLUB OF NEWCASTLE INC.
NEWSLETTER
80.
P.O. BOX 597 The Junction NSW 2291
Website:www.newcastleprobus.org
President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Social Activities:
Frank Rice
Rob Fraser
Tony Hughes
Ross Cox
0418 611 195
4961 3957
4963 2643
4969 4514
26th May 2015
Editor:
Vol.25 No.2
Geoff Peterkin
4928 1811
TODAY’S PROGRAM
9.30am
Opening
Committee Reports
9.45am
Autobiography
Keith Hole
10.00am
Morning Tea
10.30am
Guest Speaker
11.30am
Close
Susannah Lynch-Vaughan - “Communication in the
Digital Age: How Social Media is Changing the Way we Relate”
President’s Report
by Frank Rice
I want to thank Vincent O’Brien, Bill Swan and Jim Treadwell for their contributions to
our ANZAC Day service at last month’s meeting. I was particularly pleased that all
aspects of the service were undertaken by members of our club.
Our guest speaker Air Commodore (Ret.) Rick Owen gave us a particularly interesting talk
about the Australian Airforce’s involvement in the war against ISIS, even though, for a
while we were all wondering about the connection between men’s health, Okra and the
war on ISIS. Once again thanks to Dave Leach for his many contacts within the RAAF.
As I write this report I have just returned from a very interesting and informative tour of
the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure site at Kooragang Island. We were warmly welcomed
and given tea and coffee prior to a comprehensive slide presentation and discussion about
NCI and its operation at Kooragang. Many questions were asked and answered. This was
followed by a car tour of their operation. Unfortunately we only had 5 people attend, but
those who did had a great morning. Thanks to Ross Cox for organising it, and our
particular thanks to NCI for the time and effort in showing us around.
June 18 will see us returning to Kooragang Island, this time for a tour of the Orica plant
which follows on from the talk given to us last year by Greg Holmes from Orica. Please
remember to wear the appropriate clothing and footwear (specified in the newsletter), as
with all industrial sites the safety of visitors is a major concern.
Newcastle Probus Club Newsletter Vol. 25 No 2
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The club’s website (www.newcastleprobus.org) now includes a bowls page which will
provide information on the upcoming programme for those interested in playing bowls. I
understand that Dallas is looking for additional people so that we can field a couple of
teams at future games. If you are, or might be interested in joining the bowls group, could
you please contact Dallas and give it a go. I am sure you will have a great time.
Guest Speakers
by Keith Lynch
June: Glenn Turner - “Pilgrim Walk Canterbury to Rome”.
July: Nick Kaiser – “Effects of Super Storm in Hunter Water Operations”.
Social Activities
by Ross Cox
Thursday June 18: Site Visit to Orica Plant, Kooragang Island. Starting 10.00 am at Orica
office 15 Greenleaf Rd., Kooragang Island.
Heading towards Stockton, Veer Left at the off ramp before Stockton Bridge. Then Turn
Right into Greenleaf Rd and proceed about 1 Km. Visitor parking is available at the
entrance, sign-posted 'Orica Kooragang Island Gate 1' (the street number is not marked).
Please wear comfortable socks and flat enclosed shoes (steel caps if you have them), long
sleeves and long trousers. Orica can provide any other personal protection equipment that
is required (including steel capped shoes). Note: Photography is not permitted.
Friday July 24: Ladies Luncheon. See details elsewhere in the Newsletter
Sunday 16 – Friday 21 August: Coach Trip to Goulburn & Environs in conjunction with
Merewether Ladies Probus. Deposits have now been paid. Next, a progressive payment of
50% of the remaining balance is due by end of May. Then final payment at July meeting.
Bowls
by Dallas Jones
Since my April report we have managed to have one game, that being Shortland's day at
New Lambton Bowling Club (wests). Our team of Kevin Harris, Oscar Westbury and
yours truly had a mixed day losing our first game 15-13 (coming from 14-6 down) and
winning our second game 13-11 (coming from 7-3 down). We were not disgraced and
Oscar was the star of our team once again. The Maitland North game was postponed from
the 27 April, due to the weather, until the 18th May. Enjoy your bowls at all times.
Upcoming Fixtures:
•
•
Teralba
Singleton
6th July
20th July
• Charlestown
27th July
Members Care
by Derek Moylan
Please advise me of any new and recent health status and update reports which come to
your notice on phone 4948 6932.
Newcastle Probus Club Newsletter Vol. 25 No 2
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Special Interests
by Kevin Harris
June: Saxon White – “The Truth about Captain Cook” - a (humorous but serious) story.
LBW – “Lder Blokes Walk”
by David Locker (Ph. 4953 6147 [email protected] )
LBW is still going strong with up to 14 “Old Blokes” walking.
For the benefit of “New Recruits” we publish details of where and when:
All walks commence on a Tuesday at 9.30am sharp.
● 1st Tuesday in the month – Fishermen’s Coop, Hannell Street, Wickham. ● 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays – Kotara, Grindinghalt Cafe car park behind Domayne. ● 4th Tuesday ‐ Club meeting instead of walking. ● 5th Tuesday – The next one will be 30th June. A “Mystery Walk“ so watch this space for details!
Ladies Luncheon – Club Macquarie, Friday, 24th July 2015
On this Ladies Day we return to an old favourite, Club Macquarie, Lake
Road, Argenton. Arrival time is 11.00am for tea/coffee. Our guest speaker is
scheduled to address us at 11.30am. The cost is still only $40 per head for a
two course meal with tea/coffee on arrival and following the meal.
This is a special luncheon for our Ladies.
Our Ladies support the Club so well throughout the year and on this
occasion we have some extra treats in mind for them. Once again we will be
able to enjoy an interesting and entertaining guest speaker.
Make your booking with Rob Fraser today or by phone on 4961 3957.
Cheques to be made payable to Newcastle Probus Club
Rob’s mailing address is 254 Parkway Ave Hamilton East 2303.
Future Luncheons:
Christmas Luncheon, Friday 27th November, Sixteen Foot Sailing Club, Belmont.
Money Matters:
When paying by electronic transfer please use our banking details:
BSB: 650 000 A/c Number: 43213300
Important Note: When paying for any purpose at a meeting, by cash or cheque, would you
please use an envelope (available at the door) and write your name, what the payment is for,
and the amount, on the outside.
Newcastle Probus Club Newsletter Vol. 25 No 2
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TRIBUTE: ALWYN DRUCE (ON 1947)
[The ON 1947 means "OLD NEWINGTONIAN" - he finished school in 1947]
Frederick Alwyn Druce passed away on 14 January 2015. Alwyn entered Newington
College in 1944 and, as his valete entry in The Newingtonian put it, ‘was always a popular
figure in all spheres of school activities.’
He served as a Probationer Prefect in 1946 and
as a Prefect in 1947. He was a keen Cadet,
serving as Company Sergeant Major (the
Senior NCO post in the Corps) in his final year
at school.
Alwyn made his mark at Newington as a true
all round sportsman. He rowed in the 1st IV in
his first year at Newington and in the 1st VIII
in the remaining three years. In 1947 he served
as Captain of Boats and rowed as stroke when
his crew won the Major Rennie Trophy at the Head of the River in record time and for
only the second time in Newington's history.
He played in the 1st XV in 1946 and 1947 and was selected for the Combined GPS 3rd
XV. He shot in the 1st Rifle team in the same two years, took part in Athletics
competitions and was a member of the Gym Squad.
In adult life, Alwyn was a highly successful chartered accountant, practising in Sydney,
Wollongong, Canberra and Newcastle. He remained a keen sportsman, particularly in
Rowing. He was an active supporter of community organisations and causes.
Among many roles, he served as Treasurer of the Hunter Region of the Scouts for 30 years
and as Chairman of the Hunter Area Health Service and the Newcastle Regional Disaster
Relief Fund. His long service to the community was recognised with a Medal of the Order
of Australia (OAM) in 1992.
Alwyn remained connected to Newington throughout his life. He was a Life Member of
the ONU and, in his latter years, a keen member of the 70 Club. In 1973 his sons Malcolm
(ON 1975) and Philip (ON 1978) entered the College. Alwyn served on the College
Council from 1983 - 2003. In 2013 he became a member of the Founders Society, the
College's Bequest group.
In acknowledging Alwyn's passing, Newington College gives thanks for his lifelong
friendship and support.
_ _ _ Article Courtesy Bruce Ward
The next Ordinary Meeting of the Newcastle Probus Club will be held in the ‘Pavilion’,
NJC Broadmeadow Racecourse, at 9.30am on Tuesday 23rd June 2015.
Newcastle Probus Club Newsletter Vol. 25 No 2
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