Ranges Probus elect committee
VIEW
VIEW Club president Wendy opened the March meeting with the VIEW Club pledge and grace.
She remarked that it was an extremely well attended meeting and it was a joy to see some members back who had been absent recently.
Guest speakers Gary Blackwood, Marion Richardson and Barbara O’Brien were warmly welcomed, as were new members Rosemary Perkins, Glenda Kidd and Janet Robb, who the club hope will spend many happy years as members.
Guest speaker Gary Blackwood gave an extremely interesting and informative talk on his experiences on the Kokoda Trail.
Gary has walked the Kokoda Trail 10 times, the first time being in 2003.
Gary is currently involved in a program in which year 10 students apply to walk the trail by submitting an essay on what the Kokoda Trail means to them.
Thirty students are chosen to take part in the walk. The students train to raise levels of fitness and mental strength in order to take part.
The students are also ambassadors for the trail and subsequently talk to clubs and organisations about their experiences.
Gary explained how “mateship” is now as it was then, essential to the morale of those involved in the experience and it was this “mateship” plus the native “Fuzzy Wuzzy” Angels who assisted in the survival of so many of the original diggers in such a harsh environment.
Local businesses donate funds to make it possible for the students to go on such an experience.
Gary was inspired by George Collins, now 97, who fought on the track and “opened up” to Gary about his time there.
It is heartening to know that our young people are being educated about this important part of Australian history and are willing to take part in such a gruelling exercise.
The club held a trading table at the meeting. Members supplied plants, cakes, books, cosmetics and clothes. With Lyn minding “the till”, members enthusiastically took the opportunity to purchase a “bargain”.
The next social event is on Tuesday April 11 at 10am for morning tea at the Shot House, Yarragon.
The club are very grateful to the anonymous resident of Warragul Lifestyle Village who recently gave it a $100 donation.
Social media guru Ruth was pleased to let the members know that the club’s Facebook page is now up and running and encouraged everyone one to “check it out”, advising that you don’t have to be a member to view the page.
When on Facebook just search for Warragul Evening VIEW Club for information on current activities, photos and reports on events.
If you wish to contact the club on general matters email secwarview@gmail.com or contact Ruth om 0417 316 340.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday April 5, 6.30pm for 7pm start, at the Warragul Country Club, Sutton Street, Warragul.
The guest speaker will be paramedic Alicia Drew.
Dinner bookings and apologies to Liz on 0427 934 010 or email rechsteiner@dcsi.net.au by Sunday April 2. Visitors are always welcome
Warragul Evening VIEW Club is a valued member of The Smith Family.
A very good attendance of members of the Warragul Ranges Probus Club gathered for the annual meeting recently.
The 2016-2017 president and committee were thanked by all members by acclamation.
Bob Lewis from the Warragul Rotary Club, club sponsors, chaired the meeting relating to activities that the Rotary Club of Warragul actively sponsor in our town.
The newly elected committee for 2017-2018 are President Ralph Chesterfield, immediate past president Pat McPhie.
ecretary Jan Maclean, assistant secretary Jenny Wiedermann. Treasurer is Graham March. Guest speakers Peter Myers, hospitality Val Hardy, assistant Pauline Humphreys.
Membership Jenny Neil, publicity Mavis Dye.
Trips Caryl Younger. Ferdinand, assistant Max
Welfare Lyn Schapendonk, newsletter Chris James.
Each committee and activity leader gave a very comprehensive report on their activities in the past year in the annual report.
All the activities have been well attended and participants have enjoyed their outings. Many thanks to the organisers.
As the club had extra time after the annual meeting, Max Younger regaled members with his encounter with an Eastern Grey Kangaroo at his Gilgandra property with a five iron golf club. I think the kangaroo won - it was a test of who was boss.
A few lessons from life (from the newsletter - thanks Ian).
A penny saved is obviously the results of government oversight.
One of the many things no one tells you about ageing is that it is such a nice change from being young.
The next meeting is at the Warragul Country Club on Thursday, April 27 at 10 am.