The April 2018 meeting of the Grenfell Combined Probus Club, held at Grenfell Bowling Club, was chaired by President Coral Mitton, who welcomed 64 members with 26 apologies.

Following the reading of the March Minutes by Secretary, Dot Fitzpatrick, the correspondence was dealt with and the Treasurer’s Report for the month of March was presented by Treasurer, Brian McDonald.

Barbara Bean won the draw for birthday of the month, after Social Secretary Rosalie White read Birthdays and Wedding anniversaries for the month of April. Members were reminded of the Friendship Day being held at Bathurst on May 16. Tourist Officer Nola Nobes announced a 4-night trip to Broken Hill from September 23 to 27 travelling out by train from Parkes, with the last night being spent at Mildura.

Chris Lynch reported on the Ettalong Tour with the highlights being the Hawkesbury River Postman’s Run, a visit to historic Maitland Gaol, a tour of Newcastle, a Brisbane Waters Cruise, Pelican Feeding and opportunities to catch the ferry to Palm Beach and also to see free movies, with thanks expressed to Nola and Loaders Coaches. 

After morning tea, Entertainment Officer, Gwen Clark, introduced our Guest Speaker, member, Elaine Pereira.

Elaine used a Powerpoint Presentation to tell members about the Stone the Crows Festival for Grey Nomads, held at Wagga Wagga every year over Easter and is billed as the Ultimate Over 50’s Event. With over 500 caravans and motor homes and an attendance of 1000 people, some of whom are day visitors from Wagga, the 7 day Festival differs from others in that it offers something for everybody, with an incredible variety of entertainment and activities.

These include artists such as Darren Carr and Lucky Grills, comedians and bush poets, Daddy Day Care Woodwork, Crafty Crows, Ladder Golf, Petanque and incorporates the Australian Disc Bowls Championships. There are Workshops, Talks and Seminars on all sorts of topics relevant to the over 50’s demographic and lifestyle, ranging from line dancing, ukulele and guitar tuition to how to make a CD, write poetry,  health issues and relaxation techniques.

The Festival is held on the outskirts of Wagga Wagga at the Australian Clay Target Association Grounds which includes a huge airconditioned auditorium which caters for 1000 people, built especially for this year’s Clay Target Shooting World Championships. Jenny Wells, on behalf of the Club, thanked Elaine and presented her with a small gift of appreciation.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, May 21, at 10 am, with Ron and Eunice Huckel on the Door Roster and Elaine Hocking, Jim Neill and Graham and Cherie Pattrick on the Morning Tea Roster. Probus always welcomes expressions of interest to join us for Friendship, Fellowship and Fun and visitors are always welcome.