Grenfell Probus Club

Following the reading of the June Minutes by Secretary, Dot Fitzpatrick, the correspondence was dealt with and the Treasurer’s Report for the month of June was presented by Treasurer, Brian McDonald. Beryl Lavers won the draw for birthday of the month, after Social Secretary Rosalie White read Birthdays and Wedding anniversaries for the month.

Tourist Officer Nola Nobes reported that there are 46 participants for the 4-night trip to Broken Hill from September 23 to 27 and the remainder of the money is due at the August meeting.  A Mystery Trip has been organised for Tuesday November 13 at a cost of $80 which will include morning tea, 2 course lunch and all tours, leaving Loaders Coaches at 8 a.m. and payment is due at the October meeting. Nola’s contact number is 63432865.

Members were reminded that our Birthday Luncheon will be held on September 17 at the Country Club with payment of $30 in an envelope, please, due to be paid at the August meeting.

Jim Neill reported on the Rotary Changeover Dinner with enjoyable entertainment by students from The Henry Lawson High School.

Public Speaking Co-ordinator Jan Holland announced that arrangements are all in place for the Annual Speech Contest to be held at our August meeting.

Members were advised that Cowra Men’s Probus Club have organised a trip to Yarrawonga from October 14 to 19 at a cost of $970 and interested members may contact Brian McDonald.

After morning tea, Entertainment Officer, Sally Norrie, introduced Claire (Myers) McCann, Arts and Tourism officer based at the Grenfell Community Hub. The Hub, completed in 2009 by the Weddin Shire, has 4 areas, consisting of the Town Library, the Art Gallery, the Internet Centre and the Economic and Development Office. An accredited Visitor Information Centre was established in May 2016 which is open 7 days, for a minimum number of hours per week. For many years, volunteers provided Visitor Information at the former CWA shop.

Auburn Carr worked for many years to achieve full time status with paid staff. Provision is made for walk-in enquiries, or by social media, on line or phone. The staff manage bookings for the Hub and the grenfell.org web site.

In 2017-18 year the Visitor Information Centre recorded over 4000 visitors, not including the Lawson Festival, but did include 55 overseas visitors.  Community members are advised that free help is available to market local events.

A community volunteer database is being established which community groups can take advantage of if they need assistance. At present there are 44 volunteers assisting at the Grenfell Art Gallery which has free entry and a different range of Art Exhibitions which are planned 12 months in advance. Two interesting upcoming exhibitions are the Poppies for Remembrance Exhibition in October/November and the Grenfell Dramatic Society plan to display their extensive costume collection in 2019.

The Community Curtain is a great attraction and there are plans to provide protective covering to preserve this valuable community asset. Another huge community asset is the Internet Centre where Josh Dawes provides phone and internet repairs and maintenance and the Department of Human Services access point. The Library provides many innovative programs, especially for children.

The Weddin Mountains and the Heritage Buildings always receive good visitor comments.

Gail Smith, on behalf of the Club, thanked Claire and presented her with a small gift of appreciation.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday, August 20, at 10 am, with a Committee meeting at 9.30 am. Pam Pearce and Pat Hewen are on the Door Roster and Ann Pipe, Margaret Thorncraft, Norma McCann and Joy Holland are on the Morning Tea Roster.

Probus always welcomes expressions of interest to join us for Friendship, Fellowship and Fun and visitors are very welcome. Please contact President Coral Mitton phone 63478118.