2024

AMBLES REPORT:

What a great turnout we had for our November Amble. Nine lovely ladies enjoyed a very pleasant wander around Halliday Park in Mitcham, one of our favourites. The weather was a bit chilly, but the company and the chatter kept us warm and occupied. We then settled in at the picnic area for our cuppa and more chatter, where we were happy to linger longer. There was one Noisy Miner who wasn't so keen on us being there. He kept dive bombing us until Susan got up and shooed him away.

This is a very beautiful park with the most magnificant 'Oak Trees.' We are lucky to have such an area right in our backyard. The park was named after Robert Halliday, born 1880. He was an active member in th local community, noted for his talents in axemanship and foot racing. He married Florence Amelia Ireland in 1904, who was the daughter of a large and important orchard family in Mitcham. Robert was involved in the local community, becoming a Councillor in 1914 and continued on for a few years. Sadly he was killed in a car accident in 1936. In 1937 the Shire Council purchaced the land from his widow, which was developed into a Park and opened in 1938 in his memory. Upgrade and changes continue on in this lovely park.

Our next Amble is Friday, 6th December at Maranoa Gardens, and finishing at "Chez Maureen's" for our final get-together. Details will be in the November Newsletter, but please think about joining in. A very pretty park and "Chez Maureen's comes highly recommended - great food and friendly service. Thanks in anticipation Maureen.

MELBOURNE CUP DAY CELEBRATIONS:

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On a wonderful day there were 32 members who attended our Melbourne Cup Day at the Templestowe Hotel.

We had two sweeps in the Cup which were run by our President Jeff.

First Prizes of $70 were won by Judy and Coral.

Second Prizes were won by Jan and Ros.

Third Prize winners were Ralph and Loris.

All enjoyed their lunches and the 'CUP'. A good day was had by all and thanks to Jeff for organising the sweep and Susan for the seating. Thanks also to Lyn and the hard working members of our social group.

Judy

And the winner is - Knight's Choice

The Probus Lucky Winner of the day - Jean - Horse number 11 -

'KNIGHT'S CHOICE' was her lucky number and well worth a bet on the T.A.B.

SUE'S WALK REPORT:

We had nice weather on the 14th November, where 10 folk joined in for the Schwerkolt Cottage/Mullum Mullum Creek walk, Mitcham. This is a pretty area, with a few little "bumpy" bits along the way, giving us a good workout. At the end of the walk it is a short drive to Ringwood Square and the Cafe, a new one for us,"Naughty and Nice". I am pleased to announce that all our walkers kept themselves Nice!!! Not a naughty one among us. Our host,Kenny,was busy handing out Loyalty Cards to encourage us to come back. I'll go back!!!

At Schwerkolt Cottage

Our next walk is Tuesday, 26th November, meeting at Stonehouse Cafe in Warrandyte where we will enjoy our cuppa at the end of the walk.

I did mention at the Meeting that my phone had given up the ghost and found out that when your phone is not working neither is your brain. It turns out I had to get a new phone, which is working, but I still have my L plates on how to use it. At least, I am now contactable again. As for my brain, that is still a work in progress.

Pinterest - Time for a laugh

Ten Pin Bowling:

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November Bowling: Winner Game 1 - Ros, she was on a roll, not so much Game 2

Winner Game 2 - Janelle

The girls oudid the boys this week.

Well done to the girls.

Ros

Living Legends - Rest Home for Champion Horses:

On a lovely sunny Wednesday in November 10 Probus members arrived at Greenvale, near Tullarmarine Airport, to visit some retired racehorses. We joined up with a group from Doncaster Domaine Retirement Village, including Carole and Geoff Wilcox, for our tour around the paddocks to meet some of the 42 horses that are kept on the huge property.

The horses were very keen to meet us as we came bearing handfuls of pieces of carrot. A few horses were not so well-mannered as others and would give a little bite if you went too close without a handful of carrot on offer. We were pleased to meet some Melbourne Cup Champions, such as Prince of Penzance, the horse that was ridden to fame by Michelle Payne in 1915. That's the Prince getting a tentative pat from me.

Not all racehorses or trotters are put straight out to pasture. Some are given the opportunity to try other careers. Brew, for example, was being trained as a police horse, but sadly he failed when he pushed another horse up against a tram. Fortunately, the tram was stationary, but Brew was dismissed from duty. Other horses may become successful in dressage, polo, or riding club activities.

One of the larger horses we saw was Fabs Cowboy, who was at least 18 hands high, far too big for Ralph to control - see photo above.

Everyone enjoyed feeding and patting the horses.

BREW

Many of the horses are cremated and then buried in the Memorial Garden on the property. There is an unusual plot, where the owner is buried next to his champion horse, Fields of Omagh. Note the size of the owner's headstone compared with the headstone on his horse!

We completed our visit with a lunch in the historic homestead, which was originally built in 1843. The original house has not been renovated, so the painted walls and wooden ceilings are still on show. Even some of the original furniture is still on display.

It was a delightful excursion and thoroughly enjoyed by the members who made the trip.

Many thanks to Susan for arranging the outing for us.

Jan

Probus Friendship Golf day:

On an early, misty morning, Geoff, Graeme, Ralph and Jan met up at Gardiner's Run Golf Course with 65 other Probus Golf players for the annual Probus Victory Friendship Golf day. We played a team game, called Ambrose, where we all contribute and the best shots of the group are used. We were pretty happy with our game and came in 4th in the mixed division, being awarded with a ball each. There were many generous sponsors to help make our day a success and everyone was given a raffle ticket. The very generous first prize was a $2000 voucher for two people to go on a coach trip in New Zealand, and Graeme was the very lucky winner. He also won the Nearest Pin, so he really had a great day out.

I Stock

Sue's Walk Report:

On a day leading up to our walk on 26th November, we had a couple of 37' days, then 20' something with rain all morning, finally, morning of the walk, no rain, warmish but very humid. We had 14 walkers join in for what was a really pleasant walk along the riverside in Warrrandyte. And, as always, our Yarra is never disappointing: it is such pretty spot.

We were all very pleased to see the Stonehouse Cafe at the end where we could relax, chill out and enjoy a nice cuppa - tea, coffee, iced coffee, milk shakes - whatever.

Our next and last Walk for the year is Thursday, 12th December, meeting don't forget, at 10 am to be followed by Brunch at Open Dialogue Cafe, Joseph st, Blackburn North. (Mira, our hostess to be, has been going to send a menu to forward on to everyone, but I'm still waiting. I will follow her up again, and here's hoping). After our brunch, it's only a short walk back to our cars. I look forward to seeing you there.

I believe Christmas is coming. 29 days I believe. That can't be true. I enjoy berries at Christmas time, and I saw this Strawberry fun fact the other day.

The average Strawberry has roughly 200 seeds! Botantists consider these seeds to be separate pieces of fruit called 'Achenes". Just saying!

I Stock

Probus Bowls Evening:

On the very warm evening of November 29, 17 Club Members atended the Donvale Bowls Club for an opportunity to try out their bowls prowess or learn the skills of the game. Many of the bowls were scattered far and wide but some finished close to the Jack. Four teams of three persons each, and the eventual champions were Jan, Fred and Don. Prizes too for Marion and Margaret who also had good games.

A most delicious BBQ dinner was served later which rounded out a pleasant time of the usual Probus camaraderie.

Well done to Carol for organising this fun get-together.

Barbara