ANNUAL PROGRAM – 2023 – 2024
To view the annual program of events and functions for The Probus Club of North Balwyn Inc. A0016781Z
– select the following link.
PCNB All 2024 Meetings and Functions 13 Dec Rev 2
Functions, Day Trips & Theatre
Functions: – Convener Richard Heal develops & instigates interesting day trip outings throughout the year.
The following functions have been organized as follows: –
Stay tuned for new functions and activities for 2024 to be advised in our newsletter.
SIG Convenors Christmas Breakup:
BBQ at Ruffey Park Lake on 26th November 10am – 2.00pm, hopefully the weather will be in our favour this year, sheltered cover with three designated BBQ’s available with Toilet facilities a very short walk away.
This year event will not be funded by the SIG’s it is BYO picnic lunch, drinks. All members and Associates are invited to attend providing lots of fellowship and laughter.
Christmas Lunch and 40-year Celebrations:
Christmas Lunch
It will be held at the Kew Golf Club 120 Belford Road Kew East Victoria 3102 on Tuesday 17th December. Further Details will be provided as details are finalised See the newsletter closer to the day.
Trips & Excursions:
The following event has been organised by Nino Xerri please contact him if you are interested.
Echuca Excursion:
The PCNB is organizing an excursion to Echuca on the 22nd – 25th October it will be a 3 Night stay (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday checking out on Friday at the Georgian Motor Lodge: 373-375 High Street Echuca, Cost of accommodation for 3 Nights is a total of $525.00 ($175.00 per night)
The property serves a continental/full breakfast. costing between $4.00 -$26.00 per day, room service, Kitchenette facilities available.
Website: georgian motorlodge .com.au
Echuca is approx. 2.5 hours’ drive from Balwyn North.
To View a map of Country Victoria
DAY 1. TUESDAY : 22/10/24
Drive to Heathcote (approx.124kms, 1.5hrs) and meet at Gaffney’s Bakery; 63-65 High St., Heathcote at 10.30am (03 5433 3199) http://www.gaffneysbakery.com.au
After morning tea at Gaffney’s leave at approx. 11.30am
Drive to Colbinabbin (41kms) arriving at 12.00pm for visitation and photographing local silos for 30 minutes.
Drive to Rochester (34kms) arriving at 1.00pm for lunch at Rochester Bakery: 46 Moore St. Rochester (03 5484 1881:) www.facebook.com/RochesterBakery
Photograph local silos (across the road) and murals (short walk).
Drive to Echuca (30kms) arriving between 3-4pm to register and relax.
Meet in Courtyard at 6.45pm for 7.00pm dinner at The American Hotel: 239 Hare St. Echuca (closes at 10.00pm) so plenty of time whoever wants to stay and soak in the atmosphere. (03 5480 0969) www.americanhotelechuca.com.au
DAY 2. WEDNESDAY : 23/10/24
After breakfast meet in the courtyard at 9.00am for a short walk to the historic Port of Echuca and stroll along their “Main Street” : Murray Esplanade
Options: a/- Wine Tasting at St. Anne’s Winery: 53 Murray Esplanade, Echuca. (03 5480 6955)
www.stanneswinery.com.au/cellar-doors/echuca
b/- 1 hour Murray River Cruise aboard the PS Canberra ($33.00 pp) at 11.30am. Tea & Coffee are available for purchase. (03 5482 5244) www.murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au
c/-Visit Echuca Historical Society Museum: 1 Dickson St. Echuca ($6.00pp) Open 10-2pm (03 5480 1325)
Echuca historical society.
www.echucahistoricalsociety.org.au
Lunch at Beechworth Bakery: 513 High St. Echuca. (1300 233 784: www.beechworthbakery.com.au
Rest of afternoon at leisure exploring shops and other interesting places in Echuca.
Meet in Courtyard at 6.45pm for 7.00pm dinner at The Caledonian Hotel: 110 Hare St., Echuca (03 5482 2100)
www.thecal.com.au
DAY 3. THURSDAY : 24/10/24
After breakfast meet at 9.00am in the Courtyard
Day to do “your own thing”
Options: revisit places in Echuca from yesterday.
Or a 19-minute drive to the picturesque township of Tongala to view and photograph the 30 murals detailing the history of Tongala. Stroll down the tree lined streets and visit boutique shops (ladies)
Meet for lunch at Tongala Bakery: 90 Mangan St., Tongala at 1.00pm to relax and chat about the day’s adventures. (0480 555 295) www.facebook.com/people/tongalabakery
Drive back to Echuca at your convenience and a bit of a rest.
Meet at 6.00pm in the Courtyard for a Shuttle Bus trip to Rich River Country Club in Moama. Cameras/iPhones/androids etc., are recommended. (03 5481 333)
www.richriver.com.au
DAY 4. FRIDAY : 25/10/24
After breakfast meet at 9.00am for a 10.00am checkout.
On our way home we will be visiting the iconic Silo Art Trail. Australia’s largest Outdoor Art Gallery, which links many towns of the Wimmera/Mallee Region.
Richard Heal (who has experienced this trip before) will be our guide to take us home. We will be stopping at Benalla for a windup lunch at Munro & Sargeant Café: 2 Bridge St., Benella (03 5762 3777)
www.Benallaartgallery.com.au/cafe.
Members who do not want to participate are free to make their own way home.
Bookings are required to be notified to Nino Xerri by the 31st of July 2024
Come and enjoy the relaxed adventure and fellowship with all the members.
Dates for your Diary for 2024
Richard Heal is organizing a Christmas Lunch on 17th December, watch for updates in future newsletters for more information.
Denis Spinley is investigating new Theatre events information to be provided in the early course.
SIG Convenors annual Christmas BBQ/Picinic is on 26th November at Ruffey Lake Park.
Theatre Events: – Convener Denis Spinley organises interesting theatre events and cinema events throughout the year.
The following Theatre & Cinema Events were organized for 2022 -2023.
Moulin Rouge! – The Musical! – playing at the REGENT THEATRE 191 Collins Street
Melbourne, 3000, Matinee 15th November @ 1pm, members enjoyed the jukebox musical with a book by John Logan.
Members attending the matinee of Moulin Rouge
Website: https://moulinrougemusical.com/australia
New events are in the planning stage stay tuned once a Theatre event has been organised.
Cinema Events: – Denis Spinley convenor will organise events of interest during the year.
Palace Cinema Balwyn – for Seniors
Tickets are $10.00pp for Seniors or $8.00 for members of the Golden Club.
Complimentary Morning Tea on the session before 12pm every Wednesday
Morning Tea includes a mini-sweet with a self-service tea and coffee station
Golden Years screenings every Wednesday at 11am
Tickets: $8 Golden Club Member, $10 Senior Ticket
Movies: –
- 2nd October – A Difficult Year
- 9th October – The Critic
- 16th October- Ghostlight
- 23rd October – From Hilde, with Love
- 30th October – Lee
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
The following Special Interest Groups (SIG’S) meetings will be held at Balwyn North Uniting Church, Duggan Street, Balwyn North (Melway MAP Ref. 46 F3). Anyone is encouraged to join us and will be made welcome, please contact one of the conveners for more information. Currently the SIGs are meeting face to face.
Computer Group: – Convener: Rodney Manser – meets on the Fourth Tuesday in the month.
Meetings commence at 10.00 am with a small contribution to offset morning tea & site fees. These meetings cover various interesting topics including hardware, software items and video presentation of technology updates. Website updates and data sharing are discussed to update content.
Heritage/ Genealogy Group: – Convener: Graydon Findlay – to recommence meetings at Balwyn Library Room 2 @10 .00 am till 11.30am on the second Monday in the month.
Through talks and discussions at meetings and by visiting relevant interesting venues, the group helps members develop skills to research and record their family history and to learn about places that have significant heritage values.
Investment Group: – Conveners: Harold Ball, Denis Spinley – meets on the Second Thursday in the month.
Diverse topics are discussed on world activities affecting the global share markets.
How covid pandemic and the unrest in European conflicts have influenced these markets throughout the world.
Photography /Travel Group: – Convener: Nino Xerri – meets on the Third Tuesday in the month.
Meetings commence at 10.00 am, with a small contribution to offset morning tea & site fees. Photographic challenges covering assorted topics & Travel expeditions with submissions from the members. Outside visits are scheduled from time-to-time presenting members challenges on a specific topic. Guest speakers covering Travel interests are invited.
The following Special Interest Groups (SIG’S) meet at various locations as indicated in each group.
Dine Out: – Conveners Gerald King, Bruce Mcinerney on rotating basis.
Dinners are held at conveniently located hotels and social clubs on the third Wednesday in the month, starting at 6.00pm. Wives, partners, and friends are always welcome.
Golf: – Convener Bruce Mcinerney
The once-a-year golf tournament for the Probus Club have been held at the Freeway Golf Course starting at 10am. A trophy will be presented to the winning player. Players interested in competing in this tournament please contact Bruce Mcinerney for the next event for 2024.
Walking Group: – Convener: Richard Heal – meets on the Third Friday of the month.
Meetings commence at 10.30 am. Various walks are organized within the district meeting at a designated starting point. Lunch being organized at a local café within proximity. New walkers are most welcome to join the group.
North Balwyn Probus Club Ladies Group: – Convenors Robyn Heal, 0408 526 342, Margaret Lanz 0414 295 550, & Sandy Muir-Smith 0418 128 958.
The Ladies group has been recently formed for the members partners who meet at various locations for chat and friendship.
The next function will be on Wednesday October 9th at the Beasley’s Nursery and Tea House in Warrandyte meeting for lunch at 11.45am.
Location: 195 Heidelberg – Warrandyte Road, Warrandyte.
Please contact one of the convenors to advise your intention to attend.
Woodcraft: – Convener: Don Macdonald – meets on the First Monday in the month.
Meetings commence from 9.00 am until noon. Held at Woodcraft Manningham off Foote Street Templestowe (Melway Map Ref 33 E5) at Templestowe Village State School Building—near RSL. There are 1st class woodcraft facilities with an efficient exhaust duct system and modern safe equipment. Any member with an interest in wood turning is very welcome. Contact Don Macdonald for further details.
To view full details of the monthly Special Interest Group’s (SIG’s) select the Newsletter page which will cover the full details.
If you would like more information about any of the Activities of our club, please use the Contact Form on the Contact Us page.