Welcome to the New Year, Probus Club members both men and women, and let’s hope it is 12 months of good health for all and a growth in numbers joining both the men’s and women’s clubs.

In November, the last official men’s meeting our guest speaker was local Rabobank manager Nick Turner.

He surprised many I think by regaling his feats as a mountaineer. 

They have included climbing the second highest peak in the world and also the possibly better known Mt.Kilimanjaro the highest mountain in Africa at almost 6000 metres.

So how does he get around living and working in a flatland place like Forbes?

Easy he arranges and organises groups of 6-10 people who might want to try ascending a mountain and away he and they go.

But it will be back to flatlands this month when local long-time vet Alan Sharrock will be our guest speaker.

 Alan and the Lachlan Valley Veterinary Clinic are something of an institution in this town and indeed in the Central West.

You don’t have to be told just how knowledgeable, experienced and affable Alan is and not only with all animals but he certainly has had a fair bit to do with sheep.

On the tours front members are reminded that the mystery trip to you “no where” is on Saturday, March 25 and at a cost of $60.

And the big four day tour of Hawkesbury and that region which starts on May 3 is getting closer.

The price for that one is $770 per person twin share or $760 per single and if you are thinking of going Alan would like a deposit of $100 at this month’s meeting.

By Lyn Simmonds

Ladies gathered for our final meeting of Probus for 2016 and also our Christmas party.

President Ilma Davis welcome everyone and the minutes and reports were read.

Anyone was having birthdays in November was sent best wishes.

In December, there was Dorothea Croker and Sister Joan. 

Sister Joan also thanked the ladies who did the knitting for the missions and the garments are appreciated.

Ilma contacted Nan Hawthorn on the recent passing of her husband Kevin with the sympathies of our club. 

Wreathes were laid by the ladies and men’s Probus Club by Margaret Nelson and Kevin Girot.

The itineraries are available for the men’s Probus tour to the Hawkesbury in May. A mystery tour will take place in March 2017.

Hostesses for January 27 will be Jean Hodges and June Lamb.

The guest speaker will be Aileen Allen from the Forbes Dreaming Centre. Aileen will speak about the grant they have received, the sculptures and their hopes to expand the centre.

New security cameras, new barbecue and table set have arrived.

The centre is for everyone to use, at any time.

When the meeting was finished, everyone enjoyed morning tea. Colleen Liebich read a Christmas poem.

Judy Ellis led the quizzes and singing. Gifts were exchanged and lucky door prizes went to Fay Howard and Lorna Field.

Bernie Symons thanked the committee ladies for an enjoyable day.

Our thoughts are with Ilma on the passing of her sister from Canowindra.

In January, Forbes and Parkes got together and had a sausage sizzle which was enjoyed by everyone. 

Hope to see everyone at the next meeting.