General News
21 February, 2024
Timboon Probus notes
A NEW year again and Timboon Probus Club members were eager to catch up with all their friends and looking forward to the activities beginning again.
President Sue welcomed us all back and guest Val Powell. We sang our Probus song and then Terry introduced our guest speaker, Peter Younis.
Peter is an enthusiastic member of the Heytesbury Historical Museum at Port Campbell.
Recently, Eva Carmichael’s great grandson gave the museum a letter written by Eva’s father, a doctor on board the Loch Ard.
The letter had been found on the beach at the time of the wreck. Peter spoke about the stories behind some of the ship wrecks in our area from the Falls of Halladale, the Schomberg, the Loch Ard, the Fiji, the Newfield to the Marco Polo.
The George Clay Inch letter written by a steward on board the Loch Ard, tells of the very poor conditions regarding food, accommodation and the disciplining of the crew.
The Rocket Squad at Port Campbell was first used in 1891, when the Fiji ran aground near Moonlight Head. Peter explained how the Rocket was used to get a thin rope across to the ship where the crew pulled the rope which was connected to a thicker rope, enabling passengers to be helped ashore.
Unfortunately, this did not work with the wreck of the Newfield as the initial rope was too short to reach the ship.
Morning Tea and then general business was conducted.
Thank-you cards were received from two recently ill members and another for the loss of a member’s husband.
Dementia Australia advised they have a program – Dementia and Your Caring Role - which will be held at the Timboon Hospital in March. Care givers also have the opportunity to attend a Barefoot Bowls Community Day to get together and enjoy themselves.
Before the reports, President Sue thanked each member most sincerely for the work they have done during the year and advised members of the nominations still needed for the new committee.
Caravan Club members will be enjoying their annual weekend away at Port Fairy for the Jazz Festival and Sheep Dog Trials and then in April the group is heading to Corryong and the Snowy River Muster.
Footy tipping sheets were handed out for members to mark their footy picks and are due back at our next meeting in March.
Neville advised that the first bowls tournament would be in March.
A last reminder was given for the Annual General Meeting which will be held next month in March, and we look forward to another year of fun, fellowship and friendship.
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