Oh! What Fun We Had...

Christmas Lunch 2012

Once again the club celebrated Christmas in fine style. Over 110 members attended the annual Christmas Lunch at Dapto Leagues Club.

When they arrived members were handed a chocolate Father Christmas courtesy of our President and they put their ticket in the barrel for the monster raffle. All the tables were beautifully trimmed with decorations kindly supplied by the Club.

While members settled into their places there was plenty of time for talk as they reflected on the club's successful 50^th Anniversary Year and the room buzzed with chatter until the girls started to serve the Christmas meal. It was a choice of roast chicken or loin of pork followed by a desert of trifle or Pavlova, now the room was almost silent as members enjoyed their feast.

A New Life Member

Following the meal there was a short presentation of Branch Life Membership to one of our past presidents, a man who had served in that role for 5 years. He joined CPSA Dapto Seniors in 1991 and had devoted much time and effort in the service of our club. A well deserved award.

 

A Generous Gift

Following this short ceremony the leader/organiser of the popular craft group delighted the company by presenting the club with a cheque for $500 which they had collected from the sale of the beautiful articles they had made during the year. Our President gratefully accepted this generous gift from our lovely ladies.

 

Raffle!

Now it was time for our raffle, in fact, two raffles; first the craft group drew the winners of the wonderful quilts they had made. Then it was time for the main event; this year there were so many prizes just about everybody went home with a gift. A big thank you to all the people who donated prizes.

A Very Special Visitor

Guess who called in during the raffle? It was Father Christmas! Not only did he wander round dispensing Christmas cheer he also stayed on for members to have their photograph taken with Santa as a happy way of remembering the final club event for 2012.

At the end of proceedings people seemed almost reluctant to go home but never fear, next year there will be more lunches and lots more fun. See you then...

 

Remember... our next meeting and AGM is on the 17^th January 2013.
Usual time - usual place.

Farewell 2012 - Welcome 2013

Christmas Lunch - 13th December

Don't Forget

The club's last activity for 2012:

Christmas Lunch
Dapto Leagues Club
Sinclair Room
11.30am for Noon

Over 100 members will be there, all the usual fun; a great meal, massive raffle and good company.

Looking forward to seeing you all.

Next Meeting - 6th December

It's the Last Meeting for 2012

As usual this meeting will held in the hall at Heininger House behind the Ribbonwood Centre on the highway in Dapto. There is plenty of parking at the hall or the Ribbonwood Centre. Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a free copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.
• Pick up an envelope for next year's membership. Membership is still only $12 a year.
• This is the last opportunity for you to get a ticket for this year's Christmas Lunch on the 13^th December. Do come; it is great fun with good company.
• ...and most importantly - have a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and make new friends or chat with your old ones.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

The meeting usually finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.

A note for your diary...

The first club meeting next year is on 17^th January 2013. Remember to take an envelope at this meeting for next year's membership.

Christmas Concert - 26th November

Everybody Welcome

Once again Christmas approaches and Dapto Seniors' Concert Group is gearing up for their spectacular Christmas Concert.

Where and When:

• Where - Heininger House Hall, Ribbonwood Centre, Dapto.
• Time - 1.30pm.
• Date - 26^th November 2012.
• Entry - a gold coin donation would be much appreciated.

The concert includes all your favourite Christmas songs, Carols, a singalong, humour, a massive raffle and a delicious tea.

Please come and enjoy the concert, it will be great.

Walking Group - 16th November 2012

Bundeena to Jibbon Head

This walk takes the group along the shoreline of Port Hacking. Whether we actually get to Jibbon Head remains to be seen as we will be walking on sand some of the time.

The group will change trains at Sutherland to catch the first available train to Cronulla where we will decide whether to take morning tea at the cafe on the wharf or whether we will wait until we arrive in Bundeena. The ferry leaves approximately every hour and costs about $3 concession each way.

Walkers can bring a picnic if they wish or they can eat at the Bundeena RSL.

View Bundeena to Jibbon Head in a larger map

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

2012 CPSA Annual Conference

30^th and 31^st October

It's Annual Conference time again and nine of our members are attending to add your voice to the way our organisation is run and the policies it promotes.

Your representatives will catch an early train from Dapto on Tuesday morning to allow time to drop off their bags at their hotel before arriving at the conference venue for a 9am start.

The President will give a full report at our next meeting on 8^th November. See you then.

Your delegates and observers at the 2011 conference.

Next Meeting - 25th October

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Don't forget the Christmas Quilt raffle too.
• Book a computer lesson.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking next year. There are big savings on individual prices.
• Buy a ticket for the next bus trip.
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and during General Business you are able to bring up any matters you feel may be of interest to members - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

The meeting usually finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Bus Trip

On Sunday 14^th October our bus trip was to Parklea and Flemington markets. As usual the bus returned loaded with bags and packages full of the various goodies members had purchased.

The November bus trip is to Mt Annan Botanical Gardens and includes a guided tour of the spectacular gardens.

Christmas Concert

Remember that on 26^th November at 1.30pm our concert group will be keen to entertain at the annual Christmas Concert. As usual there will be a monster raffle and a delightful tea all provided by the concert group themselves. Entry is just a gold coin donation.

It is an important date for your diary.

Christmas Lunch

Finally, while you have your diary handy, another early notice and date:

Christmas Lunch
13^th December - 11.30 for noon
Still only $15

Tickets go on sale in November all are welcome.

Meanwhile, see you at the next meeting.

Walking Group - 19th October 2012

A Great Day Out

We walk from Bondi to Bronte beach

As usual the group met at Dapto Station for the trip to Sydney. We travelled to Martin Place where we caught a 380 bus in Elizabeth St to Bondi Beach. This was done in preference to going to Bondi Junction and catching a bus from there - experience had taught us that from there the bus would be crowded.

Why would the bus be crowded? We were going to see Sculpture by the Sea, that wonderful art exhibition in a beautiful setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It had only opened the day before.

We arrived in good time and made our way to the exhibition and spent a fascinating time looking at the many exhibits in the main 'arena' in Marks Park on top of the cliffs. We then followed the path to Tamarama Beach pausing to examine the many art works displayed along the way. At Tamarama we said goodbye to the sculpture and continued on along the coastal walk to Bronte Beach where we only waited a few minutes for a bus to take us to Bondi Junction.

At the rail/bus interchange we had sufficient time to grab a bite to eat before catching the train back to Dapto. What a terrific day out, wouldn't be dead for quids!

The walking group is still looking for a new leader to co-ordinate our activities, so please, if you are interested in this role, put your hand up you will be made very welcome. In the meantime our next walk will be announced at the club's meeting on the 25th October, perhaps you have a suggestion? be sure to speak up.

View Bondi Beach to Bronte in a larger map

Why not join us? we always have a good time.

Next Meeting - 11th October

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Meetings are held in the hall in Heininger House behind the Ribbonwood Centre on the highway in Dapto. There is plenty of parking at the hall and the Ribbonwood Centre. Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a free copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.
• Buy a ticket for the monthly bus trip. In November we are going on a Mount Annan Botanical Gardens guided tour. Seats are limited so get in early.
• The bus trip to Parklea and Flemington markets was full but ask if a vacancy has occurred (you never know your luck). This trip is only a few days away on Sunday 14th October. Remember we leave at 7.30am.
• ...and most importantly - have a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and make new friends or chat with your old ones.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

The meeting usually finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.

View Larger Map

Walking Group - 5th September

Watsons Bay to New South Head Road

The walking group will be going to Watsons Bay again but this time instead of following an old favourite walk to South Head and the Hornby Lighthouse we will be walking south along the cliffs from The Gap past the Macquarie Lighthouse. The weather forecast is looking good so expect spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean.

The outward trip will be by ferry from Circular Quay with the return by bus to either Bondi Junction or Martin Place.

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

View Watsons Bay to Vaucluse in a larger map

Fathers' Day Lunch

Don't Forget...

The Fathers' Day Lunch follows hot on the heels of our fantastic Birthday Lunch. Let's make it as much a success as the last one.

Where:

Dapto Leagues Club

When:

20th September 2012

11.30am for Noon

Don't forget to put your name on the back of your ticket and please bring something for the raffle.

Finally - Have Fun!

See you there...

The Next Meeting - 13th September

Meeting Time Again!

Doesn't time fly? it is almost time for the next meeting.

Remember it is this Thursday at 10.00am, usual time, usual place. Tickets are on sale for our Fathers' Day Lunch - only $15 to be held on the 20th September at Dapto Leagues Club. This really is your last opportunity to get your ticket, the food has been really good so don't miss out. No doubt there will be lots of good company and plenty of great door prizes as well.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Walking Group - 7th September 2012

Mosman Wharf to Taronga Wharf

The next walk will again take us along the foreshore of the beautiful Sydney Harbour through some lovely reserves with spectacular views. The first part of the walk includes steps up from the wharf level to street level but is otherwise pretty easy.

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

View Mosman to Taronga Zoo in a larger map

30th August 2012 - The Next Meeting

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a free copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.
• Tickets will be on sale for our Fathers' Day lunch in September only $15 for an excellent meal.
• ...and most importantly - have a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and make new friends or chat with your old ones.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

The meeting finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.

The Advertiser Report

The local free paper attended our Birthday Lunch and wrote a very nice piece about it.

Wow! What fun we had...

The Club's 50th Anniversary Lunch

Dapto Seniors' 50^th Anniversary Birthday Lunch was a great success. Held at Dapto Leagues Club exactly 50 years to the day after the granting of the club's charter the lunch was organised, as always, by our Assistant Secretary who ensured that the event ran smoothly. Not only that... the food was excellent and the raffle was magnificent. Over 100 members attended.

His Worship, the Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Gordon Bradbery joined the members and entertained us with a most amusing speech about some of the pitfalls of being a minister and a politician. Mr Bradbery earlier spent some considerable time mingling with members.

One member was awarded branch life membership for her tireless service to the club over more than 20 years. Such an active member is an inspiration to us all and, after the short presentation ceremony, she was asked to cut the beautiful birthday cake.

The birthday lunch turned out to be a very fitting occasion to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, something the committee hopes members will remember for some time to come.

Every member who attended this very special lunch received a gold envelope containing souvenirs of the event including a commemorative pen and a copy of the original charter.

50th Anniversary Lunch

23rd August 2012

The annual Birthday Lunch has a special significance this year - it is to be held 50 years to the day since the Dapto Seniors Club was formed in 1962.

The lunch will be held in the Sinclair Rooms upstairs in Dapto Leagues Club at 11.30am (for noon), over 100 club members have confirmed their attendance and Wollongong's Lord Mayor, Mr Gordon Bradbery will be in attendance.

The club was granted its charter on the 23rd August 1962.

Who could have imagined then that the club would prosper so well for so long? The committee is looking forward to seeing so many members at this very special occasion.

Vale, Ernest Webb

Such Sad News

Long time and much respected member Ernest Webb passed away on the 10th August 2012. Ernest was the dear husband of our welfare officer Joyce Webb, she needs our support at this sad time.

A mass will be held on Friday 17th August 2012 in St Mary's Church, Berkeley at 10.30am. (Click on picture below for full details)

Goodbye Ernest, you are missed

Next Meeting - 16th August

Fortnightly Meeting

Just a quick reminder that the meeting starts at 10.30am in Heininger Hall.

Get there early:

• From 9.30am Australian Hearing will have a set up in the Laurel Room where they can test your hearing and give advice on hearing problems.
• Tickets are still available for the 23^rd August Birthday Lunch - only $15. It will be an event to remember so make sure you are there.
• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Book a computer lesson
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

Come along and have your say.

See you there...

New Graffiti Campaign

Anti-Graffiti Trailer operating soon

Dapto Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce join forces

There are new phone numbers available for the reporting of graffiti in Dapto. Ring them to report any new graffiti in our town, let's keep the place looking nice.

The Rotary Club and the Dapto Chamber of Commerce with the help of local businesses have managed to raise the funds needed to build and operate a graffiti removal trailer which will clean up our town but YOU need to report graffiti for it to be removed. The trailer will be out on the streets soon.

Let's hope this campaign is successful in making Dapto and even better place to live in.

Reprise!

Better Late than Never

Remember in an earlier blog the picnic held in March? This article appeared in the latest issue of South Coast Senior Lifestyle. It revisits the great picnic held at the motor museum.

27th July - Cockatoo Island

The 2012 Biennale of Sydney

On Friday the 27th July the walking group met at Dapto Railway Station to travel to Sydney. On this occasion the group were visiting the Biennale Exhibition on Cockatoo Island.

The train took the group to Martin Place Station where they walked down to Circular Quay for breakfast. After the small meal they caught a ferry to the island.

The exhibits were scattered throughout the various buildings, some of the art was much enjoyed by the group, some just confused, while other pieces left them bemused. Whatever their reaction everybody enjoyed wandering about this old industrial site taking in the sights and sounds.

The group had bought their own lunch which was eaten overlooking the harbour on a glorious winter's day, the weather was perfect.

After exploring the island and visiting as many of the exhibits as possible the group returned to the wharf to catch the ferry back to Circular Quay where they, once again, returned to Martin Place for the train back to Dapto. Everybody had an enjoyable day and decided to return in two years time.

A Federal Visitor

Stephen Jones MP Visits

Mr Jones mingled with members before the meeting then gave a short talk where he referred to the very active roll the club played in the community before he dealt with some of the Federal issues concerning older people. He briefly touched on pension indexation and supplementary payments before going on to the subject of climate change. Mr Jones explained that the government was making small changes now so that our children and grandchildren didn't have to make massive changes later.

Stephen Jones MP with our President Brian Green

He then raised the subject of working after retirement and explained some of the recent changes enacted to allow people who wished to work after retirement age keep more of what they earned and even still retain some state assistance. Finally he talked about measures the government was putting in place to deal with the ageing population but ended by saying that the ageing population should not be viewed as a problem but actually a testament to the great country we live in because people are living longer and living more fulfilled lives. He then invited questions from members.

Club members threw up topics as diverse as arrangements for carers, immigration policy, employment and the NBN which Mr Jones answered thoroughly and in some cases took member's details for a more detailed answer later.

Next Meeting - 19th July

A visit by Stephen Jones MP

The Federal Member for Throsby, Mr Stephen Jones is visiting the club. He will arrive a short while before the meeting to mingle and meet members and will address the meeting on issues relevant to seniors. Afterwards he will take questions.

The meeting will undoubtedly go on slightly longer than usual but we will endeavour to speed though the rest of the agenda items.

As usual the meeting will start promptly at 10.30 and the first item will be Mr Jones's address so don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Book a computer lesson
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

See you there...

Monthly Bus Trip

Old Government House, Parramatta

On Monday 2nd July the bus took members of Dapto Seniors to Old Government House situated in the park right in the centre of Parramatta. It was a most interesting visit with our guides being both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the historic property. Everybody remarked how much they enjoyed the trip and how the time just flew as they were shown around the beautifully restored Georgian Mansion.

Afterwards we visited Parramatta Leagues Club for lunch, the less said about this club the better. Let's just say we won't be going there again.

Our next trip is on the 6th August when we will visit The Opera Centre in Surry Hills. This is where all the costumes, wigs and props are made for the dazzling shows the Australian Opera puts on at the wonderful Sydney Opera House. It should be another entertaining visit.

Tickets for the bus are only $25 which includes morning tea. We hope you will be able to join us.

Mrs Macquarie’s Chair

Friday 29th June

Turned out to be a lovely day for a very pleasant walk through the Domain then around the harbour shoreline past Mrs Macquaries Chair and the Opera House.

At the completion of the walk the group had a relaxed lunch at Circular Quay before strolling to Martin Place Station for the return journey to Dapto.

Why not join us for our next walk on the 13th July?

29th June - Domain & Harbour Walk

The walking group will be taking the walk from Martin Place via the Domain, Mrs Macquaries Chair and the Opera House to Circular Quay where we will have lunch.

After lunch the group will walk back to Martin Place to catch the train back to Dapto.

The weather is looking pretty good for Friday.

View Mrs Macquaries Chair and Domain Walk in a larger map

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

Have Your Say

Wollongong City Council - Positive Ageing Strategy

The city council is currently developing a Positive Ageing Strategy to guide Wollongong to become a positive place to grow older as the population ages.

You can have your say via the online survey.

The council will also be holding an information kiosk:

Ribbonwood Centre, 93-109 Princes Hwy, Dapto
July 3
10.00am-1.00pm

We should have copies of the survey at the next meeting (5th July) so have your say about the direction Wollongong Council should take on this issue.

Next Meeting – 21st June

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year. 
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

Club activities which usually are reported on at the meeting are:

• Heart Moves
• Walking Group
• Monthly Bus Trip
• Computer Classes

The meeting finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Bus Trips

The next bus trip is on the 2nd July (Note the date! – your ticket is WRONG it is NOT the 9th). The trip is to Old Government House in Parramatta. Unfortunately the bus is full already but you might be able to get your name on the reserve list.

The bus trip on 6th August is taking us to the Opera Centre in Surry Hills where all the costumes and props are made for the spectacular Sydney Opera performances. Tickets for this trip go on sale at the first meeting in July.

Next meeting - 7th June

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

As usual come to Heininger House this Thursday for the next meeting of CPSA Dapto Seniors. It is your club.

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Book a computer lesson
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you.

The meeting finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New Members

Non members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Before committing to join the club you are encouraged to take part in one or more of the activities that interest you. Come on... Give it a try.

Keep Dapto Beautiful

Anti Graffiti Campaign

Let's keep Dapto looking good. It's a free call.

More Dates for Your Diary

It's Concert Time Again

Monday, 14^th May 2012

It's Mothers' Day so naturally the CPSA Dapto Seniors' entertainment group will kick off their season with a great concert to which everybody is invited.

The group always provides a varied program of songs and skits as well as the opportunity for everyone to join in with a singalong.

After the concert there are tea, coffee and sandwiches as well as a monster raffle with dozens of magnificent prizes.

The concert starts at 1.30pm in the Hall at Heininger House next to the Ribbonwood Centre right in the heart of Dapto. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to get the best seat in the house.

See you there...

Walking Group

Friday, 18^th May 2012

This week the walk will once again provide beautiful views of the harbour as the group explores Balls Head on Sydney Harbour's northern shore.

As always new members or potential members are very welcome to join us. It costs nothing more than the Pensioner Excursion Ticket and your lunch so do come along.

View Ball's Head Walk in a larger map

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

Next Meeting - 10th May

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a free copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available or get a free CPSA bookmark from the sign-in table.
• Buy a ticket for the monthly bus trip. In June we are going on a Heritage and Bushranger guided tour. Seats are limited so get in early.
• ...and most importantly - have a cup of tea/coffee, biscuits and make new friends or chat with your old ones.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

The meeting finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.

It's a Busy Week!

Mothers' Day Lunch

Thursday 3^rd May 2012

As well as our usual activities this week Dapto Leagues Club is the venue for our first lunch of the year. The Sinclair Room will open at 11.30am for our meal at commencing at Noon.

Remember to write your name on the back of your ticket so you can benefit from the massive raffle we always have after the meal. We hope you win, but if you don't never mind you will have had a delicious meal and enjoyed good company. Look forward to seeing you there.

Walking Group

To help get rid of those calories from the Mothers' Day Lunch the walking group will be exploring parts of Parramatta on Friday 4^th May 2012. The group will take the ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta then walk along the river for a while before visiting Experiment Farm Cottage:

Experiment Farm cottage stands on the site of the first land grant in Australia, made in 1789 by Governor Phillip to the former convict James Ruse. By 1791 Ruse had successfully farmed the 30 acre site as an experiment in self-sufficiency, proving that a new settler could feed and shelter his family with relatively little assistance to get started. The Indian-style bungalow there today was built by Surgeon John Harris, who purchased the land from Ruse in 1793 for £ 40. It is thought to have been built by c1835. It is one of Australia’s oldest standing properties and features in an 1837 sketch and subsequent watercolour by Conrad Martens.

Entry is only $5 concession. Afterwards we will walk to the shopping centre for our lunch before catching the train back to Central Station and home.

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

View Parramatta Walk in a larger map

26th April - Meeting

Fortnightly Meeting

Just a quick reminder that the meeting starts at 10.30am in Heininger Hall.

Get there early:

• Tickets are still available for the 3^rd May Mothers' Day Lunch - only $15.
• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Book a computer lesson
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

Come along and have your say.

See you there...

What a Picnic!

It was a great day out. Despite the threat of rain the club's annual picnic was a great success. About 50 members arrived at the Australian Motorlife Museum for a few hours fun, food and convivial company.

On arrival everybody had a fancy cake, a cup of tea or coffee and sat down to renew old acquaintances or just to find out the latest news while they waited for their meal.

A cold buffet lunch of chicken, potato salad and coleslaw was served followed up with ice cream and yet more cake; and, boy, was it good!

No sooner had the meal been eaten than the trivia quiz was under-way with all the questions relating to the history of Dapto. The winner correctly answered every question except one and was awarded a fabulous prize.

To help burn off the calories the picnic organiser took advantage of (almost) sunny skies for the competitions to commence on the grass outside.

First it was rolling pin throwing followed by the gum boot throwing competition; all the competitors showed great skill in the wet conditions. Unfortunately this year it was just too wet for a game of bocce but everybody enjoyed either taking part or watching the competitors. It was a lot of fun and afterwards prizes were distributed to our champions.

The winner of the rolling pin throwing competition shows her champion's style.

As they left everybody agreed it had been one of the best picnics ever.

20th April - Walking Group

Darling Harbour Revisited

Wow! What a busy week for club members.

The day after the picnic the walking group will be making another visit to Darling Harbour and the Maritime Museum. Why don't you join us?

This time the group is determined to fully explore the Maritime Museum and will be heading there directly from Town Hall Railway Station. Our last visit to Darling Harbour was during Seniors' Week when we had intended to visit the 'free' exhibits at the museum but discovered that now it was only $10 for a concession ticket to visit everything including the ships moored alongside in the harbour (see earlier Blog). So that is the plan

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

An Early Reminder

Dates for your Diary

CPSA Dapto Seniors' has a number of events coming up soon:

• 19^th April - Our annual picnic (see previous Blog).
• 3^rd May - Mothers' Day Lunch at Dapto Leagues Club.
• 7^th May - Bus Trip to Berrima Museum.

...And finally an important entry for your diary:

14^th May - Mothers' Day Concert

Once again the Dapto Seniors' Concert group kick off with a great free concert and everybody is invited.

As always you can be guaranteed a fun time. The CPSA Dapto Seniors Concert group always provide a varied program of songs and skits as well as the odd singalong for everyone to join in.

After the concert there are tea and sandwiches during which the Concert group holds a raffle with dozens of magnificent prizes.

So don't forget to put 14^thMay 2012 in your diary. The concert starts at 1.30pm in the Seniors' Hall at Heininger House behind the Ribbonwood Centre right in the heart of Dapto. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to get the best seat in the house.

See you there...

View Heininger House in a larger map

Time for a Picnic

Thursday, 19^th April 2012 is Picnic Day

Bring your money to the next meeting to get your ticket for this year's picnic. The event will be held at the Australian Motorlife Museum in The Integral Energy Recreation Park, Darkes Rd just off the highway north of Dapto (same venue as last year).

The venue is suitable whether the weather is wet or dry so come along have a lovely meal and a good time with your friends.

How much? - only $10, that's all! Only one meeting for you to get your ticket, so make sure you are at the meeting on the 12^th April.

See you there...

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29th March - Next Meeting

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Book a computer lesson
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year. Jackie is collecting the money for A Chorus Line which is on in (I think) June.
• Get your tea/coffee and biscuits.
• Have a look for a bargain on the trade table.
• Pick up a copy of The Senior Newspaper and/or The Voice when they are available.

During the meeting there will be the usual short reports about the various activities the club offers its members and you are able to bring up matters of interest to members during General Business - don't be afraid to speak up if there is something that concerns you, this is YOUR club.

The meeting finishes between 11 and 11.30am.

New members are most welcome to come along and find out about the club, there is a short newsletter available for new or potential members at the raffle/signing in table which details coming events and contact details for the various group leaders. Please take one.

Bus Trips

The bus went to Parklea and Flemington markets on Sunday 25^th March. As usual the bus returned loaded with bags and packages full of the various goodies members had purchased.

The April bus trip is to Cobbitty Winery but unfortunately all the tickets have already been sold so look out for news of the May trip.

Walking Group

Another Slight Change of Plan

The walking group set off for their Seniors' Week walk to visit Darling Harbour and the Maritime Museum. This time alighting at Town Hall Railway Station and walking down Druitt Street to the Darling Harbour precinct proved to be much easier and shorter than the usual walk from Central Station.

Because of Senior's Week entry to the Chinese Gardens was free so everybody decided to go there first for a short visit and enjoy the garden's special offer of tea and scones to replace our usual stop for breakfast. Even though we had all been before the visit was so enjoyable that we stayed longer than intended before setting off for the Maritime Museum.

It was a lovely day to stroll through Darling Harbour in the sunshine pausing to take in the view, watching school children in Tumbalong Park perform a tableaux about Mahatma Gandhi's struggle for Indian independence and generally just enjoying the harbour scenery before finally passing under Pyrmont Bridge to arrive at the Maritime Museum.

It was something of a surprise to find that the previously free museum now had a charge for entry but it was only a fairly modest $3.50 and we were prepared to pay until someone noticed that entry to all the exhibits including tours of the ships anchored at the dock was now only $10. After a bit of discussion it was decided, because it was already nearly 12 noon, not to go to the museum on this occasion but to come again in a few weeks and have more time to take the full tour.

So, once again the group set off, this time to catch the ferry for Circular Quay, we had a short wait so we wandered into the nearby park to relax and chat before the ferry came to take us to Circular Quay and our lunch.

To cut a long story short we had our lunch at Circular Quay in the food court, then made our way to Martin Place Railway Station where we caught the 2.23pm train back to Dapto. A good day out...

View Darling Harbour in a larger map

Why not join us on our next outing?, it is not until the 20^th April because of Good Friday and details will be announced at the club meeting the previous week. You are more than welcome to come along.

Monthly Bus Trip

Don't Forget...

Sunday 25^th March is our bus trip to the markets.

This time we are visiting both Parklea and Flemington markets so the bus will be leaving at the earlier time of 7.15am from the car park outside the hall.

If you are one of the lucky ones with a ticket; see you on Sunday.

A Great Day Out

Annie

On the 14^th March a group of about 30 Dapto Seniors' club members caught the train to Sydney for a matinee performance of the hit show "Annie" at the Lyric Theatre in Pyrmont.. Before the show most of the group visited the Haymarket for a hearty brunch(?) before catching the light rail to the theatre. A great time was had by all.

Bookings for future shows include "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "Legally Blonde", see Jackie at the next meeting.

15th March - Next Meeting

Fortnightly Meeting

CPSA Dapto Seniors' regular meeting is at 10am on the 15^th March in the main hall at Heininger House next to the Ribbonwood centre.

As usual there will be a number of activities in the hall before the meeting commences:

• Shirley will be taking your instalment payment for the club's holiday to Macksville. There is still time to book if you haven't already done so.
• Book or pay for your ticket to a Sydney Show. Names are now being taken for Legally Blonde which starts at the Lyric Theatre later in the year.
• Monthly Bus Trip. Tickets for two trips will be on sale at this meeting
  1. Parklea and Flemington Markets on 25^th March
  2. Cobbitty Winery on the 2^nd April
  These trips are only $10 each so be sure to get your ticket early.
• The Trade Table will have have its usual array of goodies for you to chose from at ridiculously low prices. Inspect the large selection of books on offer or some of the wonderful knick knacks for your home.
• Wally and Duncan will, as always, be there to pour your cup of tea or coffee and offer you biscuits to go with it.
• Unfortunately there are no places available for computer or Internet training at the moment so watch this space.
• Pick up copies of The Voice and The Senior newspapers as they become available.
• Finally don't forget to buy your raffle tickets from Trish to be in the running for three $10 prizes drawn at the end of the meeting.

The Meeting

Dapto Seniors' meetings last between 35 minutes and one hour.and include reports from the activity groups for example giving details of the next walk to be undertaken by the walking group, tickets for new shows as they become available, details about the next lunch or concert and other issues involving the club.

In General Business members are encouraged to raise any issues they feel need to be brought to the attention of the club's membership and/or committtee. Don't be afraid to speak up.

If you are not a member why not come along and find out about the many weekly activities the club offers, you are more than welcome to take part before committing to join.

See you there...

Dapto Seniors' Walking Group

A Slight Change of Plan

As planned Dapto Seniors' Walking group arrived at Wollstonecraft Railway Station successfully on a warm and sunny autumn day and attempted the walk via Berry Island to Waverton. Unfortunately the torrential rain of the previous few days had made the track very muddy and after a quick reconnaissance it was decided that discretion was the better part of valour so the group returned to the railway station.

What to Do?

After quick discussion it was decided to take the next train to Milsons Point and walk across the Harbour Bridge. The group has done this popular walk a few times before however one member present had missed those trips so it being such a lovely day it was an easy decision to walk it once again.

The Bridge

We stopped for a coffee at one of the Milsons Point shops before climbing the staircase to the footpath. As usual the views captivated everybody as we walked across.

At the staircase on the southern end of the bridge it was decided to continue on the Cahill Expressway to Government House and see if we could get tickets for a guided tour of the vice regal house. When we arrived we were in luck and obtained tickets for a 1pm tour only half an hour later which gave us time to eat our lunch.

The tour was very interesting with the guide putting an emphasis on the personalities who had been governors over the preceding 200 years. The guide also gave an interesting but brief talk on the previous buildings used as Government House before the construction of the present one.

After the tour we walked to Martin Place Railway Station where we arrived with minutes to spare for the train back to Dapto.

Everybody agreed that it had been a very enjoyable and successful day.

9th March - Walking Group

Dapto Seniors' visit Berry Island

The Dapto Seniors' walking group has another fascinating walk next Friday. This walk is another one the group has not taken before and is approximately 3 Km in length. There might be a few hills but hopefully none are very steep.

We will catch the Sydney train to Town Hall then transfer to the North Shore line to alight at Wollstonecraft Station. After the walk the group will catch a train from Waverton Station.

It might be wise to bring your own food for this walk though there are some cafes at Waverton.

View Wollstonecraft to Waverton in a larger map

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

1st March Meeting

At 10am, before the start of our normal fortnightly meeting a representative of the guard's union will make a short presentation about the union's fears regarding the removal of guards from passenger trains on the CityRail Network. This talk was due to take place at an earlier meeting but was unfortunately postponed.

Bus Trip:

Also prior to the meeting bus tickets for our trip to Flemington Market on the 25th March will go on sale. These tickets are only $10 each and the bus fills up quickly so make sure you buy them early.

Computer Tuition:

There is a vacancy for computer tuition on Monday morning; if you are interested book it before it goes.

As Usual:

Naturally all the usual goodies such as a cup of tea, biscuits, raffle tickets and the trade table will be available before the meeting. For those that don't know the raffle tickets are only 3 for $1 with three prizes of $10 in cash for the lucky winners.

Come and support your club. If you are new to the area then you are more than welcome to come along and find out about the many regular activities the club provides. Be sure to check the 'Activities' page for more details.

Club Members in the News

A couple of club members have been in the news recently.

Joyce Webb appeared in 'The Senior' newspaper receiving her Life Membership at the Christmas Lunch held in December last year. Joyce has performed many roles with the club over the years but is currently the welfare officer keeping an eye on our sick members making sure they are not forgotten.

For 17 years Jackie Gibson was the club's secretary. She recently appeared in The Advertiser receiving a bouquet of flowers and a well deserved Certificate of Appreciation from grateful members. All the good work she had performed for club members over nearly two decades will be appreciated for years to come. Jackie will continue serving the club as assistant secretary.

24th February - Walking Group

The next walk on the Friday 24th February is a new one made possible by the inclusion of the light rail in the Pensioner Excursion ticket.

The Dapto Seniors' walking group will catch the light rail at Central Railway Station after a short morning tea break and travel to the Rozelle Bay Tram Stop.

We will follow the route outlined below enjoying the views of the bay and the ANZAC Bridge as we make our way to finish at either the Wentworth Park or the Fish Market tram stop. A decision about this will be made on the day. You can bring your own lunch or purchase something along the way (perhaps at the fish markets?).

The distance of the walk is about 3 Km.

View Rozelle to Wentworth Park in a larger map

As usual the group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

10th February - Walking Group

The next walk on the 10th February is an old favourite walking from Watsons Bay to South Head with a short additional stroll over to the Gap and the Dunbar memorial.

We will get a ferry from Circular Quay to Watsons Bay and return either by ferry or bus depending on circumstances. Food is available at Watsons Bay (for example Doyle's famous fish and chips) or you can take your own lunch.

As usual the group will meet at Dapto Railway Station waiting room at 7.40am to catch the 7.55 Sydney train.

View Watson's Bay to South Head in a larger map

The walk on the 24th February will be along the shores of Rozelle and Blackwattle Bay. Look out for more details nearer the date.

2nd February Meeting

Special Talk

At our meeting on the 2nd February we will be having a talk by a representative of the CityRail guard's union, explaining the union's fears about the removal of guards from the trains. The talk will commence at about 10am before the meeting starts so come a bit earlier than usual. The regular meeting will commence at 10.30 am.

Pre Meeting Activities

All the usual activities will be happening before the meeting including:

• Pay your annual subscription (still only $12) to our Membership co-ordinator Brian.
• Sale of raffle tickets - three tickets for $1 for a chance to win three prizes of $10 each.
• Purchase bus tickets for our trip to the Museum of Sydney and their special exhibition about surfing in the 50s, 60s & 70s. Only three seats left for what should be an interesting and fun day out in good company - only $15.
• Jackie will be taking bookings for the new musical An Officer and a Gentleman coming to Sydney in the middle of the year.
• You can pay an instalment or make a booking for our holiday to Macksville in April, still only $790 all inclusive and NO single supplement. See Shirley.
• The trade table will be set up as usual full of bargains - from books to clothes to knick knacks, tapes, DVDs, plants and much, much more. Well worth a look.
• Don't forget to get your tea or coffee and biscuits from Wally and Duncan.

Copies of the petition about the state government's cancellation of the lifts at Unanderra Railway Station will be available at the back of the hall on the signing-in table. You may recall these were mentioned during the review of incoming correspondence at the last meeting.

Our regular weekly events are now all back in full swing, if you are new to our club then get a copy of the newsletter from the signing-in table for details of days and organiser contact details. A list of the current activities can be found under the 'Activities' tab above. Reports will be given at the meeting by organisers of the walks, Heart Moves (gentle aerobics)and the Bus Trip giving details of future plans.

AGM Presentation

At our AGM on the 19th January 2012 Jackie stepped down from the position of club secretary after 17 years in the job. Her skills and knowledge are not lost to the club because she remains an active member of the committee as Assistant Secretary.

At the end of the meeting the club's president presented Jackie with a bouquet and a certificate acknowledging the enormous amount of work Jackie had done for the club over the years

27th January - Walking Group

The Dapto Seniors' walking group's first walk of 2012 will be on Friday 27th January along the Kokoda Memorial Walkway at Rhodes. It is a fairly flat, easy walk of about 2.75Km in total.

The walk follows the Parramatta River through Rhodes Park and memorials along the walk denote events that occurred on the notorious Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea in World War 2 when Australian Troops inflicted the first defeat on the invading Japanese army.

At the end of the walk we will cut back to Rhodes shopping centre where we will have lunch in the food court of the local mall (though you are welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer) before catching a train back to Sydney and home.

As usual we will meet at Dapto Station in the waiting room at 7.40am to catch the 7.55am Sydney train. If you are late we will be downstairs in the second carriage. See you then.

View Kokoda Track Walk in a larger map

New Leader Needed

The Walking Group needs a new leader. After years of sterling effort Ron can no longer lead the group. Until a new leader(s) is/are found then the group will continue on an ad hoc basis. Please consider giving up one day a fortnight it really is a lot of fun.

First Meeting for 2012

It's nearly time! Don't forget that 19th January 2012 is the date of our first meeting and AGM.

The meeting will be held in the hall in Heininger House on the highway right in the centre of Dapto at 10.30am but you are encouraged to come early for a cup of tea, a chance to buy a raffle ticket for one of our three $10 prizes, browse the bargains available on the trade table and, most importantly on this occasion, to pay your annual membership subscription.

This year membership is still only $12. If you did not get an envelope from the secretary either at the last meeting or the Christmas lunch then you can print out your own on a C6 envelope using our template. To download the form click here

Looking forward to seeing you there, why not bring a friend?

The Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The meeting will commence with a short AGM where all committee positions are declared vacant and elections held.

Please support your club by volunteering for one of the many roles available, either on the committee or in a subsidiary position, your help even in the kitchen before a meeting is much appreciated and an example of one of the many ways you can help keeping our club running smoothly.

Do you have an idea for a group activity, a games night or something else members would enjoy? Don't be afraid to come forward with your ideas.

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