Farewell 2013

It was a very good year

The club's year finished off with the usual flurry of activities before moving into the Christmas break.

December Bus Trip

A full bus left Dapto for the Shoalhaven at the beginning of December.

Waiting for the group was a fabulous three hour lunch cruise travelling down the Shoalhaven River to the Crookhaven River to pick up a fish and chip lunch at Greenway Point before sailing back to Nowra. Naturally the first item of business once everybody was on board was a cup of tea and some cake before settling down to watch the scenery float past.

It was a lovely day, the weather could not have been kinder to us as the boat moved between the green banks of the beautiful Shoalhaven.

What a wonderful day out and a fitting finale to a year of bus trips to interesting and beautiful places. We look forward to another year of such fascinating outings. Bring on 2014.

Christmas Lunch

To complete the year the Dapto Seniors Christmas Lunch was held at Dapto Leagues Club in the Sinclair Room. On arriving every member put their lucky ticket in a barrel before they were each presented with an enormous tin of Quality Street lollies. Nearly 100 members attended the lunch which was a very gratifying turnout for our organiser.

It was generally agreed that the food was delicious, the choice of pork or chicken suited just about everybody, there were no complaints!

Once the meal was over the lucky door prize draw went ahead with so many prizes it almost seemed as if no one went home without a prize. Afterwards it looked as if people were reluctant to go home as the smiling, happy members lingered to wish each other a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Don't Forget

The first meeting and AGM of 2014 is on the 16^th January. The election of a new committee will take place at the AGM and membership fees are due too. The committee looks forward to seeing you all again for another fun year with CPSA Dapto Seniors. If you are not a member then please join us you will be welcomed with open arms.

Membership forms/envelopes will be available at the meeting or you can print your own in advance using the link on the 'Club Activities' tab at the top of this page.

At Last!

Thank you for your patience but at last the 2014 meeting and event dates are now available on the 'Club Activities' page also the club's brochure has likewise been updated and can be downloaded from the same page.

Christmas Concert Success

It's a Hit!

Dapto Seniors Concert Group is proving to be a hit with local residents. The Christmas concert was packed when 160 people turned up to enjoy the group's Christmas Concert.

The hall resounded with the sound of applause and calls for more after every number while the singalong nearly lifted the roof off.

Afterwards the audience enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea and many went home with one of the dozens of lucky door prizes.

It was a terrific afternoon out. The members of the concert group enjoyed presenting the concert as much as the audience enjoyed the afternoon of songs and sketches.

If you want to take part in this or any of our activities just drop into one of our meetings or pick up a brochure from the Ribbonwood Centre. Membership is still only $12 a year.

Upcoming Events

Only Two More Meetings!

There are only two more meetings before our Christmas break but we also have two more functions left to enjoy as well.

The final meeting dates for 2013 are:

• 21^st November 2013
• 5^th December 2013

Places are still available on the 2014 Autumn holiday to Yarrawonga so get your name down now. A $100 deposit is required by the last meeting. details will be available at the meetings.

The Christmas Concert

Come along to our final concert this year. It is held on the 25^th November at 1.30pm in the hall. Always great entertainment, dozens of lucky door prizes and a scrumptious tea.

Christmas Lunch

It is not long until our Christmas Lunch at Dapto Leagues Club. All members are encouraged to attend and it is still only $15 for a lovely lunch, good company, a free raffle and good company. You'd be silly to miss out wouldn't you?

Note the date: 12^th December at 11.30 for Noon. Tickets on sale at the next two meetings.

A Date for your Diary

The club's first meeting of 2014 is on Thursday, 16^th January at the usual time of 10.30am (but naturally come early).

Some of the groups start well before this date so check with your organiser.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

In the Media

The Illawarra Mercury

Our President made a half page splash as he helped the Ribbonwood Centre with publicity for their Giant Garage sale in October.

If you click on the image above you get a full size version.

Dapto Seniors on "Legally Brown"

During 2013 Seniors Week a SBS camera crew and Australian comedian Nazeem Hussain came down to film around the Dapto area. Dapto Seniors' bowlers took part (very briefly - blink and you will miss them) but they had a lot of fun.

 

News from the Front.

A New Life Member

At the 7^th November meeting the club's President was very happy to present an Association Life Membership to one of our long standing members.

Jim was the club's well respected Treasurer for ten years and still serves on the committee as a trustee. A well deserved award.

Walking Group

On Friday 1^st November members of the walking group caught the train to Sydney to visit "Sculpture by the Sea" at Bondi. After alighting from the train at Martin Place the group caught a bus all the way to Bondi Beach where they spent some time exploring all the wonderful sculptures.

Having seen all the exhibits at Bondi and Tamarama the group walked to Bronte where they had lunch in the park before catching a bus to Central Station and the trip home. The weather was perfect so it was a fascinating day out.

The walking group needs a new leader, please volunteer to keep this popular group going.

November Bus Trip

On the Monday following the walking group's trip to Bondi the club's monthly bus trip visited Chinoiserie Gardens near Mittagong. What a wonderful garden it proved to be, as you can gather from their name they had an evident Chinese influence.

After a good look round the gardens some members took the opportunity to buy plants on sale in the garden nursery before setting off to Mittagong RSL for lunch and a chat. As usual it was a great day out.

Next Meeting - 7th November 2013

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 a ticket for the next bus trip.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Enjoy a 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.
• Our President's report on the CPSA Annual Conference.
• Nominations for the club's Committee for 2014.

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.

Bus Trips

The next bus trip is a Shoalhaven Cruise and the price includes a fish and chip Lunch.

2013 CPSA Annual Conference

The good thing about the CPSA Annual Conference is that it makes our meetings and AGM look so well organised.

This year there was the usual run around just to sign in, alphabetical listings shown but each delegate still had to go to three different places to be registered and obtain all their documents. Delegates and observers were given the missing 2012 Annual Conference Minutes however the 2012 AGM Minutes were not supplied so the latter was approved by a meeting where it is likely that no one had a copy. Finally, to add insult to injury, at lunch on the first day there were no vegetables on some of the meals because they ran out. What a shemozzle!

On the plus side this year we could actually see the top table which made a nice change.

The Garage Sale Trail

What a Good Day it was!

Thanks to all the staff at the Ribbonwood Centre for making the garage sale such a success. Let's hope next year is even bigger.

As always our members pulled together to help and man the stalls. They arrived at 7am to set up and at midday to dismantle the stall. The time just seemed to fly as interested members of the public surged in and out of the event.

Some of our volunteers took the time to try the aromatic sausage sandwiches from the Lions Club BBQ, just outside the centre's door. Let's face it who could resist?

This was the scene in the Kurrajong Hall where Corrie, Val and Maureen set up our trade table. Thanks to all the members who donated items for us to sell.

The craft group also took part selling some the lovely goods they had made during the year. Their stall in the Ribbonwood Centre foyer was strikingly colourful for visitors as they arrived. We hope the other groups that took part were as satisfied as we were with the response.

Members of the public were offered our brochure as they arrived so... who knows? we might get some new members.

Next Meeting - 24th October 2013

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.
• Bring along any unwanted goods for the Great Garage Sale on Saturday.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year.
• Enjoy a 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 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 Trips

The next bus trip is to Chinoiserie Gardens. There are a very few seats left at only $15.

 

2014 Autumn Holiday

Names are being taken for the club's first holiday of 2014. The proposed dates are from 12^th April to the 17^th April. This will gauge if there is sufficient interest for us to continue with the booking.

The proposed holiday is to Yarrawonga on the NSW/Victoria border. Highlights of the trip include:

• Historic Beechworth, Bright, Echuca and Glenrowan
• Semi-live re-enactment of Ned Kelly’s last stand
• Red Stag Deer Farm
• Expert tour guides in major towns
• Paddlesteamer river cruise, Port of Echuca
• Remarkable morning tea cruise on Lake Mulwala
• Shopping at Yarrawonga, Echuca, Beechworth and Bright
• Accommodation at the luxury Central Motor Inn

There are only a few meetings before the Christmas break so we need to get cracking on this. Don't miss out, the last holiday was great fun.

Moree Holiday

October 2013 will be a memorable month for twenty four happy club members who have just returned from a week's holiday in Moree. It seems to be the consensus that everybody had a wonderful time and they are looking forward to the next holiday which should be a ripper too.

This was the group on the way home when they stopped for morning tea in Gunnedah. We shared the coach and all our trips with a similarly sized group from Toongabbie in Sydney. Everybody got on famously.

Our thanks go out to Sue who organised this enjoyable event but who, because of illness, was unable to come with us. We all hope she will be able to join us on the Autumn holiday.

The holiday was packed with excursions and activities - some highlights included:

• Bathing in the hot Artesian Pool.
• Tour of Lightning Ridge opal mines
• A visit to the largest Pecan Farm in the world.
• Venturing into Queensland for a visit and tour of Goodiwindi.
• A tour of Inverell and its Pioneer Village
• Moree town tour.
• Cranky Rock visit.
• Wine Tasting.
• Cotton farm and irrigation tour (so interesting).

If you would like to come on the next trip listen out for news at a future meeting and put your name down. You can pay in instalments if you prefer. It will be great to have you join us.

Strange!

Who would have thought it? Astound your friends on trivia night. Charles Dickens' youngest son is buried in Moree Cemetery.

What's Happening?

Picnic

Nearly 20 members took part in a picnic at Fitzroy Falls on 3^rd October 2013. This was not our regular subsidised picnic but an extra BYO event.

Unfortunately the weather was not the best and at one stage it looked like being called off but the weather improved slightly and the picnic area was under cover so it ended up being an enjoyable day out.

After eating lunch the weather cleared so many members decided to walk to the falls and the viewing platforms. What had looked like being a wash out turned into a memorable day - so much so that it looks like the experiment will be repeated next month. More details at a future meeting.

A big 'Thanks' to all the people who gave a lift to those members without transport.

Next Meeting - 10^th October 2013

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.
• Enjoy a 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 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 Trips

The next bus trip is to Parklea and Flemington Markets there are a few seats left so get a ticket before the meeting. It is only $10 to go on this fantastic trip.

Remember the market trips are on a Sunday.

Chinoiserie Gardens

The November bus trip tickets go on sale at the next meeting too due to the overlap in dates. The tickets are only $15 which includes the bus and garden entry.

Chinoiserie is a very colourful plant collector's garden which will bring much pleasure to all those who visit. It features many rare and unusual plants. This garden (1.25 acres.) features a spring time display of over 100 varieties of peonies - Chinese, Japanese, European and American Tree Peonies and herbaceous borders which flower from spring through to late autumn.

Club Annual Holiday

The club's spring holiday to Moree leaves on Sunday 13^th October. We meet at 6am outside the hall. Twenty five members are going so it should be a good trip.

Gentle Exercises for Seniors

Everybody knows exercise is good for you - the exercise group meets every Thursday at 12.30pm to take part in exercises under a professional tutor. All members are welcome to join, the first session is free and thereafter a mere $3 to cover the cost of the tutor.

Why not try it? Just turn up next Thursday in the hall.

Late News

Newspaper Report

The local Advertiser Newspaper carried a report about a couple of our members.

If you want to take part in any of our activities or want to find out more about them have a look at the Club Activities Tab (above).

Bus Trip

Monday is the club bus trip to Meroogal House in Nowra, we meet at 8.15am.

Fathers' Day Concert

Don't forget that Monday 9th September at 1.30pm our enthusiastic concert group will be presenting their Fathers' Day Concert in the main hall in Heininger House.

Everybody is invited, the concert group would love a gold coin donation as you enter the hall. For that you will receive a couple of hours of entertainment, a light afternoon tea and a gigantic raffle with many wonderful prizes. Come along... you will be made very welcome and have a lot of fun.

The concert group would be delighted to see a hall full of smiling faces. There is plenty of parking.

Fathers' Day Lunch

Tickets for the 19^th September Fathers' Day Lunch are still on sale at our next meeting. Still only $15, every member is welcome.

Don't forget to write your name on the back of the ticket so you are in the draw for our many raffle prizes.

August News

Council Negotiations

Licence agreement negotiations with the council have been completed satisfactorily. Things are more or less as they were but with the security of knowing that our meeting bookings are fixed and cannot be moved (unless there is a serious problem). The agreement has been sent to Head Office with our approval letter for their signature.

Bus Trip

Our August bus trip to Hyde Park Barracks got lost! Our bus trips are always fun, never mind, they made it in the end.

The next trip is in September to historic Meroogal House, only $15 - tickets on sale at the next meeting.

Home to four generations of women from the same family, this Gothic-revival timber house has hundreds of stories to tell from the multitude of belongings and objects left by each generation. A grand house in its day, by today's standards it is in fact quite modest.

Should be a fascinating visit.

Next Meeting - 15^th August

Don't forget our next meeting is on Thursday the 15th. All the usual information and activities.

The Tech Savvy DVD's will be available for loan at this meeting. (Sorry, forgot to mention them at the last meeting.) They introduce just about everything from buying a computer, tablets, e readers, mobile phones, the Internet and more. Any member can borrow them, a full list of the subjects they cover is on the notice board in the foyer.

See you at the meeting...

Next meeting - 1st August 2013

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.
• Pay an instalment on the club's holiday to Moree in October.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking this year (see below).
• Enjoy a 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.
• Borrow a copy of the Tech Savvy Seniors DVD.

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.

At this meeting there will be some news about the ongoing negotiations with Wollongong City Council for a new licence agreement.

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 Trips

The next bus trip is to Hyde Park Barracks this meeting is your last chance to buy a ticket on this trip. There will be a guided tour of the museum. Afterwards we will have lunch at St George's Leagues Club. Don't miss out these trips are a lot of fun.

Theatre Tickets

There may be some news about tickets for a new show! Looks interesting.

See you there?

Birthday Lunch

A big "Thank you" to everybody who attended our 51st birthday lunch at Dapto Leagues Club on the 25^th July and contributed to its success. Special thanks to those who donated such wonderful raffle prizes. Over 90 members attended.

The food was excellent, the club certainly has made splendid meals for our last couple of lunches after a bit of a rough patch with undercooked vegetables. The fish in particular was well received and I think that might be on the menu again early next year, there were certainly no complains about the chicken dish either.

Oh, what fun we had!

During the lunch a small presentation was made to Ed and Min Tall who have handed the reins of the 'Gentle Exercises for Seniors' group over to someone else. Ed and Min originally started the group over 7 years ago and have enjoyed their time as group leaders but felt it was time for new faces to take it into the future. Min is famous for the delicious treats she brings to each Thursday afternoon session, what a champion cook she is.

By the way if you want to take part in the exercise group new members are most welcome. The classes are held under the watchful and expert eye of a qualified instructor and run at a pace designed for the over 50s. Why not have pop along and have a look next Thursday?

Fathers' Day Lunch

The club's next lunch is on the 19th September when we celebrate Fathers' Day. If you haven't been to one of our lunches do make the effort to come, you won't get a better meal for $15, a modest price that includes your entry in the massive raffle held once the meal is over. All members are welcome to join in the fun. Tickets for the next lunch will go on sale toward the end of August.

Next Meeting - 18th July

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.
• Enjoy a 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.
• Fill in the CPSA Head Office Survey.
• Tickets are on sale for the Birthday Lunch to be held on the 25^th July. Still only $15.

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.

There will be an election of delegates to the CPSA Annual Conference to be held on the 29^th and 30^th October.

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 Trips

The next bus trip is to Hyde Park Barracks where we will have a guided tour of the exhibits. Lunch will be at St Georges Leagues Club

There are only a few tickets left so be quick.

Walking Group

The walk on the 26^thJuly 2013 will be to the Annual Sydney Retirement & Lifestyle Expo at Rosehill. All the usual meeting arrangements apply and the group will catch a train to Parramatta where they will take the free shuttle bus to the Expo site at Rosehill. Entry to the Expo is free with a token cut out of The Senior newspaper. Why not join us?

Walk Cancelled

The Rocks walk has been cancelled, the weather is looking unsuitably foul. Postponed until the weather improves.

Technology for Seniors

This video shows some of the features and advantages of modern technology and the Internet. It is not a training video but merely an introduction to some of the possibilities. Worth a look.

It would be possible to show this video in the Laurel Room before a meeting if there was enough interest. Let a committee member know of your interest.

Upcoming Events

Friday, 28^th June

The Walking Group will be exploring The Rocks area on Friday. The group will catch a City Circle train to Circular Quay at Town Hall . The weather is looking promising.

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.

 

Thursday, 25^th July

Another date for your diary for next month - The Birthday Lunch (doesn't time fly?).

Once again it will be held at Dapto Leagues Club upstairs in the Sinclair Room.

Tickets go on sale at the next meeting - still only $15.

 

All members are welcome to come to the lunch it is great fun, good company and plenty of door prizes. See you there...

Next Meeting - 20th June 2013

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.
• Enjoy a 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 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 Trips

The next bus trip is to The Nicholson Museum on the 1st July

Meeting Outcomes

Home Security Talk

Our thanks to Senior Constable Ben Walsh who delivered a very interesting talk on home security during our regular meeting last Thursday.

Ben also talked briefly about the "Next of Kin" register. He left forms for members to fill in and return to the Lake Illawarra Police Station. This facility enables the police in the event of an emergency to be able to contact your next of kin.

Walking Group - 14^th Jun 2013

The group's next walk is Exploring Gerringong.

Because of the change of direction the group will meet at Dapto Station at 7.20am to catch the 7.35am train travelling south. Anybody is welcome to join the group.

NB: Advance Notice.

The walk on the 26^thJuly 2013 will be to the Annual Sydney Retirement & Lifestyle Expo at Rosehill. All the usual meeting arrangements apply and the group will catch a train to Parramatta where they will take the free shuttle bus to the Expo site at Rosehill. Entry to the Expo is free with a token cut out of The Senior newspaper (page 22 in the current issue). Why not join us?

6th June 2013 - 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.
• Enjoy 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.

During the meeting there will be a short talk by the Crime Prevention Officer from the local police command.

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 Trips

The next bus trip is to The Nicholson Museum at Sydney University which is home to the largest collection of antiquities in Australia or indeed the Southern Hemisphere. Tickets will only cost $15 including the bus and will include a guided tour of the museum with one of the museum's experts.

As always we will stop on the way for breakfast and a meal at a suitable club on the way home. These trips are always fun so make sure you get a ticket.

NB:

Please note that our holiday to Moree in October is now full.

Next Meeting - 23rd May 2013

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.
• 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 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 Trips

The June bus trip is to Train Works at Thirlmere. Only a couple of seats left so be quick.

Mothers' Day Concert - 13th May 2013

Everybody is Welcome

Don't forget that Monday 13th May at 1.30pm our enthusiastic concert group will be presenting their Mothers' Day Concert in the main hall in Heininger House.

Everybody is invited, the concert group would love a gold coin donation as you enter the hall. For that you will receive a couple of hours of entertainment, a light afternoon tea and a gigantic raffle with many wonderful prizes. Come along... you will be made very welcome and have a lot of fun.

The concert group would be delighted to see a hall full of smiling faces. There is plenty of parking.

Tech Savvy Seniors DVD

The club has a couple of sets of the Telstra Tech Savvy Seniors DVD available for loan. Each set comprises two DVDs covering a wide range of topics, watch them all or just watch the sections that interest you.

Topics Include:

• Computing
• Tablets
• Learning E-Readers
• Using a Mobile Phone
• Internet
• Social Networking
• Internet Security
• Home Networking

These topics are subdivided into separate sections and explained simply in short, informative videos lasting a few minutes each. For example the Computing section has the following sub sections:

• How to choose the right computer
• Buying a computer: shopping tips
• Understanding computer specifications
• Understanding memory cards
• Introducing email
• Bigpond webmail
• Setting up Bigpond client mail

Click Here for a full list of subjects as a PDF File

Contact the club's secretary to borrow a copy of this DVD set.

Recent Publicity

The club has been very lucky with the support given by the Seniors' press. They have reported on many of our activities, some of the more recent reports include an article in The Senior about our fantastic April picnic (click on the picture for a larger version):

The May edition of Senior Lifestyle also included a picture of members involved with the launch of our new web site:

Later in the same edition they included our Mothers' Day concert in their monthly diary of activities.

The club is very grateful for all the support the press give us.

Next meeting - 9th May 2013

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.
• 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.
• Borrow a copy of Tech Savvy Seniors DVD

At the beginning of the meeting we will be having a short talk about Stroke Awareness by a speaker from the Stroke Foundation. You will be able to ask questions afterwards.

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.

Bus Trips

The June bus trip is to the newly refurbished Train Works at Thirlmere and tickets will be on sale at this meeting. The recently renovated exhibition hall offers single level access to all areas making much easier access. Places are sure to go quickly so get your tickets early.

Picnic Fun

Lots of Food and Good Company

Over 70 members ventured out to Integral Energy Park on Thursday, 4^th April to take part in the club's 2013 picnic. What fun everybody had!

There was plenty of cake for all as members arrived and soon the place was buzzing with conversations as they settled down to chat with old friends and make new ones. Tea, coffee and fruit juice were flowing as Maureen handed round trivia quiz sheets for everybody to fill in. As you can see from the photo the quiz got everybody thinking with questions about Dapto, sport, trivia and even nursery rhymes, it was great fun.

Time seemed to fly past and before everybody realised it the lunch arrived and the assembled company settled down to a meal of chicken, coldslaw and potato salad, followed by yet more cake.

Games Time

Once the meal was over it was time to lose some of those calories so the party was moved outside for games of quoits and boules on the grass. Amid shouts and cheers of encouragement the members competed to be the club champion for 2013 - OK, perhaps not a championship but just for the pleasure of friendly competition for the small prizes on offer. During the games there was yet another surprise as ice creams were handed out to all.

Sadly, before everybody realised it it was time to go home, doesn't time just fly when you are having fun? Oh well, there is always next year to look forward to...

Our thanks and congratulations go to Maureen and Rudi for organising such a first rate event.

Mothers' Day Lunch

Just a reminder that tickets go on sale at the next meeting for the first lunch of the year at Dapto Leagues Club on the 16^th May 2013, still only $15 and still with a massive free raffle. Don't miss it.

Club Events in April

Next Meeting - 11^th April

NB: This is the club's only meeting in April due to ANZAC Day falling on a Thursday.

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.
• 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 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.

Just a quick reminder that if you have not paid your membership for 2013 then it is now due. See Brian at the meeting and he will sort you out, it's still only $12 per annum (good value eh?).

Bus Trips

The next bus trip is to Lancer Barracks on 6^th May. At the moment the bus is full but keep an ear out for anybody dropping out (it happens) or put your name down on the reserve list.

Mothers' Day Lunch

Tickets will be on sale for the Mothers Day Lunch held at Dapto Leagues Club on the 16^th May. As everybody knows these lunches are great fun and subsidised by the club. Every member is very welcome. As usual there will be a great raffle included in the price of admission (don't forget to put your name on the back of your ticket).

Club Picnic

A last minute reminder that the club picnic is at the Motorlife Museum on Thursday 4^th April. Your ticket is in the lucky door prize draw so don't forget to bring it along. See you there.

Tech Savvy Seniors DVD

This DVD arrived in the post this week.

The DVD is the result of a partnership between Telstra and the NSW Government, currently we have only one copy of this two disk set for members to borrow but I think we can increase that number if there is the demand. It certainly seems quite interesting and covers a number of important topics:

Disk One

• Computing and Email.
• Tablets.
• Learning E-Readers.
• Using a Mobile Phone.

Disk Two

• Internet.
• Social Networking.
• Internet Security.
• Home Networking.

Perhaps we might think of screening these DVDs in the Laurel Room before a meeting sometime in the future for those who are interested. Let me know what you think.

Windows 8 DVD

The club also has it's own DVD which deals with the basics of the new Windows 8 operating system. If you have just bought a new computer then you may be interested in borrowing this DVD. At first glance Windows 8 is very different to previous versions of Windows, this DVD demystifies some of the new operating system's features.

Vale, Jack Moran

Sadly long standing and popular member Jack Moran passed away on the 26^th March 2013. Jack was 86 years old. His funeral on Holy Saturday was well attended by family and friends.

The club's condolences and best wishes go to his widow Doris.

Goodbye Jack, you will be much missed by us all.

Next Meeting - 28th March 2013

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.
• Leaflets for the Next of Kin registry will be 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 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.

Walking Group

The Seniors Week walk across the Seacliff Bridge was a great success with three people joining the usual participants on what turned out to be a beautiful day. At the conclusion of the walk most of the walkers enjoyed a coffee or lunch at the Scarborough Hotel before catching the train home.

Bus Trip

Just a reminder that there is no bus trip in April due to the Easter Monday holiday falling on our bus day.

The May bus trip is to the Lancer Barracks in Parramatta and tickets will be on sale from this meeting. It should be an interesting visit.

ANZAC Day

Another reminder than there will be NO meeting on the 25th April. There will only be one meeting April on the 11^th April the following meeting will be on the 9^th May.

How Stupid! How Thoughtless!

Unbelievable!

You would not credit that anybody could be so thoughtless and stupid. Walking through Dapto near the Centrelink office I could not believe that the footpath was completely blocked by this van. What made it worse was that it was there for hours!

This was between the bus stop and Centrelink in Baan Baan St. The driver saw people struggling to get between the back of the van and the tree indeed, as I walked along, I saw a lady in a wheel chair having to push through the branches and foliage with great difficulty to get past.

The vehicle could have been moved a couple of feet forward to make a passage without causing any problems in the car park but that appeared too complicated for this mob.

Technology on the move eh? Nobody else could.

Update for Seniors' Week 2013

The week so far...

Wow! what a week so far and it is only Tuesday.

About twenty club members caught the 7.55am train to Sydney (no buses this year?) for the Premier's Gala Concert at the Entertainment Centre.

This year the theme was Live from Studio A

We had pretty good seats.

The lovely Wendy Mathews was a hit, singing some songs of hers from the 1990s

 

Carpet Bowls

The bowls group had a visit from an SBS film crew for a comedy show to be broadcast in September. Talk about fun, they had a lot!

Wally becomes a TV Star.

 

Don't Forget

Wednesday 9.30am - Whist in the laurel Room.

Friday 8.00am - Walking Group; catch the 8.14am train (change at Wollongong) for the Seacliff Bridge Walk.

What fun! Don't miss out.

Seniors' Week 2013

Club Activities

All club activities will continue as usual (see our Club Activities tab above) however we have a few activities open to all as part of Wollongong's Seniors' Week program.

Carpet Bowls

On Tuesday Carpet Bowls is available to those who would like to try this fun indoor game. Just come along any time after 8am to arrange a game or find out about the group.

Go straight into Heininger Hall and talk to Brian who organises the group.

Shhhh! don't tell anybody but the whisper is that a SBS film crew will be there to record proceedings but remember that is just between you and me.

Cards

This is a very social group of card players. They meet every Wednesday in the Laurel Room, the usual game is whist but I suspect any game is welcome.

The play starts at 9.30am and continues until 2.30pm. The players bring their own lunch to have together and tea/coffee is always available.

Walking Group

This group meets fortnightly and walks many and various routes (see previous blogs). For Seniors' Week this year they are walking from Coalcliff Station to Scarborough over the fantastic Seacliff Bridge.

If you wish you can bring your own morning tea or can adjourn to the Scarborough Hotel at the conclusion of the walk. On previous occasions some group members have returned to Wollongong for shopping, because it is a local walk the rest of the day is yours.

Good walking shoes, a hat and drink are advised. The walk is fairly flat but there are some stairs and modest hills on the way.

The group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 7.50.8am to catch the 8.15am train. If you are late we are usually in the second carriage but I am sure at Coalcliff Station it will be obvious who the group is.

Everybody is invited to join all our activities and find out more about the biggest and best seniors' group in the Illawarra.

If you need more details about any of these activities please phone 043 861 2015 or email daptoseniors@gmail.com.