NEWS RE MEMBERS PAST & PRESENT

The following announcement was made at the 7th March 2024 general meeting of the Club by President Maureen Mosely.

“On the 29th February 2024 the Speaker of the Australian Parliament, the Honourable Milton Dick, hosted a function in the Speakers Courtyard at which National Seniors Australia, and the Parliamentary Friends of Seniors, announced that in October of every year, commencing in 2024 it will award the Everald Compton Community Champions Medal to a senior Australian who has made an extraordinary achievement in the service of the nation in any field of community endeavour. It will be recognised as the most significant award that any senior Australian can receive. The medal is named in honour of Everald Compton AO, founder of National Seniors Australia in 1976, who will celebrate his 93rd birthday on the 11th October 2024 when the first award is made”.

Everald Compton is a valued senior member of the Albany Creek Probus Club, and was present when this announcement was made. Those present showed their acknowledgement of this honour bestowed on Everald by acclamation.

ALBANY CREEK PROBUS CLUB – 5 DAY BUS TRIP TO STANTHORPE.

Ever wondered what a Probus trip is really like? Well here are the daily notes from President Al as he and twenty plus members explore the Stanthorpe area south of Brisbane.

DAY 1.  “Eugene, our intrepid Coach Driver and Tour Guide arrived at Wruck Crescent so we loaded the bags and scrambled aboard for another exciting PROBUS journey.  We were soon leaving the traffic and city well behind, relaxing and chatting as we travelled through the winter brown countryside, sprinkled with many animals and country homes. At last Eugene has us arriving at a somewhat ancient looking Best Brook Mountain Resort for a well earned morning tea. Scones (fresh out of the oven), home made strawberry jam and yes proper fresh made cream, tea and coffee. Fabulous! This place was also a museum of old time country trinkets, artifacts and equestrian regalia. About 20 of their riding horses waved us goodbye as we headed on up to Cunninghams Gap, with smokey highland views, and onward to the south west granite belt. Entering Stanthorpe, we arrived for an interesting and shall we say tasteful information session about Truffles at the Truffles Discovery Experience. Many of us pulled out the plastic to purchase a myriad of local goods and chocolates. Next was lunch at the Granite Belt Brewery. The food was great and included a free drink (beer or wine) and the friendly staff made the break truly enjoyable. Then we went on to visit the Washpool Soap Factory and a few of us purchased soap products to wash away our sins! Then Eugene drove us to the lookout at Mount Marlay for an overview, and a bit of history of the Stanthorpe and Granite Belt region.”

DAY 2. ” Day two of our trip and I’m pleased to see that camaraderie has leapt to the fore and everyone seems to be enjoying each other’s company. The day started with a delightful breakfast at the motel, then onward to the Aloomba Lavender Farm, where we were greeted by the elderly but spirited Tere, and young Laura, who served up freshly cooked Lavender Scones with the traditional jam and cream. Moving on we stopped briefly to check out the Cobb and Co coach exhibit which was full of antiques. Kent Saddlery was an inspirational journey of Lyle Kent and his wife and their 30 years developing the current presentation of their business, including the development of many apprentices in the saddlery trades. Madi was our group guide within the factory and she led us on an illuminating journey of the work undertaken to make saddles and other leather products. Another fabulous lunch was experienced at the Blue Pot Pantry, secreted away in the Granite Belt region. Later we travelled to the Ballandean Wine Estate for wine tastings, then down the road to Heavenly Chocolates for tastings. Rain came in so a walk at Girrawean National Park became a drive thru with history by Eugene, our guide. Girrawean in the local language means ‘place of wild flowers’, and we encountered many kangaroos in the cool evening. Another great day from Tour Director Peter who just hasn’t got the hang of seat belts yet! The day ended with a massive Italian dinner at Anna’s Restaurant just a block away. The food was absolutely fabulous!”

DAY 3.  “We started the day with a visit to the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum. It turned out to be a fantastic collection of old buildings full of literally thousands of objects and artifacts from days of old. It fostered many memories of family possessions, and familiar experiences of upbringing and childhood. And then the bell rang, which was the signal for us to assemble in the back room for another fabulous, old fashioned morning tea, served by the lovely museum volunteers. Greg, unfortunately had apparently been misbehaving so was subsequently arrested by Senior Constable John Denyer, and handcuffed to Eugene our delightfully knowledgeable Tour Guide and Driver, who had apparently also misbehaved. Assigned punishment was to separate themselves without untying their shackles. A delightfully funny event. Onward then to the Christmas Farm experience, where we encountered many sparkly delightful expensive gifts for Christmas. The complex also housed deer, donkeys, a nesting pair of turkeys, sheep and goats and other points of interest whilst we also observed hundreds of Christmas trees that were being grown for next Christmas. Today’s degustation lunch was at Varias Restaurant at the Wine College.  Another fabulous meal accompanied by a nice wine tasting before returning back to Stanthorpe for a period of free time and an excellent dinner later at the Aussie Steak House ! “

DAY 4.  “And the rain has decided to set in but it didnt dampen our spirits! First port of call for the day was to visit the Amiens Legacy Centre for a detailed and enthralling session, and tour, looking back at WW1 and Australia’s historical connection to the war in France in the area of Amiens and Villers-Bretonneux, and how many soldiers on return to Australia were given land holdings in the Granite Belt region, thus creating the background of modern day Stanthorpe. Detailed information was provided by our knowledgeable volunteers, and as the history of how General Monash organised the Australian Regiments; one cant help but feel a lump in the throat, as we realised how geographically close we are to the Anzac link. Morning tea followed in the order of Anzac biscuits and tea and coffee. Moving forward through the drizzle, we travelled to Suttons Apple Juice & Cider for tastings, and a confrontation with huge slices of apple pie! The mood changed as we arrived at the Stanthorpe Cheese factory for a delightful cheese tasting with beetroot relish, creamed honey, quince paste and bickies. So having not had enough to eat we then travelled to Vincenzo’s at the Big Apple for a delightful buffet lunch, and included free drink, followed by liquor tastings at Castle Glen Liquors. By that time we’d had enough of the rain, so Eugene, our Driver turned the Coach toward the Motel, for a refresh drink, and yes you guessed it, our next feed!”   

DAY 5.   “The day started with clear skies, 8 degrees, and a very brisk breeze. Having been well fed and watered by our lovely young host Raj and her husband, we had our photo taken, expressed our thanks for a grand time, said our goodbyes and got underway to Warwick, as Eugene had finished packing the bus. Next stop was a tour around Warwick, a visit to Gardens Galore and morning tea. This establishment was absolutely fabulous, full of colour, a myriad of garden trinkets, garden ornaments, great cool climate plants and would you believe a ladies dress and ice- cream shop! We also enjoyed the company of unusual and colourful chooks and ducks, a gingerbread house and some wonderful murals. Onward to Glengallan Homestead where Johnno gave us a detailed insight into the history of the property since the early to mid 1800’s, and how the property has diminished in size and is now administrated by a Trust that is badly in need of stable funding. It was nice to visit and check out this grand old lady, and in some ways we helped out by paying for our lunch of fresh sandwiches and fresh fruit. The trip back to Brisbane was uneventful and we arrived back at Wruck Crescent about 4.50pm, and with a heartfelt thanks to our Tour Director Peter Lamb and Jacki. We have enjoyed a wonderful trip and great company.” 

                                                                                    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

ALBANY CREEK PROBUS CLUB – BRISBANE RIVERCAT EXPERIENCE- FEBRUARY 2025 

                                                                                                        * * *                   * * *

Some twenty two Club members recently participated in a Club outing with a difference. The outing began with members boarding a River Cat at Hamilton and then proceeding to Darvella Patisserie at Balmoral for morning tea, but not before enjoying the scenery and ambience of the Brisbane River and its surrounds. An excellent lunch meal was had by all at the Regatta Hotel and then it was back on board another River Cat for the trip back to Hamilton. The River Cats, or City Cats as they are sometimes referred to, are an absolute credit to the Brisbane City Council in terms of suitability to the Brisbane River and for the speed with which they carry passengers to and from their destination. The additional good news is that if you select the off peak time for your excursion and your age is plus 65 years then your trip is free. Organizer Peter Lamb can take a bow here as this was a well organized and well planned Club activity.    

                                                                                                                                               * * *