Glenorie Probus Club maintained its busy program in May with the trip to the Zig Zag Railway which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended despite the wet weather conditions.
The railway closed in 2012 for maintenance purposes and only resumed in 2023 after much damage from bushfires and floods during the shutdown period had been repaired. The opportunity to look around the area was very rewarding and resulted in great day.
The guest speaker for the May meeting was Arthur Pearce from the Maritime Museum who gave the Club a talk on Wiliam Bligh and the Mutiny on the Bounty.
He started with a brief History of Bligh’s life from when he was a Navy Cadet at 7 years old. The Mutiny took place in the South Pacific when the British Naval vessel the Bounty was under Bligh’s command.
The ship was in the area to collect Breadfruit plants for transfer from Tahiti to the West Indies. However after spending several months in Tahiti the crew developed a liking for island and its lifestyle.
This resulted in discontent with the strict leadership style of Captain Bligh. On April 28,1789 Fletcher Christian and a group of discontented crew seized control of the ship.
Bligh and 18 sailors who did not support the actions were released on a small boat. The separate sailing by both groups was very interesting and is part of maritime history.
Arthur looked at the question of whether Bligh was a hero or a villain which was a very thoughtful review of Bligh’s life including the period as Governer of NSW and the rum rebellion.
The Clubs monthly coffee group changed their venue this month to the Galston High School Waddell Café. The café is staffed by students and used to give them experience working in that environment. The students bake the cakes and biscuits and prepare the coffee. Not only is the experience dealing with customers valuable but their self confidence grows. A great initiative by the school.
The club intends to keep its members active with ongoing activities. In June the club will travel the Parramatta River by Ferry between Parramatta and Circular Quay to see Sydney from a different perspective to looking out a car window on a busy road.
The Club meets at 11.00am on the 4th Wednesday of the month at Glenorie RSL and new members are welcome.
Contact Wendy Black on 9653 1022 or email [email protected]
