Members of the local Probus Club have enjoyed a busy and engaging month, beginning with a catch-up at the Green Vibes Café, where plans for the coming season were mapped out over morning tea.
The month’s highlight was a cruise on Port Jackson, organised in partnership with the Naval Historical Society. Travelling east of the Harbour Bridge, members passed a dozen historically significant naval sites—many of which were unfamiliar even to long-time Sydneysiders.
Guides on board delivered a lively and well-researched commentary, tracing the evolution of naval activity across the harbour. Some sites have long since shifted into the pages of history, while others remain operational, offering a fascinating blend of past and present. Under clear skies, the three-hour trip left attendees with a deepened appreciation for the harbour’s military heritage and provided an unexpectedly relaxing morning on the water.
At the club’s monthly meeting, guest speaker Helen McGregor captivated members with an insightful presentation titled Gardens Around the World. Beginning with the symbolic Garden of Eden, she explored humanity’s longstanding desire to create beauty within the landscape.
Her talk spanned ancient Egyptian funeral gardens, classical Chinese and Persian designs, Islamic and Celtic influences, and the celebrated gardens of Europe. She concluded by turning attention homeward, highlighting Canberra as a city built around the idea of a living garden, and noting the emerging “Sydney Aeropolis” concept, where green space forms a central pillar of urban planning. Members described the session as both enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable.
Probus Day was also marked this month with a barbecue hosted at a member’s home. Although wet weather curtailed plans for outdoor games, the gathering remained warm and social, with plenty of food and conversation carrying the day.
The Probus Club meets at 11.00am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Glenorie RSL and welcomes new members. Enquiries can be directed to Wendy Black on 9653 1022 or via email at wendyireneblack@yahoo.com.au
