GUEST SPEAKERS
2025
At our May Meeting Janice Haynes spoke on lighthouses around the coast of Victoria. She also spoke extensively of the treacherous waters between the mainland and King Island which when sailing through there was referred to as threading the needle.There have been 60 ships founded on King Island with the loss of 2000 lives
Deborah Williams from The Stroke Foundation spoke at the May meeting of her own experience of having suffered a stroke. She spoke how it affected her life and what she endured in the rehabilitation process. Deborah also highlighted the warning signs to give an indication there could be underlying issues as yet undetected.
In April Caroline Crawford gave a heartfelt talk on her personal experience on being addicted to gambling. She highlighted the way advertising and surroundings at venues are designed to attract you and maintain your interest, which can eventually lead to being in deep financial problems.
2024
At the November meeting John Stevenson spoke of the 1914-1918 war. The talk was mainly about the conflict in Turkey and Egypt involving The Light Horse Brigade.
The October 2024 meeting had Winston Marsh talk about the lies our mothers told us.
At the September 2024 meeting Sue Cuningham talked of her experience with the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in the King Lake area. 173 lives were lost, her partner being one of them. She has written two books, All The Days After and more recently Waldene detailing her lived experience.
At the August 2024 meeting Terry Webster spoke of his time in the Merchant Navy and the journey it took him around the world
At the meeting in July 2024, Trevor Rogers talked on the important part music therapy had on residents well being in nursing homes and retirement villages.
Nathan Conroy Frankstons Mayor at the June 2024 meeting talked on what was happening in Frankston at present and what was planned for the future. The presentation was very informative.
At the April meeting Barry Gomm 2024 talked about the nostalgia associated with the bygone era of yesteryear.
Brett Jago, Westpac Branch Manager, at the February 2024 meeting informed the group of the lengths that scammers would go to, in convincing unsuspecting people that they needed to update their personal details. This then translated to people losing $3.1 billion dollars in a year
2023
Eric Panther at our April meeting talked about being a “Collectibles Tragic” and explained the trials and tribulations of over 40 years collecting all sorts of items.
The members at the February meeting were well and truly entertained by “Natalie the Laughing Lady”
At our January meeting Andrea Mc Call talked about Agatha Christie and the books she wrote.
2022
November meeting welcomed back Ross Wilkinson to talk about ,
A Most Remarkable Sailor Captain
Gerhard Heyden Legion of Merit.
October Myra Bilson to be updated
Meredith Stoddart in September talked about the issues of Prostate Cancer that a large percentage of males tend to ignore. She reinforced the message that men should have a regular check up to monitor the state of the prostate.
August 2022 meeting had speakers Jacklyn Jenkins (L) and Caitlin Swanton (R) from Fusion Mornington. This organisation looks after and cares for homeless and troubled teenagers on the Peninsula. Their talk undoubtedly enlightened the members present as to the problems of homelessness and growing up in general.
JULY 2022 Martin King gave the members a very informative and comprehensive talk on Aged Care rules and regulations pertaining to nursing homes and retirement villages. Also on Home Care packages for those who wish to stay in their own home but need a bit of extra help.
June 2022 Ross Wilkinson a War Historian, gave a very informative talk on Australia’s involvement in New Guinea during that period of conflict.
May 2022 Giselle (l) and Jo (r) from The McGrath Foundation gave a very informative talk on the support network available to women experiencing the effects of breast cancer.
February 2022 Lorraine Smith gave a very interesting talk on her book “Journey of a Lost Manuscript”. The story traced the path of the 16th century document after it’s discovery in her Warrnambool bookshop, from Great Britain.
2020
February 2020 Priscilla and Kieley from the Frankston SES explained the role of SES members in the Frankston district.
January 2020 Bob Seers talked to members about the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance and other wartime stories.
2019
November 2019 Mary Murphy, archivist at her Majesty Theatre, entertained us with her stories about the history of the theatre.
October 2019 Guest speaker Alain Young, an exercise physiologist with Equip 4 Life, talked about Healthy Ageing & Lifestyle, a free health and wellness program.
September 2019 Phil Gray, author of From Dreamtime to Armageddon, related stories about William Buckley and the early days of the colony.
August 2019 President of the Frankston RSL Kevin Hillier discussed the planned development of the Club’s premises.
July 2019 James Wall of Garden World gave a very entertaining and informative presentation to members.
June 2019 Don Jones kept the members entertained with his talk on “The Magic of Laughter”
May 2019 Teresa Gillespie from Peninsula Health gave members a very informed and thought provoking talk on Advanced Care Planning
April 2019 Carol Rosenhain presented a compassionate precise of her book “The Man who Carried the Nations Grief”. Carol had a captive audience as she described the work of Major James Lean and quoted verbatim letters from distressed families seeking news of loved ones during World War 1. Major James Lean was the man at Base Records who penned reply letters to those eagerly awaiting news, sometimes over 100 letters per day.
February 2019 STORY DOGS. Kim Croft from Story Dogs informed members of their program assisting children and young adolescents to improve their reading skills by reading to dogs.
January 2019 Adam Palmer Adam entertained the members with his talk on “Hypnosis and the Power of the Mind”.
2018
January – Dush Dedic, St. John Ambulance. Dush reminded us of the D.R.S. (Danger / Response / Send for help) and A.B.C.D. (Airways / Breathing / CPR / Defibrillator) programmes and gave a very informative demonstration of how to use a defibrillator.
February – Andrea McCall. Popular local identity Andrea McCall, a lively and entertaining speaker, spoke on her topic entitled “Agatha Christie and the crime novel … the view of an enthusiastic and passionate fan.” As we have many dedicated readers in the club we enjoyed her talk immensely.
March – “The Year in Review”. Astronaut, Chris McMillan, presented his annual, highly anticipated video of members enjoying the many Club Activities over the previous year.
April – Pam Ahern Pam, founder of “Edgar’s Mission” which cares for neglected farm animals, gave us a passionate talk about her love of animals.
May – Two members of the Victorian Level Crossing Removal Authority enlightened members on the major works that are happening on the Frankston Train Line.
June – Winston (Winno) Marsh entertained the members with his talk, loosely based on the subject, “Lies our mothers told us”.
July- Theo Apostolopoulos from the State Trustees Office. Advised members on current changes to consider when making Wills, Powers of Attorney and Nominating Life Choices.
August- David Spitteler spoke to members about Asylum Seekers and their needs in our society.
September- Leading Senior Constable Julie Simpson spoke to members about Staying Safe.
October – Two very enthusiastic speakers, Christine Richards and Ginervra Hosking from the Committee for Greater Frankston, outlined their visions and plans for the fast developing area of Frankston and its surrounds.
November: Adrian Dickens of Circa AD Jewels, gave a wonderful presentation entitled the “Elizabeth Taylor Collection“
2017
January – Bionic Institute, East Melbourne
We had a presentation from the Bionic Institute on this new era in bionic research into sight, hearing and neurological disorders.
February – Gary Turner, Mornington Peninsula Radio journalist
Gary talked about the many and varied places he has worked and celebrities he has interviewed over the years. He has MC’d various concerts around Australia, including “Spirit of the Bush” concerts raising funds for drought-affected Queensland farmers.
March – AGM
Followed by video “Year in Review 2016/17 (Chris McMillan)
April – Brian Cunial, Mayor of Frankston
Brian spoke to us about the many changes in Frankston that have recently been completed, and are currently in the process of being completed. He also answered questions from the floor, including contentious issues.
May – Melinda Shelley, children’s books distributor
Melinda spoke about her belief in “Building the nation, One book at a time”and the venture she started to help children access books for free, naming it “123Read 2 Me”. This has had great success and Melinda has so far distributed 94,000 children’s books.
June – Ian McCann, Mornington Cinema owner
Ian spoke about the various stages of his life spent in the film industry, the many movie stars he met along the way and how he fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own cinema and the many challenges that involves.
July – Margaret Martin, British child migrant
Margaret told us of her own personal story of enforced migration under the British Child Migrant Programme in the 1950s, her subsequent adoption and happy life in Australia. We also watched a video of the very moving formal apology made in 2010 by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown on behalf of the British Government.
August – Les Twentyman, Les Twentyman Foundation (formerly 20th Man Fund)
Les showed a couple of short videos and spoke of his work with the disenfranchised youth of today and the positive impact on numerous young lives being made by the many volunteers of his Foundation, including involving youth in sporting activities.
September – Pam Hearn (Education Officer) & Max Burrows (President), Birdlife Mornington Peninsula
Max gave details of the “Birdlife” organisation and Pam showed slides of a selection of birds to be found on the Mornington Peninsula, in many cases accompanied by their birdsongs, and including their nesting and migratory habits.
October – Chelsea Wybrow
Chelsea brought about 18 of her young violin students to play for us – a mix of girls and boys from the age of 5 to teenagers. Their performance was greatly enjoyed and the members gave the students a standing ovation.
November – Ken & Sue Slater Sue and Ken spoke of their amazing journeys with the MG Club, shipping their little car overseas and travelling from Beijing to London & later trips through Africa & the Americas.
2016
January – Our own member, Joan Tuckwell
Joan has spoken to us in the past about her experiences of life in New Guinea. Today she gave us an insight into life “Out the back of Bourke”.
February – Eugene Ross, volunteer with “Blaze Aid”
This organisation was started by Kevin Butler after the Black Saturday bush fires to support people who have “lost everything”. Eugene gave us a real insight into what their large army of volunteers do to help farmers get back on their feet after a disaster.
March – AGM
April – Peter Thomas , Ex Paramedic, Ambulance Victoria
Peter spoke on recognition of heart attack, calling of an ambulance, the evolution of MICA, and costs of MICA services to the public, amongst other core subjects.
May – Angela & Peter Cecil (our members)
Angela and Peter took us on a trip to “The Northern Lights and Beyond”. They presented a slide show of their photos, with a commentary from Angela, on their recent holiday through Norway, Finland, Estonia and Singapore.
June – Julie Cowan, SARDA (Search & Rescue Dogs)
Julie’s volunteer-based, non-profit organisation works in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies and CFA/MFB, and assists in finding missing persons in a variety of distressing situations. Julie told us about the training and work done by her own dog, “Tank”, who accompanied her on this visit.
July – Ray Scott (a member of the Frankston Combined Probus Club)
Ray informed us of the various stages in the process of writing and publishing a book and spoke of the skills necessary for writing novels, and how those skills have changed in the past few hundred years – from Jane Austin’s era to modern topics and styles. His current book is on the subject of “modern day espionage”. August – Peter Bernardi , (President of Peninsula Aero Club)
Peter spoke to us of the history of the airport and of its growth into the many and varied departments it has today.
September – Frankston U3A Choir
Members of the choir, under the baton of their new Choir Master, Anne Credin
October – Don Jones, Comedy Magician
Don may be known to some of you as he has performed all around Melbourne and at Macca’s Music Hall in Mount Eliza.
November – Music Trivia (run by our own Chris McMillan)
This Music Trivia session featured audio tracks of some of our favourites from the past, which our various groups competed to solve. Great fun!
December – Christmas Lunch
2015
January – “Michael”, from Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park, Pearcedale.
Michael revealed his passion for endangered species and spoke of his successful “breed and release” animal programs.
February – Russell Osborne, known as “The Camel Man”
Russell trekked his camels from Darwin to Melbourne. It took him two years, and today we heard about some of his adventures. He is also an ambassador for Moira Kelly’s “Children First” Foundation.
March – AGM followed by Tommy Carter,
Tommy has been a popular jazz musician on the Peninsula for many years, and he shared some of his life stories with us.
April – Pat Overend
With the 100 year anniversary of Gallipoli, Pat gave us a different aspect on war – discussing “Truth is the first casualty in war”.
May – Christine Richards, past Mayor of Frankston
Christine is still an active participant in all things relevant to Frankston, particularly the “Proudly Frankston Campaign”, and she gave us an opportunity for input into the many changes which are occurring.
June – Stan Barnett
Stan, recognised in the “Locals of Frankston” photographic display at the Frankston Arts Centre, entertained us with stories and a photographic slide show of the “Men behind the beards” shown in his own photographic book.
July – Warren Joel
Warren gave us an entertaining talk about antiques in general, and then walked through the room appraising some of our “treasures” that we had brought to our own “Antiques Roadshow” at Baxter Tavern.
August – Sharron Coburn
Sharron was from the Proactive Policing Unit, and spoke to us about the Frankston Community Register.
September – Margaret Mace
Due to a late cancellation, our own Margaret Mace stepped up and told us about her father’s experiences during the war. Well done Margaret!
October – Bill Robinson
Bill shared his experiences whilst kayaking across Bass Strait, and told us a little of the history of the area too.
November – Alberto Salvato
Alberto has spent his life working in non-professional theatre, and told us of his involvement with PLOS, Dandenong’s “Windmill Theatre”, Cloc and Babirra. His talk was accompanied by a wonderful slide show of various stage sets.
December – Christmas Lunch
2014
January – Peter Cliff
A retired Dentist, Peter told of his experiences working for 10 weeks as a volunteer dentist in Papua New Guinea.
February – Barbara Harrison, from Earthwatch
Barbara gave an interesting talk, which included excavating in Moscow, experiences on Easter Island and tracking meerkats in the Kalahari Desert.
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Noela Prasad, from Fred Hollows Foundation
Noela gave an insight into the legacy Fred began, and told us of her work in India treating the eye problems of people with leprosy.
May – Graeme Robin
Graeme returned to tell us more amusing tales about his travels through Europe and Asia in his Fiat.
June – Anna McDonald
Having just returned from 3 weeks in India, Anna spoke about overcoming energy poverty in India through Solar Energy.
July – Sue King
Sue spoke about current thinking on climate change and ways we could all contribute to engaging in a “climate conversation”.
August – Robin Batt, Manager of the Frankston Arts Centre
We had a really enjoyable and informative talk about “all the wonderful things” that the Frankston Arts Centre does in the general community. A real eye-opener.
September – Garry Disher, award-winning author
Garry talked about his writing of crime fiction, and how he comes up with ideas for the stories.
October – Mavis Peet, from Habitat For Humanity
This not-for-profit Christian organisation builds homes for disadvantaged families. Mavis says “They don’t give hand-outs, they give hand-ups.”
November – Brendon Gardner & Jan Child
These two Chief Operating Officers of Peninsula Health gave us information on the new Emergency Department of Frankston Hospital currently under construction.
December – Christmas Lunch
….. with live entertainment.
2013
January – Kelly Allen
Spoke on “Living with Autism”, and brought a teenage girl sufferer, who played the keyboard for us
February – Gary Morris
Talked about his experiences writing his book “A Line of Dogs” – an Irish story ending in Port Arthur
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Shirley Hawe
Spoke about her time in Cambodia as a volunteer working with “street kids”
May – Tony Ross, Veterinary Pathologist
Talked about how veterinary pathology improves the health & welfare of animals
June – Graeme Robin
Gave us an amusing and interesting talk on his travels around the world called “Travels in my Fiat”.
July – Keith Edwards from the “Diggers Club”
Spoke on heirloom seeds, vegetables and plants, and the dangers of fertilisers.
August – Sue Cattermole, CEO of Skills Plus
Presented data on the challenges facing the youth work force on Mornington Peninsula
September – Barry Follows AM
Topic: “Defence of Nepean”
October – John Gardner
Author of “The Dunny Man – Taking Care of Business” gave an exceedingly funny talk about the history of Australia and the life of a dunny man
November – Sohila Zanjania, a Partner in the law firm Prime Law Brokers
Spoke about the transition from life in Iran to living and working in Australia
December – Christmas Lunch
2012
January – Dr Megan Munsie from the Stem Cell Research Centre
Gave a talk on the use of stem cells, and raised controversial issues
February – Ken Piesse, Author
Topic: “Cricket and football … Tall Tales and True”
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Rosemary Swart from the Wonthaggi Desalination Project
Cleared up a lot of the questions we had about the project
May – Colin Watson
Described the work of the Victorian Police Air Wing
June – Rosemary Wilson and Ruth Kain
Our members explained their roles in outback teaching through Volunteers for Isolated Student Education
July – Tom & Margo Hartley
Spoke about “Mercy Ships”, a global charity which provides free medical services in West Africa
August – Naomi Baulch from The Bionics Institute
Told us about her twins who have both been fitted with bionic hearing
September – Matthew Cripps
Spoke on Frankston Activities Area Structure Plan Project which will update the “TAFE to the Bay” plan
October – Con Demopoulos
Talked about “The Importance of Bees in Nature”
November – Simon Purssey of “13 Cabs”
Gave an amusing talk on “Tips and Trips”
December – Christmas Lunch
2011
January – Karen & Friends from the Cuckoo Restaurant
Provided information on the history, and we were entertained by two performers
February – A representative of Metropolitan Education Training Centre
Spoke about “The Senior Driver” and encouraged us to enrol
March – AGM
Presentation of various activities
April – Mrs Hamida Lufti
Told us about her brave escape “From Afghanistan to Australia”
May – Sabrina Fotz of Friends of the Zoos
Told us about some of the problems zoos encounter in obtaining new animals
June – A Representative of Peninsula Link
Briefed us on the construction of Peninsula Link
July – Prof. Alex Buchanan AM
Topic: “The trouble with milk”. He told us about his work in discovering how best to feed starving infants
August – Julie Davey
Spoke on “Positive Thinking for Health & Happiness”
September – A Representative of Cranbourne Royal Botanic Gardens
Gave a presentation about the gardens
October – Colin Beasley
Talked about events and happenings “Behind the Australian Ballet”
November – A Representative FLOREY Neuroscience Institute
Spoke about stroke, and how to look out for prior signs
December – Christmas Lunch
2010
January – David Parkin
Famous ex-football coach gave a talk on the need for motivation in everyday life
February – Bob Falconer
Spoke on the topic “Peace Officer Policing in a not-so-civil society”
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – A representative from Ambulance Victoria
Advised us on what to do in an emergency, especially when talking to 000
May – Sylvia Cranbeck
Told us the history and future plans of the McClelland Gallery
June – Sheryn Anderson
Sentencing Advisory Council – we learned how our legal system works when judges are sentencing
July – Leigh Woodgate
Famous female jockey spoke on “Resilience” – how she coped with horrific injuries after a bad fall
August – Ted Moore
Talked about running general stores in outback communities
September – Mary Bawden
Told us about her liver transplant, and the desperate need for organ donations
October – Robyn Lovell
Explained the need to keep driving skills up-to-date, and useful aids for handicapped drivers
November – John Doutch of Council for the Ageing
Topic: “Beyond Maturity Blues”
December – Christmas Lunch
Entertainment by members
2009
January – Frank Lilley of ACCC
Gave us an overview of the organisation, and the work undertaken to protect us from scams
February – Sharon Redmond of Sandstorm Events
Told us about organising the Frankston Sand Sculpting Display & other events
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Start of 10th birthday
Re-introduction of all Past Presidents
May – Barry Kicher
Spoke on “A Boy from the bush – My life in the Australian Ballet”
June – John Hart (Speaker cancelled)
Our member stepped into the breach and talked about his life as a journalist
July – Bob Paice
We heard how being in the Armed Forces in Vietnam affected the lives of those involved
August – DSS Tracie Mengler
Explained to us how “Crime Stoppers” works, and how we can help
September – John Nelson
Told us about the difficulties he had faced in life
October – June Rance
Our member described her time spent working in Cambodia, and hiking in the Himalayas
November – Annette Allison
Gave a talk on the work of the Flying Doctor Service
December – Christmas Lunch
Entertainment by talented members
2008
January – Bill Swaine
Talked about the subject “The Railways of Victoria – Past and Present”
February – Lillian Jeter of the Elder Abuse Protection Assoc.
Spoke about the treatment of older, vulnerable people
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Dale Newman
Dale returned to speak on his topic “Qantas – Part 2” – information and stories about a Qantas pilot
May – Mrs Lesley McGarvie
The wife of the previous Governor of Victoria, spoke about “Life in Government House”
June – DS Murray Aldred of the Victorian Police
Spoke on the topic “The sex industry” and how police deal with it
July – Marilyn & Tig Simmons of Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Explained the work they do for their society
August – Chris McMillan
Our member spoke on the subject “Hi-Tech Touring and Saving Money” on our overseas trips
September – Holly Reid of Menzies Inc
Informed us about the work they do to help children and young people with problems
October – Don Horsburgh
Spoke on “The history of the Puffing Billy Railway”
November – Gabriella Byrne
Talked about her gambling addiction, and how it can affect one’s life
December – Christmas Lunch
Entertainment from members
2007
January – Steve Yorke
Spoke about the Briars Mt Martha Cultural Landscape, and the summer bushfire problems
February – Beth Wilson of the Vic Health Services Commission
explained her role and problems she has to resolve
March – AGM
Crafty Critters display of handiwork
April – Mike Poliness
Our member told us what he and Judy did as workers with the CFA during the summer fires
May – Graeme Jones
Our member entertained us, whilst explaining coping with life with blindness and vision impairment
June – Dale Newman
Explained the work of a Qantas pilot
July – Ian Phelan
Spoke on the subject “A Rotarian’s perception of life in New Guinea” and also about the Kokoda track
August – Peter Haddow
An ex-policeman, spoke on his advisory position in the filming of the TV show “Blue Heelers”
September – Sian Jones of Frankston Council
spoke on “Climate change and the Frankston area”
October – Tony & Prue Sheer
Operators of the Cape Shanck lighthouse, spoke of the history of the lighthouse, and tourist facilities
November – “Tell & Sell” Day
Members told us about the charity they are supporting, and the items they may buy (no profit)
December – Christmas lunch
Entertainment from members
2006
January – Viola Harris
Described her time as an ex-P.O.W. internee of the Japanese in Shanghai during WWII
February – June Eyers
Friends of the Zoos – told us many amusing tales about happenings at the Melbourne Zoo
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Margaret Mace (speaker cancelled)
Our member stepped into the breach and provided us with a video about prostate cancer
May – Robyn Vella
Promotions Officer for the Loddon Valley Shire, talked about the need for support of country towns
June – Margaret Ross
Our member entertained us with the telling of her personal profile
July – Robyn Bowles
Returned to talk about her new book “Dead Centre” based on the Falconio murder, inc inside information
August – Keith Wilson
Spoke about the work of Legacy on the Peninsula
September – Geoff Graff
Told us about his experiences in Saudi Arabia
October – Stuart Howard
Talked about the 2006 budget, and changes to super, tax and Centrelink to come in July 2007
November – Chris McMillan
Demonstrated his skills in making magic
December – Christmas Lunch
Entertainment by club members
2005
January – Video Presentation
“The Four Steps For Life” – the fun way to learn CPR and applying the techniques on pillow patients
February – Henk Overberger
Talked about touring in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Greg Roberts
A retired police officer of 26 years, described his life in the force, in forensics/CSI, and now in lecturing
May – Jenny Hilton of Diabetes Victoria
Explained her role in the organisation
June – SC Grant Caudry of the Police Safety Awareness Unit
Highlighted the effects of alcohol, fatigue, etc on our driving
July – Lynn Polson OAM
Explained the symptoms & treatment for Meniere’s Disease which causes vertigo, tinnitus, etc
August – John Bleeker
A personal profile on one of our members
September – Peter Hitchener
This TV Newsman, talked about his life, which includes 37 years working in the media
October – “Steve” Walker
A presentation of all the activities of our Club – “Show and Tell” time
November – George Simpson
Told us about “Famous Victorian UFO Cases”
December – Christmas Lunch
Entertainment by Club members
2004
January – David Welsh
David told us about the Lions Eye Care Program, and possible eye problems ahead
February – Ken Jepson
“The Honey Man” –gave us an entertaining talk about bees and their sex lives
March – AGM
No Speaker
April – Vicki Martin
Informed us on the work of the Frankston Community Support and Information Centre
May – Ron Davis
Our member spoke about his interesting life
June – Various
New members were greeted, “The Way We Were” photos laughed about, & a report was given on the Turkey trip
July – Bob Curry & “Dundee”……
……his dog, showed us how important Guide Dogs Victoria is to the sight-deprived
August – Annette Allison
Former TV personality, told us about her involvement in the Arts, and people she had interviewed
September – Robyn Bowles
Author of True Crime books, colourfully described people she had met through her writing life
October – Alan Moore
President of 39th Battalion Assoc. reminded us of the sacrifices made by young men in New Guinea
November – Joan Tuckwell
Our member described her time as a young wife and mother on Manus Island off the coast of New Guinea
December – Christmas Lunch
2003
Pat Helms of ARC
Pat talked about retirement villages
February – Theo de Jong
Spoke on the history of Frankston Hospital
March – AGM/ Graham Ross
Our member spoke on the rail yards in Melbourne
April – Lance Cook
Presented an informative talk on organ donation
May – Lynne Emblin of Peninsula Family History Society
Lynne inspired some members to start researching their own family trees
June – Alison Ogden & John Richards
Two of our members told us of some of the highlights of their interesting lives before Probus
July – Bev Garfield
Told us about two of her interests…. Channel 31 and keeping active – getting us physically involved!
August – Gerry Roberts
Spoke about his Antarctic holiday adventures
September – Malcolm Oakley
Our member spoke on “Sages Cottage Farm – A Community Project”
October – Anthony Knight
Described the restoration of Beleura Mansion and Gardens
November – A representative from Odyssey Travel
Advised us on tours for mature travellers
December – Christmas Lunch
2002
George Austin
One of our members – told us his personal story
February – Henk Overberger
Talked about the 2002 Anzac Tour to Turkey
March – AGM
No speaker
April – Sue Merriman of Merryl Lynch
Sue informed us about Retirement Income Streams & Self-Managed Super Funds
May – Bev Garfield
Entertained us with a talk about exercises for health, and Brain Gym
June – Vic & Steve Walker
Spoke about their narrow boat trip on the River Avon, and …….
John Richards
Informed us on the Club’s trip to China
July – Jude & Bill McLorinan(speaker cancelled)
Stepped into the breach and entertained us with“Tales of a Travelling Twosome”
August – DSS Ron Iddles
Topic: “Homicide – the Inside Story”
September – John Tame
Told us tales of Rotary’s volunteering in Tonga
October – Kylie Marriott
Fascinated us with stories about her job as Transplant Coordinator at the Alfred Hospital
November – Toni Cookson of AlphaPharm
Talked about generic medicines
December – Christmas Lunch
2001
January – Member Profiles
Some of our own members highlighted their life stories
February – Fran Sirio of Australian Pacific Travel
Topic: “To whet your appetites for international travel”
March – AGM/Member Profiles
More of our members highlighted their life stories
April – “Steve” Walker and friends
Talked about the Frankston-Susono Association and a visit to Frankston’s sister city in Japan – Susono
May – Ken Turner
Topic: “The MCG” – Melbourne Cricket Ground & the Ashes
June – Luddy Tschrischonig
Our own member recounted his younger days in Austria, including his impressions of the war
July – Scott Munro
Scott gave us an insight into the history of Linton’s Garden Centre
August – Tim Acton
Spoke to us about his fascinating memories of Hong Kong
September – Ray Wilton
Topic: “Friends of the Zoos” – how zoos get their support from the public, and developments at Melbourne Zoo
October – Ian Perdriau of Kiwanas
Told us about his experiences as the first Australian World President
November – Ellen Smith
Ellen taught us all about Powers of Attorney
December – Christmas Lunch
We had a party!
2000
April – Inaugural Meeting
No Speaker
March – Mike Poliness
Spoke about his experiences with the Country Fire Authority
June – John Eyres
Told us of his experiences with the Coastguard and local shipping
July – Rita Moore
Informed us aboutThe George Vowel Centre
August – Dr David Moroney of Peninsula Animal Hospital
Told us of his experiences as a vet on the Iditorod dog sled race in Alaska
September – Judy Johnson
Topic: “The humorous side of looks and health in senior years”
October – Perc Cooper
Topic: Reminiscences about superannuation and pensions
November – Tom Wagstaff
Topic: The art of meat butchering – talk and demonstration
December – Christmas Lunch
In-house entertainment, ably led by George Charters