Another Exciting Week

Fathers’ Day Concert

The Fathers’ Day Concert was well attended and well received. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves and the event went off with a bang.

The concert group laid on their usual snacks, a cup of tea and a raffle to follow the concert itself.

If you would like to join the group you are more than welcome, they are always looking for new members whether as a singer or a support staff everybody is welcome to take part. The group meets in the hall every Monday at 12.30pm; why not come along?

Fathers’ Day Lunch

Likewise last Thursday the club held its lunch where over 60 people attended, The food as always was excellent and afterwards the lucky door prize draw meant that everybody went away with a prize. You can’t beat that can you?

Not only that but one of our members demonstrated her familiarity with modern technology by telling a joke she had downloaded onto her smart phone. Her audience was very impressed.

It was a busy week but there is more to come…

Next Meeting –24th September 2015

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of either $20 or two $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.
• Find out about our many activities that you can join in, there is something on everyday of the week.

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.

Coming up

At our meeting on the 8th October we will have a speaker from CareWays Community. CareWays offers a range of services for the community and they will outline the services they provide for seniors. Make sure you have questions.

Next Meeting - 10th April 2014

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of either $20 or two $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.
• Report from South Coast Area Council.

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 Plants, Pots and Trains on 5^th May. Tickets will be on sale at this meeting, don't miss out the bus trips are very popular.

Exploring Wollongong

The next walking group excursion will be on the 2^nd May and will look at some of the interesting and historic parts of Wollongong. The group will meet in the Dapto Railway Station waiting room at about 10:10am to catch the 10.20am Wollongong train. If you are late we will be upstairs in the second carriage. Please join us, you will be made very welcome.

Annual Picnic

The club's annual picnic was held on the 30^th March ant Integral Energy Park just outside Dapto. There was a terrific turn out of members to this event who enjoyed a chicken dinner, quizzes, lots of friendly company and afterwards were able to demonstrate their athletic skills with a game of Boules and throwing the rolling pin.

A great time was had by all and judging by the happy faces everybody will be back next year for the next social outing.

The winner of one of the competitions is presented with her prize by the club's President.

Some of the group enjoying the sunshine as they watched the outdoor events.

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.

The Next Meeting - 28th February 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 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 on Sunday 3^rd March. There are a few seats left so get to the meeting early before they are all snapped up. A ticket is only $10pp.

The February bus trip to Cobbitty Winery and The Campbelltown Art Centre was a great success with some members taking part in a filmed Art Event while others contented themselves with admiring the works on display and walking round the Japanese Garden and outdoor sculpture exhibition, it was great fun. Lunch was taken next door at the Campbelltown Catholic Club - a great favourite with the bus trip participants.

Walking Group

Due to the inclement weather the walk to Berry Island was abandoned and the walking group instead visited the Museum of Sydney which had a couple of special exhibitions; one about the artist Margaret Olley and the other the old Sydney Stadium.

The visit commenced with a terrific half hour guided tour of the Museum by an enthusiastic member of the staff after which we were able to browse at our own pace. Even at lunch time when the group left they had not seen everything so members will be going back individually to see the rest of what is a fascinating museum - well worth a visit.

Stay Smart On Line

This government website sends you an email warning about scams and frauds. You register your email address at their web site:

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Look for the Alert Service Link. Definitely worth a visit.

Next Meeting - 25th October

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.
• Don't forget the Christmas Quilt raffle too.
• Book a computer lesson.
• Get your name down for one of the hit shows booking next year. There are big savings on individual prices.
• Buy a ticket for the next bus trip.
• 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 during General Business you are able to bring up any matters you feel may be of interest to members - 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 Trip

On Sunday 14^th October our bus trip was to Parklea and Flemington markets. As usual the bus returned loaded with bags and packages full of the various goodies members had purchased.

The November bus trip is to Mt Annan Botanical Gardens and includes a guided tour of the spectacular gardens.

Christmas Concert

Remember that on 26^th November at 1.30pm our concert group will be keen to entertain at the annual Christmas Concert. As usual there will be a monster raffle and a delightful tea all provided by the concert group themselves. Entry is just a gold coin donation.

It is an important date for your diary.

Christmas Lunch

Finally, while you have your diary handy, another early notice and date:

Christmas Lunch
13^th December - 11.30 for noon
Still only $15

Tickets go on sale in November all are welcome.

Meanwhile, see you at the next meeting.

27th July - Cockatoo Island

The 2012 Biennale of Sydney

On Friday the 27th July the walking group met at Dapto Railway Station to travel to Sydney. On this occasion the group were visiting the Biennale Exhibition on Cockatoo Island.

The train took the group to Martin Place Station where they walked down to Circular Quay for breakfast. After the small meal they caught a ferry to the island.

The exhibits were scattered throughout the various buildings, some of the art was much enjoyed by the group, some just confused, while other pieces left them bemused. Whatever their reaction everybody enjoyed wandering about this old industrial site taking in the sights and sounds.

The group had bought their own lunch which was eaten overlooking the harbour on a glorious winter's day, the weather was perfect.

After exploring the island and visiting as many of the exhibits as possible the group returned to the wharf to catch the ferry back to Circular Quay where they, once again, returned to Martin Place for the train back to Dapto. Everybody had an enjoyable day and decided to return in two years time.

Next Meeting - 19th July

A visit by Stephen Jones MP

The Federal Member for Throsby, Mr Stephen Jones is visiting the club. He will arrive a short while before the meeting to mingle and meet members and will address the meeting on issues relevant to seniors. Afterwards he will take questions.

The meeting will undoubtedly go on slightly longer than usual but we will endeavour to speed though the rest of the agenda items.

As usual the meeting will start promptly at 10.30 and the first item will be Mr Jones's address so 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.

See you there...

It's a Busy Week!

Mothers' Day Lunch

Thursday 3^rd May 2012

As well as our usual activities this week Dapto Leagues Club is the venue for our first lunch of the year. The Sinclair Room will open at 11.30am for our meal at commencing at Noon.

Remember to write your name on the back of your ticket so you can benefit from the massive raffle we always have after the meal. We hope you win, but if you don't never mind you will have had a delicious meal and enjoyed good company. Look forward to seeing you there.

Walking Group

To help get rid of those calories from the Mothers' Day Lunch the walking group will be exploring parts of Parramatta on Friday 4^th May 2012. The group will take the ferry from Circular Quay to Parramatta then walk along the river for a while before visiting Experiment Farm Cottage:

Experiment Farm cottage stands on the site of the first land grant in Australia, made in 1789 by Governor Phillip to the former convict James Ruse. By 1791 Ruse had successfully farmed the 30 acre site as an experiment in self-sufficiency, proving that a new settler could feed and shelter his family with relatively little assistance to get started. The Indian-style bungalow there today was built by Surgeon John Harris, who purchased the land from Ruse in 1793 for £ 40. It is thought to have been built by c1835. It is one of Australia’s oldest standing properties and features in an 1837 sketch and subsequent watercolour by Conrad Martens.

Entry is only $5 concession. Afterwards we will walk to the shopping centre for our lunch before catching the train back to Central Station and home.

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.

View Parramatta Walk in a larger map

26th April - Meeting

Fortnightly Meeting

Just a quick reminder that the meeting starts at 10.30am in Heininger Hall.

Get there early:

• Tickets are still available for the 3^rd May Mothers' Day Lunch - only $15.
• Buy your raffle tickets to win one of three $10 prizes.
• Book a computer lesson
• 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.

Come along and have your say.

See you there...

An Early Reminder

Dates for your Diary

CPSA Dapto Seniors' has a number of events coming up soon:

• 19^th April - Our annual picnic (see previous Blog).
• 3^rd May - Mothers' Day Lunch at Dapto Leagues Club.
• 7^th May - Bus Trip to Berrima Museum.

...And finally an important entry for your diary:

14^th May - Mothers' Day Concert

Once again the Dapto Seniors' Concert group kick off with a great free concert and everybody is invited.

As always you can be guaranteed a fun time. The CPSA Dapto Seniors Concert group always provide a varied program of songs and skits as well as the odd singalong for everyone to join in.

After the concert there are tea and sandwiches during which the Concert group holds a raffle with dozens of magnificent prizes.

So don't forget to put 14^thMay 2012 in your diary. The concert starts at 1.30pm in the Seniors' Hall at Heininger House behind the Ribbonwood Centre right in the heart of Dapto. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time to get the best seat in the house.

See you there...

View Heininger House in a larger map

Time for a Picnic

Thursday, 19^th April 2012 is Picnic Day

Bring your money to the next meeting to get your ticket for this year's picnic. The event will be held at the Australian Motorlife Museum in The Integral Energy Recreation Park, Darkes Rd just off the highway north of Dapto (same venue as last year).

The venue is suitable whether the weather is wet or dry so come along have a lovely meal and a good time with your friends.

How much? - only $10, that's all! Only one meeting for you to get your ticket, so make sure you are at the meeting on the 12^th April.

See you there...

View Larger Map

Walking Group

Another Slight Change of Plan

The walking group set off for their Seniors' Week walk to visit Darling Harbour and the Maritime Museum. This time alighting at Town Hall Railway Station and walking down Druitt Street to the Darling Harbour precinct proved to be much easier and shorter than the usual walk from Central Station.

Because of Senior's Week entry to the Chinese Gardens was free so everybody decided to go there first for a short visit and enjoy the garden's special offer of tea and scones to replace our usual stop for breakfast. Even though we had all been before the visit was so enjoyable that we stayed longer than intended before setting off for the Maritime Museum.

It was a lovely day to stroll through Darling Harbour in the sunshine pausing to take in the view, watching school children in Tumbalong Park perform a tableaux about Mahatma Gandhi's struggle for Indian independence and generally just enjoying the harbour scenery before finally passing under Pyrmont Bridge to arrive at the Maritime Museum.

It was something of a surprise to find that the previously free museum now had a charge for entry but it was only a fairly modest $3.50 and we were prepared to pay until someone noticed that entry to all the exhibits including tours of the ships anchored at the dock was now only $10. After a bit of discussion it was decided, because it was already nearly 12 noon, not to go to the museum on this occasion but to come again in a few weeks and have more time to take the full tour.

So, once again the group set off, this time to catch the ferry for Circular Quay, we had a short wait so we wandered into the nearby park to relax and chat before the ferry came to take us to Circular Quay and our lunch.

To cut a long story short we had our lunch at Circular Quay in the food court, then made our way to Martin Place Railway Station where we caught the 2.23pm train back to Dapto. A good day out...

View Darling Harbour in a larger map

Why not join us on our next outing?, it is not until the 20^th April because of Good Friday and details will be announced at the club meeting the previous week. You are more than welcome to come along.

9th March - Walking Group

Dapto Seniors' visit Berry Island

The Dapto Seniors' walking group has another fascinating walk next Friday. This walk is another one the group has not taken before and is approximately 3 Km in length. There might be a few hills but hopefully none are very steep.

We will catch the Sydney train to Town Hall then transfer to the North Shore line to alight at Wollstonecraft Station. After the walk the group will catch a train from Waverton Station.

It might be wise to bring your own food for this walk though there are some cafes at Waverton.

View Wollstonecraft to Waverton in a larger map

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.

1st March Meeting

At 10am, before the start of our normal fortnightly meeting a representative of the guard's union will make a short presentation about the union's fears regarding the removal of guards from passenger trains on the CityRail Network. This talk was due to take place at an earlier meeting but was unfortunately postponed.

Bus Trip:

Also prior to the meeting bus tickets for our trip to Flemington Market on the 25th March will go on sale. These tickets are only $10 each and the bus fills up quickly so make sure you buy them early.

Computer Tuition:

There is a vacancy for computer tuition on Monday morning; if you are interested book it before it goes.

As Usual:

Naturally all the usual goodies such as a cup of tea, biscuits, raffle tickets and the trade table will be available before the meeting. For those that don't know the raffle tickets are only 3 for $1 with three prizes of $10 in cash for the lucky winners.

Come and support your club. If you are new to the area then you are more than welcome to come along and find out about the many regular activities the club provides. Be sure to check the 'Activities' page for more details.