News from the Front

Arising from the last meeting

Thanks to all the enthusiastic members who have nominated for a position on the 2015/2016 committee. It is great to see so many names put forward. Don’t forget our AGM is scheduled to take place during the 16th July meeting.

Just a reminder that the existing committee has been in place since our last AGM held on 16th January 2014. In 2013 we decided to change the club’s financial year which had previously run from January to December so that it will now run from July to June. The main reason for this  was to make life much easier for our hard working Treasurer who, under the old system, had to prepare two financial statements each year. We retain our membership year as the calendar year, again because this makes our Treasurer and Membership Coordinator's job much easier by separating the two events.

This change necessitated that for one time only the committee served for a period of 18 months under our Constitution rule 11.13.14:

From July 2015 our elections will be back to 12 monthly intervals and we anticipate the annual AGM to be held in late July or early August – it might vary slightly from year to year depending on how the June/July meeting dates fall.

Department of Fair Trading

At our meeting on the 18th June we listened to a talk given by Lauren and Stacy from the Wollongong branch of the NSW Department of Fair Trading. They warned us about some of the scams which members might be subject to by door knockers, telephone, letter or email. One site they mentioned in particular was the Government Scam Watch initiative. The web site itself is listed in our ‘Seniors Links’ to the right of this article and clicking on the link will take you to their web site which contains information about the latest scams.

Another tip they gave us was to register our phone and mobile number on the Federal Government’s ‘Do Not Call’ register. We have added this address to our list of useful links  so you can investigate this yourself.

The club has for some time kept copies of ACCC’s The Little Black Book of Scams; if you would like a copy ask our club secretary or you can be sent a free copy from the Scam Watch web site itself. A little booklet well worth reading.

The most important thing to remember is that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is, keeping yourself safe is largely a matter of common sense.

Birthday Lunch

At the next meeting on 2nd July Jackie will be selling tickets to our Birthday Lunch to be held at Dapto Leagues Club on Thursday 23rd July. Tickets are only $18 for members for a delicious meal with good company. Don’t forget to write your name on the back of the ticket so you are included in the draw for dozens of terrific prizes after the meal. It will be fun.

BTW don’t forget to change the date of the Fathers’ Day Lunch on your membership card from the 3rd September to the 17th September. Unfortunately the Sinclair Room has been booked by another club for our original date. We are sorry about this but it is just one of those things that happens.

CPSA Annual Conference

As mentioned during correspondence at this week’s meeting notification has arrived that the CPSA Annual Conference for 2015 will be held in Sydney on the 27th and 28th October. Over the coming meetings we will need to select delegates and discuss or propose any policy or constitutional motions to present at the conference. Don’t miss any club meetings your input is essential.

Next Meeting–18th June 2015

The meeting starts promptly at 10.30 am

Don't forget to come early:

At this meeting we have a special guest speaker from the Department of Fair Trading. Come armed with questions about consumer issues.

The rest of the meeting will have all the usual elements so don't miss it. After the meeting the Exercise Group will be there to get you fit so stay behind for that.

See you at the meeting!

Next Meeting–4th June 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.

Bus Trips

The next bus trip is to Elizabeth Farm. Tickets are $16 but members who were booked on the June trip get a $6 refund or put the $6 toward this trip. Tickets go on sale at this meeting.

AGM

Once more a reminder that the club’s AGM will be held on the 16th July. All committee positions will be declared vacant so get your nomination in as soon as possible.

Next Meeting–21st May

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.

Bus Trips

The next bus trip is to the Macarthur Centre for Sustainable Living. Unfortunately the bus is full already but keep an eye out for news of the July bus trip, tickets will be on sale at the first meeting in June.

AGM

Just reminder the club’s AGM will be held on the 16th July. All committee positions will be declared vacant so get your nomination in as soon as possible.

Les Miserable

This Wednesday club members are going to the matinee performance of Les Miserable at the Capital Theatre. Something to look forward to. The following show is Matilda in September.

The Mothers’ Day Concert

What a success the Mother’s Day Concert was! The hall was packed and our visitors enjoyed a wonderful show followed by a lovely snack and cup of tea or coffee. Many fortunate members of the audience went home with a lucky door prize.

Mothers’ Day Lunch

Our stoic doormen were ready to take member’s tickets as they arrived. All the tickets all went into the barrel for the lucky draw after the meal.

About 70 members enjoyed the Mothers’ Day Lunch at Dapto Leagues Club. There was the usual delicious meal followed by a magnificent draw. A great time was had by all.

The next lunch is the Birthday Lunch on the 23rd July – a date to note in your diary.

A Very Social Week Indeed!

Just a reminder of some events happening very shortly:

Monday 11th May – Mothers’ Day Concert

The concert starts promptly at 1.30pm in Heininger Hall at the rear of the Ribbonwood Centre right in the middle of Dapto.

The Concert Group presents the first of their concerts for 2015. We are assured that there will be tea, singing, skits and a singalong as well as the usual massive draw for door prizes. This year’s concert will have an ANZAC theme so expect popular songs from the first and second world wars in addition to the celebration of motherhood.

After the concert the audience enjoys a snack put on by the group’s members. It will be a lot of fun and we look forward to seeing you there.

Thursday 14th May – Mothers’ Day Lunch

Tickets have been sold so all is ready for the club’s Mothers’ Day Lunch held, as usual, at Dapto Leagues Club. Doors open at 11.30am for noon.

A wonderful two course meal has been ordered and, if the previous lunches are anything to go by, it will be delicious.

Members are reminded to write their name on the back of their ticket for a chance to win one of the fabulous lucky door prizes drawn after the lunch.

New Members

If you wish to participate in any of these or our many other activities  you are more than welcome to join our club - Click on the Club Activities tab above to find out more. Membership is a mere $12 per year. Come along to a meeting, have a cup of tea and try us out; we look forward to seeing you.

The NBN Is Here!

As most of you will be aware Dapto has been lucky enough to be one of the few places to receive the previous Labor Government’s promised “Fibre to the Home” broadband service. Most houses are now being fitted with the NBN boxes even if the resident is only having a telephone service.

Several people have asked “What is the minimum equipment needed for me to connect to the NBN/Internet?” Well, this is all you need:

Yep! That is all that is required to connect one computer to the NBN. It’s a Cat 5(or 6) network cable which you can buy from any computer or electronics store (or, for a fraction of the price, from China on Ebay). They come in various lengths but it has to run from your NBN box on the wall to your computer or laptop.

Some initial setting up has to be done on your computer using information supplied by your ISP (Internet Service Provider) but it is only done once.  The club’s Broadband for Seniors Kiosk can help you with how you do that.

If you don’t have a computer pester your kids and/or grandkids for one of their old laptops - as long as it has a network socket then it will do the job –check with them that it has a Vista, Windows 7 or 8 operating system (Windows XP or earlier is no longer safe for use on the Internet).  If you have a desktop computer then it depends on it's age whether it has the necessary network connection, most bought in the last few years will be suitably equipped.

Using the NBN is much cheaper and faster than using the mobile phone network via one of those dongles though, of course, it does lack mobility.

Have Fun…

Next Meeting–23rd April

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.
• Mothers’ Day lunch tickets go on sale at this meeting .
• 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.

Our local Federal Member Mr Stephen Jones will speak to us during this meeting and will take questions.

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 Jervis Bay Maritime Museum. After the last meeting there was only one ticket left but ask Ann about future excursions, they always take place on the first Monday of the month and are a great day out visiting interesting places.

Our Big Day Out

Last Thursday Maureen and Rudi organised our annual Day Out. What a good job they made of it too.

Sixty members attended the event at Integral Energy Park where they enjoyed plenty of cake, a chicken lunch and even ice cream while Maureen entertained the group with her fascinating quiz.

After the meal most of those present moved outdoors to take part in the light hearted competition of Bocce and throwing the Rolling Pin. A few chose to stay indoors chatting to their friends - all our events are very social.

When it was time to go home no-one wanted to move after having so much fun, never mind hopefully we will all be there to enjoy it again next year.

Congratulations to all our champions!

Mothers’ Day Concert

Doesn’t time fly? already it is nearly time for the Dapto Seniors’ wonderful Concert Group to present the first of their three annual concerts.

• Date: 11th May
• Time: 1.30pm
• Where: Heininger Hall, Ribbonwood Centre.
• Cost: A gold coin donation would be appreciated

It is an entertaining event with songs, sketches and a singalong. After the concert there is a light snack and tea or coffee to enjoy while the many lucky door prizes are drawn. If you haven’t been before please come along, you won’t regret it, it is open to anyone whether a club member or not.

By the way the concert group is always on the look out for new members so no matter what your talent why not join them?

Mothers’ Day Lunch

If a fantastic concert wasn’t enough this is a reminder that tickets for our Mothers’ Day Lunch will be on sale from the 23rd April. The price for the terrific two course meal is only $18. As in previous years Dapto Leagues Club is our venue, upstairs in the Sinclair Room on the 14th May.

See Jackie before a meeting to secure your place. Don’t forget to put your name on the back of your ticket for the door prize draw, as usual there will be plenty of prizes.

---

New members are always welcome - come along, we are a very friendly lot.

If you would like more details why not send us an email?

daptoseniors[at]gmail.com