Activities – What the Club provides:
Activities Group Coordinator: John Penhallow Mob: 0419 230 787
Like minded members of the club have formed special interest groups to allow them to pursue their interests outside the club's normal meeting times. If you are interested in any of the following special interest groups please contact the appropriate Coordinator listed below:
Please see below for any current advice on the status of the various group activities.
Barefoot Bowls: Henry Urbanski Mob: 0439 928 001
Sessions will be held on the last Monday of each month at Club Thirroul commencing at 4.00pm, depending upon numbers. All are encouraged to stay for dinner afterwards.
Next event : No Barefoot Bowls is planned for January 2026, will advise in next months Newsletter on resumption in New Year
Book Club: Mary Ellen Durrance Mob: 0411 232 037 and
Wendy McKay Mob: 0401 079 025
The Book Club will meet on the first Monday of the month, at 10.00 am, at Club Thirroul in the dining area.
The Book Club has changed the future format of their meetings. There are so many titles members are keen to read, that it was suggested that members read the book of their choice and then speak for a few minutes about their chosen book at the next meeting. Below is a list of books either recommended by members or via online book reviews:
Contact Coordinator Mary Ellen Durrance and Wendy McKay
Caravan & Camping Group: Rodd Smith Mob: 0468 637 232 and
Mark Bryce Mob: 0433 014 526
Back to amazing Fingal Bay
60 of us in April this year had the absolute BEST time. So as begged by so many, we are going back in March next year. The area of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and of course Fingal Bay has astounding beauty and a myriad of activities, clubs & dining venues to choose from. We realise it is very early to book, however you only have to pay 1 night's deposit and can cancel very close to the date of the trip. Caravaners, I have booked the same site I had this year (site143), as I found it very convenient to the amenities block ,pool, BBQ & a short stroll to the camp kitchen on Goodyah St. (where we will be meeting every night for drinks and nibblies). Cabinners (is that a word?), lots to choose from, plenty on Goodyah St, near me, so I can mooch a few free beers. Again ......JUST DOWNLOAD A MAP
DATE: Monday 23/Mar/2026 TO Friday 27/Mar/2026
PHONE: 02 4988 0990
ADDRESS: Marine Drive Fingal Bay
We are organising so far ahead as we have discovered that these great parks get booked out, so our advice to everyone is BOOK NOW!
Could anyone booking either/both of the caravan/cabin trips please email Mark Bryce [email protected] and Rodd Smith [email protected] so that they can keep track of numbers.
Further information available from the coordinators Rodd Smith and Mark Bryce.
Cycling & Swimming Group: Rodd Smith Mob: 0468 637 232
The Cycling Group usually meets once a fortnight/month for rides within the Illawarra region. Rides generally start at 9.00 am and back home before lunch time. All rides will be announced a few days in advance and is dependent on weather. All styles of bikes (road/mtb/ebike etc) are acceptable.
Further information available from the coordinator Rodd Smith.
Dining Out Group: Glenn Durrance Mob: 0419 260 770
Small Group Dining Program
In January, Glenn & Mary Ellen will be hosting a Small Group dinner at Franco's Pizza Bar on Thursday, January 29 from 6 pm. On any Thursday night, enjoy any pasta or wood-fired pizza for just $19.50 or choose from their a la carte menu.
Please contact Glenn on 0419 260 770 to join the group of 6 to 8. If you are interested in hosting a dinner on another night, please contact Glenn.
https://francopizza.com.au/menu
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Buzzer Lunch Break
The Buzzer Lunch will be at Ryan's Hotel on Wednesday, 21st January at midday.
Please message or call Glenn on 0419 260 770 to register your commitment.
Golf Group: Kevin Costelloe Mob: 0407 920 883
Golf continuing as per normal, Monday mornings at Russel Vale between 6.45am - 8.00am (approx. - time may vary).
Further information is available from coordinator Kevin Costelloe.
Probus Golf Day
Probus Golf Day is booked for Monday, 19th January 2026, at Russell Vale Golf Club, commencing at 8.00am. Cost for the game will be $17.50(Seniors/Pensiors) Afterwards, meet up at Woonona Bulli RSL for lunch.
To register to play, contact coordinator Kevin Costelloe
Social/Coffee Group: Diane Brown Mob: 0421 040 757
Will meet at the Pavilion Café at Thirroul Beach at 10.00 am, on the last Monday of each month.
Contact Coordinator Diane Brown
Theatre Group: John Penhallow Mob: 0419 230 787
On Wednesday, 25 February, 14 of us are going to see The Great Gatsby: Jazz Ballet show at the Capital Theatre. Our group tickets deal is done, but if you would like to join us for the day, please buy your own tickets and let John know you’re coming too. We bought seats in the Dress Circle Rows A, B & C at the Senior’s Price of $90 each. Message John on 0419 230 787.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
My Fair Lady Musical
The My Fair Lady Musical is coming to the Sydney Opera House next September 2026. I am thinking of having a Group outing there on Sunday, 16 September for the Matinee Show. So far, we have 7 members interested, and we need 10+ members. I will be keeping an eye on available seats, but don't intend to buy tickets until March next year. My Fair Lady brims with razor-sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and a glorious score including 'Wouldn't It Be Loverly?', 'I Could Have Danced All Night' and 'Get Me to the Church on Time'. Think about it and let John know if you want to be in the group going. Please message John on 0419 230 787.
Trivia Group: Anne Haine Mob: 0409 067 722
Next Trivia night will be at 7.00pm on Wednesday 14th January 2026 at Club Thirroul.
You may want to join us at 6pm for dinner at the Club beforehand. If you would like to join us for Trivia that night please send an email through to Anne Haine on [email protected] or sms 0409 067 722.
Further information is available from coordinator Anne Haine.
Walking Group: Teresa Urbanski Mob: 0405 034 296
There is no planned walk for January 2026, will advise in next months Newsletter on resumption in New Year.
To register for the walk each month phone Teresa Urbanski on 0405 034 296
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