Mike & Robyn Pierpoint, Members
December meeting
Mike & Robyn delivered a hair-raising account of their experiences aboard the cruise ship Viking Sky when it suffered engine failure off the coast of Norway. They were lifted off the ship by helicopter and spent several unplanned days in a small town in Norway with only the clothes they were wearing as they left the ship.
John Gillam & Yvonne Fletcher, Historians & Authors
November meeting
John & Yvonne told the fascinating story of forgotten Australian hero Charlie Ryan, a young doctor from Victoria who joined the Turkish army. in the late 18th century. Forty years later, as the head of the Australian Army Medical Corps, he landed at Gallipol to fight his former friends. His previous association with the Turkish Army led to a most extraordinary event.
Laurie Nolan, Coxswain (Skipper), Marine Rescue Port Stephens
October meeting
Laurie described the very important work this voluntary organisation does, not to mention the extremely dangerous risks they undertake at times. He gave some very hairy examples of this work,
Previous Speakers
Stephen Cassettari, Writer and Chinese Artist: Stephen has been an exponent of the art of Chinese painting since 1979 and gave an account of his art and life whilst demonstrating by producing a number of water colour paintings.
Phillip Greentree, Radio Ham and WICEN Member: Philip gave a fascinating account of his personal experience of the Newcastle earthquake, focussing on the central role played by the Wireless Institute Civil Emergency Network (WICEN) in maintaining communications
Rohan Hall, Angel Flight: Rohan described his role as a volunteer pilot with Angel Flight, a charity that provides emergency transport for people in remote areas of Australia who are experiencing medical and financial problems in receiving necessary treatment
Alison McMillan, Senior Financial Officer, Newcastle Airport: Alison presented the future plans for Newcastle Airport including the re-introduction of international flights
John Gillam & Yvonne Fletcher, Historians & Authors: John & Yvonne recounted the tale of the Diggers Vest which was designed by Eleanor MacKinnon secretary of the Australian branch of the British Red Cross and was shipped to Australian servicemen on the Western Front during WW1.
Patricia Warburton, Friendship Force Newcastle: Patricia described the worldwide Friendship Force International which provides home exchange visits and social activities between the members of some 350 clubs in 65 countries
John Cordiner, Probus Member: John, ably supported by wife Kerrie, amused the members with anecdotes of their 23 years of service at Government House in Canberra, during which time 5 Governors-General served.
Warren Diemer, Probus Member: Warren entertained members with his colourful tales of the history of oyster farming in Port Stephens. He focussed on the family company that has been in the oyster industry since the late 1890s.
John "Stinker" Clarke, Local identity and author: John entertained the audience with hilarious tales of local history and events, including photographs of the Outer Light and the light house keepers over the years that it operated as a manned light house. He also related the story of Clarabelle the Cow, subject of his latest children's book.
The Turkish school children whose correspondence resulted in John Gillam & Yvonne Fletcher's book about forgotten Australian hero Turkish Charlie Ryan
