MONTHLY MEETINGS
“Fun, friendship and fellowship”
All members and prospective members are welcome to attend the monthly meeting. Come along at 9:30am on the second Thursday of every month to the Nelson Bay Bowling and Recreation Club, Stockton Street, Nelson Bay 2315.
The meeting features updates on activities, morning tea and a guest speaker. Once the formalities are over we retire to the Marlin Restaurant for a convivial lunch.
Roger Ridley, Retired
July meeting
Roger presented the evidence that supports the view that extensive tunnels were constructed under Fly Point during WW2. Roger's passion for his subject shone through as he engaged the audience with an historical detective story.
Brent & Tracy Kelly, Photographers
June meeting
Tracy and Brent Kelly, Nelson Bay photographers, who have travelled extensively throughout Australia and South Africa, shared their travel experiences through a series of stunning photographs.
Carolyn Virgona, President Community Arts Centre Port Stephens
May meeting
Carolyn discussed the Community Arts Centre Port Stephens before talking about the history of Fly Point and the Arts Centre building.
Previous Speakers
Graham Nickisson, Community Liaison Officer, Westpac Rescue Helicopter: Graham described the work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter including his experiences as a pilot with the service. He stressed the importance of the community service that they provide
John "Stinker" Clarke, Author & Raconteur: John delivered a thoroughly entertaining talk about the efforts of the Tomaree Museum Association to establish a local museum
Norm Casson, Member: Norm's talk was titled "Mind Your Mind" and covered what retirees could do to keep themselves physically and mentally active and alert. Some excellent ideas for all members
Kevin Maley, Retired: Kevin was working in Darwin in 1974 when Cyclone Tracy struck. He recounted the story of how he and his family were lucky to survive as their house was blown away around them and they were thrown to the ground metres from where the house had stood
Mike & Robyn Pierpoint, Members: 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
John Gillam & Yvonne Fletcher, Historians & Authors: 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
Laurie Nolan, Coxswain (Skipper), Marine Rescue Port Stephens: 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
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
The January 2021 General Meeting with 90 members now permitted to attend
