Vale Beatriz Pla

The passing of Beatriz (Betty) Pla has left a big gap in the Townsville Senior Citizens' family.  We will remember her very fondly and will miss her happy presence at our Thursday meetings.

We extend our sincere condolences to Betty's daughter, Gloria, and son, Jim, as well as to her good friend, Rosa Lejargegui, who was always at her side at Seniors' gatherings at Ryan Street.

Another Great Bus Trip!

Maureen Fewin sure knows how to organize a bus trip!


This adventure took place on 2nd June, 2014, and involved many interesting stops around Townsville along the way.

The first attraction was an outside view of the Pallarenda "House Rules" home that has figured on the TV up until recent times.
  
Imagine how surprised bus traveller Mary Jones was to realize that this house had in fact once been her home!  It looks as if Mary will have some memories to share with the new tenants Maddi Carter and Lloyd Wright (see photo  right from TDB) who have only just bowed out of the T.V. renovation program.

The next stop was the Jezzine Military Museum located in the beautiful new Jezzine Parklands.  The whole area breathes history and of course lots of memories for those who have lived in Townsville for many years.  Photo below comes from T.C.C.

Then it was on to the Golden Arches for a delicious McDonalds morning tea, coffee and muffins, followed by a trip round the James Cook University where President Neil (who worked there at one stage) was able to give a running commentary about the many buildings that dot the grounds.

Photo from J.C.U.

The next attraction was the beautiful Dan Gleeson Memorial gardens...

Photo of Dan Gleeson Park from Townsville City Council

By now, however, everyone was starting to feel peckish so it was on to the Kirwan Tavern for a great lunch and dessert.

Photo from Kirwan Tavern website

The next stop was Anderson Park (see below) but, as everyone had eaten very well at the Kirwan Tavern, no-one felt inclined to get out and walk.  The lovely views had to be taken from the bus!

Photo of Anderson Park from T.C.C.

It was hardly surprising then that, when all the happy travellers reached the hall again, all were feeling thoroughly satisfied but keen to hurry home and perhaps get a little afternoon sleep!

Many thanks, Maureen, for arranging such a great outing.

Young at heart!

Here we see members Heather McLeod and Eric Adams enjoying a spin down the Strand with Crikey Trikey Joy Rides.  

Being in the "autumn" of Townsville's year, it was not unduly hot and it was reported to be a fantastic ride by these two intrepid adventurers.

This great experience was a prize in the Association's Mothers' Day raffle which had been held shortly before.

Gold in them thar hills

Monday, 28th April dawned bright and sunny as a group of Townsville Senior Citizens prepared to board the RSL bus for a visit to the fascinating town of Charters Towers 134 kms west of Townsville.

The visit was a response to the kind invitation of the Gold City Seniors group who made the Townsville travellers very welcome at a delicious morning tea (see Maureen and Jill Gill chatting over a laden table) and who then included them in listening to a very enjoyable musical presentation by the Palmerston Singers from Townsville.

Maureen Fewin (Townsville Seniors) and Jill Gill (Gold City Seniors)

Palmerston Singers - Pat Lee, Glenys Davey, Desley Smith, Neil Smith and Rumie Dunlap

The group had a filling pub lunch before heading out on a quick tour of some of the town sights including the hill that saw the beginning of Charters Towers gold mining in 1871.  The cairn photographed below is established at the site of the first discovery of gold bearing quartz in the North Australian reef by indigenous man Jupiter Mosman. Jupiter's tribal name is not known.

Cairn in memory of the discovery of gold by Jupiter Mosman

This was a great day out.  Thanks to the Gold City Seniors who invited the Townsville group, to the RSL who made their bus available, to Maureen Fewin who organized the outing and to Barry Saunders (volunteer driver) who took the group to Charters Towers and back.

Some CT Seniors members:  Vedie Truscott, Gwenda Fox, Shirley Plant, Ray Hope and Win Naughton

Historic Gill Street, Charters Towers

Easter Bonnet Parade!

Thursday, 17th April, fell just before the Easter weekend so it was very appropriate that a good proportion of members wore special bonnets for the occasion.

The ever busy Maureen Fewin spent many weeks encouraging everyone to enter into the spirit of the occasion and she certainly did herself proud in her own creation.  Here she is looking very glamorous with a beautiful bunny Margaret Wilson.

And here is a very charming Lorraine Heath...

and a pretty Heather McLeod

A good many of the men showed a reluctance to wear hats but there were some notable exceptions.  Here is Bob Walker, looking very special in his flowery hat....

and Paul Pemberton...

and Max Burge with his somewhat lop-sided moustache!

Of course it was a very difficult task to choose winners.  The job fell to Councillor Ray Gartrell who seemed to handle the responsibility well.  Here we see him surrounded by just some of the beautiful women of Townsville Senior Citizens!

Off to the Port!

Until very recently, many members of Townsville Senior Citizens had seen the Port of Townsville from a distance but not up close!

On 10th April, 2014, over 40 members climbed aboard two buses - a big bus and a smaller disability-friendly vehicle - to take a look at this important facility.

Betty settled in the TOTTS bus

With the commentaries of Port staff members, Sharon and Maria, the happy travellers learned some interesting facts including the following:

• Port activity injects more than $266 million into the regional economy annually; 
• There are 10 berths with the most recent, Berth 10, providing room for incoming tourists through the Townsville Cruise Terminal;
• Port activity supports more than 8,000 jobs directly and indirectly.

Most of the group outside the big bus

Townsville's port is, we understand, a Queensland export leader in metals, sugar, fertiliser, and molasses and among the top three ports in the state for cement, chemical, general cargo and container trade throughput.

A big thankyou to the Port of Townsville for giving us the use of the bigger bus and TOTTS for giving us the use of the smaller one. Their generosity is much appreciated.  And of course special thanks to Sharon and Maria from the Townsville Port who escorted us on our journey and who gave us such a lot of interesting information!

An Army Marches on its Stomach!

Who said that?  Was it Napoleon?  Whoever it was, it certainly applies to Townsville Senior Citizens Welfare Association.  We have lots of interesting activities at Senior Citizens but chatting over a cuppa and some special eats at morning tea time is one of the nicest.

Here is our kitchen.  As you can see it is beautifully set up with all modern conveniences.

Many people contribute to making and preparing our morning teas. Here are just some of them....

Tuesday kitchen helpers, (L to R) Geoff Merchant next to OIC Chris Wincen, Alan Chadwick, Barbara Smith, Marie Ward and Andy Mahlouzarides:

And here is Dulcie Stevens, a long standing member of the club and a great cook, who often brings in delicious morning tea offerings....

and Leisha Schell who coordinates the kitchen activities on Thursdays.

Our club doesn't confine itself to morning teas either!  We have special gala events such as Christmas-in-July luncheons, Melbourne Cup festivities, and even barbeques in our special BBQ area on the north side of our complex.

Why not come along and join us!