New leadership team takes the reins

Thursday, 28th August, saw a big crowd of Townsville Senior Citizens gathered at the hall for the Annual General Meeting. 

The initial part of the meeting was chaired by outgoing president, Neil Ace, who has given five years of hard work to the demanding role of President.  

After his report and that of the Treasurer, Bev. Fry, the elections for the incoming committee were conducted resulting in the following people assuming their roles for the coming year:

President:                      Bob Walker
Vice President:              Maureen Fewin
Secretary:                      Joan Clark
Treasurer:                     Beverley Fry
Committee members:    Max Burge
                                      Brian Cook
                                      Tony Green
                                      Nelson Hagstrom
                                      Tom McCulloch
                                      Stuart McLean

Here are a couple of snaps taken on the morning:

New President Bob gives outgoing President Neil a framed Certificate
of Appreciation for his meritorious service over many years

New Committee:  L to R Nelson Hagstrom, Max Burge, Tom McCulloch,
Bev. Fry (Treasurer), Bob Walker (President), Joan Clark (Secretary),
Stuart McLean, Brian Cook.  (Tony Green absent.)

                             
Townsville Mayor, Ms Jenny Hill, has kindly agreed to continue to be the patron of the TSC and Mr Peter Duffy of Wilson, Ryan and Grose the Honorary Solicitor.  

A new auditor will be sought as Hunter and sons, who have served the organization for many years, have indicated they are no longer accepting auditing work.

The members of Townsville Senior Citizens look forward to a happy and collaborative relationship with their new committee. They sincerely thank those members who served on the past committee and those who made their names available for nomination for the new one.
  

Another Great Expo Experience!

Candi and visitor chat to Deputy Mayor Vern Veitch at the Expo.

Wednesday, 22nd August in the midst of Seniors Week was a red letter day for Townsville Senior Citizens.  It was the day that they, along with members of many other organizations, publicized and demonstrated their activities for visitors to the Seniors Expo.

Tony has this lady's attention!

Many members volunteered to chat with passers-by about their club while others handed out brochures and still others showed off some of the activities that Townsville Senior Citizens has to offer.

Anne and Dulcie demonstrate Rummikub

Betty (seen here with May) hands out brochures

Here is a photo of one of our artists demonstrating how it's done!

Artist Lee working on her painting

And here's a snap of our euchre players in action.

Many thanks to all those who helped to make the day such a success.  We hope we've intrigued some potential members and we look forward to welcoming them soon at our club at 16 Ryan Street, Belgian Gardens.

A garden is a lovesome thing...

Poet Thomas Edward Brown (1839 - 1897) certainly knew what he was writing about when he penned these famous words. But lovely gardens don't just happen.  It is no accident that the gardens of the Townsville Senior Citizens Centre at Ryan Street are looking especially attractive at the moment.

The recent installation of a purpose-designed irrigation system has undoubtedly made a big difference to the appearance of the grounds but human effort has contributed a great deal as well.

Our gardener, Ray Czech, has worked hard to keep our garden looking trim, and he has been ably assisted by the efforts of a number of industrious volunteer working bees headed up by President Neil Ace.  

Here are a few pictures of some pleasant nooks in our garden...

The results of all the work that has gone into the garden have shown how much can be achieved by a combination of professional and volunteer effort.  Many thanks to Ray, Neil, Dave, Tony, Tom, Andy and Brian who have all worked so hard to make our lovely garden possible.

Christmas in July Celebrations

Christmas in July was celebrated with gusto this year on 11th July, 2014, and the 74 happy guests enjoyed some very tasty Christmas fare - a mixture of delicious meats, cooked vegetables and salad, plus some yummy desserts.

Happy Diners

There was also some great entertainment.  The Palmerston Singers (see picture below) gave a wonderful rendition of some favourite songs.  These were made even more special because everyone was encouraged to join in.

The Palmerston Singers in action

Next, the club's own line dancing troupe showed everyone some enticing dancing moves.  It was fun being treated not only to some fabulous line dancing routines but also to demonstrations of some old time dancing as well!

In the photo above we see three of our members - Candy, Pat and Shelagh - getting ready to lead us in the Gypsy Tap and the Pride of Erin.  Thankyou, girls!

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.