Probus friends Bruce Weeks, John Haitsma, Jenny Weeks, Kathy Williams, Alan Williams and Jean Haitsma. Photos: Supplied.
Rochester Probus Club members were joined by members from nearby Probus groups on a Riverina Ramble tour from Rochester through to Narrandera, organised by Rochester member, Brian Love.
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The trip, from Tuesday, September 9 to Thursday, September 11, had something for everyone, especially the car enthusiasts, with the first stop being a tour through The Depot in Deniliquin, filled with historic vehicles and memorabilia.
The first night of the tour was spent in Hay, beginning with a tour through Bishop’s Lodge, an 1888 iron house built to withstand Hay’s summer heat.
Sheep farmers were particularly interested in the Shear Outback, where the legends of Australia — our colourful shearers — are highlighted in the hall of fame.
The group calling into the Toganmain Woolshed.
As the group travelled on to Narrandera, the base for the next three nights, the farmers on board admired the yellow canola crops and rolling green paddocks.
Thirty-seven millimetres of rain in the district did not dampen spirits as the group visited the Toganmain Woolshed, built in 1875, the largest remaining woolshed in the Riverina.
It is here, in the historically significant building, that members took the opportunity to have a group photo taken.
The Narrandera district has much to offer and is steeped in Australian history.
At nearby Yanco, a tour through the historic McCaughey Mansion, built in 1899, at Yanco Agricultural High School was a highlight.
Alan Williams and Maria Love outside McCaughey Mansion at Yanco Agricultural High School.
A famous portrait of Sir Samuel McCaughey, painted by Fredrick McCubbin is housed in the entrance to the building.
This particular day was action-packed and included a tour through the Narrandera Fisheries Centre and the Southern Cotton gin, where the process of cleaning and packing cotton was viewed.
Nearby Coolamon is a small-but-thriving town, housing the Coolamon Fire Museum, which had an amazing collection of all things fire-related.
Attendees at the Coolamon Fire Museum.
Across the road, the Up-To-Date Store was filled with memorabilia and art work, something for everyone.
Brian Love ensured that we had a variety of dining experiences from a sumptuous meal in the art deco Hydro Hotel in Leeton to a relaxed pizza night.
Once again, Rochester Probus Club employed the services of Lakes Coaches, based out of Barham.
This is the third tour that Dean Lake has taken Probus members on, and hopefully not the last.
The crew in Jerilderie.
This was a short trip but such an enjoyable one.
Probus clubs are for retired and semi-retired people who wish to meet and engage in social activities and fellowship.
If you think that being a Probus member is something you would like to explore, please contact secretary Kathy Williams on 0417 597 815.
Our October meeting, held 10 am at the 4Rs, on Monday, October 6 is bring-a-friend month.
Interested prospective members should reach out to an existing member.
