President Maureen welcomed the 21 members to our May 14 general meeting and gave a special welcome to our guest, Janny Franke of Iluka.

A brief interlude followed an introductionto thecompilation,“Australian Heritage of Verse”, Maureen Castle read from the poem “The Will” by Jim Haynes, for the amusement and enjoyment of members.                                                                        

John Moorereported on the recent visit to New Italy and Pimlico Museums. John regarded the Pimlico Museum as “overwhelming”. Vonda Connell added that “it was one of the best”.

John then outlined the next daytrip to Iluka. Ferry to Iluka, fare $9 return, leaving Yamba Wharf at 11am returning at 14.30pm from the Iluka ferry wharf. We will have a Thai/Chinese lunch at the Golf Club via their courtesy bus, returning by bus to the wharf. The travel to Yamba and return is by private car, and car-pooling will be at the member’s discretion.

Our next meeting date is 11am on June 11; a general meeting, guest speaker and luncheon. Members on door duty for this meeting will be George Farlow and Joyce Watson.

Ken Muller introduced the guest speaker, Clare Ward from Yamba/Maclean Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic. Clare is an exercise therapy educator who specialises in assisting clients with chronic diseases, especially those with diabetes. Clare explained the need for us older Australians to engage with moderate activities, building up and improving our strength, flexibility and balancing. During the talk Clare encouraged members, much to their amusement, to undertake a number of these simple exercises. Another aspect that was brought to our attention is the need to take exercise programs to protect oneself and limit the risk of falls.

Brochures on ‘fall prevention and exercise’, ‘tips and ideas for older Australians 65 years and older’, ‘tips for improving flexibility, balance and strength’ and ‘group exercise timetables’ for Maclean and Yamba, were left for members to take away.

President Maureen thanked Clare for her most informative and encouraging address, also her demonstrations of simple activities to do. She presented Clare with a small token of our appreciation to the applause of those present.

Ken Muller