Home

Welcome to the Combined Probus Club of Belrose Inc

MARGARET’S MANTA

Manta meaning – the ultimate destination for captivating stories

Dear Members and Friends,

Sadly, since our last meeting we received the news that Gloria Attwooll passed away on 10 September. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Ken and his family at this very sad time.

A warm welcome to our four new members — Denise Egger, Barbara Harvey, Georgina Kennedy, and Debbie Van Hoek — as well as returning Probus member Steve Howat. We encourage you all to join in our activities, outings, and tours, and we look forward to getting to know you.

Our two speakers from the David Martin Foundation were exceptional, offering clear and compassionate insight into the challenges faced by young people who are dependent on
alcohol and other drugs. Thank you, Cherry, for organising such an informative session.

The outing to the Lucy Osburn Nightingale Museum was a momentous success. Many thanks to Geoff and Jenny for their efforts.

October is Probus Month. Please join in the celebration by wearing something Blue or Yellow at our next meeting. The committee has prepared a lovey surprise for you on Thursday, 8 October 2026.

I recently returned from a four-day holiday on Kangaroo Island and enjoyed every minute of the tour — though I must admit, I wished it had been much longer.

A small travel tip from my journey: while passing through Sydney Airport, I wore the Sunflower Lanyard and was ushered straight through to security. On the return trip, staff advised me to use the accessible lane next time. It certainly saves walking through all those taped-off queues.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it is not there.

But while some of us experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions. These disabilities can be temporary, situational or permanent. They can be neurological, cognitive and neurodevelopmental as well as physical, visual, auditory and include sensory and processing difficulties. They can also be respiratory as well as chronic health conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, chronic pain and sleep disorders.

Making the invisible visible.

As diverse as these conditions are, so are your individual access needs and the barriers you face in your daily life. So, you can opt to wear the Sunflower to discreetly be seen in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.

Sunflower Lanyards available at the Information desk Warringah Mall.

Thought for the month
“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year!”

Yours truly
President Margaret

Vale Gloria Attwooll

Gloria Attwooll has passed away after her 3 year journey battling cancer.

When I heard that Gloria was in the Mona Vale Hospital I went to visit her and spent a very pleasant hour with her, much of it in the company of her good friend Rosemary Daly.

Gloria was bright and alert and aware of her situation. She wanted me to pass on her thanks to everyone for all the wonderful times she had with the club and its members. She really enjoyed being with us, as we did with her.

Rest in peace beautiful Gloria.
Mike Hartnell

Past Presidents

Stroke Information

Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs. Other signs of stroke may include one, or a combination of:

  • Weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding
  • Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
  • Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision
  • Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset
  • Unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
  • Difficulty swallowing. 

The signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination and they can last a few seconds or up to 24 hours and then disappear.

View the Stroke Information website

Active Retirees Magazine

Subscribe to the digital magazine of Probus Active Retirees or
View the current issue of the digital magazine of Probus Active Retirees

For a copy of the Combined Probus Club of Belrose Newsletter

If you wish to receive a copy of our Newsletter: