Out and About - Judy Carroll

When I moved permanently to Preston Beach, I was often asked "what do you do with yourself all day"?  I never really understood the question, as I've hardly a had a minute to spare since I got here and I'm pretty sure most local folk would say the same thing.  In fact, I don't know how I ever found time to work!

So, in answer to the question, which still gets asked from time to time, this is what we've been up to for the last three days...

Monday and Wednesday begins early with a water aerobics session at Waroona Recreation Centre, I'm a newcomer to this activity and some of the regulars have been going for over a year. The indoor pool is heated, so there's no excuse for not continuing through winter, although I'm told it gets a bit nippy between the change rooms and the water. At the moment there's a regular contingency from Preston Beach of up to ten ladies (men are only absent by choice and are very welcome to join in). Not everyone can make it to every session, but that's okay because there's no role call!

Preston Beach water maidens, Esmae, Pam, Elaine, Jan and Judy

Our water aerobics trainer is Debbie. She is amazing and always inspires us to do better, but never pushes anyone beyond their limits.  Some days there are as many as 25 people in the pool and they come from near and far, including Dwellingup, Harvey and Pinjarra.

If you want to join in for an hour of low impact, calorie burning, fitness building fun, meet us at the hall on Panorama Drive by 7.10am any Monday or Wednesday to join the car pool.  The session starts at 8am and ends at 9am and we are usually back in Preston Beach by 9.45am   Admission to the pool/aerobics session is $6 (concession). 

 

Wednesdays the new Stitch and Bitch group meet at the hall from 10am to noon for coffee, conversation and craft.  This is a newly founded group and we are still working out a format. Attendances have been great and we're all learning new skills and sharing what we know.  You don't need to be a crafter, in fact you need no skills at all, although it would be handy if you could put the kettle on and make a cuppa ;-)

 

 



Craft ladies put $2 into the pot each week to cover the use of power and consumables at the hall and tea and coffee supplies.  It's a great morning out and the group will continue to meet throughout winter.  Whether you're into craft or not, you're very welcome to join in. Bring along your projects, your ideas, your recipes or whatever you have to share with a group of very friendly ladies.  As time goes by we will develop a format which could include visiting artisans, workshops, outings, community projects and more.

Because we are flexible, the normal craft day will not be held on Wednesday 1 May due to a prior booking at the hall for a very informative day of information held by The Southwest Catchment Council - Coastal Rehabilitation Techniques. A workshop presented by Dave Bright (Regen4 Environmental Services), who has over twenty years experience as an environmental consultant with particular expertise in the field of Bushland Management and in particular, coastal dune systems.  The day also includes a field visit to dune rehabilitation areas and community brushing storage area, These visits will look at on ground examples of coastal rehabilitation, including management, techniques and future works.  If you are interested in attending please email chris.gibbs@agric.wa.com.au or phone 9780 6172.  Morning tea and lunch will be provided.  The day commences at 8.30am and ends at approx 3.15pm.  There is no cost.

Continuing on Wednesdays, visiting hairdresser Penny Fagan is keeping the residents of Preston Beach well groomed on a budget.  Penny brings her mobile salon to town every five weeks and has a long list of regulars.  If you are interested in this great service, there is a bookings list kept at the shop.  All you need to do is write your name against the appointment time of your choice (depending what is still available) and turn up for your hair cut on the day.

Penny Fagan, mobile hairdresser and happy customer Elaine Williams



Today is Thursday and we kicked it off with what will be a regular coffee morning hosted by Footprints Cafe.  This is another opportunity for local ladies to gather for a chat and catch up.  The coffee is great and the Cafe offer a different special each month when we meet for coffee.  Today it was fresh scones!  Yummo!

Scones with lashings of jam and fresh cream anyone?
 

The coffee morning is held at 10am on the first Thursday of every month.  This may vary depending on circumstances, such as Western Power switching off the town electricity supply as they did on 4 April!  If you would like to join in this very pleasant morning you can register with Footprints Cafe to receive an email alert by messaging Erin at  - manager@footprintsprestonbeach.com.au

Marita and Jeanette



Christine and Cheryll

 

All this interspersed with walks on the beach, fishing, shopping trips to Harvey, Bunbury, Mandurah or where ever you prefer, golf at various nearby courses and our own 9 hole course, lunch where ever it takes your fancy and more. 

 

Speaking of lunch, I can highly recommend the $12.50 Sunday roast at Waroona Hotel. The chicken salad is more than a mouthful and the sticky date pudding is super delicious!

 

What are the fella's doing I hear you say?  Well, my man has been very busy preparing new garden beds, so with the weather pattern slowly easing into autumn I think it might be a good opportunity to join him in the garden and plant a few winter vegies... when I get a moment to spare ;-)

A Word From Watto - March 2013

General Overview

Hi everyone cancel that “Missing Persons’ Report” I’m back. It has been pretty hectic during the last several months and I didn’t have the time to do the Preston Beach Blog so it’s starting right now. Blast from the past – over the last 12 months Preston Beach Progress Association provided and assisted with some 14 events throughout the year of 2012.

At our Annual General Meeting on February 9^th 2013, it was moved by Progress members to hold our General Meetings every quarter in accordance with our Constitution. It truly eases the work load on both the Treasurer, Danny (MacScrooge) Norton having to compile financial reports every month and Marion our Secretary compiling monthly minutes at the same time.

Your Executive Committee will still be working behind the scenes arranging functions and events with our very dedicated helpers as usual.  All Progress members will be informed either via email or the Blog of forthcoming events and general information sharing. Should something urgent come up, then we can call for a special meeting. If anyone has concerns between these quarterly meetings, they are welcome to email or call a Committee member and it will be put forward for discussion. In the interim the Executive Committee are always in touch with each other having a regular get together - should any “Points of Interest” arise you will all be advised accordingly.

Placement of Viewing Bench Viewing Seats at Preston Beach

Once again a big thanks to the Shire of Waroona for supporting Preston Beach with the recent placement of scenic viewing bench seats located at three areas as ticked on map below. The fourth chair is on hold until the walk trail upgrade has commenced then we can establish an appropriate placement area along the walk trail as a resting bench. So if you are feeling energetic at Preston, go for a walk to your nearest viewing chair and enjoy the picturesque view. “A Helpful Hint” - Take a wine carry bag with one or two bottles of Sparkling wine, several wine glasses and a small Platter, then later enjoy your trip home !!

 

Locations  

·         Northern end of Panorama Drive overlooking  old farm land area and northern section of lake;

·         Top of Hill view Court overlooking Lakeside Terrace area, Golf course, lake and scarp;

·         Off Mitchell Road, between Shop and Beach Car Park on right hand side as you head towards beach, some 10 to 15 metres from footpath north in bush setting, good view of beach and ocean.

 

 

Oktoberfest – Preston Beach

On Saturday October 20^th 2012 saw a large gathering of German/Bavarian theme dressed community members attend our local Oktoberfest. Hearty meals of delicious gourmet German sausages, sauerkraut, coleslaw and tasty bread rolls were on the go. Live entertainment was provided by the “Bavarian Hay Seeds” which saw in the latter part of the everning a Gangnam style Bavarian dance. Prizes’ given out for two best dressed persons. They came from Perth, Serpentine near and far even with a wheelbarrow full of beer and cheer. This event was presented by Preston Beach Progress Association, as a Sea to Scarp Summer Event, proudly sponsored by the Shire of Waroona and Alcoa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melbourne Cup

The first Tuesday in November saw a good gathering at the Preston Beach Community Hall where local community members came from near and far to witness the Melbourne Cup on the Large Screen. The race sweeps were effectively and efficiently organised and run by both Bev and Geoff Ireland. There were winners and grinners plus a few losers, but the main point was everyone enjoyed a great day and dressed up for the occasion. Noel Dew came out on top with a good win, stating it was the best win he has ever had over the many years.

The following are some photo snapshots of the Melborne Cup day, courtesy of Denis King. 

 

 

 Larraine’s message of thanks

On behalf of Larraine we wish to thank you all for your avid support, compassion and condolences’ displayed on the passing of her dear mother, Jeanie Hopcraft. Your support enhanced Larraine’s stamina to enable her to continue on with the funeral arrangements, and the Will and Testament process.

Keep on supporting Progress with your membership and our functions.

Kind regards

John Watson President

Preston Beach Progress Association

March 25^th 2013

Footy and Fetes

A Word From Watto - September 12

The AFL Grand Final live at Preston Beach Community Centre on the big screen attracted some 58 women, men and children, predominantly made up from locals and a big turn out from guests staying at Footprints. Our small community centre struggled to cope but it was great to see the establishment of an instant creche over in one corner which contained and entertained some 8 small children. A big thank you is extended to all the helpers who made this event a great success. A special mention goes to Clint and Gwennie from the general store for their help and support. If I name the rest of our helpers for sure and certain I will leave someone out, then it will be damage control.

 

 

Kiddie Corner

  

On the AFL game day we witnessed end to end hard tough football in which Sydney Swans eventually took the flag, but there were no sooks, every player put in the hard yards which made it one of the most memorable classic games of Australian rules.

 

Bev and Jeff Ireland put together an AFL Grand Final football tipping contest in which Nick Kirkbridge and Jo Clark, both guests of Footprints, were winners and how is this, they kindly donated the money back to Progress contributing to our community’s future fund raising needs – well done guys.



The guest presenter was Jaxon Crabb, former AFL player for West Coast and Port Adelaide.  Jaxon played 188 games for WAFL club Claremont and won the Sandover Medal in 2005

Footy regulars and locals stuck to their seats during the half time break 

 

Putting a new twist on 'kicking the can around" or trick photography?

 

The next day was the Preston Beach Spring Cup which saw a good turnout of keen golfers hitting off, followed by the Spring Cup Fete. Progress took part in the fete where the girls did well selling books. So in conjunction with the AFL game day and the book sales it generated some good fund raising for Progress. In closing, Larraine had a touch of luck by winning the Golf Club raffle.  Like most others we have always supported these types of fund raising raffles as an investment, but it’s the first time Laurie has ever won such a large well presented raffle.

Book Stall volunteers, Larraine, Marion, Gina and Jan

 

Winners and grinner's

 

Don’t forget this month’s Oktoberfest, 3pm Saturday October 20^th 2012; remember dress up for the occasion, BYO drinks, with food for sale on the day.

Regards

John Watson

President Preston Beach

Progress Association