Club PROBUS Activities
Rothesay Netherwood School
The April 16, 2025 monthly meeting was held at Rothesay Netherwood School in the new Science Building on the campus. The morning commenced with an excellent presentation by the School's Headmaster, Paul McLellan who spoke on the history, philosophy, strategy, and present status of the school. The school was founded in 1877 and presently has an enrollment of over 300 students. After the Headmaster's presentation, members, in small groups, were given a tour of the campus lead by several students who were delightful and well informed about the school. The campus is beautiful, and the buildings and other facilities are impressive. For those who were unable to attend and have not seen the campus, it is well worth the time and effort to visit and explore. After the tour, members had a brief meeting.
Fred Roberts, Dale Stevens, Willard Buckley, and Don Mitchener along with our two guides on tour.
Impressive Architecture
A view inside of the church and one of the stained-glass windows.
The newest building in the background, the “Science Hall”.
Jewish Field Trip
On Wednesday, December 4th, 2024 eight Probus members attended a tour of the Jewish Memorial Museum . The tour was interesting, informative and, for those of us from Saint John, a reminder of Jewish friends many of whom have moved away. In view of the favourable response from those attending, a second offering is planned for some time in 2025, details to follow.
Katherine Biggs-Craft, Executive Director and Curator, addresses the PROBUS members.
Paul Meier and Larry Timms along with other member are observing the displays as pointed out by our guide.
One of the rooms with period displays of material used in the Jewish faith, some from many years ago.
Base Gagetown Museum Tour
Entrance to Base Gagetown
On May 15, 2024 the Club took an adventure to Base Gagetown. The tour was arrange by a number of people, namely Bev Harrison, Harold Wright, Carl White, Paul Meier and a few others.
A large size bus with a capacity of 30 was obtained. Twenty three members were able to attend. The bus left Lilly Lake around 8:30am and arrived at Base Gagetown at 10:00am. Harold Wright arranged a greeter and tour host named Major Skaarup, a retired Intelligence Officer who walked the group through several Army vehicles used during the years in the military. Several of these vehicles have seen action during the WW2, Peace engagements and the Afganistan conflict and others, at overseas locations.
Part way through the tour, the group broke for lunch at the mess hall. I don't think anyone expected the sight when we entered the hall. It can easily seat 1,000 persons at once we are told. It was huge! (see picture below) There were three main food stations, for the lack of a better description, that served three completely different meals or a combination of. It was well layed out, staff were fast and very courteous. The cost of the meals was very reasonable at $12.50. We were told during the busy period that they can serve up to 4,000 meals per day.
After the lunch meal we went back to the museum. Several people wanted to see some of the exhibits in more detail. Club photographer Tom Craig took a lot of pictures which will be shared with the members in the coming months.
There was equipment for viewing outside and the instructor said if you were thin enough you could open up the hatches of a T72 tank, Russian, and he could not guarantee that you could be able to come out very easy as you went in. One of the interesting things about it is our tour bus driver stated that he was from Afghanistan and for a period of time he drove one of the Russian T72 tanks, when he was on the good side of course and he said they were quite the vehicle to drive. He had a few stories and shared it with some of the members. We also managed a tour of the Engineers Museum that was interesting, showing all of the latest equipment used at present and from the past.
Administration building on the left with a Chapel on the right.
View of the Base Hospital.
Our tour guide, Major Skaarup, addressing the group.
The three tanks shown are at the entrance of the main gate.
Wall of fallen soldiers-Sappers - during peace time and war. Sappers are "Combat Engineers" Their duties include the following: Breaching fortifications, Demolitions, Bridge-building, Laying, or clearing minefields, Preparing field defenses, road and airfield construction and repair.
A view we saw once inside the "mess hall". Clean as a whistle as the saying goes and the kitchen staff/servers were well organized. They can set at one setting about 1,000 persons. During the summer when troops or cadets are on the base, they serve meals up to 4,000 per day!
Members having lunch in the Mess Hall.
Trolley Tour
Our PROBUS Club of Saint John hosted an Outing or "special tour" by Trolly Car, of our city Saint John NB on May 09, 2023. It was a chilly day, but the sun was shinning brightly. The tour would start at Lily Lake and finished at the same location with lunch, for those who wish to stay at the same location. About 28 members plus a few guests took in the tour.
The tour was narrated by Paul-Emile Chiasson of Aquila Tours. The tour started at the Lily Lake Pavilion and proceeded up the Mount Pleasant Avenue. The tour stopped several times to explain the local landscape of interest at this point.
In years gone by, ships needed ballast to keep their ships "steady" and manageable to navigate the rough seas on the Atlantic Ocean. Some sea captions used this ballast as infill to their homes built on Mount Pleasant Ave or other parts of the city. One place in particular, the home has a very large rock wall constructed as a front to their home. Over 150 year later, it is still there and looks great.
Some sea captains must have been well to-do as three houses were constructed on this street for his 3 daughters. Homes are still in operation and well maintained to this day.
Our next stop was at the "near the top" of Fort Howe. This provided a view of the harbour for all ships coming and going. On leaving this stop, it was pointed out the two different rock formations on either side of the roadway. Many years ago, the left side was "North Africa" and the right side was "South America". The rock formations were distinctively different. I may be wrong on this, but they were two different continents. Never knew this fact. See the picture near the Reversing Falls.
Did you know; water flowing out to the harbour, above the pulp mill, the water drops 25 meters in height because the "riverbed" drops a further 40 meters after the bridge. This is probably where it got its name "Falls." This part of the "GEOPARK" designation.
From Fort Howe the tour landed at the Reversing Falls off Douglas Avenue. Members were permitted to leave the bus for a close-up of the Falls in addition to picture taken time. We were fortunate to be there when the tide was going out. Lots of activity on the water.
The tour continued by driving over the Falls and landing up at the restored lookout land that used to be a hospital of sorts, Provincial Hospital, many years ago. The park is laid out in pathways with wooded statues of famous people. A plaque was attached to each figure explaining who and what their status was. The Irving people did a very nice job in creating this park. From this area, one can see some of East Saint John and the full Reversing Falls as it exits from the Saint John River to the harbour.
The tour continued to "Carlton Martello Tower site". From there the "out-post" commands a view of the entire harbour, inner and outer. During WWII, a concrete block house was added to the top of the Tower. This is the only Tower to have this feature. We were there on a clear day and the view was fantastic.
Since this was near the end of the tour, we all gathered for a group picture which turned out great. The tour bus headed back to the Lilly Lake starting point. A large group of members went into the Lilies restaurant for a fine lunch.
A presentation was made to our tour guy, Paul-Emile Chiasson, during the lunch period. It was overheard several times during the event, "we should do this more often."
The tour started at Lilly Lake near this Monument, "Day of Mourning Monument"of injured or killed workers that occurred on the job or at the work place. Very impressive.
This is the trolly bus that was used for the tour. Our first stop was on Mount Pleasant Avenue. During the busy times of the wooden boats that docked at our Saint John Harbor, used ballast in the lower holds of the ship. "Ballast" used in the ship, provided "stability" on the high seas. At each port, it was unloaded because it was not required any more. This ballast was used as "fill" on many properties in the Saint John area. This stone wall is a classic example of the larger stones that were used to make up retaining walls from the ballast of ships. This wall extends around the corner for another 30 meters.
The next planned stop was the Reversing Falls. We were fortunate to arrive when the falls were in full retreat to the harbour. Did you know: to the right, the river bottom drops 25 meters at his point and another 40 meters just passed the Bridge. This is where the name "Reversing Falls" came from?
Our next stop was the "Carlton Martello Tower". This sits on a high point of land in West Saint John that commands a full view of the outer and inner harbour. A drawing shows the interior layout. This was in used during the war of 1812, I believe. It was also used during the WWII with a concrete house added to the top. Of all the Towers built across Canada, this is the only one with the concrete house added, and that makes it unique. The tower was not open as it is undergoing maintenance/repairs. Repairs are supposed to be completed for the 2024 season.
A typical view of the interior of the living quarters at Martello Tower.
In this picture, the storage tanks for the ships to unload Bulk Crude Oil can be seen just above Parkridge island, on the left side and a bulk oil carrier on the horizon.
Our last stop was to the park now called WOLASTOQ, which means the St. John River. This is the former location of the Provincial Hospital. It commands a fantastic view of the Saint John River as the water begins its flow to the harbour, and the Bay of Fundy. This cycle of "reversing" occurs twice a day and ever day.
Legend has it a Beaver has built a dam at the mouth of the St. John River. The write up explains the situation but Koluskap, after several warnings to dismantle the dam, Koluskap, smashed the dam so water could flow. Then you have the Reversing Falls as we know it today.
Most members of the tour did stay for lunch at Lillies located a Lilly Lake Restaurant. On the right we have Paul Meier and Bernard Cormier enjoying a cool drink. Paul was the organizer and presented a gift on behalf of PROBUS to Paul-Emile Chiasson of Aquila Tours.
Annual General Meeting 2023
The PROBUS AGM was held on July 21st, 2023 at an unusual place. It was considered our last meeting until September, so an unusual place was chosen. The place was called the FOGHORN Pub. Spelled differently but that was OK. About 23 members present. Food was brought in and of course, samples of the many craft beers were available for testing. Host Stephen Russell explained the workings of the Brewery.
Paul Meier introduced our guest speaker, Steve Russell, CO-owner of The Foghorn Brewing Company. Andrew Estabrooks is the other CO-owner. Steve gave an interesting presentation. The initial planning for the brewery started in 2015 with the opening taking place two years later. Foghorn products are marketed in Provincial Liquor Stores and retail grocery stores as well as the Brew Pub on Clark Road.
In the Top picture is newly elected President Frank McCarey thanking Stephen for his remarks, hospitality, and for hosting us.
Huntsman Museum Outing
Our PROBUS CLUB had an outing on June 08th of 2022. Ten members ventured to the HUNTSMAN MARINE SCIENCE CENTRE in St. Andrews NB. Members that were able to attend were: Don LeBlanc our president, Chip Lawton, David Flewelling, Ron Pearce, Tom Craig, Brian Mitchell, Sid Lodhi, Ed Creaser, Paul Meier, and Don Mitchener. This followed up by lunch at the Red Tide Pub in downtown St. Andrews. Reports indicate it was very enjoyable. The most heard comment was “ we should do this more often".
Tom Craig, our Phoghorn editor, made this statement in the August, 2022 Phoghorn: "This sign says it all. While my first visit was many years ago, it was entirely different. This facility has improved in many ways. We are lucky to have this nearby."
The ten Probus members gathered in the lobby before the tour commenced.
From left to right; Ed Creaser, Sid Lodhi, Brian Mitchell, Chip Lawton, Don LeBlanc, and Don Mitchener
Ed Creaser, Chip Lawton, David Flewelling, John Doyle, Brian Mitchell, and Ron Pearce pictured under the Orca Whale.
Did you know that Orcas are actually from the “Dolphins” family?
Chip Lawton, Ed Creaser and John Doyle engage in some conversation at the lower lever of the displays.
Members looking at the shallow pool where different smaller creatures are living in their habitant. Star fish is one. We soon found out that these are display only and no touching allowed.
Black History Month Outing
On Feb. 23rd, 2022 the PROBUS Club of Saint John had its first "day trip outing" for 2022.
Locally in Saint John, a fantastic display and celebrating "Black History Month" 2022, was set up in Brunswick Square, uptown Saint John. It has been opened at this location since last June of 2021.
The local history pertaining to this area was presented by Ralph Thomas and assisted by Jemika Davidson. Local PROBUS member Carl White also assisted in the display over the last while.
The event was worth while and the Probus Club encourages everyone to take this tour in.
The PROBUS club was represented by some twenty-two members with six being from the Kiwanis Club. Some of the highlight's indicated settlements were remarkably close to Saint John with Willow Grove and Pennfield. This came as a surprise to most people there. At the conclusion of the tour, some eighteen members joined together for lunch at the Union Club, guests of John Doyle. A good day in all!
The following pictures will provide some insight to the overall history.
Ralph Thomas explaining the displays, which are organized by time periods to the group.
Local person, Maurice Eatmon, Korean Veteran, recently awarded a medal for his service during the Korean War
Pictures of local people that are well know in this area. I know three, says Tom Craig. How many do you know?
Items from the past dating back hundreds of years, donated by Carl . White and his wife Mavis along with Pat Carson.
Willow Grove settlement is located in East Saint John. A stamp by the Canadian Government was issued in Jan. 2021 A well establish settlement was located there with a Post office, General store, and a Baptist Church. They tried to provide for themselves. The buildings are all gone but a miniature replica church was reconstructed.
Don LeBlanc and Carl White
Union Club Luncheon after outing after tour.
Christmas 2014
On Dec. 10, 2014, the Probus members gathered at the Boys & Girls Club for their annual Christmas luncheon, and to be entertained by the Saint john String Quartet which has become an annual delight.
During the meeting, a first time ever Christmas Tie competition was held. Chris Buckley of the String Quartet entered his beard. The winner, Dale Stevens, is shown in the picture below with his prize which we are sure he will enjoy over the festive season.
In the top left photo, President Ralph is sharing one of his growner jokes while on the left Tor Bordevik is seen doing a bit of fiddling with Sonia from the String Quartet.
New Members
During the Feb. 18, 2008 meeting, President Richard Burpee welcomed two new members into the Club. Pictured above are President Richard, left, and Frank Cormier and Dr. Barry Beckett.
Rendezvous 2008 Team Wrap-up
On Jan. 15, 2009 the Rendezvous 2008 organizing team met at the Mediterranean restaurant to wrap-up and share some laughs and successes for the rendezvous 2008 gathering.
Pictured (L-R): Ralph Wood, Bill Bydges, Wes Cosman, David Fraser, Carl Tompkins, Fred Shillington, Laurie Hossack, President Richard Burpee, Mildred Brydges, Betty Thomkins, Robert Taylor. The empty Chair is Robert Lockhart, who was behind the camera.
The gathering was spearheaded by Co-chair Bill Brydges, and it was with great pride that he, Fred Shillington and President Richard Burpee advised that all was a success, both financially and socially.
The following summarizes the committees synopsis:
"The memories will last a long time but its time for our club to say thank you.
On behalf of Co Chairs Bill Brydges and Fred Shillington, we thank all those who traveled from afar to make Rendezvous 2008 the success it was.
We, the members of Saint John Probus Club, and the many organizing committees and volunteers, thank you all sincerely for sampling our Maritime hospitality and giving us the opportunity to make new friends.
We particularly thank those visitors from Australia who traveled so far to make this truly an International affair.
We thank the Directors of Probus Canada for all their help, indulgence and generosity and for giving us the opportunity to stage this event.
We thank our brother and sister clubs here in Saint John, in Moncton, Fredericton and Charlottetown for their cooperation and support.
We thank our sponsors the Royal Bank and Saint John Rotary Club for their financial support and to the many local businesses that helped us in so many ways.
All the reports have been made and a host of information is available to help whoever has the honor to host the next convention.
We would like to report that after paying all our bills that virtually all the seed money from Probus Canada will be returned with thanks.
To all the committee chairs and members who gave so willingly of their time for more than 24 meetings over the course of two years for "Cheap Coffee", Bill and Fred, thank you, sincerely. "
Executive Changes 2008
President Richard Burpee
Vice President Brian Mitchell
At the Dec. 2008 meeting, President Richard Burpee (top photo) was pleased to announce that Brian Mitchell (bottom photo) had accepted the position of Vice President and Program Director for our Probus Club.
The Club is very fortunate to have Brian step up to this position. We know he will do a great job!!
The John R. Morris Founder’s Award
Probus Canada President Art Buck (far left) is very pleased to be presenting the “John R. Morris Founder’s Award” to a long time Probus Member who has definitely made his mark in “outstanding support for the growth and development of Probus across Canada” over the past 15 years as a member. Bill Brydges is a Charter Member and a Past President of the Probus Club of Saint John, N.B. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Probus Centre-Canada, Inc. doing so with dedication and commitment. He has also been involved in the development of new Probus Clubs in his area and most recently, without hesitation, successfully served as Co-Chair of the Probus Canada Rendezvous 2008 held in his community.
Congratulations Bill !!
(From Dec. 2008 Probus Canada Newsletter)
“A HAPPY GROUP INDEED”
This happy group are Members of the Organizing Committee of the Probus “Rendezvous 2008” held in Saint John, N.B. this past September. Having just received “Certificates of Appreciation” from Probus Canada President Art Buck (3rd from left) they have a right to smile at the success of a tremendous event. Just under 300 attendees took advantage of Saint John hospitality to enjoy three days of fun, fellowship and idea exchange in Canada’s “Loyalist City”. Survey returns are already in and, with few exceptions, they express feelings of great satisfaction and enjoyment with lots of opportunity for business as well as sight seeing and just plain good times.
Thank You Saint John !!
(From Dec. 2008 Probus Canada Newsletter)
PROBUS Canada
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It's hard to believe that we're at the end of another year--and boy what a year it has been. Our efforts across this Country have brought us to 200 Clubs, …. the "long sought after" number and now we can set our sights on a new target … perhaps 250.
My thanks to all who helped to make this growth happen and may it continue ! And “Rendezvous 2008---Catch the Wave”---held in Saint John N.B. in late September, which turned out to be a "super" success. The ---food--- fellowship--- entertainment---tours---and not to forget the discussions & the comments from the workshops---left us with much pride about the benefits of belonging to such a great group called “PROBUS”.
I personally met so many from across Canada who commented on their pleasure at being involved with our organization. Our Board will be discussing many of the recommendations brought up during the workshops, particularly those dealing with improved communications, and sharing more information between Clubs.
A very sincere “Congratulations” to the Saint John Clubs , their non Club volunteers---and to all our members who were there to enjoy their efforts.
(From Dec. 2008 Probus Canada Newsletter)
Change Over 2006
Dave Lester, President 2005 - 06, shares a laugh as incoming President David Frase presents him with his past president' pin on Sept. 20, 2006.
One of President Dave's last chores was to induct new member Frank Setchell (center) to Probus. Frank was sponsored by Fred Shillington (left).
Christmas Luncheon 2005
At our Christmas luncheon on Dec. 14, 2005, President David recognized our Charter Members with special name badges. Pictured above are the initial four Rotarians who did the ground work to invite 44 gentlemen to a meeting to discuss the creation of a Probus Club. Pictured above are Gordon White, Gerald Barnett, Bill Brydges, and Canon Lloyd Lake. Of the 44, 43 signed as Charter members.
Pictured above is President David presenting founding President William Bartlett with his new Charter Member's name badge.
The following Charter Members who were in attendance to receive their new badges: Left to right back row: Bill Bartlett, Reg MacKenzie, Alex Penman, Robert Crawford, Blake McCullogh, Gordon White, George Teed, Robert Reeves, Canon Lloyd Lake, Gerald Barnett, Bill Brydges, and Mac Pike. In front are John Cook, Duane Lister.
Missing from the photo were: Ross Coates, Horace Hall, Jack Myles, Frank Ervin, Harry Hoar, Glen Scott, David Filliter, Eric Josselyn, Ed Graham, and Bob McConnell.
During our luncheon, Treasurer Ed creaser presented Debbie, Cooper, the Boy's and Girl's Club Executive Director, with a cheque for $500.00 for Probus' Christmas Donation.
During the meeting, the members present were entertained by Saint John Quartet members: Sonja Adams, David Adams, Ericka Low and Chris Buckley.
Executive Change Over 2005
On the Sept. 21, 2005 meeting of Probus at the Boys' and Girls' Club of Saint John, the new executive for the new Probus year were voted into office. Pictured here is incoming President David Lester presenting out going President George McCaughey with his past president's pen.
At each meeting, time is set aside for a guest speaker. As you will see from the list below, our Club has been very fortunate to have excellent speakers each month.
List of Scheduled Guest Speakers
List of Previous Club Speakers
As a memento for speaking, the Club photographer presents the speaker with a photo of his talk. Some photos of our speakers may be seen here.
Photos of Previous Guest Speakers
Fellowship and laughter is a big part of each meeting. Here are a few pictures of the weekly meetings for your preview.
A highlight of each year is when the Club membership make a field trip to a location of interest. It may be to the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Irving Oil Refinery, the Hillsborough Train Tour, or some visit yet to come. Please have a look at the field trips.
