Probus members treated to stories of ocean voyages

MEMBERS of the Hawks Nest and District Probus Club gathered in the warm and dry confines of the Hawks Next Golf Club on 1 August to hear stories of high seas adventures.

Ninety-six attendees first congratulated Probus Life Member Ray Hoskings on his 90th birthday, with President Barb Smith thanking Ray for his instrumental role in the formation of the mixed-gender Probus Club back in April 2011.

“All the ladies here today are glad to be here, and we value Roy’s membership greatly,” Barb said.

“Roy has also been a mentor to every President since the formation in 2011,” Probus Secretary Ann Scully told News Of The Area.

Club Vice President John Lamb then stepped up to regale the members with reminiscences from his year as a mate aboard the tall ship “One And All”, and the work the ship does with youth from the Sir David Martin Foundation.

The One And All is a tall ship built in the early 1980s in South Australia based on the original rig of an 1850s brigantine.

It participated in the 1988 Bicentenary fleet.

“It is termed a ‘jackass brigantine’, probably because it is a brig with an extra-long bowsprit,” John said.

“Although 1800s conditions were very poor, sleeping in hammocks, pirates used brigantines for their mix of triangular fore and aft sails, providing agility, and the square main sails, which gave speed under the right wind.”

The One And All was originally designed for training, presenting a challenge to trainees as everything on deck is crafted in the old style of 200 years ago, all operated by person-power.

Plenty of ship terms, once commonplace but now only for enthusiasts, were thrown overboard – including the foremast, poop deck, baggywrinkle, ratlines, footropes, nocks and yards.

“Lots of sailors were lost going up the ratlines, especially in storms, but modern OHS demands changes to that, so deckhands all wear harnesses now.

“Trainees also practice survival at sea, including sharing and conserving body heat in a group in the water.

“Hypothermia is a big killer in the sea [as was the case] in 1998 when many were lost in the Sydney to Hobart race.”

The Sir David Martin Foundation was set up to help kids get off the streets and back on their feet.

Its programs include a five-day trip on the One And All.

“The kids have to want to go, as low self-esteem is a big [issue]. They are taught self-worth and trained in various skills.”

David was humbled to have watched many kids master the skills and pull themselves up, as said many went on to start their own businesses.

The next Probus meeting will be held on 29 August at the Hawks Nest Golf Club.

By Thomas O’KEEFE