The theme of the Probus Club of Bridgeman Downs August General Meeting was a Bright Clothes competition. The male members embraced it enthusiastically, with some particularly colourful shirts on display. To ensure the judging was impartial, a visitor who did not know any of the members was invited to select the winner. The successful contestant was Greg Brunckhorst who is well known for his bright shirts when quizmaster for our Annual Friendly Trivia Quiz. Greg was presented with a small hamper of goodies.

The Guest Speaker was Koo, a 22-year-old university student from Japan who is currently in Australia on a one-year work visa. Koo arrived in Australia just two months ago from Yokohama. Our Speakers Convenor, Valda, interviewed Koo as English is his third language. With the assistance of his home host, Koo shared his impressions of his arrival and life in Brisbane. He spoke with some amusement about his surprise that koalas and kangaroos are not to be found wandering the streets everywhere! He has found living in Brisbane is quite expensive but he particularly enjoys Brisbane’s open spaces, the smaller population and spending time watching the river. Koo was disturbed by the graffiti and loud shouting on the trains and the disrespect shown by so many young people here. He has never seen this in Japan. Koo had taken a day off work to visit us so was given a monetary gift and card as a token of our appreciation.