Newsletter Christmas Edition

Transcription

1 TOUKLEY RSL SUB BRANCH Newsletter Christmas Edition Issue 43 3 December 2018

2 From the President: It has been another successful twelve months in which we have continued moving forward in the achievement of good things for the Sub Branch. It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of another year. Progress has been made throughout the year, with a very successful Anzac Day and big crowds at both the Dawn and Morning services, our seventieth anniversary and dinner, the acquisition of two bronze statues for the cenotaph to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the signing of the Armistice and a very special Remembrance Day and Dedication Service last month. To conclude the year on a high note, the Sub Branch Christmas party on Sunday 16 December 2018 will be something we can all look forward to. Our seventieth Anniversary Dinner was held on Saturday 3 November 2018 and attended by sixty members and partners who were entertained by Brassick while being served drinks and canapes on arrival followed by a very enjoyable three-course dinner and anniversary cake. It was a really wonderful evening and the Committee has received many positive comments on the night some saying that it was our best function so far. I am sure that there were a few ladies, who shall remain nameless, who paid the price next day for all the crazy antics they got up to on the dance floor... They certainly entertained the rest of us!!!!! It was very pleasing to see such a big crowd at our Remembrance Day and Dedication Service on the 11 November This year was a very special service and we were honoured to have our Patron, Karen McNamara, in attendance, as well as Emma McBride MP Federal Member for Dobell, David Harris MP, Member for Wyong, Councillor Jillian Hogan and Councillor Greg Best from Central Coast Council, who all laid wreaths on the cenotaph during the service. Many schools within the local area were also represented. Our special guest of honour, Mia Thomas, who is the Great-Great Granddaughter of Alfred Shout VC, did herself proud with her speech on the citation of her Great-Great

3 Grandfather. We were honoured to have Mia attend and take part in our service. A special thank you to Brandee Meier who volunteered her time and travelled from Sydney to photograph our Service. It is very much appreciated. Thank you Brandee. Photos have been posted on the Toukley RSL Sub Branch Facebook site. As mentioned at our Remembrance Day Service, next year we are hopeful of seeing Stage three of the cenotaph upgrade commence some time following Anzac Day and be completed in time for Remembrance Day a fitting tribute to all of those veterans who have paid the supreme sacrifice. This final stage will include a replacement cenotaph with an eternal flame on top, new granite paving, including an inscription, a stainless steel fence across the memorial gardens from the Police Station fence to the western carpark and a hedge garden on the southern side. When completed, our memorial gardens will be completely rejuvenated and will stand the test of time for many years to come. For those who took the opportunity to attend the RSL NSW forum at Wyong RSL Club on Friday 16 November 2018, I am sure that you found James Brown s (RSL State President) talk on the new draft constitution to be very informative. It was a good opportunity for members to ask questions of James and to gain a better understanding of what State Branch is endeavouring to achieve for all Sub Branches. The new Constitution which will voted on at the Extraordinary State Congress in Sydney on Tuesday 4 December 2018 at which Treasurer Milton Porter and I will be attending. Thank you to James Brown for taking the time to come to the Central Coast for this important forum. There will be two congresses in The first will be an Extraordinary Congress in Albury on May This meeting will be devoted to governance and constitutional matters, providing an opportunity for members to propose and vote on their own amendments (if the new Constitution IS adopted on 4 December 2018) OR for State Council to propose further amendments (if the new Constitution is NOT adopted on 4 December 2018). The ordinary Annual Congress and general meeting for RSL NSW will be held in October 2019 in Sydney. This meeting will be devoted to financial matters. It will see the financial statements for ANZAC House presented for the year end 30 June 2019,

4 and members will also be asked to vote on the funding models recommended by the Member Finance and Budget Review Panel. On Saturday 1 December 2018 members of the Committee attended the annual Merchant Mariners Day service at Norah Head. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Sub Branch during the service. Thank you to the Committee Members who attended. Our Sub Branch Christmas party will be held on Sunday 16 December 2018 commencing at 11.00am. Tickets are now on sale, and selling fast, for this popular function, so get in early to purchase yours if you would like to attend. Sub Branch functions, such as Anzac Day, Christmas in July and the Christmas party are all heavily subsidised by the Sub Branch, meaning that we can keep the cost very low for members and partners. It is our way of giving something back to the members. I understand that circumstances can change at the last minute which means that you are unable to attend a function for which you have purchased tickets. However, if we are not notified of your nonattendance, the Sub Branch still pays for the full cost of your meal. If you could kindly let the Committee know, as soon as possible, if you are unable to attend a function so that we can notify the caterers and, therefore, the Sub Branch will not be charged for your meal. I am happy for you to me, even as late as the day of an event, if need be, at president@toukleyrslsb.org.au. Although we are 14 months away from our AGM in February 2020, when the current 3-year term is up for your Committee, it is time for those with the necessary skills, and time, to consider volunteering for an important role on the Sub Branch Committee. It is inevitable that there will be members of the current Committee who will not be seeking re-election, so some positions will become vacant. When considering whether or not to put your name forward, or if you just want to know what is involved to be on the Committee, please speak to either me or to one of the Executive, who would welcome your interest and be happy to answer your concerns or queries. A requirement is that you would need to have the necessary skills to fulfil the role. Without a voluntary Committee, our Sub-Branch will dissolve and our assets go to the State. Something we don t even want to contemplate! And so it is almost Christmas...

5 To those who have loved ones on the sick list, I wish them a speedy and quick recovery. My condolences and thoughts are with those who have lost someone close to them throughout this year. Please give a thought this Christmas to those serving men and women who are currently on deployment and cannot be with their families and loved ones at this time of the year. To those, we raise a glass and say thank you. I would personally like to wish the Committee, members, partners/wives and families all the very best for Christmas and thank you all for your continuing support. Keep smiling and think positive - remember that life is too short. I look forward to seeing your happy and smiling faces at the next General Meeting which will be on Monday 4 February 2019 our first General Meeting of the new year. Please note that there will be no General Meeting or Newsletter in January. I hope Santa is kind to you. Bob Wilson President Keep smiling it makes people wonder what you re up to

6 NEW SUB BRANCH MEMBERS Welcome to the following new Sub Branch Members: ******* VALE Beryl Barnes 19 November 2018 Lest We Forget INTERMENT OF ASHES AT THE CENOTAPH MEMORIAL GARDENS The interment of ashes of Donald WATTS will be held on Saturday 22 December Lest We Forget DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sub Branch General Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, At 10.00am, upstairs in Club Toukley RSL, with the exception of January. All Members are invited to attend. Sunday 16 December am- 4.00pm Sunday 17 February am (Doors close at 10.00am sharp) Thursday 25 April 2019 Sub Branch Christmas Party Sub Branch AGM. There will not be an election for the Committee. Anzac Day

7 Keeping your Sub Branch Details Up to Date If you have recently moved, or your details have changed, please let the Sub Branch Office know so that we can update your address and contact details. This information is required so that we can send any correspondence and membership renewals to the correct address. Also, if you know of a member who has moved, either to another area or to an Aged Care Facility, please notify the Sub Branch Office. Trivia Time (Answers at the end of this Newsletter) 1 What is the second event on day one of a men s decathlon? 2 What Nationality was Chopin? 3 Who cut Van Gogh s ear? 4 What money do they use in Japan? 5 What is the Hungarian word for Pepper? 6 Where was Marco Polo s home town? 7 What is the hardest rock? 8 In what year was Advance Australia Fair proclaimed as the national anthem by the Governor General? 9 What is the highest grossing Australian movie? 10 The Tamar River flows to which Tasmanian town/city?

8 Some Information on the Two Bronze Statues The model for the soldier was Private William Pigott Darby from the 15th Infantry Battalion Gallipoli and the Western Front, (he was wounded at Pozieres) and 4th Field Ambulance AIF. A native of Monasterevin, Ireland he was born on 25 April 1872 and died in Brisbane on 15 November The model for the sailor was Leading Seaman John William Varco. He enlisted on 3 June 1913, served on HMAS Pioneer ( ) in German East Africa and on HMAS Parramatta ( ). He was awarded the Commonwealth Distinguished Service Medal in 1918 (one of 60 Australians to earn this honour) and died in October The Sailor s Christmas HMAS Hobart DDG 39 A letter left by Santa on Her Majesty s Australian Ships... T was the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming, Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.

9 They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small, In a 60-man mess deck, cramped one and all. I had come down the stack with presents to give, And to see inside just who might perhaps live. I looked all about, a strange sight did I see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand, On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land. They had medals and badges and awards of all kind, And a sober thought came into my mind. For this place was different, so dark and so dreary, I had found the house of a Sailor, at once I saw clearly. A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone, Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home. The face was so gentle, the space squared away, This was home of the Australian Sailor today. This was the hero I saw on TV, Defending our country so we could be free. I realised the families that I would visit this night, Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight. Soon round the world, the children would play, And grown ups would celebrate on Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year, Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here. I couldn t help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.

10 The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry. The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice, Santa, don t cry, this life is my choice. Defending the seas all days of the year, So others may live and be free with no fear. I thought for a moment, what a difficult road, To live a life guided by honour and code. After all, it s Christmas Eve and the ship s underway! But freedom isn t free and it s sailors who pay. The Sailor says to our country Be free and sleep tight, No harm will come, Not on my watch, Not on this night. The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn t control it, I continued to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still, I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night s cold chill. I didn t want to leave on that cold dark night, This guardian of honour so willing to fight. The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure, Whispered, Carry on Santa, It s Christmas, and All is Secure!.

11 Some Unusual Facts 1 Post World War II From 1945 through to 1996, nearly 5.5 million immigrants settled in Australia. 2 Australia has the world s largest cattle station. At 30,028 km2, it is almost the same size as Belgium of the world s most poisonous snakes can be found in Australia. 4 Koalas sleep for about 20 hours per day. 5 The average Australian will eat the equivalent of 18 full cows and 90 full sheep in his or her lifetime! 6 In Aboriginal culture, women are not permitted to play the didgeridoo. 7 Seattle s Fremont Bridge rises up and down more than any drawbridge in the world. 8 On average, Americans eat 18 acres of pizza every day. 9 Hong Kong holds the most Rolls Royce per capita. 10 The human eyes never grow but nose and ears never stop growing. If you have an idea which you think could benefit or improve the Sub Branch, please put it in writing or speak to one of our Committee Members. Remember that we are there to represent the members, so if you have any ideas, then please let us know.

12 Photo Gallery Anniversary Dinner Reverend Tim Waghorn and Honorary Bookkeeper John Barnes cut the 70 th Anniversary Birthday cake.

13 A fun night was had by all

14 Remembrance Day & Dedication Service 11 November 2018 Flags on graves of deceased veterans at Noraville cemetery Committee, members and families laying poppies at the cenotaph

15 The cenotaph memorial gardens on the morning prior to the Remembrance Day Service Part of the large crowd at the Remembrance Day Service

16 Sub Branch Patron Karen McNamara lays a wreath on the cenotaph Councillor Jillian Hogan, Mia Thomas, Emma McBride MP and David Harris MP at the cenotaph following the service.

17 A card left on the cenotaph on Remembrance Day. Inscription reads Dear Soldiers. Thank you for guarding our world from the dangerous country.xxxxoooo ******************** I said to my neighbour "Your dog's been barking for the last 3 hours! I've got a serious hangover and I'm trying to get some sleep! She said It'd probably help if you got out of it's kennel. I bought a greyhound today. My wife said, "Are you going to race him?" I said, "No, he's a lot faster than me." My friend's wife left him last week. She said she was going out for milk and never came back. I asked him how he was coping. He said, "Not bad. I've been using some of that powdered stuff". I went to the doctor because when I cough it sounds like I m saying bishop and knight and castle. He says I ve got a chess infection.

18 Mini Christmas Puddings 1 x 700g Christmas pudding 1 x 250g block milk chocolate, melted ¼ cup brandy, sherry or orange juice White chocolate bits Green and red snakes Crumble the pudding and mix in the melted chocolate and brandy. Roll the mixture into almond sized balls. Melt a small amount of the white chocolate bits and drizzle over the mini puddings. Cut up the snakes into small pieces to garnish the top of the puddings (should resemble holly leaves and red berries). Repeat the process until all the mini puddings have been decorated. Recipe Notes: Only garnish a few puddings at a time as the white chocolate sets fairly quickly. Cut up the snakes before you begin. Homebrand pudding and chocolate works well. Ho Ho Ho... Only 22 sleeps until Christmas

19 TRIVIA TIME 1 Long Jump 2 Polish 3 He did 4 Yen 5 Paprika 6 Venice 7 Diamond Crocodile Dundee 10 Launceston Answers Toukley RSL Sub Branch Bus Trips If you have any queries regarding bus trips, please see Committeeman Bob Swift. ******************** A friend of mine is making a TV series about plane hijackings...he's just shot the pilot. I once swallowed a dictionary. It gave me thesaurus throat I've ever had. It's really embarrassing when guests visit my house and my dog wants to sniff their crotch. Especially as he's a Chihuahua and I have to lift him up.

20 TOUKLEY RSL SUB BRANCH Patron: President: Vice Presidents: Secretary: Treasurer: Committee: Telephone: Fax: Pensions & Welfare: Bob Williamson (Welfare) Graham Tredinnick (Welfare) Bob Swift (Welfare) Stephen Edmunds (Welfare) Newsletter Co-ordinator: Phone: Karen McNamara Bob Wilson Tom Hobbs George Meier Graham Tredinnick Milton Porter Ray Sutton Bob Swift Allan Love Ian Collier Brian Murphy Stephen Edmunds Ian Collier