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PRESIDENT’S PONTIFICATIONS
Pat and I are just back from a trip to Mackay and guess what, it rained
the whole time we were there. Anyway it’s good to be home. Our reunion
in Bundaberg is taking shape and looks like being a good get together.
I hope all the ex WRANS had a good time at their reunion in Adelaide. I
wonder how many wore their old uniform?
For any of the members wanting assistance with pension claims our association
has several pension officers/advocates to help you. Unfortunately Pat and
I won’t be able to make it to our next meeting, as we will be returning
from a trip on the Ghan on that day. Hope you enjoy Dicky Beach and we
will see you for Fish Day.
Regards
Doug
NEXT MEETING
Our next meeting will be our regular trip to the North Coast
but this year we will be trying a new venue. Due to unforeseen circumstances
we were unable to get the surf club at Mooloolaba so we will be holding
our get-together at the Dicky Beach SLSC. Committeeman Peter Thomas assures
us that we will be well looked after and I know the staff at Dicky are
keen to impress. We will be having raffles so bring along something for
the table and your raffle money. Meeting to commence at 11 am and lunch
for 1200-1215.
2009 MEETINGS
Other meetings for 2009. Fish Day, 19th July at Kedron Wavell.
September 13th at Kurumba Downs Vietnam Vets Association club house and
our last for 2009, our Christmas get together on the 13th December at Kedron
Wavell. Please note the two changes for venues in May and September. Don’t
forget to mark your diaries accordingly. RSVPs are required.
ANZAC DAY
Only 32 members and relatives fell in behind the banner for
our Anzac Day march. Although the turnout was disappointing those who made
the effort enjoyed the experience. Our cruisermen were ably represented
by George Pounder and Eric Wright and we know that several others, although
unable to attend due to ill health, were there in spirit. The after-march
reunion at the Berkley was again well attended. After Three re draws, the
raffle was won by Rob McLear. Thanks to all for supporting the association
through the raffle system.
VALE - JENNY BEM
(The following was received by email)
Generations of sailors who visited Hong Kong will mourn the death of Jenny.
She was a much loved living legend who, for all the colony's constant
change, remained the same incomparable institution for over half a century.
Much of her life was an enigma. However, the authors of her twenty-seven
Certificates of Service generally agreed that she was born in a sampan
in Causeway Bay in 1917. Her mother, Jenny One, according to her one
surviving Certificate of Service, which was copied in 1946 from an older,
much battered and largely illegible document, 'provided serviceable sampans
for the general use of the Royal Navy, obtained sand, and. was useful
for changing money’. She brought up her two daughters to help her. Behind
her perpetual great gold-toothed grin Jenny complained; “I veIIy chocker.
All time work in sampan. No learn to lead or lite.” But what she lacked
in education she made up more than a hundredfold with her immense and
impressive experience in ship husbandry, her unfailing thoroughness and
apparently inexhaustible energy, her unquestionable loyalty and integrity,
her infectious enthusiasm and her innate cheerfulness. Officially Jenny's
Date of Volunteering was recorded as 1928. From then until 1997, when
the colony became a Special Administrative Region of China and the Royal
Navy moved out she and her team of tireless girls, who at one time numbered
nearly three dozen, unofficially served the Royal and Commonwealth Navies
in Hong Kong by cleaning and painting their ships, attending their buoy
jumpers, and, dressed in their best, waiting with grace and charm upon
their guests at cocktail parties. Captains and Executive Officers would
find fresh flowers in their cabins and newspapers delivered daily. For
all of this she steadfastly refused ever to take any payment. Instead
she and her Side Party earned their keep selling soft drinks to the ships'
companies and accepting any item of scrap which could be found on board.
She has a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal presented to her in 1938
by the captain of HMS DEVONSHIRE, and a bar
engraved 'HMS LEANDER 1975’.
Most treasured of all Jenny's distinctions was the British Empire Medal
awarded her in the Hong Kong Civilian List of the Queen's Birthday Honours
in 1980.
Jenny died peacefully in Hong Kong on Wednesday 18th February 2009. She
was 92 years old.
And also via email we report:-
The HMAS BRISBANE Association advises of the passing of (R55300) POME
Anthony Oliver “Blue” Boxsell, Age 71. LME Blue Boxsell was part of the
Bay City Family and commissioning crew of BRISBANE. As a PO Stoker, Blue
saw Vietnam service on the gunline in HMAS HOBART in 1970
and
Graeme Sculley, DSM, R65336 passed away in the early hours of Saturday
morning 11th April 2009 - aged just 60 years. Graeme saw active service
in Vietnam on HMAS Hobart on two occasions - March 68 to July 68 and again
from March 70 to October 70. Graeme was wounded during the missile attack
in 1968.
and
Cruiserman Col Christenson passed away on 28th April. The Funeral is anticipated
to take place at the Deception Bay Crematorium. Details, when available
will be emailed to you.
Our condolences are extended to their families and friends.
BUNDY UPDATE - Circular 2. 24th March, 2009.
Dick reports:- For information, I just tried the web site and whilst some
may find it a little tricky to negotiate I had no difficulty in downloading
the registration/order form. I do not have access to the info that is
being placed by Gareth in the West. Mostly it is in order with the exception
of the attendees list which at this stage cannot be updated. For anyone
having problems they can get in contact with me at dickcoralcoast@bigpond.com
. To date there are some 195 expressions of interest with registration/order
payments received from 86. The interest being shown for the tours is
a little less than expected, however I hope that this will gain momentum
in the next couple of months.
We have encountered a couple of small problems with regards to the BBQ
on the Sunday.
This has been brought about (mainly) by insurance costs to have it off
premises and the change to the liquor and food laws with regards to clubs.
At this stage we are considering the prospect of returning to the Bundy
RSL following the march and having finger food in lieu of a BBQ. There
will be no problem for this type of catering at the club and no change
to the cost as budgeted.
1. DINNER:
Following much discussion it has been decided that the dress
for the dinner,
Saturday 17th October will be:
GENTS: Lounge Suit / Coat & Tie / Medals may be worn.
LADIES: After-five wear.
The dinner will also be limited to a maximum of 240 personnel. We currently
have 185 registered/indications of attendance. If perchance the numbers
exceed 240 it will be a case of ‘first in – best dressed’. Other arrangements
can be made for/if any excess numbers to eat in the Club bistro.
2. PAYMENTS A. MEMORABILIA
To enable memorabilia, stubby holders, coffee mugs, caps & shirts,
to be ordered and available in time ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST
1ST. It would also be very much appreciated if payment for same was also
made by this date.
B. TOURS
Numbers for these are limited to 45 for each tour. To date there is still
plenty of room available on all. You will be advised if/when a tour is
filled. Again it would be appreciated if the NUMBERS ARE KNOWN BY 10TH
SEPTEMBER and payment for same made by this date.
C. DINNER
NUMBERS ATTENDING ARE REQUIRED BY 1ST OCTOBER. Again all payments should
be received by this date.
3. GENERAL Organisation for the event is going well. Approx. 30% of those
indicating their attendance have submitted payments and we extend our thanks
to them. If anyone requires any further info please do not hesitate to
get in contact.
Cheers Aye, Dick Harrison.
INFORMATION
It was pointed out recently that our records are not as up
to date as they should be. Regrettably, our members list still shows some
shipmates who have passed away. We rely heavily on members to keep us up
to date with this kind of information. A phone call or email to any of
the executive is all it takes to save us the embarrassment of having false
information on web sites, mail outs etc. Your help in this matter will
be appreciated.
MEMBERSHIPS
Our members’ list financial status varies from as far back
as 2002 to as far forward as 2014. If not sure of your status could you
please check with any of your executive and if necessary make arrangements
to ‘get up to date’. Again it is stressed that we are not seeking ‘back’
dues. Remember, the Association is only as strong as the membership.
BASEBALL CAPS
Vietnam Veteran Baseball caps – with the words Australian
Navy Vietnam Veteran with an anchor and medal ribbons on the front and
RAN on the rear are now being embroidered. Anyone interested in a cap or
two can contact NSW member Peter Maher 23 Omaroo Avenue, Doonside, NSW
2767. You can pay online to BSB 062293 ACCT 10108346 name Peter Maher or
by Cheque made out to Peter Maher – Post to Peter Maher at the above address.
Please send a mailing address for the postman and allow 14 days for delivery.
Cost of the cap, including postage, is $22:50 for one, and $40 for two.
SA NEWS
There has been a changing of the guard in South Australia. Hugh
Baddams has taken over as President and Ros Baddams as Secretary. Cruiserman
Ken Smerdon is finally able to take a rest after over 40 years involvement
with the association.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
The NAA is looking for someone to become more involved
with the NAA by acting as Administration Officer in the State Office at
Woolloongabba. Two days a week from 0800-1400. A small remuneration is
offered. Duties will be subject to some negotiation. Interested? For further
information please contact Pat McKay on 3891 3040.
NEW POSTAL ADDRESS
Effective immediately the new mail and postal address
for the NAA in Queensland is ‘The Secretary, NAA, P.O. Box 48, Arana Hills
Qld 4054.
HELPFUL WEBSITE?
The following was received by email from John Graham.
“Dear friends and veterans/ ex servicemen/women,
I have constructed
a new website relating exclusively to Australian Military information.
I must admit I have included a paper on pharmaceuticals by Sheldon Maher,
a subject I feel very strongly about. I have tried to assemble papers on
the problems we face. Hopefully this will enable all to understand the
arguments put up by various individuals and ESOs and provide a proper understanding
for individuals who may wish to make individual submissions. Of course
these mainly differ from the Governments. My name appears as the author
of the papers, but plainly this is not so. This is a thing in the programme
that I cannot eliminate. I will work to nominate the real author as I have
done for Sheldon's document. I have tried to keep the site simple with
the able assistance of my son. I hope you like it. I would ask that ESOs
consider passing it on to any affiliated associations, if you feel the
site is of use.
I have not finished uploading documents, this being a continuing process
for a while. The URL is www.militarysuperannuation.com.au for-our.info Regards,
John”
THE BACK PAGE!
The following was ‘borrowed’ from the Corvettes newsletter.
The doctor who had been seeing an 80 year old woman for most of her adult
life finally retired. At her next check-up the new doctor told her to
bring a list of all the medications that had been prescribed for her.
As the young doctor was looking through the list his eyes grew wide as
he realized she had a prescription for birth control pills.
‘Mrs. Smith, do you realize these are birth control pills’?
‘Yes, they help me sleep at night’.
‘Mrs. Smith, I assure you there is absolutely nothing in these that could
help you sleep’!
She reached out and patted the young doctors knee – ‘Yes dear, I know that,
but every morning I grind one up and mix it in the glass of orange juice
that my 16 year-old granddaughter drinks. Believe me, that helps me sleep
at night’!!!
And another gem……
Your Driver's License Tells It All
A mother is driving a little girl to her friend's house for a play date.
'Mommy,' the little girl asks, 'how old are you?'
'Honey, you are not supposed to ask a lady her age,' the mother replied.
'It's not polite.'
'OK', the little girl says, 'How much do you weigh?'
'Now really,' the mother says, 'those are personal questions and are really
none of your business.'
Undaunted, the little girl asks, 'Why did you and Daddy get a divorce?'
'That is enough questions young lady, honestly!' The exasperated mother
walks away as the two friends begin to play.
'My Mom won't tell me anything about her,' the little girl says to her
friend.
'Well,' says the friend, 'all you need to do is look at her driver's license.
It is like a report card, it has everything on it.'
Later that night the little girl says to her mother,
'I know how old you are, you are 32.'
The mother is surprised and asks, 'How did you find that out? '
"I also know that you weigh 140 pounds.'
The mother is past surprised and shocked now. 'How in heaven's name did
you find that out?'
'And,' the little girl says triumphantly,
'I know why you and daddy got a divorce.'
''Oh, really?' the mother asks. 'Why?'
'Because you got an F in sex !
Hope to see you at Dicky Beach.
