Age is slowly catching up with us all, especially the men with some of the members having treatment for prostate problems. As reported in the last Combined Servicemen Frank Howell had been hospitalised and it is pleasing to find that he returned to the July meeting. He fought strongly to defeat death and won the battle. Jack Allen is now on the mend also but restricted in some ways.
Our meetings are still being well attended and the Branch has been participating in quite a few activities despite the cold weather. The cold weather saw our delegates and their wives at Goulburn for the AGM which was quite successful especially among such jovial company.
June 22nd was a windy and cold day which meant the picnic day had to be moved to somewhere warmer and Jim Lintott volunteered his place. Seventeen members enjoyed a BBQ lunch and raised $85 on the day.
July 2nd found our members attending the Reserve Forces Day parade in Newcastle where some of their wives received a medallion recognising their contributions while their spouses were away training. Among the recipients were Johanna McDonald, Noreen Morris, Hilary Kelly, Noelle Thomas, Denese Hume and June Webber.
The annual Xmas In July luncheon was again held at the Billabongs Restaurant where 66 people were fed and entertained. “Fifi la Tarte” did not turn up but Mary Christmas arrived in her place, hoping to havea break away from Santa Claus. Unfortunately for her he turned up and misbehaved something terribly while they were handing out the many prizes on offer.(see photographs of the event). Again our past president, Graham Ellicott donated the lucky door prizes and Bruce & Eileen |
provided orchids for the ladies and some table decorations. Mavis and Bev greeted the guests upon arrival and extracted money from them to help boost our coffers. During the luncheon one of our members, Fred Goode, who is the President of the Hunter Region Reserve Forces Council, presented Reserve Forces Medallions to four lady guests who included our Margaret Lintott and the Lady Mayoress (Robyn Blackmore).
Several of our members attended the Hunter region inaugural commemorative service for the Korean War campaign.
The combined nasho group meeting is being well attended with the August meeting held on 12th August being hosted by the Newcastle NSCFAA. Maitland will be hosting the November meeting.
The local RSLs and Vietnam Veteran Associations along with us are funding a student from the surrounding high schools to be sent to Gallipoli in 2015. One small high school has already nearly raised its share of the funds for the trip.
Social activities over the coming months will be a picnic in Maitland Park in September, a day trip by train and river cat from Maitland to Parramatta and return in October, the annual Christmas Luncheon at the end of November and we are currently organising a trip to historic Hill End in March. In between these activities the Branch is accepting an invitation from Newcastle for a BBQ at Stockton.
Our condolences go out to Nelson Bay for the loss of David Sessions who passed away on the day of our Xmas in July luncheon.
Our Branch wishes to thank the National Branch for the entertaining meeting and social dinner enjoyed in Goulburn. It was great meeting up with such happy people and renewing our friendships..
Colin Shapland
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