Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NASHO NEWS
National Servicemen’s Association
JUNE 2017
2
MEMORIAL
DEDICATION
17th MARCH
2017.
National President. Earl Jennings
SA Governor. Hieu Van Le AC
Patron. Bill Denny.
Students from the Richmond Primary School. Memorial co-ordinator Barry Presgrave.
HEADQUARTERS: SA BRANCH: ABN: 52184134513 41 Surrey Road, Keswick, SA 5035 Post: P.O. Box 826. MARLESTON, SA 5033 Phone: 08 8293 6344 Website: http://www.nashossa.org.au Email: [email protected] PATRON: Col. William (Bill) DENNY. AM. BM STATE EXECUTIVE and STATE COUNCILLORS. NAME POSITION PHONE MOBILE EMAIL John Thorne. ESM. President 8382 4505 0408591658 [email protected] Barry Presgrave. OAM . JP Vice President 8178 0775 0412066657 [email protected] Don Blackmore Vice President 8248 5206 0439988942 Keith Prideaux Vice President 8449 9863 Marlene Blackmore Secretary 8248 5206 0417841917 [email protected] Joe Dennis Ass. Secretary 8248 4047 [email protected] Roger Halliday.RFD.ED Treasurer 0455137043 [email protected] Neil Crabbe Ass.Treasurer 8297 4094 0407 391 771 [email protected] COUNCILLORS Don Lehman 8379 0200 Harold Dunn- ANZAC march del. 8256 1673 John Fuller 8268 6954 Graham Sargent 0402024289 Delegate for President to Broken Hill and Yorke Peninsula S/B’s Kevin Newton 8294 3621 Quartermaster: Kevin Cox 8298 5714 APPOINTMENTS (Not members of State Council) PADRES Rev. Dr. Vern Cracknell 8276 3490 Pastor Rod Denton 83962616 COMMUNICATIONS Tony Van Rhoda Web master. 0409 833 879 [email protected] Christine Thorne Magazine editor 8382 4505 [email protected]
3
UPCOMING EVENTS.
State Council meeting to be held in early August. The date is to be set, please note it will be on a Friday after Headquarters lunch..
4
PRESIDENTS REPORT.
The dedication of the Memorial and Pathway was conducted at our Headquarters (41 Surrey Road Keswick) on Friday the 17th of March 2017. The Governor of South Australia (His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC ) unveiled and dedicated the Memorial in remembrance of the 212 National Servicemen who did not return from Vietnam and Borneo, and to recognise those who served as National Servicemen between 1951-1972. The Pathway has the names of all those that did not return on gold coloured pavers surrounding a large crucifix in similar coloured pavers. The dedication was attended by approximately four hundred people including dignitaries from like organisations and all levels of Government. Numerous tributes were laid at the foot of the Memorial including a wreath by the children from the Local Richmond Primary School. Vice President Barry Presgrave was the MC on the day, and the National President (Earle Jennings AM RFD ED) delivered an address outlining National Service as it was. The many sponsors who assisted during the development of the Memorial were recognised and thanked for their participation, in particular Mark Pickard for the provision of the rock for the Memorial and the concrete base, Jack Holland for the paving, and The City of West Torrens for their assistance in many ways. I would like to thank all those who volunteered their services to make the day a success. The Team work displayed was excellent making the organisation of the day and events leading up to it an efficient operation. I would like to thank Don Anderson and his son (Stephen) for erecting a sialon cloth backdrop behind the Memorial to set it off. Recently our Patron Bill Denny presented plaques on our behalf to Mark Pickard and Jack Holland for their support with the development of the Memorial. Anzac Day was again a success with over a hundred of our members marching and representing our organisation. There has been a lot of positive feedback after the march particularly with praise for the way we presented ourselves and marching. The lunch at the Rex Hotel was well attended, and I am sure everybody enjoyed themselves. Thanks to Harold Dunn for arranging the event. Again I must report that we have lost several members who have passed on. I would like to pass on my condolences to the family and friends. During May Chris and I travelled to Port Pirie with the Touring Club for a week. I am sure all who attended had an enjoyable time for the week. The reports I received about a bus trip that was arranged even educated some of our members about the History of Port Pirie. Our regular meeting was conducted at the Port Pirie RSL where we enjoyed the museum including the Huey Hel-icopter. In conclusion I would like to thank the Executive and members for their team work and efforts to make this organisation a success for all of us. John Thorne ESM. President.
The material contained in this publication and on the website is in the nature of general comment only and is not intended to be advice on any particular mat-ter. Readers should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained or implied by these publications without taking appropriate professional advice that relates specifically to their circumstances. The publisher and their servants expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether an Association member or not, who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or any part of these publications. Views expressed in any article or editorial may not be those held by the Executive Committee of NSAA (SA Branch)
Northern Central Area Sub Branch National Servicemen’s Association
.
Greetings from Northern Central. Since Christmas our sub-branch has been meeting as usual on a regular basis and enjoying the company of other members. The unveiling and dedication of the National Servicemen’s Memorial was something that every Nasho should remember for the rest of their life. There were twelve of us that made the trip down to Headquarters. It was decided to check up on the price of hiring a small bus for the occasion, which we did at a reasonable cost, and that saved everybody using their own cars. The service was very impressive and run to a “T” as they say, the BBQ, salads and the bonus frothy or two was very well received, even the soft drinks for those who preferred one ,including our bus driver Fitz, and over all the day was very well received by all of those who attended. To see the gold cross in front of the Memorial sur-rounded by the names of the 212 young National Servicemen who paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives in Borneo and Vietnam is enough to bring a tear to your eye and a lump in your throat. Anzac Day at Enfield RSL Sub Branch was very well attended by sub-branch Nashos as it al-ways is. Thanks must be given to the Nashos for getting behind the RSL, in helping to set up the hall for the “Gun Fire Breakfast” who worked tirelessly Sunday and Monday prior to Anzac Day. This year I was not out the front for the service, I had cook house duties because of the let down by another organization that pulled out at the last minute, but with the help of a fellow Nasho and his son we managed to put up a reasonable breakfast. Some 200+ meals were served up to members and friends by Mal and Heather Simms with some help from the Prospect Sea Scouts. Richard Dixon was head of dispensing the rum for coffee, and you did not have to give his elbow that extra tilt for a bit more rum. This year the placing of wreaths was handled by Secretary Heather Simms, as I was otherwise up to my armpits with snags, eggs and bacon, not forgetting the baked beans. Generally speaking our sub branch is moving along reasonably well considering we are in the dreaded winter months, yes we have lost a few mates who do not wish to rejoin this year, mainly because of ill health and are finding it harder to go out or given up driving, this I expect we will find with all sub branches of the National Servicemen’s Association, including HQ. Malcolm Kruss President
Hospital Regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn’t need my help to leave the hospital. After a chat about the rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator. On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him. “I don’t know” he said “She’s still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.”
NASHO NEWS PUBLISHING DEADLINES
1200 Hr’s FRIDAY 15th September. 2017 Email: [email protected] Please note later date, as John and I will be in Canberra for the National Conference earlier in the month.
6
,
The Nasho Touring Club held their May Bivouac at the Port Pirie Caravan Park. Visits to ABC Radio Station, a bus tour of Port Pirie and a visit to Gladstone Goal all proved very interesting. Chris Thorne and Erald Hunter won the Bocce Championship and Lois Camp-bell and John Fuller were runners up. Sharon Stock won 1st prize in the raffle. Sunday Lunch was held at the Risdon Hotel where the wooden spoon was won by Sandra Hewitt. 2017 Bivouacs. Sept 11th – 18th - Millicent Lakeside Caravan Park - (08) 8733 1188 Nov 6th – 13th - Buronga Caravan Park - (03) 502 33040
NASHO TOURING CLUB. PORT PIRIE. MAY 2017
7
The mother nursed her baby, tenderly and proudly, on the hospital bed. Alongside stood her husband, also proudly. “I think we will name her Eulalia.” The husband did not immediately reply. Finally he said, “That’s a nice name. It was the name of my first girlfriend, and it will give me happy memories.” The mother replied, “No, I think we will call her Mary.” Eulalia is from a Greek name, and is found most on Spain and France, and occasionally in Cornwall. It means “sweetly speaking” It is the name of a 4th century martyr, named as the patron saint of Barcelona (as my Oxford source tells me). Now there’s a thought The names we use in our culture often have meanings tracing back to ancient forms. Names are subject to fashion and what seems up to date at any given time. Christopher is well known to us as a name. Its story relate to a legend of a formidable figure who carried the Christ child upon his back at a river crossing. Christopher was a Christian martyr, and is regarded as the patron saint of travellers and particularly motorists. William is derived from two German words for “will” and “helmet”, but what the intent was is not clear. At many different periods this has been the most common name for males in English speaking countries. Changing a name is sometimes done, especially in the process of developing nicknames. I had an uncle whose surname was Parsons. His friends at school began calling him Parsnip, and then that was short-ened to “Nip” and by that name he was addressed by his friends to the day he died. “Sweet William”, that pretty little blue flower often used as a border plant, was so named by the English in honour of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland who led the English army in defeat of the Jacobite army in the Battle of Culloden Moor. The Scots did not approve of such a name, rather they called the flower “Stinking Billie”. The birth of a child is a wondrous event, of course, so Dorothy, which means “gift of God” has been seen as an apt name. Strangely when it went out of fashion at one time, the derivation of “Doll” came to be used for the child’s plaything. Thus a colleague was never called by her full name, but always “Doll”. Linking names and meanings is an age-old tradition. The writer of Matthew’s Gospel quoted from an ancient prophet “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” which means, “God is with us.” Padre Vern.
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
8
.
.
RIVERLAND SUB BRANCH.
Firstly I would like to congratulate all of those involved in the Memorial Dedication service at Headquar-ters in march. Peter Tucker, Carl and Betty Vogelsang, myself and daughter Karen made the journey to attend the event. It was a wonderful day with bagpipe music, the army cadets, the address by the Gover-nor and the interesting reports on the project. A day to remember and great to meet with Nasho friends not often seen these days. April 9th, 23 members met in Waikerie for our meeting and AGM. A report was given about the Dedication service in Keswick. The committee suggested our June meeting in Morgan be a luncheon cruise on the MV Barrangul, a floating restaurant. Anzac Day services will be attended by members in various towns. The AGM followed with all positions being filled. President: Neville Rosenzweig V. President: Alan Smith Sec/Treasurer: Peter Tucker Committee members– Erald and Daisy Huter, Ron Law, Carl Vogelsang, Ron Hill, Vene Trezise and myself as scribe. Members then enjoyed a tasty BBQ lunch and dessert catered for by the Waikerie RSL members. April 25th, I attended the Morgan Anzac service. The small group in the Anzac March were led by RSL V.P. Shirley Long and Marg Pobke. The service at the RSL gardens was led by President Ern Pobke, who gave an interesting talk on the areas involved in the Anzac Day landing. Pastor Everson from the Wai-kerie Uniting Church gave an address on “life in the trenches”. Made us realise just how traumatic it must have been for those young men. Many wreaths were laid by various organisations, including one from the PS Murray Princess that was visiting our area. A light luncheon followed with folk enjoying time for a chat. A small country town, but these important days are well attended. I will add reports next time on other Anzac Day services that were attended by members. Roma Hausler Scribe
NASHO PRIDE.
When I look back through the bygone years
I was filled with pride and joy For I was called to do my best
With all the other boys.
We were called to do our duty And for our country too
And we pledged to do our very best In everything we do
The first day it was easy We took it in our stride
And after that we soon found out Our work intensified.
Our sergeant he was tough, but fair
And taught us right from wrong For he always kept his eye on us
That nothing would go wrong
Each day we drilled up on the square And on the road as well
And if we didn’t do our best He gave us bloody hell
In camp, we learnt so many skills
As soldiers, we trained hard For we learnt to use our weapons And were trained to be on guard.
When I look back to the bygone years
And look at life again We may have been boys when we went to camp
But we all come home as men.
Reg Chirgwin. Parafield Gardens.
9
LOWER SOUTH EAST SUB BRANCH NEWS Greetings from the Lower South East. Winter seems to have set in down here, so some of our Members will no doubt join the “Grey Nomads” in seeking the sun by going North. As quite a few South East members unfortunately did not receive the March edition of “Nasho News”, I hope this report does not repeat itself too much, to those who may have. The Anzac Day events were again well attended and carried out in good weather which is always a bonus in our region.
The Dawn service had probably the largest attendance in memory, with people of all ages attending to show their respect. It was noticeable that most schools were represented and had students lay wreaths remembering the fallen. At the street parade, our group comprised both Nashos and family representatives which made up about 30 marching behind our Banner. Numbers seem to diminish as we get older, with some now unable to see the distance on foot but are able to ride in Vintage cars to the Memorial Service. We were successful in obtaining a Federal Grant through our local M..P. Tony Pasin, to rejuvenate the Memorial Plaques as some had deteriorated. The cheque was handed over at the Nasho Memorial Park one very wet afternoon and was greatly appreciated. Pictured, some of the members who attended. Brian Jones, John Allen, Bruce Ridland, Peter Johnson, Phil McInnes, Member for Barker, Hon.Tony Pasin MP, Ted Jordan, Doug Brown & Trevor Ruth. We are having difficulty filling the major office bearer positions and are still meeting each month with the Acting President and Secretary positions being filled by Ted Jordan and Phil McInnes, pending a more permanent arrangement being achieved. The meal and fellowship at the RSL Community Club is popular and every effort will be made to see that we continue. As usual we invite any Nashos to join us on the last Monday each month at 6.30 pm and where you would be most welcome. Ted Jordan. Publicity Officer
SPECIAL THANKS. Special thanks must go to all of the helpers who erected the screen behind the Nasho Memorial at Headquarters. The screen has really finished off the project beautifully. Thank you also to Stephen Anderson (son of Don) who assisted the men in this project.
10
FLEURIEU SUB BRANCH REPORT.
The Sub-Branch participated in ANZAC DAY Dawn Services at both Port Elliot and Victor Harbor when a large group of National Servicemen joined with the general public in laying wreaths and participating in the memorial celebrations of ANZAC Day. These services are growing each year with a noticeable increase in the number of younger people who are joining in the celebrations. The next Sub-Branch function was a visit to the Murray Bridge RSL for a lunch and visit to their very comprehensive war museum. 28 members and partners travelled to Murray Bridge for this visit. We were joined by Port Elliot RSL President Dean Watson and his wife Jeanie and hosted by Murray Bridge President Merv Shopp and his wife Dawn. The Murray Bridge RSL have done an excellent job in developing these headquarters which include kitchen, bar and bowling club facilities plus the extensive historical museum. Sub-Branch membership is of concern to our Committee with numbers dropping each year. Whether we like it or not, age and health are having a dramatic effect, not only in our Sub-Branch but right across the Association. Our Treasurer Bill Renshaw, although working very hard at membership, is receiving increasing knock backs because of both age and health. Neil Wilkinson. President.
A letter from an Irish mother. Dear Son, Just a few lines to let you know I’m still alive. I’m writing this letter slow because I know you can’t read fast. You won’t know the house when you get home, we have moved. About your father– he has a lovely new job. He has 500 men under him, he cuts grass at the cemetery. Your sister Mary had a baby this morning, but I haven’t found out yet whether it’s a boy or girl, so don’t know if you are an aunt or uncle. I went to the doctor on Thursday and the doctor put a tube in my mouth and told me not to talk for 10 minutes. Your father offered to buy it from him. Your Uncle Patrick drowned last week in a vat of whisky, some of his workmates tried to save him but he fought them off bravely. They cremated him, and it took 3 days to put out the fire. It only rained twice this week, first for three days and then for four days. Monday was so windy one of the chickens laid the same egg four times. We had a letter from the undertaker. He said if the last payment on your Grandmother’s plot wasn’t paid in seven days—up she comes. Your loving Mother, xxxxxx P.S. I was going to send you ten dollars, but I had already sealed the envelope.
11
YORKE PENINSULA SUB-BRANCH. Our Christmas lunch was held as usual at the Weerona Hotel, Wallaroo on the 27th November with seven-teen members and four visitors attending. We were pleased to have Keith and Margaret Prideaux and Graham Sargent and Norma join us once more. They are great supporters of the Sub Branch. The meal was excellent. Following lunch we held the AGM and Keith conducted the election of Officers. There was a changing of the guard at the top as Dean Manuel stood down after four years and Allan Luders took over as President with Dean taking up the position of Vice President. All other positions were unchanged. We held our National Servicemen’s Day Service at the Memorial at Wallaroo on the 18th of February. The presence of the Cadets from the Legion of Frontiersmen, who formed the catafalque party, and their supporters helped to make it a special occasion. Following the Service there was a luncheon at the Weerona Hotel attended by 21 people. Only four of our members travelled to Adelaide for the Dedication of the Memorial at Headquarters. It was a very enjoyable day. An Anzac Service on Sunday the 23rd April at the Moonta Mines Uniting Church was very well attended with twelve of our members joining in. It was a very moving service especially given the Global tensions prevailing at the moment. Following the Service we went to the Royal Hotel at Moonta for lunch. At our dinner at the Wombat Hotel, Kadina on the 4th May, seventeen members enjoyed a lovely meal and a chance to catch up with mates. We look forward to our Buffet lunch on the 2nd June at the Kadina RSL, when our Padre June Ladner, will be our guest speaker. She has led a very interesting and varied life so I am sure it will be very enjoyable. Nancy Rawlings. (Picture on back cover) **************************
A minister was completing a temperance sermon. With great emphasis he said, “If I had all the beer in the world, I’d take it and pour it in the river.” With even greater emphasis he said, “And if I had all the wine in the world, I’d take it and pour it in the river.” And then finally, shaking his fist in the air, he said, “And if I had all the whiskey in the world, I’d take it and pour it in the river. Sermon complete he sat down…. The song leader stood very cautiously and announced with a smile, nearly laughing, ‘For our closing song, lets sing Hymn#365, ‘Shall we gather at the River.”
SOLDIERS POUND CAKE (DARK, RICH AND MOIST) We frequently sent this to France. It cut fresh and soft after more than 12 months. 500g plain flour, 125g SR flour, 1 teaspoons nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon mixed spice, 8 eggs, 500g butter, 500g caster sugar, 750g sultanas, 375g currants, 125g dates, 125g candied peel, 2 tablespoons brandy or rum, 1 desstspoon treacle, 1 salt spoon of soda stirred in 1 desstspoon of boiling water. A few almonds if liked. METHOD FOR SOLDIERS CAKE. Cream sugar, butter, add eggs one at a time, beating in well, then some flour and some fruit. Then add treacle and brandy. Lastly add soda in boiling water. Bake in a lined 20cm tin round or square in preheated oven at 160c for 1 1/2—2 hours or until skewer test comes out clean. ENJOY.
12
UPPER SOUTH EAST SUB BRANCH.
Greetings again to all our members! The first committee meeting for the 2nd quarter was held on march 12th at Bob and Helen Bauld’s property in Kingston. Twenty six members attended the day for a BBQ lunch get-together consisting of grilled fish, hamburgers and sausages. For sweets there was a choice of fruit salad and or ice-cream. After lunch we had two raffle draws with the main prize being a large crayfish. Once again all that came along enjoyed a relaxing day out. “Anzac Day Services” were held on the 25th April at various locations in our sub-branch area. It was a very nice morning in Naracoorte for the dawn service which commenced at 5.30am with around 500 people attending. Ed Coventry played the “Lone Soldier’s Lament” as Don Patterson who had previously done it for the past 30 years died three weeks prior. The Anzac Day street march followed at 6.30m. The Light horsemen participated in the march as is the tradition and have been invited to go to Canberra. Breakfast and refreshments were supplied to all by “Billy Macs” for a gold donation. Following Anzac proceedings in Naracoorte some members along with the light horsemen ventured across to Apsley and participated in their Anzac Day march and service. Around 200 people were present to witness the unveiling of a plaque by Sandra Hinch. The plaque was in commemoration of the first nurse (Francis Hines) who died in the Boer War. This lady was significant to the region as she was born in Apsley (Victoria). Our second meeting for the quarter was held on 21st May at the ‘Crown Inn Hotel” in Kingston. Sixteen members were present for lunch and a raffle was held afterwards. Members also discussed upcoming events/activities in the months ahead after our winter break. The ‘Upper South East Sub-branch will now go into recess for the winter months of June, July and August. Needless to say there will be no report in the next edition of the NASHO news. Our next sub-branch meeting will be held in Bordertown in September. Susan Hinton (committee member)
LEFT: The light-horsemen In the Apsley Anzac Day street march. RIGHT: the unveiling of the Commemorative plaque to Honour the first nurse who died in the Boer war. Francis Hines who was born in Apsley.
UPPER SOUTH EAST. ANZAC DAY
PHOTOS.
13
Anzac Day They stood around the statue of the soldier in the square It was a cold and cloudy morning and a nip was in the air There were mums and dads and little ones and some from far away They’d come to gather round the square for this was Anzac Day Some held a lighted candle some were shedding tears As they recalled the heroes with the passing of the years The heroes who had long since gone in theatres of war A reminder to us all of those who’d gone before The Padre said The Ave and everyone joined in He thanked us all for coming and then we sang a hymn With voices loud we sang the hymn, the Psalm of the 23rd A minute’s silence then was called and not a sound was heard An old digger sat in his wheelchair his carer by his side He brushed away a misty tear for his cobbers who had died The local M.P. reminded us of just how fortunate we are And to remember those who died for us in lands away so far The town mayor asked our gracious Lord to keep our country free That war may never reach our shores from land or sky or sea And as the sun did so slowly rise, alighting from the east A lady from the R.S.L. stepped forward and laid a wreath Other wreaths were laid as well and tributes far and wide A group of Scouts came forward and laid their wreath with pride The bugler played The Last Post and we all bowed our heads Followed by the Ode to remember all the dead The Colonel from the army with brass upon his chest Asked us to pray for those who died and to grant eternal rest And he asked us to remember those still fighting to bring peace That they safely will return to us and that acts of war will cease And as the morn did so slowly dawn with the fading of the moon The musicians played Reveille with everyone in tune Towards the end the Padre prayed the words of benediction That all of us might live in peace free from war and friction We then sang the National Anthem, Advance Australia Fair So grateful for the gifts we have of beauty rich and rare With grateful hearts we bowed our heads then went our separate ways But we’ll all be here again next year to remember Anzac Day. Dennis Ryan
No reports received from Eyre Peninsula, Broken Hill or Para Districts.
I AM A SEENAGER. I am a seenager (Senior Teenager). I have everything that I wanted as a teenager, only 60 years later. I don’t have to go to school or work. I get an allowance every month. I have my own pad. I don’t even have a curfew. I have a driver’s licence and my own car. I have ID that gets me into bars and the wine store. The people I hang around with are not scared of getting pregnant. They aren’t scared of anything. They have been blessed to live this long, why be scared. And I don't have acne. Life is Good!
Last Post DATE NAME SERVICE NO. BRANCH
20/2/2017 H.G.Dowling Riverland 22/2/2017 Robert Gelmi Broken Hill 28/2/2017 Peter C.H.Martin 4/702373 Headquarters 2 /4/2017 Max Kernich 442035 Headquarters 6/ 4/2017 Adrian Crouch 4/719895 Headquarters.
“LEST WE FORGET”
.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn,
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
We Will Remember Them!
14
..
15
ANZAC DAY
MARCH
2017
Graham Sargent, Nancy Rawlings, Brigadier Alvin Warren, Jill and Allan Luders, and the cadets of the Legion of Frontiersmen. Yorke Peninsula Sub-Branch.
