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#137, NV '07
President
M.M.
Blyth,
43 Hazlemead St.,
Asquith 2078 |
Treasurer
Diane Humphries,
31/10 McKye St.,
Waverton. 2060 |
Secretary
Colleen Czarnik
PO Box 108
Pennant Hills 2120
(02) 9875-3497 |
Welfare Officer
J.
McGrory
30 Holland Cres
Frenchs Forest 2086 |
NEWSLETTER NO 137
November 2007
Presidents Report
Since the last newsletter there has been quite a lot of
activity
We have had several new members join the Association, including Jack Varley,
Linda Douglas, Colonel Varley’s son and daughter , and Wayne Moore.
A dedication service at St Johns, for the chapel and Poziers
and Mersing crosses. Although our numbers are down slightly for our picnics at
Lane Cove, they are enjoyed by all.
Dedication Service at St Johns.
This was very
well attended. Father Rob Sutherland, a former rector, gave the address. I
presented our bugle to Father Rob who then placed it in the Chapel. The ladies
,as usual, provided a beautiful afternoon tea. Wayne Moore, who donated the
bugle, has made a glass cabinet for same. He will bring it to our Xmas picnic
which will be held on the western side of the river. It will help if you notify
myself or John McGrory if you intend to come
It’s a free day.
Just bring your eating utensils , something to drink and a chair if possible.
At the dedication we were very pleased to see Brendon Nelson, Defence Minister,
and Barry O’Farrell, Leader of the Opposition in attendance.
I presented Brendon Nelson with a copy of the book which he appreciated.
Several books have been given to schools, libraries etc. We still have a number
to sell; they would make an ideal Xmas present.
We have donated $500.00 to the 18th Battalion Kuring-gai Regiment Association to
augment their funds.
In newsletter 136 a photo of the
Armidale men of the 2/18th, with very few names. Joe Ferris has sent a complete
list which is as follows:-
[Webmaster note: 2
pages are inserted here in the hard copy. 1) St John The Evangelist
Gordon, Dedication Service Of the Parish Chapel To Defense Force Personnel
Past and Present In the presence of the Minister of Defence The Hon Dr.
Brendan Nelson, MP. Officiant Fr Keith Dalby and Chaplain Rob
Sutherland Sunday 21st Oct 2007. 2) Letter of thanks for a copy of 2/18th
book for SHORE Sydney Church of England Grammar School, signed by Mary
Collings, Blue St, North Sydney. To be transcribed here in due course.]
Left to right.
Front Row.
W.K.Jackes, Ron Stace ,Lindsay Williamson, Eric Dunphy, David Wilson, Tom
Johnston, Brian James, Bill Crossman, Paddy Gillespie
Middle Row.
Claude Fulloon, Joe Eckersley, Ken Behrend, Len Ayling, Joe Ferris, Laurie
Smith, Ron Creighton.
Back Row.
Bill McDonald, Cec Frost, George Charlton, Jack McLennan, Ambrose Bourke, Frank
Langer, J Mitchell.
From Newsletter No 27, President
K.E.Gulliver wrote in his message :- ‘On the 17th September, 1957, two
silver-plated bugles were presented to the 17/18th Bn. from the Association.
Those who attended the August reunion saw the bugles on display there and
general opinion agreed they were a worthy presentation to perpetuate the memory
of those members of our unit who did not return. A simple ceremony, at which the
colours were displayed and attended by 200 officers and men of the 17/18th Bn.,
marked the opening of the function. I addressed the assembly, after which the
presentation was made. Firstly one bugle was presented to Lt.Col. Marshall by
Lt.Col. Mosher; followed by the second bugle to the Regimental Sergeant Major by
S/Sgt Jones. The ceremony was also attended by 15 members from your Association,
who were later entertained in the true MESS SPIRIT.”
The following Memorial
Presentation Copy insert was left near the photocopy machine in the Wahroonga
Bookshop and passed on to me. Can anyone throw any light on this mystery. ?
[Webmaster note:
bottom of the hard copy page shows image of page with text "Memorial
Presentation Copy from 2/18 BATTALION (A.I.F) ASSOCIATION [signature]
D.T.Okey 1st September, 1948 PRESIDENT" To be scanned and inserted
here in due course.]
[Webmaster note: 9
pages are inserted here in the hard copy. 1) Copy of June 1993
"Thistle" with article entitled "Douglas T Okey, Staff Member and Soldier"
(2 pages). 2) Letter dated Aug, 27, 2007 from Noel Simmons to Anzac Day
March Committee requesting permission to acquire use of jeeps for the Anzac
Day March in Sydney. 3) Wendy Willcocks' "Visit to Malaysia 2007"
including recipies for Johore Pineapple Curry - Pachree Nanas and Little
Prawns. (1 1/2 pages) 4) Extracts from letters Col Spence wrote to his
parents from Mersing after the 2/18th moved to Mersing battle station - Palm
Beach - in 1941. (1 1/2 pages) 5) Hardcopy of web page
History - Parit
Sulong, Unveiling the Parit Sulong Memorial,
Johor, Malaya. 6) Photocopy of obituary of Delmont Puflett 1921-2007, from
unspecified newspaper, entitled "A determined achiever, despite
discrimination in her profession". 6) Photocopy of article from
Norther daily Leader (Tamworth) 1945, entitled "Sadim of Japs, Sgt Brian
James Thinks Them 'Hopeless'".
To be transcribed or scanned here in due course.]
I will take this opportunity
to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy , healthy and peaceful
New Year [Webmasters note: This line actually not in
newsletter but is in the electronic copy sent from newsletter editor!]
Dates for Picnics in the
Park. Please note there is NO PICNIC in January.
Monday February 4th.
Monday March 3rd.
Monday April 7th.
Monday May 5th.
Until next time
Keep Smiling
MERV
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2/18th Bn (AIF) Assn
WELFARE REPORT
November 2007
Auld George /Jean :-
George was kind enough to call me on receiving my message. They are both well
and have just had a big party put on by their children.
Congratulations to you both.
Barnes Bill:- Have had 7 inches of RAIN recently, so he is
relatively happy .Keeping reasonably fit and well. Sends his best wishes to all
.Was able to see our plaque at Canberra.
Ford Bill/Pam:- Both keeping as well as possible. Bob has physio
twice per week and is still using a walker to get around, otherwise in fine
form. Says hello to all.
Gimbert “Slim”/Betty:- Have the big 60 years of married bliss on
15th December. Betty is holding the fort. Slim is not at all well, has problems
sleeping. Everything is very difficult for Betty, but she is hanging in there.
Pearson “Ginty”/ Eileen :- Having a lot of trouble with his legs.
Had no sleep on Friday night. Eileen is keeping well, goes on drives with Probus,
Rotary etc Ginty says he is worse now than in 1942/3
Graham “Tich”/Barbara:-1st December 88 years birthday. Both “Tich”
and Barbara keeping as well as possible and enjoying life. Send best wishes to
all. Found an old photo from Seremban days in football gear. What a “spunk” he
was.!!
Richardson Gordon:- Turns 90 on Friday. Has a new great grand
child Olivia Grace. In Melbourne with his son, spoke to his daughter Lindsay.
They are going to give him a big birthday bash on Friday week. Have a great day
Gordon, best wishes from the “OLD GANG”.
Pearse Mary:- Has a problem with a tooth. Dental appointment
coming up, not looking forward to that. Is keeping reasonably well, making the
best of things. Went to Remembrance Day Service, Max’s birthday, he would have
been 91. Not a bad innings, 60 years wed.
Evans “Bluey”, Eric/Phyllis:- Phyllis not all that well at
present. “Bluey” is in great shape and battling on regardless. Ordered a 2/18
book. Will send him Rick’s address in Earlville. He is still able to take a
little nourishment. Sends best wishes and regards to all.
Dorph Joan:- Keeping reasonably O.K. Christine is doing as well as
possible with the scourge of M.S. Her husband Phillip who recently had a big
hernia operation is coming good. John, Wendy and children are all going along
well.
Olsen Cliff/Kath:- Both very kindly called in to the Nursing Home
where Clarice is at Collaroy to see her. Both in reasonable shape and send
regards to all.
Ferris Joe:-Keeping well, not lucky with the rain, or lack of it!!
Trying to grow a heap of vegetables. Still retains his dry sense of humour. Keep
smiling old mate. Had the Annual Reunion of the Railwaymen yesterday. Had a
great day
O’Grady Stan:- Keeping well. Attended Remembrance Day at the.
Cenotaph with Ron Ferguson, also attended Picnic Day. Enjoyed all of the days.
Going along well.
Gwynne Amy:-Amy was kind enough to phone me back. She is keeping
very well and very busy. She sent her prayers and best wishes to Clarice and was
most concerned about her . She is one lovely lady.
Gemmell Lee:- Keeping as well as can be. Recently spent some time
with Michael and his wife at Kincumber.. Keeps herself very busy. Keep smiling
Lee.
Meier Marcia:- Marcia was kind enough to phone me back on Friday
evening., many thanks. She is keeping well, going on trips with various
associations and enjoying the company. Not now playing bowls, was pleased to
hear from me. Keep smiling.
Williams Bobbie:- Just returned from Queensland seeing family. Sad
news, her great granddaughter has Krones disease. A lifelong complaint. Bobbie
is keeping well and sends everyone her best wishes. Keep smiling, dear.
Atkinson Norma:- Keeping well. Not looking forward to Christmas,
but will enjoy the festivities when they arrive.. Sends her best wishes to all.
Hawkins Beattie:-Another of wonderful supporters, never at home,
always running some show for some charity. Sold the property, bought a brick
house in Inverell. Keep it up Bea. Best wishes from everybody.
Chapman Faith:-Keeping reasonably well, has some leg and back
trouble but battling on regardless . Giving some thought to nursing home
situation, but not quite ready for such a big break. Sends best wishes and
regards to all.
McGrory “Mac”/Clarice:- Clarice went from the San Hospital at
Wahroonga to Veterans Retirement Village Nursing Home. Poor dear. Cannot stand
up, is confined to a wheelchair. I expect to be joining her in hostel alongside
her in the next 4 to six weeks. Kath and Cliff Olsen live nearby and very kindly
paid her a visit last week. Clarice is keeping well other than her legs and
hands. Sends best wishes to all. Keep smiling. Cheers.
Smith Jack/Theresa:-Jack had some bad spinal trouble recently, is
now on the mend after much physiotherapy. Theresa is keeping reasonably O.K.
They both send their best wishes to all. Says he will increase his intake of
rice. Hopes it will help his pain in the future. Take care old mate.
Spratt Doug/Olga:-. Olga is keeping quite well. Doug is having a
very rough trot with his back. Is in very much pain Recently had injections
under a scan, did not help him much. Will have to try again. Poor man, he really
is in agony.
Horley Daphne:- Expecting her 12th grandchild any day now That
must be near to a record, surely. Daphne is keeping well, her family looks after
her and take her to dinner etc .She is using a walker, but is getting around.
Keep smiling.
Rolfe Marie:- Has had rather a traumatic 12 months. Had a fall and
did some injury to her back. Has had lots of pain, went up to spend some time
with her son David and his wife in Brisbane who nursed her back to good health.
She is at home in Tamworth now and going along quite well. She is over 90, has
lost her licence but has good friends. Sends her regards to all.
Carey Judith:- Still very busy with her charity work and wonderful
efforts with regard to the 2/18th book. I think she has toured half of NSW
making sure the book is presented to many schools. What a wonderful job, thank
you Judy, from all of us.
Czarnik Larry/Colleen:_ Both keeping well, they are in the USA
with his family and some family. I forgot they were going home at this time. I
phoned their home number and got straight through to the States, they have
organised their phone set up very well. Sends regards to all.
Flint Bob:- Keeping well and very busy as always., like everyone
else he is looking for rain., it is one thing no one has enough of. He is hoping
to be able to arrange to come to Sydney for our Christmas Picnic, possibly Joe
Ferris will also come. We would like that. Keep smiling Bob.
Simond Robin:- Keeping well. Son Denbigh married recently. Hopes
to be down for Xmas picnic.
Wilson Clover:- Good to see her at the November picnic. Keeping
well.
Forsyth Keith:- Back still giving him trouble. Still able to do
some gardening. Sends best wishes to all.
Forsyth Joe:- In nursing home in Inverell. Not very well but keeps
on going.
Simmonds Noel:_ Keeping very fit. Doing a great job presenting
books to numerous schools and libraries. Hopes to have jeep for Anzac Day March.
Kind regards to all.
Willcocks Wendy:- Doing a wonderful job as Archivist – very
enthusiastic. Has got the horticulture bug.
A last minute piece of news very
kindly phoned to me from Clover Wilson. She reports that Alec Dandie
is in Concord Hospital and his daughter doesn’t think he’ll be able to return to
Leisure Lea a he’ll probably go into a nursing home.
While she was in Canberra visiting her son Graham, she visited Amy Gwynne
who is in great spirits and looking forward to her hot air balloon adventure
next year to celebrate her 100th birthday in March. Wow, what an amazing lady!!
Best wishes from us all.
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A spot of Humour.
Men Strike Back!!
<How many men does it take to open
a beer?
>None, it should be opened when she brings it.
<Why is a Laundromat a really bad place to pick up a woman?
>Because a woman who can’t even afford a washing machine will probably never be
able to support you.
<I married a Miss Right.
>I just didn’t know her first name was always.
<In the beginning God created the earth and rested.
Then God created man and rested.
Then God created woman.
>Since then, neither God nor man has rested
A few lines to make you smile.
1. I don’t suffer from insanity, I
enjoy every minute of it.
2. Don’t take life too seriously. No one gets out alive.
3. Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.
4. I’m not a complete idiot – Some parts are just missing.
5. God must have loved stupid people. He made so many.
6. Ever stop to think, and forgot to start again.
7. Being over the hill is much better than being under it.
8. Procrastinate now!
9. A hangover is the wrath of grapes.
10. Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere.
11. The trouble with life is there’s no background music.
12. I smile because I don’t know what the hell is going on.
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and
six year old.
After explaining the commandment to “honour ‘ thy Father and Mother, she asked
“Is there a commandment that teaches us to treat our brothers and sisters?”
Without missing a beat, one little boy (*the oldest of a family) answered, “Thou
shalt not kill”
She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked, ”Why are some of your hairs
white, Mum?”
Her mother replied, ”Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me
cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white.”
The little girl thought about this revelation for a while and then said, ”Momma,
how come ALL of grandma’s hairs are white?”
The children had all been
photographed, and the teacher was trying to persuade each of them to buy a copy
of the group picture.
“Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grown up and say,
“There’s Jennifer, she’s a lawyer,” or “That’s Michael, he’s a doctor.”
A small voice at the back of the room rang out ,”And there’s the teacher, she’s
dead.”
That’s All !!
[Webmaster note: 3
pages are inserted here in the hard copy. 1) Copy of article entitled
"Two Aussies on Leave in Signapore" Commentary by Tony Clive, Camera effects
by Stan Tucker dated May 21st to 24th [1941] (3 pages)
To be transcribed or scanned here in due course.]
Page created 03 Feb, 2008. Last Updated
04 Apr 2008 15:09:44 +1000
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