Box Hill RSL its members and thousands of local citizens of all ages, attended the Centenary of Anzac Dawn Service at the cenotaph in Box Hill gardens.

We recalled the many Aussie troops who in similar darkness landed at Anzac Cove to commence Australia’s entry into World War 1. While it was only an eight month campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsula it saw over 8,000 young Australian soldiers killed.

I had expected a cool but dry morning Dawn Service – waking up at 4am and looking out the back window, it was rain, rain and more rain. And so it came to pass; the beginning of the service certainly provided the dreaded precipitations, then as the service progressed it seemed to melt away, allowing for a dry conclusion to what was a memorable service.

There were a few changes to the printed program, one being the inclusion of a retired Korean veteran. This gentleman, Kwon Young Hae, is a retired General of the Korean Army and a former Defence Minister of Korea. Having such a highly credentialed individual at our service was most auspicious, maybe next year we could strive for another highly credentialed individual. In considering the Centenary of Anzac and the conclusion of Australia’s war

in Afghanistan, we allowed Chris Gray (one of our Afghanistan veterans) to lay his wreath on his own, not with representatives of other conflicts.

Remembering what took place one hundred years ago and the huge amount of publicity in all forms of the media, it certainly focussed the committee’s approach as to what was needed in the way of food and drinks. We had expected a large crowd but had no idea as to how large – extra food booths were erected in the northern carpark, extra security and extra staff. Now having had the opportunity to review the day’s activities, we need to thank quite a few members, staff and members of the community who volunteered.

President of Box Hill Vietnam Veterans and committeeman of Box Hill RSL, John Haward reciting the ANZAC requiem.

CONTINUES PAGE 6

Issue No. 190 Editor: Tony Bowden OAM JP May 2015

scuttlebuttBox Hill R.S.L. Sub- Branch Inc.

Contributions to each issue of Scuttlebutt must be with the editor by the 20th day of each month editor's e-mail: heraldry@sub.net.au

Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated - trading as Box Hill RSL, 26 Nelson Road, Box Hill 3128. Ph: 9898 5992, Fax: 9899 1740 Manager: Denis Fernando, Sub-Branch Secretary: Gail Robertson JP Association Registered No: A0057903U

A CENTURY HAS PASSED ...WE DID REMEMBER

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME?Following the Annual General Meeting in March, where the committee was given approval by the membership to purchase a property from the funds of the Gordon Kersey Fund – your committee is looking at all opportunities to finalise a purchase.

One option amongst many, we have been considering – is there a member of the Sub-Branch who is considering selling their family home and moving into some other form of housing?

The Sub-Branch could be interested in purchasing your home, the major advantage to the seller – no commission to a real estate group. If you are interested in considering this offer, could you contact our manager by leaving your phone number at the reception desk?

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Our best wishes are with those members who are, or have been in hospital since the last issue.

Allan Byron, Rae Shelton, Lois Eade, Edna Tandy, Walter Stuart, Pat Hamilton & Maria Kronemberger

ValeDavid Chisholm 449000 – RAAFStanley Richards PM5990 – RAN

Graham Hall 430448 – RAAF

Lest We Forget

Members' in Aged CareBEULAH ANDERSON Alawarra, Inala, 220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn Sth

MAUREEN BRAYNE Alawarra, Inala, 220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn Sth

EARLE BUTTERFIELD Alexandra Gardens, 42 Old Warrandyte Rd, Donvale

DON CAIRNS Nazareth Care, 16 Cornell St, Camberwell

MYRA CAMPBELL Dorothy Henderson Lodge, 157 Balaclava Rd, Marsfield, NSW

ROBERT CLARK Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

ROY EDWARDS BUPA, 18-22 McGlynn Ave., South Morang

JACK GIDLEY Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

GEOFF GLEESON St Catherines, 1 Clayton Rd, Balwyn

MARY HODGETTS Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

LOLA INGLEFINGER Banksia Lodge, 2 Jones St, Foster

RAY JACOBS Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box Hill

JOHN & MYRA KELLEHER Clovelly Cottage, 16 Stewart St, Boronia

JEAN KING Opal by the Bay, 185 Racecourse Rd, Mt Martha

ALBERT KNOP Ston, Uniting Age Well, 75 Thames St, Box Hill

SYLVIA LANG Donwood Aged Care, 17 Diana St, Croydon

LORNA LE FEVRE Karana, 55 Walpole St, Kew

DOROTHY LEITH Alawarra, Inala, 220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn Sth

BRUCE MCLEAN Templestowe Pioneer Village, 16 Herlihys Rd, Lower Templestowe

LEIGH McQUALTER Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box Hill

SIDNEY MANN Roseville, Apt.10, 130 King St, Doncaster East

DAWN MAY Jack Faichney Hostel, Strathdon, Jolimont Rd, Forest Hill

GRAHAM MILLER Vincent de Paul, 13 Strabane Aveune, Mont Albert North

PHYLLIS O’REILLY Richard McGarvie Hostel, Strathdon, Jolimont Rd, Forest Hill

NOEL OUTHRED BUPA, 296/304 Springvale Rd, Donvale

TED PHILLIPS Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury.

DOROTHY REID Blue Cross, Springfield, 40 Dorking Rd, Box Hill

IRENE ROSEVEAR Vincent de Paul Hostel, 13 Strabane Ave, Mont Albert Nth

BETTY SMITH Arcare, Cnr Plenty and Gremel Rds, Latrobe

ERN TRELOAR Broughtonlea, 9-17 Broughton Rd, Surrey Hills

EDNA TREWIN Regis Lake Park, 40 Central Rd, Blackburn

RALPH VAN DER HOEVEN Ruckers Hill, 14-24 Pearl St, Northcote

NORMA VENDY Dorset Lodge, 362 Dorset Rd, Croydon

EILEEN WADDELL BUPA, 300 Springvale Rd, Donvale

PHIL WALTER Regis Lake Park, 40 Central Rd, Blackburn

HELEN WILLIAMS Glen Waverley PNH, 982 High St, Glen Waverley

Welfare Report For all welfare matters - telephone Faye Clark on 9898 2044

Womens AuxiliaryHello Ladies

Numbers were down at our March meeting, 45 ladies attended.

Our speaker for the meeting was Barry Cairns. Barry is a most interesting speaker. Having done so much whilst in his youth from 17 through to 22 (1951-1954), he travelled throughout England and Europe. In 1952 he joined the 72 ft Mo loused yacht working as a cook and navigator. Barry continued his love of travel and spent about 13 years visiting throughout China, Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. We were well informed of what travel was like during theses years and the interesting stories that Barry related about the area good or bad. As a speaker Barry is excellent as he relates all his tales from memory.

Wednesday 15th we headed to the Mornington market. It has been 2 years since we ventured down that way and were really pleased with the number of stalls there is at the market now and a good variety of things for us to see. Once we had a couple of hours meandering around the market it was off to Steeples for our lunch. We had a 2 course meal and from the feedback we have received everyone was more than pleased with the meal. Once lunch was finished there was about an hour free time which some of us used for a little flutter on the machines, some just sat around and had a chat. We had some grinners but more moaners from the flutterers. It was a very good trip, thanks once again to Bernice and you ladies that support our trips.

“Remember – “You don’t need a certain number of friends, just a number of friends you can be certain of”

So for now ladies keep well ad safe, hope all our sickies are soon feeling better.

Joan Clarke Honorary President

Meeting Dates Function Dates

May 25th – Birthday Lunch

(11.30)

Monday 22nd June

Wednesday 13th May – Moving

Gifts 1.30 $5 bring a plate

Wednesday June - TBA

An unknown aspect of The Commemoration of AnzacMost members will have no knowledge of what transpires in the weeks preceding the actual day. Mostly conducted by members of the committee and a small coterie of active members, these individuals have an interest in aiding our elderly members and citizens.

These individuals travel to various nursing homes, retirement villages and small community groups, such as the Red Cross or Rotary, with the aim of their visitations, to bring the stories of individual soldiers, units or countries to those who don’t have the opportunity of travelling.

President of Box Hill RSL, Tony Bowden at the Eva Tilley Nursing Home in Balwyn with two residents who were part of the audience whilst Tony gave a wide-ranging Anzac speech.

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NEPAL - WHAT A TERRIBLE DISASTERThe devastating earthquake in Nepal has been felt here in Box Hill – do members remember back in April 2013 the Sub-Branch asked members for donations for shoes, these shoes were for school children in the small village of Mirge, which is situated between Mt. Everest and Kathmandu.

The individual behind this project was Ray Jones, a hard working volunteer at the RSL who could have been found at the Anzac Day Dawn Service hard at work dishing out sausages in a roll.

The calamity in Nepal, especially the small school (Laliguresh Bright Future School) he helped build has devastated Ray, but typical of a Welshman, Ray has commenced raising money to help the village and its peoples.

If members care to help this small village get back on its feet and assist a worthy cause you can leave your donation at the reception desk, marked “for Nepal”.

A PERSONAL ANCEDOTE Anzac Day is a big day for all returned soldiers and the Centenary of Anzac holds a special meaning to all of us. Having left my bed at 4am conducted the Box Hill Dawn Service, marched with my unit down to the Shrine of Remembrance all in unrelenting drizzle. Next, followed a small service at the SAS tree behind the Shrine, then a brisk walk back into the city, and a few drinks at the Kelvin Club. My probable mistake was drinking heavy beer instead of my usual light.

Leaving the Kelvin Club with my wife Sandra around 4pm and catching a tram in Collins Street for the journey back to Box Hill – the tram as usual has a rocking motion that can cause an individual to nod off. I was sitting next to an unknown gentleman with Sandra sitting opposite me and somewhere around the Kew junction I nodded off and rested my head on the shoulder of the gentleman sitting next to me. He didn’t hit me as I recall, it was Sandra waking me up to my dilemma – apologies were the order of the day and acute embarrassment on my behalf. Please remember I’m only human.

Tony Bowden Editor

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The 100th Anniversary of GallipoliBox Hill RSL travels back 100 years to the 25th April 1915 in the current display commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli. The exhibition includes original uniforms and memorabilia from that era. There is even an original Turkish uniform with a trench periscope and Turkish and New Zealand flags. This exhibition is one of the most comprehensive displays we have done.

Australians commemorate the 25th April 1915 as ANZAC Day. It was the day of the “Landing at Gallipoli” when more than 20,000 Australians and New Zealanders and some servicemen from other countries went ashore at the Gallipoli Peninsula. They fought the soldiers of the Ottoman Army, who were mainly entrenched up on the ridges well beyond the beaches. The first group ashore landed at dawn; they were the so-called “covering force” whose task was to drive the Turkish defenders into the hills. After that the main force would come ashore.

The dawn landing was carried out by the four infantry battalions of the 3rd Brigade, First Australian Division. These men came from what Charles Bean, Australia’s official historian, called the “outer states” - Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland. The 11th Battalion, from Western Australia, came ashore, not at ANZAC Cove, but on the beach beneath the slopes leading down from Ari Bumu Point and Pluggers Plateau after the hard climb from the beach.

The first Australians clambered out on to the small plateau. Heavy fire still met the Australians appearing over the rim of the plateau and was sufficient to force the first men to take what cover they could on the seaward edge. Captain Annear was hit through the head and was the first Australian officer to be killed.

Later, as the men of the 11th Battalion struggled up towards the heights of Chunuk Bar, they met strong Turkish opposition around the slopes of a hill called Baby 700. Another young officer was killed there, Second Lieutenant Mordaunt Reid of Coolgardie Western Australia. The story behind the deaths of these two men Annear and Read was to be repeated over and over again on the 25th April 1915 as the ANZACs battled with determined Turkish resistance and attempts to drive them back into the sea. All told more than 620 Australians died that day, 57 of them from the 11th Battalion. They came from all over the vast state of Western Australia – from rural districts, country towns and city suburbs.

Brian Tateson Memorabilia

TREV’S COLUMNDO YOU KNOW YOUR RSL? Did you know that the little carpark, retaining wall and bowling green were constructed by volunteer Working Bees. I believe that, under the carpark or the green, there are old car bodies and hundreds of bluestone pitchers. Today those bluestone pitchers are worth a lot of money.

MEMBERS LOYALTY CARD AND “FUEL VOUCHERS” Don’t forget to swipe your Member’s Card at the kiosk when you enter the Club and you could win a Bonus ticket to enter the May promotion for fuel vouchers. You could win 1 of 3 $500.00 fuel vouchers which will be drawn on Friday 29 May. Also present your card over the Bar or Bistro with each purchase and you can obtain an additional entry when you spend $20.00 or more. Each purchase accumulates until you reach $20.00 so present your card even if you are only buying one drink.

ERROR IN ANNUAL REPORT The Men’s Bowls Report was attributed to Alan Turk where it should have been Barry Maddock.

SMOKING AREA A question was raised by a Member at the Annual General Meeting held in March regarding the provision of a “Non – Smoking” Area at the Al Fresco open area. It has been determined that it is impractical to segregate the area into “Smoking” and “Non – Smoking” areas. This area complies with current Government Legislation and until such time as the Legislation is changed, no change will be made to the area. There are other “Non – Smoking” areas available within the Club including “The Deck”, the patio at the East end of the Bistro, the New Members’ Lounge and the patio of the Upton Room.

MEMBERS’ LOUNGE AREA The new Members’ Lounge and Bistro Bar have been completed and they look terrific. If you haven’t been into the Club for a while it is well worth the visit to see the result for yourself.

ANZAC DAY

I would like to thank all the volunteers who helped on the day. There were too many to mention personally but I wish to acknowledge all those who assisted. To the people who got out of bed at 4.00am and including the people who got everything sorted at the Cenotaph, those who manned the food stations at the small carpark and B2, the 2Up and the boys from Box Hill North Football Club, I am extremely grateful. Without your help the day would not have been as successful.

To all the staff who worked all night to put it together including the kitchen staff, the bar staff and Rachael and Chrystal; the organisation was flawless.

2 Up I would like thank Chris Elms who did the centre for the whole 4 hours – a long and not an easy job.

Trevor Symes, Vice President

A WHEELCHAIR IS AVAILABLE FOR YOUR USE WHEN YOU VISIT

BOX HILL RSL. Just book it when you make your bistro booking.

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FREE MOVIE FOR MEMBERSTHURSDAY 28TH MAY AT 10.30AMPresented by Ray Wall

“Iron Will”When Will Stoneman's father dies, he is left alone to take care of his mother and their land. Needing money to maintain it, he decides to join a 840km cross country dogsled race. This race will require days of racing for long hours, through harsh weather and terrain. This young man will need a lot of courage and a strong will to complete this race.

NO NEED TO BOOK, JUST TURN UP

Once again Box Hill RSL and the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central joined together to commemorate the tenth Annual Whitehorse Schools ANZAC (Centenary) service.

Held on Wednesday the 22nd of April at the Cenotaph in Box Hill Gardens with over a thousand local primary and secondary school pupils in attendance. The ceremony commenced at 1330 hours in what could only be described as over-cast conditions, there were some fleeting patches of blue sky but overall it seemed rain was imminent – the ceremony which took nearly sixty minutes remained rain free. Whoever was praying for us they certainly did a good job.

The catafalque party from 305 Army Cadet Unit from Surrey Hills performed brilliantly and the bugler Benji Sametz from Blackburn High didn’t miss a note. As with such events we had politicans from the Federal sphere, plus State and Local representatives, also in attendance were a large contingent of Vietnam Veterans.

The guest speaker was RAAF officer Adam Lawson, who spoke mainly to the school children about the

Centenary of Anzac and the young men and women who volunteered to serve their country all that one hundred years ago. His speech was warmly received by not only the pupils but all attendees.

The wreath laying part of the ceremony took nearly twenty minutes, first came the dignitaries, two rows, then pairs of students from the twenty or so schools – by the end the cenotaph was covered, front, sides and back with wreaths.

The organizing committee from Box Hill Rotary and the RSL can be justifiably pleased with the end results – there were no accidents and every school pupil was safely returned to their schools. Well done.

LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN COMMEMORATE THE CENTENARY OF ANZAC

Scuttlebutt is on the Web! Box Hill RSL Website at www.boxhillrsl.com.auIt is located under RSL Sub-Branch. Copies of Scuttlebutt since 2012 are online. They are in PDF format which means that you will need Acrobat Reader to open and read them. That program is free. You only need to download and install it on your computer

For those of you who need assistance with learning how to use your computer, please contact Faye Clark who can help you sign up for our classes.

Firstly, the Army cadets from the 305 Unit in Surrey Hill. They performed brilliantly, all in-step and standing ramrod in what could only be called damn cold weather and in summer uniforms. Then there was our bugler, didn’t miss a note, a young fellow with great potential – we had over 3000 brochures printed (certainly not enough), they were distributed by two groups, the lads from the Ismaili Muslim community and the lads from the North Blackburn Football Club, thank you for your efforts. Not forgetting our staff who manned the bar and our volunteers who served the food and distributed the various drinks – in discussing the amount of rum that was consumed with the coffee, it seems ten bottles were drunk whereas last year it was only four.

As President of Box Hill RSL the remembrance service, from beginning to end was conducted with due respect to all fallen Australian men and women from all wars and conflicts. Everyone, including all members of the public who attended the commemoration ceremony can be proud of our remembrance of the Centenary of Anzac.

Tony Bowden OAM JP Hon. President

FRONT PAGE CONTINUED

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ANZAC DAY 2015 - DAWN SERVICE

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ANZAC DAY 2015 - DAWN SERVICE

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ANZAC DAY 2015 - DAWN SERVICE

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ANZAC DAY 2015 - DAWN SERVICE

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BOOK REVIEW 'Anzacs in Arkhangel'THE UNTOLD STORY OF AUSTRALIA AND THE INVASION OF RUSSIA 1918 – 1919

Michael Challenger Box Hill Library Reference C01 – 397

“Anzacs in Arkhangel uncovers the exploits and achievements of these Australians, bringing to light a part of the ANZAC legend that is not so much forgotten as never before known”

When the Russian Bolsheviks (the Reds) came to power and made peace with Germany, the Allies felt they had to do something. They despatched a secret mission to the frozen expanses of northern Russia to prevent the vast military stores from falling into German hands. These men became involved in the civil war between the Bolsheviks and the Whites (supporters of the Czar). In the Spring, a special relief force, which included over one hundred Australian volunteers, was sent to extricate them.

It is interesting to note that Alexander Kerensky, who was Russia’s Prime Minister from July until November 1917, when his government was overthrown by the Bolshevists was forced into exile. He married an Australian journalist, Lydia “Nell” Tritton. They lived briefly in suburban Brisbane until her death in 1946.

There are some good maps and photos which help to understand the area in question.. What an adventure for those Australians to experience the Russian Winters with its extreme cold and darkness of nearly 21 hours of the day, and then Summer with nearly 24 hours of sunlight and the mosquitoes that go with the sunlight.

The book is well documented. Appendices include lists of the Australians and New Zealanders that the author was able to identify – together with their AIF RanK and Number, Birthplace and Occupation, Place and Date of Enlistment, Age at Enlistment, AIF Unit, British Army Number and Unit, and lastly some very interesting Remarks.

Most will find this a very interesting book which will shed light on the early days of the Russian Revolution from the British and Australian point of view.

An idea that had its origins in late 2011 has finally come to fruition with the printing and official launch of the book “The Sweetland Project”, our commemoration of the twenty seven Shire of Nunawading lads who were killed and buried on the Gallipoli peninsula at the beginning of World War 1.

With this project having commenced well before the 2015 Centenary of Anzac, the committee of your Sub-Branch took the courageous decision to make the production of this book, our major contribution to our 2015 remembrance program.

In mid-2012 the Committee appointed Doctor Steven Cook to be the lead author of the project – Steven, a historian had worked for the Shrine of Remembrance before transferring to Deakin University. Steven’s employment at the Shrine gave the Committee the confidence it required in appointing him. The end product has justified that confidence.

The book was launched at Box Hill RSL on Sunday 12th April during the afternoon with special guest Jean McAuslan launching the book. Jean a noted historian who mentored Steven, has worked in both the Shrine of Remembrance here in Melbourne but also in Canberra at the War Memorial.

As a special offer to members of Box Hill RSL the book can be purchased from the reception desk for $22.50 – considering the recommended retail price is $39.50, members can save $17.

Official Book Launch

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March was a very busy month for the Day Clubbers, as not only did we have our regular meetings but the first trip for the year to Wentworth and Mildura took place. There will be a full report on all the fun they had later in this report from Barrie and Wendy Grigg. The guest speaker for this month was Vicky Triantaflaros from Blue Cross talking to us about the Changes in Aged Care. Blue cross is a privately owned company with 24 facilities throughout Victoria and they also support people who choose to stay at home in their later years. The best advice Vicky gave us was: Be Prepared and seek advice from a qualified Aged Care Consultant.You might ask, “Where do I start”, well ask your doctor.

One thing you can always be sure off at every meeting is the noise in the room from over a 100 club members chatting, laughing and catching up with friends. That alone in worth coming to every meeting plus the great jokes from our president that always entertain. The Who Am I? Quiz was very interesting this month as after only one clue, a loud voice called out, Dick Smith. Well, yes that was the answer and Bob McLellan won the prize. What an effort, Bob!

The entertainment was a great success. We were truly entertained by a “Sexy Sixties Show” presented to us by the ravising, Sue Carell. As she walked onto the stage in a pink shimmy shake dress with white boots, the room went quiet and all you could hear was, “Wow!”. Her show turned out to be a toe tapping,hands clapping hour of songs we all loved and remembered from the swinging 60's. Great comments were heard as she performed like, “What a talented Lady!” from the ladies and from goggle eyed men came the reply, “Y-E-S'.

I look forward catching up with you all again next month.

DAY CLUB REPORTER: CARMEN WARD. 4 DAY TOUR WENTWORTH & MILDURA

With Easter coming earlier this year, we chose the 3rd week in March instead of the first week in April for our annual 4-day trip.

The first day with a long way to go, we set off at 8.30 a.m.and made our way to Wentworth, our destination for the next 4 days, stopping at Charlton enroute for lunch at the Boyz Café`. After lunch we departed for Redcliffs with time to explore Big Lizzie, a huge 45 tonne steam tractor which was used to clear the surrounding land for farming in the 1920’s. Arriving at the Wentworth Grande Resort (called “The Jewel of the Outback”) at 5.15 p.m. This gave us plenty of time to freshen up before sitting down to a 3-course dinner that evening. Many thanks to Jim & Beryl Burrows for inviting us all to join them in a celebratory drink to their son Tom’s success in entering into a contract with Gina Rinehart to further develop his Bendigo Gold project.

Day 2. We explored the historic city of Wentworth with our guide Alison, who spoke of Wentworth’s history and how the town was saved in 1956 from rising floodwaters from the Murray & Darling Rivers by Fergie tractors, which built levee banks high enough to keep the water away. Stopping for morning tea at Junction Park where the Darling &

Murray Rivers combine. After refreshments, we viewed Lock 10, and then set down at the Old Wentworth Goal built in 1891, where another guide David showed us around. Marty was particularly interested in prison life in the 1800’s having once been a warder for many years in our goals. Four people were given prison garb to wear, and Hazel had to hold the ball attached to Barrie’s leg for a photo amongst lots of laughter. She said it was” very heavy” to hold. At twelve o’clock we arrived back at the Wentworth Resort for lunch consisting of an assortment of sandwiches, cake and slice, after which some people went for a stroll and explored the shops or returned to their rooms to freshen up for an evening dinner cruise on a new vessel aptly named “Wentworth”. If there were a grading for boats, this would be 5-star. Captain Greg and his wife Julia welcomed us aboard treating us to a wonderful meal and live entertainment. Greg and Julia provided the entertainment. Julia was a professional entertainer before marrying Greg and toured with John Paul Young.

Day 3. Today was spent around Mildura, stopping off at Orange World for a guided tractor tour through the orange and avocado trees learning how to grow and care for them. A very welcome drink of icy cold, freshly squeezed orange juice awaited us after our tour. In addition, some home grown poetry from our guide Brian. The shop was popular. Sales of orange juice, orange blossom honey, jams and gadgets were purchased.

Alison joined our coach again, as we toured Mildura, travelling along Deakin Avenue with a distance of 14.2 km. it is the longest avenue in the world. We continued onto Red Rocks, and then returned to Mildura for lunch at the Mildura Working Man’s Club, which once housed the “Long Bar”. Before renovations, Guinness Book of Records gave it World Record Length status. Measuring 298ft 7 ½ ins. (91 metres). There was a bit of confusion finding our coach again after lunch. This was a busy road, but David was there waiting for us to drive down to the wharf for a paddle steamer cruise through Mildura’s Lock 11, on the102 year old P.S. Melbourne. Mary had a turn at steering the paddle steamer. However, there was a phantom steerer from the previous night cruise too we heard.

There was time after the cruise to stop off at the Angas Park Shop. Good timing, they were having a closing down sale. With bargains like that, we stocked up well.

Then it was time to head back to Wentworth and freshen up for dinner at the Resort.

Day 4. Breakfast was at 7.00 a.m. Departing Wentworth at 8.00 a.m. Crossing over the border for home, sweet home after a wonderful stay. We travelled along the Stuart Highway through picturesque Robinvale and Swan Hill, stopping for lunch at Kerang. As we travelled a movie, Jim’s famous, fabulous and funny quizzes, and Edward’s CD of English Pub Songs entertained us.. Thank you both for making the return trip seem shorter.

We arrived back at 5.30 p.m. Very happy after a great four days with a wonderful group of people.

Wendy & Barrie Grigg Tour Co-ordinators.

Whitehorse Day Club

Box Hill R.S.L. Sub- Branch Inc. trading as Box Hill RSL 26 Nelson Rd, Box Hill 3128 Victoria.

T 9898 5992 F 9899 1740 E secretary@boxhillrsl.com.au

General Manager: Denis Fernando, Sub-Branch Secretary: Gail Robertson JP Association Registered No: A0057903U

scuttlebutt

EDINBURGH SHIELD – 2015The first thing we noticed when we stepped out of the car at our motel at Corowa was the wonderful, fresh country air. A delightful town, Corowa’s over the border in N.S.W from Rutherglen.

The Edinburgh Shield for participating RSL Bowling Clubs runs over two days (this year, Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April). There are always six Clubs competing at each venue. Box Hill RSL competed at two venues: The Corowa RSL and the Civic Centre. The Civic Centre’s bowlers are proud of the fact that they have restored four of the legendary greens and, for three years, they have had a viable and vibrant Bowling Club.

People make plans – and then there is reality. At the Civic Centre, the organisers had planned for the Clubs to line-up behind markers when it came to the ‘Call To’. A few followed instructions, but the majority all mixed together in a crowd of many-coloured club tops. It was better that way. We acknowledged the Last Post appropriately, but there was no Reveille. Judy Coates, the Manager of our Side at Civic Centre had made out all the cards, but our opponents arrived late and didn’t have their cards done. So there was a late start for one team. However, over all, the tournament went well, and we enjoyed the opportunity to meet other bowlers from different parts of Victoria.

The results of all the bowling (60 ends over-all) was that Epping RSL won at the Civic Centre. Let’s just say that Box Hill RSL came in the second half of the six Clubs. Max Tennyson and his team had the over-all best results at Civic and I heard from reliable sources the Michael Frail and his team played well at Corowa RSL.

Listening to the talk around the teams is always interesting. Besides the usual griping about club politics, taxes and TV shows, there was praise for Corowa’s RSL Bistro – ‘I’ve never had prawns like it!’ one bowler exclaimed, ‘Yer get a bucket of prawns, a salad, chips and a dipping sauce – all for $20.00! It’s worth coming here just for that!’

This year, Pat Calabresi was a guest player for Box Hill RSL. While I was having a quiet cup of coffee in the dining hall, one of the women spotted her on the green. ‘Look who’s here!’ she called. All the Dinner Ladies ran to the door and peeped around the frame. ‘Pat Calabresi!’ They chatted excitedly about when and where they had seen her before. I thought it was a good tribute to someone who had given such a long time to Ladies Bowls and to Bowls Victoria. (Pat has been a Director for the now defunct Ladies Association and for the present Bowls Victoria.)

One of our bowlers had an unusual brush with the Law. On Friday evening as he turned from the side street where the motel was located into the main drag, he was pulled up by a motorcycle policeman who told him he was too slow in joining the main road. There were no repercussions; we reckon it must have been a slow night for the officer.

Thank you, Bob Denison, for organising the trip. Thanks again Bob, and Judy Coates, for doing the Managers’ jobs. Thanks to all those who made the food for us on Sunday night’s barbeque – especially Dot Turk and her helpers. Last, but not least, thanks to the Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch for supporting us.

Ruth Boschma