1.Box Hill RSL Sub-Branch Incorporated - trading as Box Hill RSL, 26 Nelson Rd, Box Hill 3128. Ph: 9898 5992, Fax: 9899 1740

General Manager: Denis Fernando, Sub-Branch Secretary: Ray Wall, Association Registered No: A0057903U

December 2016ISSUE: #208

EDITOR: Tony Bowden OAM JP

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

December 2018ISSUE: #230

EDITOR: Tony Bowden

GENERAL MANAGER: Denis Fernando

SUB-BRANCH SECRETARY: Ray Wall

ASSOCIATION REGISTERED NO: A0057903U

Contributions to each issue of Scuttlebutt must be with the editor by the 20th day of each month. Editor's e-mail: heraldic1@bigpond.com

scuttlebutt

BOX HILL R.S.L. SUB- BRANCH INC.

2019 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS NOW OPENMembership renewals for the following year will now be accepted and you have until the 31st of January to pay, after that date you will be unfinancial.

This year we are setting-up a Pay Pal account for members to renew online using their Pay Pal account, it’s reliable and safe.

Management will still roster extra staff at reception for the busy lunch periods.

REMEMBRANCE DAY (1918 – 2018)

TREVOR SYMES – ADIEU Today the first day of November could not be classed as an auspicious occasion – today was the day we said farewell to Trevor Symes. Some three weeks ago Trevor suffered a Stroke, the strength of which must have been severe.

With the demise of Trevor our members have lost a great mate and the Sub-Branch has lost a great worker. And what a worker he has been - 26 years as our minute Secretary, 29 years as a committee member, 16 years as a delegate to the RSL State Conference and having joined the Sub-Branch in 1977 and a member for 41 years.

COMMITTEE ELECTIONSNominations for the positions of:

VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER & TWO/THREE SERVICE & AFFILIATE MEMBERS

WHAT A MARVELLOUS DAY, BLUE SKIES, A SMALL BREEZE AND A GREAT CROWD. CONTINUES WITH PHOTOGRAPHY ON PAGE 4

CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

MORE DETAILS ON PAGE 3

2.

MEMBERS IN AGED CARE

Welfare Report For all welfare matters - telephone Faye Clark on 9897 6780 or Pam McCaughey on 9897 6708

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

Judy Coates

Alma Bird Affiliate

Geoffrey Edsall VX105956 2/1 Australian Topographical Survey Coy

Joseph (Don) Livesey DKX752082 RAN

Clive Winn Affiliate

Vale lest we forget

BEULAH ANDERSON, Alawarra, Inala, 220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn SthARTHUR ATKINSON, Broughton Lea, 9 -17 Broughton Rd, Surrey HillsRON BATTEN, Heritage Gardens, 325 – 329 Canterbury Rd, Bayswater NthKEN BLYTH, The Gables, 629 Riversdale Rd, CamberwellFRANK BOLTON, Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, CanterburyMAUREEN BRAYNE, Alawarra, Inala, 220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn SthLEILA BUSWELL, Greenview, Mitcham Rd, DonvaleTHOMAS BUTCHER, Waverley Valley, 29 Chesterville Rd, Glen WaverleyMYRA CAMPBELL, Dorothy Henderson Lodge, 157 Balaclava Rd, MarsfieldMARGARET CAVILL, Highwood Court, 359 Warrigal Rd, BurwoodALWYN CHARLESWORTH, Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box HillJEANIE CHRISTIE, The Orchards, Andersons Creek Rd, Doncaster EastFAY CLARK, Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box HillMOLLIE CLOUGH, Kew Gardens, 22-24 Gellibrand St, KewNOEL & LOIS DUNN, BUPA, 296-304 Springvale Rd, DonvaleJOHN DUSON, ESTIA Health Melton Sth, 34-42 Brooklyn Rd Melton SthGEOFFREY EDMONDS, Mont Albert Manor, Elgar Rd, Mont AlbertMARJ FINEBERG, Baradine, 15-19 Baradine Rd, MooroolbarkALMA GEORGE, Broughton Lea, 9 -17 Broughton Rd, Surrey HillsGORDON HANG GONG, Alexandra Gardens, 42 Old Warrandyte Rd, DonvaleSUSIE HALL, Rathdowne Place Aged Care, 497 Rathdowne St, Carlton

PAT HAMILTON, BUPA, 296-304 Springvale Rd, DonvaleRAY HARVEY, Sherbrook Nursing Home, 14-18 Tarana Ave, Ferntree GullyKEN HAZELWOOD, Regis Lake Park, Central Rd, BlackburnKATHRYN HOLMES, Alawarra, Inala, 220 Middleborough Rd, Blackburn SthLORNA HOUSE, Wattle Glen ACF, 45 Silvan Rd, Wattle GlenLOLA INGLEFINGER, Banksia Lodge, 2 Jones St, FosterCARMEL JOHANSEN, Opal Gracedale, 205 Warrandyte Rd, Ringwood NthMYRA KELLEHER, Clovelly Cottage, 16 Stewart St, BoroniaJEAN KING, Opal by the Bay, 185 Racecourse Rd, Mt MarthaWILLIE KLOMP, Dutchcare, 736 Mt Dandenong Rd, KilsythALBERT KNOP, Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box HillDOREEN KNOP, Livingstone Gardens, 39 Livingstone Rd, Vermont SouthIVY JEAN KUTCHER, Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, CanterburySYLVIA LANG, Donwood Aged Care, 17 Diana St, CroydonGARRY LEVEY, Broughton Lea, 9-17 Broughton Rd, Surrey HillsROBERT LONG, Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, CanterburyBETTY MADDOCK, Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, CanterburySIDNEY MANN, Roseville, Apt.10, 130 King St, Doncaster EastJOYCE MCEWAN, Gregory Lodge, 2-58 Newmarket St, FlemingtonCLARE MCGRATH, Kew Gardens, Gellibrand St, KewNOEL MCMAHEN, Faversham House, Shierlaw Ave, CanterburyBILL MCNEEL, Arcare, 1997 Malvern Rd, Malvern East

BETTY McQUALTER, Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box HillBETTY MONK, Livingstone Gardens, 39 Livingstone Rd Vermont SouthTOM O’DONNELL, Livingstone Gardens, 39 Livingstone Rd, Vermont Sth.NOEL OUTHRED, BUPA Donvale, 296-304 Springvale Rd, DonvaleSHIRLEY PASCOE, BUPA, Heidelberg Park, 222 Serpells Rd, TemplestoweLEON ROBINSON, Nazareth House, 16 Cornell St, CamberwellDOREEN ROCK, Camberwell Gardens, 15 Cornell St, CamberwellJOYCE ROLLINSON, Uniting Agewell, 75 Thames St, Box HillAVRIL SCHOLEFIELD, Lynbrook Park, 42 Olive St, LynbrookJOHN SHARPLES, Strathdon, Jolimont Rd, Forest HillBETTY SMITH, Arcare, Cnr Plenty and Gremel Rds, LatrobePEG SNELL, Millward, Blackburn Rd, East DoncasterALLAN SPENCER, Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, CanterburyBARBARA STRUDWICK, Covenant House, 181 Canterbury Rd, Blackburn SouthDAVID TAYLOR, Blue Cross, 250 Waterdale Rd, IvanhoeJAMES TAYLOR, The Gables, 629 Riversdale Rd, CamberwellEDNA TREWIN, Regis Lake Park, 40 Central Rd, BlackburnPATRICIA WALLACE, Park Lane Aged Care, 295-299 Maroondah Hwy, CroydonPHIL WALTER, Regis Lake Park, 40 Central Rd, BlackburnJACK WHITTEN, Mecwa Care, 13 Strabane Ave, Mont Albert North

SAVE THE DATE!Welfare Dates for 2019…

TAI CHI – HELD IN THE SPORTS BAR FROM 1 TO 2PMWednesday 13th February Wednesday 27th February Wednesday 13th March Wednesday 27th March

DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP – HELD IN SPORTS BAR FROM 10 TO 12PMFriday 22nd February – Music Therapist & Choir Friday 22nd March – Art Therapist Friday 26th April – Dementia Australia Friday 28th June – Carrington Health Friday 26th July – Tai Chi for Memory Demonstration

LIVING ALONE SAFELY PRESENTATIONWednesday 27th March 10am to 1pm in Upton 1 & 2

STAY TUNED TO SCUTTLEBUTT TO SEE UPDATES ON THE 2019 WELFARE TRIPS!

2018…! WHAT A YEAR FOR WELFARE…!2018 has seen many wonderful events held by the Welfare Department. The traditional ‘tried & true’ functions of the WW2, BCOF & Korean Veterans lunch and our Isolated Persons Program were joined by the new programs of Tai Chi and Dementia Support. We also had fun times on our many trips this year.

Faye and I would like to thank our wonderful group of volunteers for another fabulous year! We could not operate without the support & dedication of each one of you. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2019.

Unfortunately, the year has ended on a sad note with the passing of our great mate Trev. The Welfare Department is not the same without him. We miss you Trev..!

Pam McCaughey, Welfare Co-Ordinator

3.

For all welfare matters - telephone Faye Clark on 9897 6780 or Pam McCaughey on 9897 6708 Whitehorse Day Club

As the year draws to an end, we can all sit back and think about all the good experiences and the not so good ones, hopefully, more good than bad. I think as the members of the Day Club family, we have all been blessed and have a lot to be thankful for. Whether it be for those amongst us that have good health and good true friends. I personally believe those that have the above have had a great year.

Our last meeting was attended by 76 members, give yourselves a pat on the back. As usual the trading table was doing great business, but as the end of the year approaches we should have

some discounted items of interest next meeting on the 27/11/18.

Today we had a very lucky find in our guest speaker in Dorothy Baker, who kept us entertained with great stories of her earlier singing days, radio &TV and regular bookings aboard several cruise ships. Dorothy sang some of the old songs that we are all so fond of. Her voice is still as good as it was many years ago.

Well Scuttlebutt readers, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all and your family's a very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Bob Mc Lellan, Co-Ordinator Whitehorse Day Club.

COMMITTEE ELECTIONSNominations for the positions of:

VICE PRESIDENT, TREASURER & TWO/THREE SERVICE & AFFILIATE MEMBERS

Nominations for the above positions will be open on Thursday 31st January 2019 and close on Thursday 14th February 2019 at 5pm.

Please note – to nominate for the position of Vice President and Treasurer the applicant must have served on the committee for a minimum of 12 months.

As one of the most successful Sub-Branches in Victoria, we need to keep looking for suitable individuals that can assist the current committee in pushing the envelope on what we can hopefully offer our members. Our future is certainly in the hands of our younger members – Tony Bowden

Women’s Auxiliary Hello Ladies

At our October meeting we had Carole Doyle & Joe Bowden accompanied by DJIDI the dog from Young Diggers.

The Young Diggers Dog Squad trains dogs to become Companion and Assistance Dogs to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who are dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD). This program helps more than just the individuals.

The Dog Squad helps Defence families to better cope with the effects of PTSD and saves the lives of many rescued dogs. They use any breed of dog and they are then trained to assist the Diggers just like the guide dogs do for the blind.

Throughout this program, Young Diggers provides members with help and practical support to enhance the quality of life for both the dog and the individual.

They are an organisation that does not stigmatise, pass judgement or devalue those living with and suffering from combat stress and mental illness. They provide a safe environment for our members to network with one another, exchange training tips and support one another through tough

times. Family members are welcome and encouraged to get involved with the Dog Squad training.

A lot of times something will trigger bad times. Many of the Diggers say they wish their minds could forget what their eyes have seen. The dogs can sense when they are having a bad dream and wake them up.

In Ward 17 at the Heidelberg Repat if the dogs see someone in trouble they will go to them and try to calm them down. The RSL is heavily involved in looking after the Vets in Ward 17 and the dogs as well.

November 12th we had chicken and salad, fruit salad and cream luncheon. The committee provided all the salads, which I thank them once again for a magnificent job. We then played Bingo after so it was a really great day.

It is with a heavy heart we say farewell to a great friend Trevor Symes, he will be sadly missed. God speed Trev.

It is hard to believe this is the last letter for this year where has the year gone, so once again I must thank all my committee for their great support and hard work because things just don’t happen they make it happen. Also the RSL Sub Branch who look after us very well and to Chantelle, Racheal, Caroline, Julie and Tara many thanks. Denis Fernando club manager and staff and to all our members we may not have quantity but we do have quality thank you.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Xmas and Happy Healthy New Year.

Anyone who would like to join the Auxiliary please come along to a meeting we resume on Monday 27th February at 10.30am.

So for now stay safe keep smiling and enjoy your Xmas.

Joan Clarke Honorary President

When spending time with your parents seems like too much effort. Remember one day all you’ll have is memories

4.

REMEMBRANCE DAY (1918 – 2018)What a marvellous day, blue skies, a small breeze and a great crowd. Having fallen on a Sunday the membership saw the opportunity of remembering our fallen, with some remembering family members who made the supreme sacrifice. Being on a Sunday we had a platoon of young cadets attend, along with their catafalque party. Both guest speaker, Terry Nolan and our padre, Barry Sutton, both spoke well – Terry spoke of his Vietnam service while Barry spoke of his closeness to the Almighty. It was our best attended service for many years.

5.

6.

7.

A CENTENARY AGO THE GUNS FELL SILENTThe euphoria of that day the eleventh day of November 1918, felt by our ancestors is something we the living will most certainly find hard to comprehend. Then knowing the many thousands of Australians that were killed or wounded certainly would have soured a full celebration at the ending of World War 1.

Now back to today, a sunny Sunday the eleventh with approximately 200 people in attendance, we conducted our centenary service to remember all Australians especially those local lads that served, some returning to their families whilst many were interred in far off fields. Being a Sunday there were many school children in attendance, some were in their scouts/guides/cubs uniforms, most being with their parents. The official Catafalque Party who mounted the Cenotaph were from the 305 Army Cadet Unit. These young men & women performed brilliantly and as well as those who held the vigil there was a further platoon of these young cadets mounted on our Northern flank.

It would be remiss of me not to thank all our local politicans for taking the time to attend our memorial service. From the State of Victoria, Robert Clark and Bruce Atkinson, from the City of

Whitehorse, Blair Barker, Andrew Davenport, and Tina Liu. Gladys Liu was representing our Federal member Michael Sukkar, and Jennifer Yang representing Senator Jacinta Collins. As well as the above dignitaries there were another dozen or so local celebrities who partook in the official program, all too many to mention. In talking to one of our members who is of Indian descent, I wondered about a particular badge he was wearing, this badge belonged to his grandfather who served in the Indian Army and fought in World War 1.

Finally, on behalf of your committee I should like to thank all who attended this important event in the history of Australia’s involvement in World War 1 and can I suggest we will not be around to partake in the two hundredth Remembrance Day ceremony.

Thank you to our bowlers who at the end were there cleaning-up the area and removing all the chairs. Also, thanks to our manager Denis and his well drilled staff. Thank you one and all.

Tony Bowden Hon. President

SWIMMING SECTION - MENTONE CARNIVALOn the last Sunday of October, with the sun shining members met from Mentone, Bentleigh, Albury and Box Hill Swimming Clubs at The Waves Pool in Cheltenham. The carnival was hosted by Mentone at their new location. Members grouped together in their respective clubs to listen to the ode and paid their respects before the first race commenced at 9:30am.

The carnival began with the 100 metre events which saw Box Hill's Steve Russell showing everyone that recent knee replacement surgery was not slowing him down, taking out 2nd position overall.

Steven O’Connell had a successful morning in the pool bringing home the winning medal for the 25 metres and 3rd in the 50 metres.

We had a consistent effort of finishing 2nd throughout the morning in the RSL Entitlement and WW2 relays, our Junior relays in which we had two teams entered and received both 2nd and 3rd, our brace pairs – John Bell and Kyal Robinson, and finally finishing 2nd in the overall points for the day behind the host club Mentone.

Lara Robinson received the Junior Encouragement award for coming 5th overall in the 50 metres event and an encouraging morning of swimming.

After an enjoyable swim members headed off to the Hampton Cricket Club for a spit roast lunch and presentations. It was also a great chance for everyone to catch up.

If anyone would like to join us at our fortnightly Sunday evening swims please contact Neil Warnock on 9887 3714.

Michelle Robinson Swimming Section

8.

HALLOWEEN AT BOX HILL RSLThat time of the year has come around again where we ask our staff, in the spirit of Halloween, to wear their spookiest outfit on that evil day, Wednesday the 31st of October. And well done to all staff who took part in this unusual event and dressed appropriately. You all looked fantastic!

The judges certainly had a tough time in selecting the winners – and I can assure all staff there was nothing underhand in selecting our winners. Then after much deliberation the winners were:-

1st - Matt Gardner (skeleton boy)

2nd - Alana (wicked witch)

3rd - Isabella (skinned alive)

Well done to all the winners and especially all those that took the time and effort to be part of this most unusual and spookfactular day.

Chantelle Casse, Functions Manager

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

HAPPY

HALLOWEEN

9.

AN UNUSUAL ACQUISITIONFirstly, I should like to thank the various sections within the Sub-Branch that provided the funds to purchase this unusual painting. As a Sub-Branch with not too many naval veterans we seem to have forgotten these sailors and their contributions to the many actions the Australian Navy have been involved in.

The purchase of this painting was certainly a fluke. On Friday 2nd November – as is my normal practice, I walk/stroll from home down to the Sub-Branch. This particular Friday I noticed the Box Hill Rotary Club’s Art Show in the Town Hall, and having

a bit of spare time I paid my entry fee and commenced perusing the paintings. Of all the hundreds of paintings only one caught my eye, it had a modern naval theme and instantly I thought the Sub-Branch needed it. Being a bit of a “squib” I needed my wife Sandra’s opinion, and it was certainly positive.

I’m hoping when members have viewed this painting they will be as enthralled as I was – it is a great acquisition for our library of paintings.

Tony Bowden , Hon. President

TREVOR SYMES A317231 RAAFTREVOR WAS A GREAT MATE AND STALWART TO ALL MEMBERS OF BOX HILL RSL, PLUS AN OUTSTANDING VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE SUB-BRANCH FOR MANY YEARS.

Trevor suffered a stroke and recently lost his great mate Ron Carter. Can I suggest the combination of these two events would have certainly played a part in his thinking and possible demise. Having just lost my best mate and the trauma it caused me gives me an understanding of what Trevor could have suffered.

Trevor was a punctual and hard worker within the Sub-Branch. He arrived in the Welfare Office around 9:30am, with his first task every morning - he would photocopy the crossword puzzles from the 3 newspapers and he completed every one of them. He was an amazing word-smith.

As well as providing his monthly column in Scuttlebutt, he could be viewed any day proof reading various letters or reports and if anyone needed assistance in composing a letter, Trevor was the go-to man.

Every Friday evening you could find Trevor sitting at the top table between two beautiful young ladies watching intently as they sold raffle tickets. He was in his element, the boss cocky, pressing buttons and calling out the winning numbers - and I’m sure he enjoyed the notoriety of handing out the prizes to our members. It was a Friday night ritual for Trev.

Having served on the Sub-Brand executive with Trevor for many years I cannot recall any instances where he yelled or got

into a flap over anything. But I must mention certain times when he wasn’t too happy with me, it was usually when Geelong beat his Essendon boys.

At our committee meetings Trevor was the steading influence, compared to us crazy Vietnam Veterans and while he wasn’t our Secretary he was always scribbling what was said at the meeting, this was certainly a great boon to our Secretary Ray Wall.

Trevor Symes was indeed a bit of a character and a favourite with all RSL members and staff.

Farewell great mate!

10.

ANCIENT JAPAN VISITS OUR RSLWelcome to this display of Samurai Art in the form of swords, sword fittings and amour.

The samurai, the warrior class of Japan were not just fierce warriors but also great admirers of the arts. Our current display in the main Memorabilia Cabinet is on Japanese Art, and is not to be confused with the Japanese of WW2 as some of our members have. To have this Exhibition we are very lucky and it has taken me some two years to get it for our members and the general public to appreciate.

Since the beginning of time the samurai sword has been appreciated as art by those who carried them. It embodied their spirit. The sword was the soul of the samurai.

Unmatched technical form and construction, the samurai sword far exceeded the functionality it was designed for. Those involved in their construction were artists, from the sword smith and sword polisher to the craftsmen who made their mounts. The use of precious and semi-precious metals, fine silk and lacquer raised this samurai art form above all other cultures.

Samurai amour also surpassed functional form which was to protect the samurai from arrows, musket shot and sword. Amour and its design was a reflection of the personality of the wearer and his status amongst his peers. The use of lacquer, fine silks and design elevated samurai amour to an art form of its own.

The grotesque face masks and amour were also designed to strike fear into their enemy whilst thundering toward them on horseback.

During the second world war the Japanese Officers again carried swords into battle. They represented the samurai spirit of their ancestors. Most of these swords are not considered art but some officers did go to war carrying swords owned by their family for generations and what we consider art swords today.

Our group of collector’s aims has been to find art swords here in Australia that had been surrendered to or souvenir by Australian servicemen at the end of the war. What you see here represents such examples of swords found in Australia and returned to Japan for restoration. We present these to you to study and enjoy, noting that one such sword dates back to the 13th century.

The items you see here have previously been on display in the Art Gallery of New South Wales and the National Gallery of Victoria. We are extremely lucky to have these artefacts that date back to the 13th Century. The display is enormously valuable, with the swords dating back 1000 years. Box Hill RSL thanks Mark Warlow and Colin McDonald for loaning us this valuable exhibition, and I hope our members appreciate it. Something I have never done before in Memorabilia but I am glad I did take the plunge to do it.

Brian Tateson Memorabilia

11.

AGE SHALL NOT WEARY THEMPercy Stanley is seen here receiving his “50 years Membership of the RSL” certificate. Percy is 98 years of age and lives not too far from our Sub-Branch. He dines with friends every Wednesday for lunch at the RSL and is well known to the staff. His eye sight limits him somewhat but with his stick he walks more sprightly than some men much younger than him.

He joined the Army in 1941 and was trained in the Signals Corps. After 18 months he was transferred to the RAAF. He trained as a pilot in Benalla and in 1943 was sent to an Airbase in Ontario, Canada. Here he received his “wings” plus graduated from Gunnery School and Operational training. He was ready for action and about the time of D Day in Europe. Unfortunately, with losses of aircraft less than expected it meant Percy’s unit was not required for the European Theatre.

On his way back to Australia their ship was requisitioned as a hospital ship and they were “dumped” on the northern coast of New Guinea and told to make their own way back to Australia by whatever means possible. Consequently they requisitioned an old boat and successfully sailed it back to Queensland.

Percy married in 1945, a marriage that lasted 62 years until his wife died in 2007. Percy still lives on his own and is very independent at the young age of 98.

Arthur Merryweather, Hon. Treasurer.

NATIONAL SERVICEMANS ASSOCIATION WHITEHORSE SUB-BRANCH

I acknowledge our Patron Brigadier Graeme Standish AM, ED,RL, for his service to our Sub Branch.

We started the year off with a new administration, Ian Carnegie as President,

Bob Yendall Vice President, John Mac Donald Acting Secretary, Richard Tregear Treasurer, Barrie Sutton Padre, then with Malcolm Fraser, Max West, Jim Farrow, Kevin Cowling. During the year Laurie Dodd joined us in May, as well as Peter Norman, after his trip up north, Colin Tout joined the committee on 7th August.

September 17th, we lost Max West after a brief illness. Max was Life Member No 3. Naturally, it came as a shock to us all, as he was a much loved compassionate member, to which he devoted a lot of his time as our welfare officer. Vale Max

We have new welfare officers now, Ed & Jenette Snell. After the passing of Max, they stepped up and volunteered to fill the vacant position. So, if you want to keep us informed of how you are going, or not going, then Ed & Jenette are the contact point for both members & Nashettes. 98784458, or edsdell@bigpond.com

To all members who find it difficult or can’t attend meetings, we still have you in our thoughts. If you want to attend our Christmas lunch, or day meetings next year, please contact Ed so we can organise it.

The year has seen us progress from evening meetings in winter, to midday meetings. I realized that we needed to change, to cater for older members who found it too hard to attend due to the cold and for night driving problems.

Next year all our meetings will be on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, starting at 1.15 pm, (except for May at 5pm), with Bistro lunch booked for 11.30 am-1pm sharp.

Our AGM will be held at 1.15pm on 20th February, followed by the General meeting. Please do not forget to pay your RSL fees, and Nasho membership fees. I am looking forward to next year with anticipation.

Thank you to all the RSL staff who helped make this year possible. I learnt a lot.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ian Carnegie President, NSAA Whitehorse Sub Branch.

12.

MONSTER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE ON FRIDAY 14TH DECEMBER OUR FINAL RAFFLE WILL BE CONDUCTED WITH AN ARRAY OF MONSTER PRIZES.

Commencing at 6.30pm the Sub-Branch will be offering the following prizes.

15 Leg Hams - 15 x 2kg Turkey Breasts

15 x $25 Vouchers - 15 bottles of sparkling wine

and 15 2018 Lion Christmas cakes.

Tickets are only $5 for a strip of six tickets and will be available in the Upton Room from 4.30pm. Members wishing to eat in the Bistro are advised to book early. The Friday night raffles will cease on that night and will recommence for 2019 on Friday 1st of February.

We would like to thank all the volunteers and staff and especially thank and remember Trevor Symes for all your efforts in ensuring this strange Friday night get-together is a damn great success – well done everyone.

Tony Bowden, Hon. President

ANYONE INTERESTED IN PLAYING SNOOKER (ESPECIALLY IN 2019)The Snooker Section has a long history within our Sub-Branch and from the committees perspective we would not like to see this section fold or be reduced to basically nothing.

Our A grade team is seeking players for the ‘A’ Grade Diamond Valley team. But you must be available to play on a Monday evening (commencing around 7pm until around 10.30pm).

If you are interested in joining this friendly and successful team in 2019 please contact: Tom Heaney on 0419 556 802 or Rick Conomy on 0473 246 747.

INVICTUS GAMESAs your President and a Vietnam Veteran who has been supported by a myriad of government departments plus a vast range of individuals over the past forty or so years. My role is certainly caring for all veterans and having just viewed the Invictus Games and the heart stopping antics of our disabled Post Vietnam Veterans, I’m certainly in awe of their feats.

My heart goes out to all these inspiring veterans that had the courage to be part of these games. To view our young men and women veterans with the loss of arms or legs, or both etc. performing amazing athletic feats turns me to tears.

Box Hill RSL one of the most successful and profitable Sub-Branches in Victoria needs to ensure we care for all our young veterans. I ask all members of Box Hill RSL to think about how we should support all these young heroes/veterans.

Tony Bowden

OUR LONG FORGOTTEN ANGLING SECTIONAbly led by Vietnam Veteran Charles Kook our Angling section held their annual three day fishing expedition on the waters surrounding Barwon Heads.

With great weather, smooth seas and everyone remaining upright, many fish were caught, some rather small whilst others large.

The boys and girls who went on the charter caught lots of fish. Keith Moulder caught the fish of the day – a 6kg Snapper

13.

WHITEHORSE DAY CLUB TRIPOctober took us to a “Retirement Home” with a difference. Woodlands is one of the southern hemisphere’s most historic thoroughbred properties. Champion horses have been owned, bred and lived on this property since the 1840’s. This link continues today with Living Legends, opened in 2006. Woodlands is home to some of Australia’s finest retired racehorses. Despite being located not far from Tullamarine Airport, the horses seemed totally oblivious to the constant air-traffic overhead. Some of the “residents” are ex-Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate winners. Betty Window was delighted to be re-acquainted with Rogan Josh – a horse who made this lady a very happy punter several times over! He now spends his golden years with Apache Cat and they have been nicknamed “The Odd Couple” by staff. Rogan Josh actually took part in the Melbourne Cup parade in the city recently.

It was a delight to wander round the paddocks and feed carrots to these beautiful animals, listening to a commentary by one of the girls who helps look after them. She said she attends some race meetings with some of the horses and said they obviously still want to participate in the races.

Woodlands Homestead, built in1843, was initially home to the Greene family, key figures in the history of Port Phillip. When they emigrated from Ireland, they brought over 2 thoroughbred

horses as well as cattle. So began the tradition of horses on the property. Under new owners in 1889, Woodlands attracted Melbourne’s hunting fraternity. Each time the homestead changed hands, horses were involved, until 1939 when the current owner planned rearing wool-producing sheep.

In the 1970’s Government funds enabled the purchase of Woodlands and Gellibrand Hill to create a metropolitan parkland. Work is on-going to restore and maintain Woodlands. Kangaroo Tours are offered and the Devonshire teas looked delicious. Maybe sample them another time!

After lunch at Sunbury Bowling Club, we visited the Alister Clark Memorial Rose Garden, Bulla. Unfortunately, most of the roses were not yet in full bloom. This garden illustrates the work of Australia’s most prolific rose-breeder, the late Alister Clark. All 70 of his roses currently available can be seen in this garden of over 650 plants, maintained by volunteers.

Another enjoyable day where we managed to beat wet weather once again.

Mary Simpson Tour Co-ordinator

14.

FREE MOVIES FOR MEMBERSPresented by Ray Wall

"Kind Hearts and Coronets"

Runs for 106 minutes

THURSDAY 31ST JANUARY, 2019 AT 10.30"An expertly crafted British black comedy, Kind Hearts and Coronets features a remarkably witty script and eight iconic performances from Sir Alec Guinness as every member of the antagonist d'Ascoyne family, not to mention the marvellously cheeky work Dennis Price put forth as the lead anti-hero. A true treat of cinematic cynicism."

"Radio"

Runs for 105 minutes

THURSDAY 28TH FEBRUARY, 2019 AT 10.30"Set in 1976, real-life Coach Jones (Ed Harris) befriends mentally disabled black student, Radio (Cuba Gooding Jr.) They then form a bond, but things take a turn for the worst when certain fans and parents feel that Radio is a distraction, and is getting in the way of the team succeeding."

YOU CANNOT KEEP A GOOD WOMAN DOWN!For the past month or so our committee woman and bowler, Judy Coates has been confined to a hospital bed with a variety of serious ailments. These ailments have not dampened Judy’s enthusiasm or outlook on life.

Then having visited Judy a couple of Sundays ago and knowing her resilience, her voice and demeanour, it was as if nothing had happened to her. It was the Judy I have always known.

Should any member wish to offer their thoughts and wishes to get better, they can leave their cards or any other form of communications at the front desk and we’ll ensure Judy promptly gets your kind words.

Tony Bowden, Hon. President

BOWLS SECTIONThe Bowls Section is currently running the Ladies and Men’s singles, the pairs and mixed pairs, and Club Championships. We are taking a break from Pennant for a week in November. Our competitors are competing well; our singles club champions are finalised by the end of the year, which then gives them the opportunity to continue competing in the state championships. Good Luck to those competing, and to the winners if they choose to play on in the State Championships.

Round 1 of the Night Pennant started Tuesday 13th November and it was a great success with the lights being turned on during the game. It was a great experience for our bowlers, being the first Tuesday night pennant game played on home turf, and with the 4 Rinks coming out as winners at the end of play, celebrations were held after the game. The first win of many! Congratulations Night Pennant organiser Allan Turk!

Since turning our Green into 8 Rinks it was fantastic to have our first ever 8 Rinker win on a Saturday Pennant day game. Congratulations to all teams, selectors players etc. Continuing tradition, bowls management had no option but to provide a free drink to bowlers after such a great win.

Bowlers help out each year selling Poppies on behalf of the

R.S.L. Sub Branch. This is such a rewarding experience. Many thanks to Dennis Arnel who organises roster times for bowlers to participate. The bowl section did lay a wreath at the Cenotaph on Remembrance day on behalf of the Bowlers. Thanks to the helpers.

This is a busy time of the year and companys are organising their Christmas break ups by arranging a game of bowls [or having a go] with Corporate day functions offered by the R.S.L. Bowlers get involved by introducing and demonstrating the game of bowls to those participating. Having some patrons enjoying a roll up for the first time is a lot of fun, and quite enjoyable. Thank you to bowlers who voluntarily give their time on these days.

That time of the year again is fast approaching, always so much to do and so little time to do it in. The Bowls yearly pre Christmas final gathering will be held this year on Sunday 25th Nov on the “Deck”. We are looking forward to some “Chrissy’ Dress ups.. Perhaps.

In the meantime, take care, keep calm. And Happy Bowling..

Helen Harrington Bowls President

15.

AN INTERESTING PHONE CALL!Following the recent news of our State Government wanting to remove the legislation that currently prohibits hotels being built in Camberwell and Box Hill, I received a phone call from our local member, Robert Clark. In discussing this issue with Robert who doesn’t agree with what the Labor Party is attempting, my thoughts on this subject, is as follows.

While there is a 1921 piece of legislation on the books, it is the residents of these two municipalities that originally voted the decision to not allow hotels in their suburbs. I also recall a referendum being conducted in Box Hill that

asked the residents two questions. The first one, ‘would you allow hotels to be built in Box Hill’? The answer was an over whelming NO. The second question related to restaurants, ‘will you allow restaurants to sell and serve alcohol’, the answer was a definite YES.

This is the current situation in Box Hill, no hotels, but you can purchase a bottle of wine or beer. What we currently have regarding hotels is sensible and to my mind it doesn’t need changing.

Tony Bowden Hon. President

WELFARE TRIPOn Wednesday the 17th of October the Welfare Department hosted a trip to the National Aviation Museum in Moorabbin. Founded in 1962 and run by a dedicated group of volunteers and members, the museum has expanded to have not only one of the most significant collections of aircraft and engines in Australia but now includes models, uniforms, and many other items associated with Australia’s aviation history.

RSL Members were taken on a tour around the museum where we were given first hand access to cock-pits and several other aircraft as well as an old TAA Vickers Viscount. We were lucky enough to have an ex-pilot and ex-air hostess, Keith and Nan Barr, among our group who used to fly in the exact model of the aircraft that we saw. In fact, Keith and Nan met at work and

celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary in November this year.

After the tour we went to the Moorabbin RSL for lunch. A wonderful day was had by all. This was the final trip for 2018. Keep your eyes out for the next trip which will happen in early 2019!

Pam McCaughey, Welfare Co-ordinator

Phil Kinnear trying to not get stuck! Cheryl Ryan and Sue Younger

Keith and Nan Barr met over 60 years ago while working in an aircraft the same as this.

16.

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: Ray Wall Association Registered No: A0057903U

scuttlebutt

FROM YOUR PRESIDENTWith the Christmas break then the New Year nearly upon us – as President of this outstanding Sub-Branch I look back with a certain pleasure touched with a certain degree of sadness. This sadness is the loss of Trevor Symes as Vice President of long standing and a positive contributor to all aspects of what we do. How do you comprehend seeing Trevor one day then three weeks later attending his funeral.

Looking at what life offers us, Trevor didn’t have time to say farewell, what sadness. Then in a few weeks time the Sub-Branch and its members had the unenviable task of remembering the centenary of World War 1 and the tens of thousands who gave their lives for our liberty.

Tony Bowden, Hon. President

“All men dream, but not equally. Those that dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they act on their dreams with open eyes to make it happen”.

– T. E. Lawrence – Lawrence of Arabia Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

ATTENTION ALL YOUNG VETERANSTo ensure the future of our outstanding Sub-Branch which is nearly 100 years old, the committee would like to speak to you about our common history.

Please contact our Secretary, Ray Wall on 9898 5992 or our President, Tony Bowden on 9877 4407.

The future of our Box Hill RSL is certainly in the hands of our younger veterans.

BOOKINGS ARE CERTAINLY REQUIRED IF YOU INTEND TO ENTERTAIN FRIENDSWith Christmas fast approaching followed by a long January holiday period, our dining areas will certainly be over-booked. Can we suggest that if you have a special occasion or maybe just want a night off

from cooking, don’t forget to book and well in advance.

Our manager Denis has been working hard on ensuring a new menu and new glasses for you, our patrons to enjoy a quiet tipple.