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RSL Members Only Happy Hours

Wednesday 4pm to 5pm

Saturday 12noon to 4pm

$2.50 Pots

$2.50 House Wine 1

Spring Edition 2011

THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE RINGWOOD RSL SUB BRANCH INC.

Ringwood RSL Sub Branch Inc.

16 Station Street, Ringwood, 3134 Website: www.ringwoodrsl.com.au

Office Ph: 9870 6604 Fax: 9870 9628

ABN 28 586 074 047

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Ringwood RSL Sub Branch Inc. 16 Station Street, Ringwood, 3134 Website: www.ringwoodrsl.com.au

Office Ph: 9870 6604 Fax: 9870 9628

ABN 28 586 074 047

SPRING 2011 EDITION PRESIDENT Harry Seymour VICE PRESIDENT David Jamison SECRETARY Jeff Jackson TREASURER Mark Bremner COMMITTEE Kas McCormack-Smith, Paul Madams, Peter Storey, Jim Bremner, Chris Blake and Simon Mattiske. WELFARE OFFICERS Harry Seymour, Terry Brown, Len Polkinghorne, Fred Bottrell,Stan Exon and John Westhorp PENSION OFFICERS Paul Curran, Ted Ryan, John Robertson and Peter Eisen. Stan Exon, Len Polkinghorne. CUSTODIANS L. Polkinghorne, M. Blackwell and F. Bottrell

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Weekly Meal Deals Monday Night

Purchase one main meal receive your second main meal FREE.

Tuesday Night Schnitzel Night

Seven different types $12.00

Thursday Night Steaks for $15.00

T-Bone, Scotch and Rump with your choice of three sauces.

Sunday Lunch & Dinner 3 Course Carvery Just $15.00 for RSL

Members.

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For All Your Function Needs

Weddings

Engagement Party’s Birthday Party’s

Conferences Christmas Party's

Family Get-togethers Reunions

Contact Reception to Book Your Function Today. PH: 9870 6604 www.ringwoodrsl.com.au

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VALE With feelings of sorrow and regret and assurances of sympathy

with the bereaved relatives, we record the deaths of the under mentioned

Members. LEST WE FORGET

SERVICE

Albert Leslie VP3943 08/01/2011

Boxall William C. 41243 30/05/2011

Crossfield Winifred H. VF 388242 16/05/2011

Dorman William J. 79379 27/03/2011

Dray Harry J. F4093 19/02/2011

Hardinge Alan B. 404342 23/05/2011

Hindmarsh Gordon 27249 08/08/2011

Hubbard Keith McG. VX28243 07/04/2011

Jordan Faith VF514171 19/03/2011

Lloyd Vincent H. vx71193 28/02/2011

McLean Rick 213323 17/02/2011

Newman George William VX60613 26/03/2011

Oberg Victor R. PM5436 31/01/2011

O'Riley Kelvin W. 364778 08/06/2011

Potts Alfred C. R255270 15/04/2011

Sandman Gordon VX91694 15/07/2011

Spiteri Francis 777498 06/08/2011

Stripp Thomas A. VX40500 01/04/2011

Thomas Aubrey O. 19022 16/06/2011

Walker Charles J. 411559 10/08/2010

AFFILIATE

Dare Norma 14/08/2011

East Lorna 23/08/2011 Frank Christopher J. 19/06/2011

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5 I n v i t a t i o n

to the ½ Yearly

General Meeting On behalf of the General Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to the ½ YEARLY GENERAL MEETING

OF RINGWOOD RSL.

SUB BRANCH INCORPORATED to be held on

Sunday, 25th SEPTEMBER 2011 at 10.00 am

H Seymour President

Minutes of the 2010 ½ Yearly General Meeting will be available at the meeting or can be obtained by request

at the Sub Branch Reception Desk. Associate Members are reminded that if they wish to vote at

Ringwood, they must provide their written intention as per the requirements of rule 10.6 (C).

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REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

All members are cordially invited to

attend the

Annual Remembrance Day Service

on Friday 11th November 2011

10.30 hrs -- Assembly 10.59 hrs -- All Traffic stops.

11.00 hrs -- Siren --- Ode --- Last Post 11.02 hrs -- Siren blows, traffic released.

Wreath laying ceremony.

Refreshments will be served at the Sub Branch at the conclusion of the Service

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Memorabilia Report Cont. It is not only our members who enjoy viewing the club’s collection. We have had a number of groups of Cubs come through, who always enjoy their visits. They love to try on a tin hat and touch and hold other items from the collection.   One group chose to do their badge presentation after the visit as they felt our club offered a special ambiance to the occasion. It is with regret that I have to report the resignation of Colin Wilson from the memorabilia team. His support over the last 5 years has been greatly appreciated. Graeme Langley has stepped up to take his place and has had a practice run on the Sam Brown in the members bar. As always, we look forward to your comment. George Ward                                                                                        

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PRESIDENTS REPORT I will begin with an up to date report on the Clocktower which I reported on in the last edition. As I stated, the Government would organise meetings on the future of the Clocktower and also the Ringwood railway station. I am happy to report that a committee has been convened of all interested parties and two meetings have already been held. The two representatives from the Sub Branch are David Jamison and Peter Storey. The ANZAC Sunday March was a big success due to our Army friends from 4CER who volunteered to march with us and also supply marshals. Stan Exon, who has been the Chief Marshal in the past few years finally, admitted it was time we got some younger blood to conduct the duties and who better than the RSM Geoff Rowland to take it on with the authority of the Commanding Officer Lt. Col. C. D. Madden, who will take over a new command in the latter part of this year. I would like to acknowledge the support from the CO over the last 3 years and on behalf of you all wish him all the very best for the future. The RSL Pipe Band led the march and the Maroondah City Band marched in the middle which provided two different kinds of great music. The guest speaker was Mr. M. (Blacky) Blackwell who gave a very interesting presentation of his experiences in the Army during the occupation of Japan and Korea. The Women’s Auxiliary catered for afternoon tea and as usual it was a great spread.

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Presidents Report cont. Anzac Dawn Service was well attended with a large crowd spilling onto the footpath and the police were in attendance as usual to halt the traffic. The Women’s Auxiliary at their AGM in March, donated another $10,000 as they did the previous year. These ladies do a fantastic job as they have for many years, but their ranks are becoming rather thin so if any ladies would like to help them please contact reception and leave your details. At this stage I want to thank Mrs. Liz Wells and Mrs. Ellen Eade, President and Secretary for many years for their wonderful devotion to the Auxiliary and the Sub Branch over a very long time. Mrs. Thea Curnow and Mrs. Kas McCormack Smith are now President and Secretary and we wish them both success in their new appointments. The War Widows held their birthday celebration in May and donated $800 to the Sub Branch and I thank them for their kind donation. The ANZAC Appeal was another record and I would like to thank all of Rob’s volunteers for volunteering and of course Rob for coordinating the appeal. As a majority of members are aware, Stan Exon has resigned due to ill health. Stan has been a very active member as everyone knows for years in the portfolio of Secretary. Unfortunately, it was time for him to enjoy the rest of his life without the stress he has been under, the secretary’s job is definitely the hardest position on a committee and I personally can attest to this. On behalf of the members and staff, I thank Stan for his efforts and hope that he can eventually settle down to a normal lifestyle.

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MEMORABILIA REPORT Since my last report we have had a number of displays which continue to raise both questions and interest among our members and guests. As always, we try and display items in the main case that are appropriate and relate to the anniversary of an event in Australian military history. In February we featured the Fall of Singapore, 15th February 1942. Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of that historical event which in many ways changed the face of Asia. This was followed up in April by a display devoted to Gallipoli and the Anzac Landing. Always well received, this display is often used by visitors to explain the meaning and importance of Anzac Day to their children and grandchildren. Through the July - August period we have given preference to the war in Vietnam, remembering the Battle of Long Tan in 1966. In the adjoining case we featured the war in Korea, remembering the signing of the Armistice at Panmunjon in July 1953. The Australian Forces in the Korean War suffered 1548 casualties, including 339 who paid the supreme sacrifice. This was from a total force of just over 14,000.  

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WAR WIDOWS & WIDOWED MOTHERS ASSOCIATION REPORT Our meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. We average about 60 to 70 members at each meeting and we always make new members welcome. We have had some interesting speakers and entertainment at our meetings. February – We were entertained by John Robson, a great singer. March – Luke Brown - Financial Planner for the Aged. April – We had our A.G.M. May – 52nd Birthday with entertainment and afternoon tea provided by the RSL and staff. June – A demonstration of Raleigh products. July – Entertainment by the Monash Sirs. August – A display of products for aged and disabled persons. We have had some great day trips. We have been to Dromana, Caldermeade Farm, Nagambie Wineries and Christmas in July. We had a great day at the RSL Victorian Archives and William Angliss Restaurant. Your husband does not have to have served overseas to join our association. We thank the President, Committee and staff of the RSL for the assistance we are given on our meeting days. We are pleased to have a pleasant venue to meet in. Brenda Crawshaw Maureen Griggs President Secretary 9728 3133 9727 2786

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I also acknowledge Wayne’s efforts and the great staff for their dedication, of course, some members will say it’s their job, but the staff give their all to the members and the Sub Branch, thanks to you all. On behalf of Jean and Myself, I wish every member the best of health for the rest of the year and forthcoming Christmas and New Year. Harry Seymour President

Details of our Annual

Remembrance Day

Service are on Page 33

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TREASURER’S REPORT   

I would like to submit highlights of the Clubs financial performance for the period 1st Jan 2011 to 30th June 2011. As all are aware this has been a very challenging year to date and the entire network and sector have suffered a financial downturn. Predictions are that this will probably not improve over the remainder of the year. Net Result of trading for the half year to 30th June 2011 was a loss of $83,700, compared with the previous year’s result of a loss of $6,300. Contributing to this loss was:

Bar Sales down $15,400; and Food sales down $11,700;

Cost of Goods Sold for the half year to 30th June 2011 were down by $7,600 over the corresponding period in 2010, the major components being:

Bar Cost of Goods Sold were up $3,200; and Food Cost of Goods Sold down by $4,000.

Expenses over the reporting period have increased by $6,800. Net Gaming results are also down by $62,100. Rent for the period in question remained the same as for the Rent paid during the previous year, being $25,000 per month or $150,000 for the reporting period. Though our net results for the first half of the year are far less than inspiring, it should be noted that we have not curtailed our welfare efforts such that for the reporting period we have expensed $139,000 in welfare activities. The above figures are unaudited figures.

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WOMEN’S AUXILIARY – BINGO REPORT We are having between 54 and 70 people at our Thursday Bingo each week. Because our winter has been so cold, it has caused numbers to fall. Sickness and holidays taken in the Northern States are often the cause of that. Recently, on a Thursday, it was a beautiful spring day and we had 68 people playing. Also the sales were much better so of course prizes were more attractive. We have our meat tray Special Effort every week, which is very popular and clears over $100.00 each week. The Trade table which functions mainly on donated goodies, brings in good dollars. Also, once a month we have Cake Day, mainly home baked which always sells out. Now, I’d like to say “Thank You” to all the helpers, good workers, always there and without them there would be no bingo, no trade table etc etc etc Thank you Thea Curnow Hon. President

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WOMEN’S AUXILIARY –REPORT Since the last report in Over the Top we have had a new President (Thea Curnow) and a new Secretary (Kas McCormack-Smith) voted in. Both Thea and myself would like to express our extreme gratitude to both Liz Wells (Past President) and Ellen Eade (Past Secretary) for all their great work, time and effort they put into running the Women’s Auxiliary. On ANZAC Sunday (17th April) the Women’s Auxiliary did all the sandwiches for those attending the march and those who were at the Clocktower and came back to the RSL. The Easter raffle went very well and we had eight winners. I’m sure all the winners would have been very happy with their prizes. Recently we had our Christmas in July at the Lakeside Café in Ringwood. 24 Ladies attended and the meal was absolutely lovely. A good time was had by all. We have also had a trip to the Costume Collection in Bulleen. Everyone who saw the collection said that the dresses were extremely lovely. We also have a raffle on the Welfare bus trips that are run every month. Check the notice boards for the next bus trip. The Ringwood RSL Women’s Auxiliary meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 am and all new members are extremely welcome. Kind regards, Thea Curnow Kas McCormack-Smith Hon. President Hon. Secretary

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It is only fitting that I commend the Manager Wayne Chisholm and his team both ‘on the floor’ and in ‘the office’ for their fine work and due diligence to the Club, members and patrons. As mentioned above, this year has been challenging and is forecasted to continue. There has been substantial disquiet with regard to some of the seemingly harsh decisions that have needed to be made as can be judged by the half yearly result, but I can assure you that we of the Management and Committee have only your best interests in mind as we endeavour to ‘ride the tempest’. With the expertise of the Manager and the full support of the member base these difficulties shall be overcome for the betterment of the Club and a better future. Mark Bremner Treasurer

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MANAGERS REPORT It’s Spring time and the weather is getting better and hopefully so will our trade. This has been a punishing year so far with all areas suffering. With gaming down it eats right into our profits, but in July we received five new gaming machines that have been well patronized since their installation. This has clawed back some of our down turn in turnover, helping us improve our bottom line. Unfortunately for us this will probably be the last new machine deployment until after August 2012, due to our gaming agreement with Tabcorp Gaming Solutions. With this in mind I will be focusing more on Food and Liquor deals to try and draw more trade in and we will be having an aggressive effort to attract New Members to the RSL. We will also be continuing to advertise in the local paper, via e-mails, Facebook and Twitter to put our offers across. On a positive; BABBA was a great success again, Christmas in July was a full house and the Korean Vets 60th Anniversary function was well received. In finishing I would like to thank all the staff for their efforts and dedication to the club. I would like to thank the Committee for their ongoing support to the staff, management and the Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch. Without our Committees commitment we would not be able to move forward in these difficult and exciting times. Wayne Chisholm

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Presentation Day is always a fantastic day which will be held on the 1st. Sunday in December. Last but not least I would like to say a few words about Kelvin O'Riley who passed away on the 8th of June 2011. Kel was a very special person who was loved by everyone that knew him. He was a life member who joined the Golf Secton in 1980. A hard working Loving Husband & Father who adored his family very much. He was what you call a Bloody Good Bloke. Kelvin played a big part in my life and along with the rest of the Golf Section we miss him very much. That is about it for my report so enjoy the rest of the year whether it be Golf or anything else that you enjoy, keep safe and well. From the President. Peter 'Missed it" Harvey.

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GOLF SECTION REPORT

Time again for some news regarding our Golf Section of the Ringwood R.S.L. This year so far has been very encouraging as the number of golfers at our monthly games are averaging about 35. Club champions that have been decided are as follows: D Grade John Stabb. C Grade Peter "Senator" Robinson. B Grade Jason Cocks. Club champion for 2011 is Gunther Loidl. Congratulations to all those players on becoming the winner in their respective grades. To Gunther Loidl who does a fantastic job on the committee a big congratulations on being club champion in 2011. I would also like to thank Peter Storey, Linsay Black, Brian Roe, Bob Dunstan, Jeff Beaumont & Greg Frost, for their continued commitment in being part of a very good committee this year. At the time of writing this our members & their partners are away in Deniliquin for the weekend enjoying great weather and accomodation with of course some golf in between drinks, food & relaxation. Our next game is at Goonawarra which is up near Sunbury.Followed by games at at Lang Lang,Drouin and Ringwood to finish the year.

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APPEALS REPORT The ANZAC APPEAL was very successful due to our hard working voluntary sellers, operating yet again, in a difficult financial environment. The amount raised was $58,437.50 THE HIGHEST EVER appeals result achieved by this Sub Branch. Again, our thanks to our volunteer sellers. We are also grateful to John Trembath at EASTLAND and the Management of RINGWOOD SQUARE for allowing our sellers to operate in their establishments. Also our thanks to the following for taking and selling poppies/badges, Chemist Warehouse, Ringwood Private Hospital, Knox Private Hospital, Bendigo Bank East Ringwood and the various Schools and Nursing Homes who participate. The next appeal is for REMEMBRANCE DAY 11th November, 2011. Additional volunteers ARE required and will be very welcome. If you can donate some time, please contact Reception or myself and leave your name and a telephone contact number preferably by Monday 12th September 2011 to enable information on dates and times to be forwarded to you for your perusal and return. Rob Watterson Appeals Officer

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PENSION OFFICE REPORT The troops have continued to achieve pleasing results with disability pension increases and war widow pensions for all of the veteran community. Not all claims can be successful at the primary level and the need for appealing refused claims keeps our advocate Newton REYNOLDS very busy. The Pensions Officers and I attended a presentation at the Army Reserve Combat Engineers Unit in Ringwood East earlier this month at the request of the Officer Commanding. We spoke on disability pension matters and the end result was several appointments for veterans of Afghanistan and Timor deployments. The presentation also alerted the troops to the fact that injuries/illnesses resulting from service in Australia can attract compensation under the Military Compensation Rehabilitation Scheme – we expect to be kept employed for sometime from our night out with the “Ginger Beers” (Engineers).

We welcome our newest pension officer Peter EISEN – a Timor veteran TPI who lends some youth to our team. Pete has been with us for a short time and was successful in attaining his first EDA for a WW2 veteran a week ago. It is these younger veterans who will ultimately replace us old dinosaurs and we strongly encourage other younger veterans to step up to volunteering to what can be a most rewarding voluntary experience.

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We have our annual trip to Lake Eucumbeen scheduled from the 21st to the 28th October, more information is available on the Anglers notice board in the Members Bar. The AGM will be held on Wednesday 2nd Nov 2011 at 5.30pm in the Victoria Cross Room new members are most welcome to join. Our first trip will be on Saturday Nov 5th where we will be going out into Port Philip targeting Snapper. Peter Hitchcock Chairman

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ANGLERS REPORT The second half of the last angling season although better than the first half was not as productive as recent years, due to bad weather a few trips were rescheduled. On our visit to San Remo during February Neil Smith caught a nice barracouta just over a metre long, we were out 11km off Kilkunda fishing in depths up to 50m and every member took home a catch of good size Flatties. Dick Dunn had a terrific day on our trip to Westernport during March, the weather was not the best and fishing was a bit slow, but Dick caught ten of the twenty five King George Whiting caught that day. Our snapper season was short, although we caught some Snapper we seemed to go out when they were not so plentiful. At our AGM last year a motion was passed to allow ladies to become members of our Sub Section, but as yet no ladies have joined. This coming season we are increasing our selection of Charter Boats we have arranged for trips from Carrum, Mornington, Stony Point, and Flinders. The Flinders trip is scheduled to go after Kingfish in Bass Straight once again weather permitting, the Charter Boats out of Carrum and Flinders do have toilet facilities. Presentation Night this year is on October 1st in the Victoria Cross Room, information posters are on the notice boards throughout the club and remember you don’t have to be a Angling Club member to attend.

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PENSION OFFICE REPORT cont. November is not far away and we again will be holding our annual DVA luncheon where we invite pensions officers from neighbouring Ex Service Organisations to join us in meeting the staff from DVA who we speak with all year on the phone but rarely get to personally have face to face interaction with. Traditionally we all learn from these gatherings and it is regarded as a milestone event from all who attend. Our office assistant Chris JOHNSON is currently in the process of conducting a mail out to clients who have not attempted disability pension increase for a few years – all we ask is that you confirm with your local doctor that he/she in fact supports that your accepted disabilities have worsened – then simply ring the pension office any Wednesday to make an appointment. Usually when you ring of a Wednesday my wife Nancy will take all your details – she does a great job and puts some class into our mundane surroundings. Until next issue – I leave you with my standard motto: “Retail a pulse and stay vertical”. Paul CURRAN JP Pension Officer

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WELFARE OFFICER REPORT My how time flies. Since my last report in Over the Top the welfare continues to be busy. I have the privilege of supporting members within the Sub Branch and residents of Maroondah, Shire of Yarra and Knox municipalities. Information and networking is an integral part of welfare in assisting people. Since my last report regular meetings have commenced with other Sub Branch Welfare Officers. I have found this relationship building an imperative part of my role to improve services and information. I have also had the opportunity of meeting with the Community Policing section at Croydon Police Station. This is a terrific service offered to residents of Maroondah which assists older residents with advice/information to ensure they feel safe and secure while remaining in their own homes. As members may be wondering what I am able to assist with I thought I would advise what my most common queries are – including but not limited to:

Aged Care Facility Placements How do you access them? How much do they cost? How do I get aides and equipment? What services are available to me and am I eligible? Centrelink and DVA payments/entitlements/

community and social groups available

If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Welfare Office. It has never disadvantaged anyone in making an enquiry.

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The Women’s Auxiliary continues to contribute with an incredible average donation of $10,000 per year. The Ringwood RSL Sub Branch would like to acknowledge all women who have joined, participated and supported the Women’s Auxiliary since it was founded in 1944, without the dedication of these women the Sub-Branch would not exist as it stands today.

Our wonderful ladies in 2011 L to R

Dot Whitehead, Nell Burn, Ellen Eade and Doris Blokkeerus

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The visits consisted of social support and the soldiers were supplied with freshly baked cakes, buns and cigarettes. Funds were also provided to assist people in the Maroondah community with house paint, gardening and general maintenance. The women raised the funds and the men donated their time, it was a joint effort of husband and wives both contributing as you could not be a member of the Women’s Auxiliary at the time unless you were married to a service person. The original fund raising stall for the women was a caravan which was hired out by the Maroondah Council at the time. The Auxiliary regularly would set up where Eastland and Target Square now stand, and would basically sell whatever they could get their hands on. The contributions from individuals were baked cakes, biscuits, jams, hand knitted rugs, scarves, baby clothes, jumpers and any donated bric a brac. The Auxiliary also had a spinning wheel and locals would purchase tickets for various prizes. As time went on the women started bingo, which is still used as a fund raiser each Thursday at the Sub- Branch. Prior to gaming machines being permitted in Victoria regular pokie bus trips to NSW were organised to raise funds. Regular dinner dances were held at the army drill hall in East Ringwood during the mid 1950’s onward. The women supplied all the food, did all the catering and decorating for these functions. The women recollect that there were no flushing toilets during this time and it was the men’s responsibility to dispose of waste manually after each dance, this could not have been a pleasant job particularly for those who had partaken in a few alcoholic beverages the evening before! The big event for the Sub-Branch was the annual ball held at the St Kilda Town Hall, organised and provided by the Auxiliary.

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WELFARE OFFICER REPORT CONT,. I would also like to note that the article I have submitted to the Over the Top on four of our amazing Women’s Auxiliary Sub Branch members whose story we have told was long overdue. Well that’s me for this issue, I continue to feel grateful for my position and the ongoing support I can offer to our community. Tracey Busch Welfare Officer

MEMBERSHIP As at 1st September 2011 our membership numbers are as follows: Service 846 Affiliate 920 Social 384 Please invite your friends to come and join

with you and be a part of

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CLOCKTOWER DAY CLUB QUESTION - What do you get when you cross a centipede with a parrot?? ANSWER – A walkie talkie If that made you laugh, come in and join us at the Clocktower Day Club. The Clocktower Day Club has had another successful year with new members trickling in. The Club is a vibrant entity and is open to all, whether veteran or otherwise. The clubs aim is to entertain and amuse and to foster friendship and to promote health and wellbeing. In other words, we have a lot of fun! We have guest speakers, entertainers, day bus trips and games (both physical and mental). There is NO joining fee and the club meets on the first, second and fourth Friday of the month in the VC Room of the Ringwood RSL. We start at 10 am and finish at 12 noon. If you are interest just come along to the Ringwood RSL on the abovementioned Fridays at 10 am. You will find a warm and friendly welcome and there is always cof-fee and bickies on tap as an added incentive. For more information please call Tony on 9729 4282.

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It has been acknowledged by the men of the Sub-Branch that without the financial support of the Women’s Auxiliary the RSL would not have survived the early years establishing the Sub-Branch. As the women were not being permitted into the Sub - Branch on their own, the women had to hold their monthly meetings off site. During the early years the women held meetings where ever they could source a free of charge venue. Some of the venues which have now long gone from the area consisted of the old Holeproof factory in Maroondah Hwy, the old town hall building, their own homes and a local garage. Memories of the meetings at the garage in particular were that of it being terribly cold with the women bringing their own blankets and hot drinks just to keep reasonably warm. The women spoke about the early history of the RSL where women were not openly permitted to enter the club unless escorted by their husbands. The first appointed President of the Sub - Branch only allowed women to attend twice a year which was Anzac Day and Remembrance Day. At this time it was also considered very unlady like to consume an alcoholic beverage, if a drink was to be consumed it had to be purchased for them by a male member. During the 1950’s a high profile singer Johnny Ray performed for the Sub-Branch, the ladies remember having to queue and wait outside to get a glimpse, meeting with the popular singer as they weren’t permitted to enter. Members of the Women’s Auxiliary conducted regular monthly visits after WW2 to a facility in Bundoora that cared for wounded soldiers in supported care due to permanent injuries they had inflicted during service in WW2. The women recollected this was a monumental trip to organise each month as they had to rely on at least three volunteer drivers with their own cars to escort them all.

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Ladies dedicate over 200 years to RSL

It is with tremendous gratitude that the Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch would like to acknowledge the dedication of the following four women who together have contributed a total of 229 years service to our Women’s Auxiliary. All continue to remain involved participating in the monthly meetings, fund raising, Anzac Day Remembrances, bingo etc. Photos: from left to right Ellen Eade is 88 years young, joined in 1951 after moving into the area from Hawthorn with her husband Bill. Ellen is our longest serving member of our Women’s Auxiliary. Doris Blokkeerus is 86 years young, joined in 1953 after moving from the Fire Brigade building in Melbourne with her husband Bert. Dot Whitehead is 86 years young, joined in 1952 after moving into the area from Malvern with her husband Ross Ronald. Nell Burns is 94 years young, joined in 1959 after moving into the area from Abbotsford with her husband Bill. The Women’s Auxiliary was primarily formed in 1944 to assist with fund raising for Patriotic Welfare to assist those Returned Service Men/Women, Widows and Families who were having financial difficulties. As the women all had a common cause and husbands who had returned from active service during WW2, strong alliances, friendships and support networks were founded.

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Christmas Lunch 2011

Book now for Christmas Lunch.

Limited seating

Same price as last year $60 per member

Full three course hot and cold buffet

11.30 am to 3 pm close

Please phone reception to make your booking

$20 deposit required at

time of booking.

Full payment must be made by 1st December, 2011

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SPECIAL EVENTS Once again I would like to give a very special THANK YOU to our fantastic drivers who always say ‘yes’ when I ask them to drive the buses on these trips i.e. Jan and Phil. Without these drivers these bus trips would never eventuate. They volunteer their time and effort without any hesitation. I would also like to mention my husband, Eric Smith, who helps me in every way possible so these trips can hap-pen. The members who go on these bus trips, thank you one and all, have donated $5.00 each on each trip towards Welfare. Geelong – March, 2011 $95.00 We had a look at a few sites around Geelong and then went to Geelong RSL for lunch. Elsternwick – April, 2011 $100.00 Rippon Lea House was the outing and then off to Caulfield RSL for lunch. Dandenong – May, 2011 $100.00 Rob the Butcher and then the market and then off to Dandenong RSL for lunch. Upper Yarra Region – July, 2011 $110.00 Killara Winery, very nice wines, and then to Upper Yarra RSL for lunch. Frankston – August, 2011 $80.00 Food Star Restaurant, smorgasbord and then to Frankston RSL.

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SPECIAL EVENTS CONT. These amounts may not seem much to a lot of people, but they do add up and every bit helps when it comes to helping Welfare. These trips don’t take too long as we normally leave around 10 am and are back at the Ringwood RSL around 2.30 pm. Please check out the notice board near reception for the next bus trip. Once again, thank you to all the members who take the time to go on these trips and the wonderful drivers. Kas McCormack-Smith Committee/Special Events