Sub Clubs & Partners Summary 2016

South Tweed Ladies Bowling Club

The Ladies Bowling Club had quite an eventful 2016 hosting many special events for members including

Australia Day, Anzac Day, Easter, Past Presidents & Patronesses’ Day, President’s Day and other special

days for special morning teas for members.

Championships were well supported this year with Open Singles Winner – Cheryl Moran, Open Pairs –K.

Figura 7 C. Moran, Open Fours – K. Figura, K.O’Keeffe, S. Hickman, C. Moran, Open Triples – S. Johnston,

K. O’Keeffe, D. O’Neill, B Singles - K. Figura, B Pairs L. Kennedy & A. Lovasi.

Welcome to the newcomers to our club who participated in these championships. We welcomed a new

president in Joan Leckie who has been our Patroness for many years along with Dot Larsen. May saw a

very busy month with the District Sides and the State Championship – ladies singles and men’s fours co-

ordinated by Hazel Ensbey with an assistant. May also saw the South Tweed Sports Ladies Prestige

Singles played over four days with top class field of bowlers.

A memorial day was held for Snr Vice President Carole Glover and forty bowlers attended to honour her

passing one year ago. The ladies also shared with the Men’s Club, Premier League in a fund raising day

for Children’s Cystic Fibrosis on Melbourne Cup Day for which each sub-club donated to this worthy

cause.

Capping the year were two highlights, the Ladies Division 4 team brought home the Pennant Flag for the

second year in succession and our own Sally Hickman was chosen to play for the Qld over 60’s team

representing Qld in Western Australia which Qld won and “Our Sally” received a gold medal and

certificate for lady of the tournament and her team being undefeated, great achievement.

South Tweed Men’s Bowling Club

Following last year’s AGM our membership stood at 143 and now 12 months later at 140. Of the

members who joined or re-joined our Club during the past year, 60% were 65 years or older which

carries implications for our Club as regards finding replacement bowlers who leave the sport or our Club

for various reasons.

Sadly, we lost two long standing members in the past year, Leon Hickey and life member David Jefford.

The following members served on your Committee this year;

NAME POSITION MEETINGS ATTENDED MEETINGS HELD

Bill Anderson President 12 12

Hugh Canning Vice President 4* 9*

Brian Coste Committee 11 12

Michael Cuy Committee 11 12

Bob Dawson Committee 11 12

George Fraser Treasurer 11 12

Brian Spurway Secretary 11 12

The Committee regretfully accepted the resignation of Hugh Canning during the year due to ill health.

As his resignation was 3 months short of the 2016 AGM it was decided not to replace Hugh for that

short period before the next AGM and election.

I would like to thank the Committee for their support and assistance during the year. While we do not

always agree as to directions set, I could always depend upon each and every committeeman for

unstinting loyalty and effort. I thank the members who have renominated and to those choosing to step

down, I extend my gratitude for your tireless efforts in 2016.

I prefer not to single people out however I think it appropriate to thank out going Secretary Brian

Spurway for his effort this year and previously. The Secretary role is on that very few people covet, but

we are fortunate that Michael Cuy is willing to step up and assume this role in 2017.

Highlights for 2016

- ‘A’ Division successfully defended their Tweed Valley Shield victory and went back to back

- A club survey of bowling members was conducted in ’16 seeking input on the bowls program.

One of the most consistent responses was the need for a Bowls Co-ordinator.

- Premier League (7s) the Div 5 team were runners up to Mermaid Beach.

- The most successful Pennant team was our Div 2 who were runners up to Helensvale.

- The Qld District and State Titles were conducted at local Tweed Clubs with your Club successfully

hosting the Ladies events, gaining plaudits for our organisation and we have been chosen again

as a venue in 2017.

- A small, informal survey of members seeking input as to why this year’s Championships were

poorly supported. The question to how to make it more attractive revealed two main points; (i)

a return or prize money and (ii) the program dragged on too long. A timetable of when each

round of the 2017 Championships will be drawn up shortly.

CHAMPIONS for 2016

Major Fours Not held

Major Triples Not held

Major Pairs Nigel Smith, Lindsay Ponting

Major Singles Wayne Wilson

Minor Fours Not held

Minor Triples Oscar Cunningham, Greg Harrison, David Knox

Minor Pairs Alan Vidler, Dan Ware

Minor Singles Glen Coste

At last year’s AGM our finances stood at a little over $5,000 and this enabled us to provide a subsidised

Christmas dinner for members in early December. This year, the committee under the leadership of

Brian Coste, has been actively selling Sports Cards with a view to providing a subsidised Christmas

dinner again in 2016.

Our present finances are again at the $5,000 level and it should be noted the Committee relies upon

raffles and Sports Cards for its funds. All money collected on bowls days is returned as prize money

after green fees have been deducted.

Finally I would like to congratulate and welcome the new Committee for 2017. There are challenges

that lie ahead such as supporting and assisting the proposed Bowls Co-ordinator to increase

membership by providing a varied and interesting bowling program. These challenges can be met and

overcome by enthusiasm and a willingness to get in and have a go. South Tweed deserves no less.

Bill Anderson

President

Premier League Sub Club Report 2016

The aims of the Premier League Sub Club are:

• To promote and encourage the game of bowls;

• To encourage good fellowship among members and visiting bowlers;

• To organise and conduct South Tweed Sharks participation in the Premier League Queensland

competitions.

Performance on the Greens

2016 has been another successful year and some of the highlights have been:

• The stars on the green this season were the Premier 7’s Division 5 team. The guys played

consistently throughout the season and made the grand final at Bramble Bay. With 8 sections

and 48 teams in this division to finish runners up to Mermaid Beach was a fantastic effort.

Congratulations to all the playing squad (Greg Harrison, Oscar Cunningham, David Knox, Glen

Coste, Ivan Ensbey, Brian Spurway, Joe Scicluna, John Williams) and their motivator/manager

Brian Coste.

• The Premier League side played strongly from the start of the season only to be knocked out of

top position by Broadbeach in the last round. The Premiers were defeated by the Helensvale

Hawks in the minor semi-final. Congratulations to Kelvin Kerkow - best performed skip in Premier

grade 2016. Our Premier A side were competitive for most of the season but could not attain the

results of previous years; certainly the standard in this competition has been raised by the

addition of new teams from the Brisbane area. The 7’s 60+ team combined well with some early

victories finishing just out of finals contention.

• The Kelvin Kerkow Open Triples continue to be a sensational attraction for our club. Across the

10-week period, 670 bowlers played on the South Tweed greens. Visiting players have told us

they enjoy the bowling and the atmosphere during and after the games and will return next year.

Certainly Kelvin’s attendance early in the event boosted numbers. This event has helped the

finances of your sub club but also has been very financial for the main club with increased green

fees. Many visitors dined in the main restaurant and used other facilities upstairs before and

after Friday games.

2017 Premier League season

There will be 12 Premier League teams in the next year’s season – Bramble Bay and Bribie Island have

left the competition, Tweed Heads Ospreys and Kawana Thunder come in. PLQ continues to grow the

Sevens competition and it is anticipated that around 200 teams will compete for excellent prize money.

The Sharks will compete in the Open Division 1, Division 4 & 5. South Tweed Sharks will be very

competitive again in the 2017 competition.

New members

Our membership is around 90 and new members are always welcome. To play Premier League you need

to be a current bowling member of South Tweed Sports and a member of the Sub Club (fee of $5

annually paid to the Treasurer).

Contacts for 2016/7

President – Steve Lowe; Secretary – John Brown; Treasurer – Anne Bennett; Liaison Officer – Dave

Lawrie;

Committee members: Dave Bennett, Peter Richards, Alan Vidler

2017 Calendar

Premier League starts Saturday 7th January; Finals 25/26th March at Club Helensvale.

Premier 7’s start 14th January; Finals in early April at Mermaid Beach Bowls Club

The sub club sincerely thanks the following for their support in 2016: the players, umpires, managers,

markers, Chairman Russell and Board, CEO Gordon, staff and sponsors - Aero Bowls, Good Guys, JAX

Tyres, Scales Seafood, Banora Point Newsagency and Jody Richter Podiatry, Banora Point.

Go the Sharks!

South Tweed Trippers

The South Tweed Trippers social travelling bowls club has enjoyed a busy and enjoyable year in

partnership with other social travelling clubs both in south east Queensland and far northern New South

Wales.

Byron Bay Bowls Club is the latest club to join our ranks, so now we are spreading the South Tweed

Sports club message to four NSW clubs and five Queensland clubs who visit us at home several times,

each, per year.

We wish to thank the club ,bar and catering staff, green keepers and volunteers for their continued

support and service throughout the year and we look forward to their continuing support and great

service in the year to come.

The South Tweed Trippers members would like to wish a Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year to all

D Maxwell President

Tweed Area Computer Tuition Well, another year has passed. It is for me, hard to believe that were are entering our 10th year of the Computer Club at South Tweed Sports Club. They say, if you enjoy what you are doing, then time does just fly! For what started with an idea of a small group of people, way back then, for which, all of them have been and are thanked. But to get to where the Computer Club is today, it takes the same kind of people as those that started the Club, people that have the desire and passion to want to volunteer day in and day out to help those that want to learn. What has happened in the last twelve months, in regards to the Computer Club and in the computer world, generally? The big change, was the release of Windows 10. This was first released as a free Upgrade, and boy it has proved that it could be troublesome, as a lot of our Computer Club members have found out. Without going to lengths here, we technicians have always known that an “Upgrade” does not work 100% on all machines and this is because of many reasons, too long to go into here. If any members have any questions about this upgrade, please do not hesitate to talk to us. On the Apple Mac side, there has been a drop off of late, in the numbers requiring this class, from the numbers this time last year. Classes always seems to ebb and flow with Macs. iPad tablets and iPhones classes have been steady and are expected to continue that way. Android tablets and phones continue to grow steadily also. As a technician, and to our Tutors and their Helpers, any changes mean more leaning, more rewriting of notes, and that all means, more time. On the Membership front, each year TACT seems to go from strength to strength, which is an outstanding achievement to all those that have been involved. In the 2015 – 2016 financial year, we had 134 brand new members join TACT Also during this same period, we had 131 members renewed their memberships, making a total of 265 carry over members of TACT heading into the 2016 – 2017 financial year. As we have 10 sign-in days a year, that is an average of 13.4 brand new members not only joining the Computer Club, but becoming members of the South Tweed Sports Club also, each and every sign-in day. Last year the computer club ran 690 classes, with an average of 12 students per class, which is a total of 8,280 students. If you relate that into lesson hours, that is near on 1100 hours and that does not include the hours of class prep, administration, committee, maintenance or our wonderful Helper’s time, as if we did, this figure would triple or quadruple these hours.

All of these numbers are slightly down on the previous year and I really think that is because, in a way, we are a victim of our own success, as at some point we have to reach a time that we have taught more than those that require learning within a certain geographical area. The great part about all of this is, this has been achieved by a group of people that are true volunteers; the only payment is the pleasure and joy to be got by helping others to gain pleasure and knowledge in things that they want to do and what better payment than that, could there be? Computer room wise, we have installed new Solid State Drive (SSD) into our 23 Windows based desktop computers, which has helped immensely with stability and the speed of their startup. One of the things about the people that are TACT, is that they are always looking at change, they ask, “What can we do better”, “What do we need to change to keep up with things” and you members can have an input into this, any ideas, please, just mention them to us. We are dealing with Information Technology and it is always changing one way or another and that is the challenge for us as a group and it is one that for me personally, I look forward to. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my Committee, our wonderful Tutors who give up their time so freely, also and to all those “Helpers” that come along to class and do the little things, like just guiding those around them and those that come along every week and enjoy the company, thank you. And finally, on behalf of the Computer Club, I would like to thank the Board of Directors, the CEO, Management and Staff of the South Tweed Sports Club, for all their help and support throughout the year. _________________________________________ Alan Lynch, TACT President

South Tweed Euchre/500 Club

500/Euchre Club has had a successful year in spite of a sharp drop off in numbers from Monday night

Euchre. A move to Thursday afternoon has seen an increase in players and now have 18 players

registered with the Euchre Club. The 500 Club is averaging 22 players each week.

We had a successful Euchre tournament in February with 101 in attendance all day Saturday and 65 on

the half day Sunday. Midyear luncheon was attended by 31 members and a good time was had by all.

During September/October we celebrated the 90th Birthday for 3 of our members, who are still

competing strong in the club.

2015-2016 saw the club reasonably comfortable with some monies still in the bank. New members,

visitors or those a little bit curious are welcome to join us for a day just to check things out.

Ray Fairbairn Club President

South Tweed Sports Table Tennis Club

The year 2016 was another memorable one for the table tennis club. We continue to increase our

numbers of players ranging from 14 to 96. The club is a social group as well as a competitive one. We

play social sessions on Wed & Fri mornings from 9.30 to 12.00 & our more serious players play pennant

competition on Tuesday nights.

We are a very active group with many events throughout the year. We have a fun day in July as well as

3 pennant matches through the year. It has been well documented that playing table tennis is a very

good sport for the older generation, including warding off Alzheimers. The aim of the game is not only

to hit the ball to win a point but it makes your brain think as well.

This year we have had 3 junior members join our club, which is heartening in a club that is mostly

seniors. It is wonderful to see the way they interact with players of all ages.

The club started very small, thanks to the generosity of Gordon (C.E.O.) & the Board of Directors. We

have fun matches with Gold Coast Table Tennis & play what we jokingly call our “State of Origin” match.

The first one was played earlier this year & the return match is being played on Sunday 6th Nov. Hope

we can beat them!

Also we have several players who play in the Australian Veterans Competition each year. This is a very

strong competition with players coming from all over Australia & some from abroad as well. As you can

see from above, table tennis can be played by all ages & all levels of fitness.

So if you want to join a new activity or have some fun we will make you welcome. Come along & have a

look and see if this sport is for you. They say to live long, play ping pong!

If fun and friendship and table tennis is of interest, please contact me on 0407 400 303.

Noelene Tauris (President)

Tweed Gold Coast Family History & Heritage Association

The common interest in family history 19 years ago brought 17 people together to form the Twin Towns

Family History Group. The group was originally based in the back kitchen of the Tweed Heads Civic

Centre, using a cupboard to store its meagre stock of resources.

After nearly 2 years & with 88 members, the group moved into one of the back rooms of the Tweed

Heads Library. By late 2006, this room was bulging at the seams with the now, Tweed Gold Coast Family

History & Heritage Association, having grown to 175 members and a considerable resources collection.

The group came to an arrangement with the South Tweed Sports Club board at the end of March 2007,

whereby we could use the area vacated by the bowls shop opposite the main doors to the greens.

Several weeks later, the group moved into this room.

Membership remained steady from June 2007 till June 2011 at around 200. The same could not be said

for the resources. At the time of the move to the Club, the group had 2 computers and no subscriptions

to online family history sites. Now 9½ years later we have 8 computers, 7 of which are connected to the

internet, and subscriptions to 7 family history sites (worldwide) and pay-per-view setup with another

site. All of these subscriptions are available to members at no charge, other than the pay-per-view-site.

Also during this time we have added a large number of other resources, ranging from books, microfiche,

microfilm and CDs, as well as a microfiche/film scanner/printer.

Over the last four years, the group has participated in NSW Seniors’ Week by holding an open week in

our research room. The open week has resulted in a 25% increase in membership, which has been

maintained each year.

Our location opposite the main doors to the greens has on occasions attracted inquiries from passers-

by, who have either become members or availed themselves of casual usage of our facilities. Visitors are

always welcome to use our resources for a fee of $8 per day. This gives them access to all our

subscription sites such as Ancestry.com (worldwide) and Find My Past and our library of other

resources. Should visitors subsequently chose to join our group, within a month of visiting, up to two

visitors fees are credited against the membership fee.

As well as our research room, we hold meetings most months of the year, upstairs in one of the function

rooms at the Club. The meetings are generally held on the first Tuesday of the month (with exceptions,

please contact our group for specific dates), commencing at 1.30pm, and are always well attended.

Some months we have speakers, other months we will have internet website demonstrations or a

variety of family history discussions. Non-members are most welcome to attend – there is no charge.

Photo Arts Club Tweed (PACT)

This club is home to many keen photographers from South East Queensland and Northern NSW. It has

just completed its tenth year as a sub club of South Tweed Sports Club, which has been a very beneficial

two-way relationship between the two entities. Examples of club photographers work can be seen

around STSC as well as on the club's website www.photoartsclubtweed.org.

The main interest of club members is the monthly competition nights. Members can submit up to three

digital entries, which can be a mix of set subject, or open categories. In addition up to two prints may be

submitted. Accredited photographic judges evaluate the entries, and then give a critique of each image

on competition night. The judges also give out a number of merit and honour awards to deserving

images. These awards may then be used to allow a member progression through the three grades of

skill level. It's amazing how competitive a group of normally friendly, welcoming people can become

when it's competition time!

The relationship with STSC is two way and PACT provide photographic coverage for bowling

tournaments, STSC publicity, even help with new menus. In return we get a set room for our meetings,

with excellent sound and a lockable cupboard for storage of equipment.

As well as the competition, the club invites guest speakers from the photographic world who aim to give

members inspiration and techniques to improve their photography. Members will be invited to show

case their work to their peers and other members will provide technical expertise on either taking

photographs, or doing post processing on images already captured.

Anyone with an interest in photography would be welcome to visit the club and see if it is for them.

Visitors are allowed to attend four meetings before being asked to join. People wanting to join PACT do

need to be at least social members of STSC, and then pay the $50 PACT membership fee as well. With

membership numbers in the sixties, it is a good sized, friendly club where people are happy to help you

with queries.

This year we had Dr Jim Frazier speak to us. He has worked with Sir David Attenborough as a wild life

cinematographer and he developed a lens that allows amazing clarity and close up photography. This

lens has been used by a number of movie produces including Steven Spielberg. However Jim's passion is

conservation and he is making a film titled "Symphony Of The Earth" for which he has invited club

members to assist in acquiring high quality images of animals, ecological messes, tree clearing etc.

In 2017 the management committee is looking at ways of giving those members who want it, more

training in image processing software year so they can upgrade their skill set.

If you're a photographer, why not come and visit us.

David Lucas

Club President

Tennis Terranora

2016 has been an exciting year for Tennis Terranora- our first full year using our wonderful new facilities

at the Joan Nicoll Tennis Centre, in Henry Lawson drive, Terranora. At this stage, the new centre

comprises 3, blue,’ Plexipave’ hardcourts, (the Australian Open), 2 ‘Conipur’ clay courts (the French

Open) and an architect-designed clubhouse, complimented by landscaped gardens and lawns. We are

soon to add 3 grass courts (Wimbledon!)

In February this year, we had our official opening, where guests who packed the clubhouse and

surrounds were provided with a sumptuous afternoon tea and entertained by a Fast 4 exhibition match

between aspiring local players Aaron Westerlund and Reid Feehan. The Centre was opened by Senator

John Williams. Senator Williams went on to make a speech, in Parliament, about our impressive centre

and what can be achieved by a club comprising dedicated volunteers.

Our state-of-the-art new centre continues to see a large amount of interest from locals and tennis

players from other areas, and membership is rapidly increasing. The club offers court hire, quality

coaching for adults and juniors of any standard, as well as organised social and competitive tennis and

social events. Organised Social tennis is now available 6 days or nights a week. The club has a manager

onsite between 9am and 5pm, 7 days a week to cater for court hire, or phone the Club Secretary,

Debbie, on 0427069317 for bookings or more details.

Tennis Terranora wishes to acknowledge a major sponsor, South Tweed Sports Club, for their ongoing

support over many years, of our junior tennis programs. Successful junior programs create a successful

club. Our head coach, Tom Brownhill, previously a top Tweed junior player himself, has recently

returned from a successful playing and coaching career in the US. Tom has now been joined by elite

coach, Brendan Moore, current ITF player, and Hotshots coach, Alberto Beltran. So our juniors have

never been better catered for. Brendan, currently ranked 61 in Australia, was hitting partner for Roger

Federer, this year, at the Brisbane International Tournament.

Our club is extremely proud of our young players, 19-year-olds Aaron Westerlund and Reid Feehan.

They have taken up scholarships in American colleges, to further their tennis careers, after both worked

as player/pros at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas. Both began at Tennis Terranora. Tennis

Terranora coaches can set junior players on a pathway to achieve similar goals.

Our annual Club Championships are a highlight in our events calendar, with our members vying for the

coveted champion titles and a spot on the Honour Board in the clubhouse.

Our club welcomes new members, of any age and ability. Our club coaches provide coaching for all ages

and abilities. For our juniors, we have fun Hotshots programs for very small children, squads, match-play

practise and private coaching, as well as Tweed District competition on Saturday mornings. Brendon

takes elite juniors to selected tournaments and the club provides sponsorship for junior members to

some of these.

Adults can enjoy private coaching, court-hire, social tennis and Tweed District competitions. We have

organised social tennis on a Monday night, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday mornings, and

on Saturday afternoons. We have Tweed District ladies competition on Tuesdays, Men’s competition on

Thursday nights and a Mixed competition on Saturday afternoons. At the club we have fun theme days,

American tournaments and BBQs; something for everyone.

Annual membership for adults is $80 and for juniors, 18/under, $40. (Junior m’ship includes free court

hire.) Membership includes Tennis NSW membership and Insurance. Please contact Debbie for further

information, on, 0427069317 or, for coaching, Tom 0404766049.

Tweed Heads Amateur Fishing Club

Situated next to The South Tweed Heads Sports Club.

What have we been up to this year?

The club has again celebrated another fun filled year with many comps, yarns and work with all its

members.

Our competitions continued strong and are held on a fortnightly basis continued throughout the year

where many of the keen fishermen took the waters to find the BIG ONE with many returning with a

heavy hearts and stories of the one that got away.

Some good catches were seen throughout the year and new faces on the leader board at times keeping

all on their toes and striving to be better next time round.... not sure if it worked for all the members but

they all tried and the stories sure did get bigger even if the catches didn't.

This year we again had 3 members attend the State Titles in Agnes Waters in QLD where they all

performed well bringing in many prizes and catches. Now there's a few stories that will have you shaking

your head at times ..... and am sure if ask around they will gladly share them with you..

The club continued with services to the public attending many meetings in relation to the Tweed river

and surrounding areas ensuring that the river eco system is being looked after for the future.

Our members also put their hands and muscles together to clean up the club house and give it a new

lease for another fun filled year ahead for all to enjoy.

Friday Nights see many of the fisho's and their families attend the club selling the raffle tickets with

prizes SCALES SEAFOOD, MASTER MEATS, WOOLWORTHS,COLES and CLUB vouchers all on offer with all

selling the winning numbers a smile a laugh and if you are game to ask a story tell... and those who in

the chairs will share plenty of stories if you ask they aren't shy.

Saturday mornings we are up and away we go again down to BCF to set up and provide the ever sort

after sausage sizzle.

Here you can get all the advice on what to buy when you walk in the door for what fish and if you are

lucky enough you may even get a good hint on where the fish are biting.

The club welcomes new members year round for those with experience and or for those who wish to

learn a new sport and join to meet some new friends.

Meetings are held on a fortnightly basis at the clubhouse on Thursday nights at 7pm NSW time.

Come meet us at our clubhouse on the weekends when the doors are open after a competition, call into

the raffles or call into BCF on a Saturday morning from 8am for a late breakfast and enjoy a good

sausage sizzle.

Tweed Heads Amateur Fishing Club thanks the South Tweed Sports Club for all its support throughout

the year and look forward to many more years to come.

Tweed Valley Modellers

TVM only became a Sub-Club of Sth Tweed Sports club in 2016. TVM consists of around 20 members, of

which 12 or so are regularly active in the club’s activities. TVM has developed close working ties with

STSC, holding several meetings there throughout the calendar year and hosting an annual two day

Hobby Expo event, ECHE (East Coast Hobby Expo) at the club over a weekend in either June or July. This

Expo has grown from humble beginnings 4 years ago into a much larger event with exhibitors and

traders coming from NSW and QLD to display and sell hobby goods and products. The show has run

consecutively from 2013 and is entering its 5th year in 2017.

The core business of TVM revolves around the enjoyment of scale model building in all its forms and

genres. Within our small membership we have automobile, ship, aircraft, military and science fiction

specialists. The club runs on a friendly, amicable atmosphere where all modelling types and styles are

welcome and encouraged. We do not hold inter-club competitions but the club and its members do

display at various other major Hobby events such as QMHE (Queensland National Modelling

Championships), IPMS QLD, Gold Coast Train Show and even Super Nova on the Gold Coast. We have

several Gold, Silver and Bronze medal winning members within our club and even an International Silver

Medallist from the UK National Championships. Not bad for a very small club!

Monthly meetings are held around the 3rd Saturday in each month. As our membership extends from

Lismore in the Northern Rivers to the Gold Coast, we try and have a Northern and a Southern meeting

alternating. Meetings are held either at Members houses or at Sth Tweed Sports Club. Meeting activities

range from the usual discussion, minutes and correspondence received to Show N Tell of each

member’s latest model project and occasionally skill/tutorial workshops. Meetings are very informal and

new members are always welcome. Contact details for membership and a downloadable form are

available on the clubs website www.tweedvallymodellers.com and also through the clubs FaceBook

page.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Club South Tweed Heads

The Vietnam Veterans ‘officially’ became a part of South Tweed Sports in 2016 although our relationship

goes back to 2005. Here’s the summary of this year’s Long Tan Memorial Day event and links to the

history of how it all began.

Thursday 18 August 2016, the 50th (our 12th) commemoration of the Battle of Long Tan was held under

cloudy skies and cool weather with well over 250 veterans, their families and friends attending our

morning service.

It was the third service without our good mate Peter (Davey) Crockett who had passed away only weeks

prior to the 2014 service. Dave was the inspiration and driving force behind the creation of our

memorial. His family attended and no doubt Davey was watching on from above. Dave’s good mate

Victor (Vic) Slockee was our emcee again, quipping that he stills feels like he’s only the stand-in for Dave.

Father John Darbyshire conducted a reading and prayer while Bob Sayce Col Rtd of 4RAR gave an

insightful presentation as the guest speaker. Many former serviceman joined representatives from the

RSL, DVA, Legacy, South Tweed Sports and Twin Town Services Club in laying wreaths during the

ceremony.

Others to lay wreaths included Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, State Member for Tweed

Geoff Provest and Councillor Caroline Byrne representing Tweed Shire Council. St Joseph’s Primary

School Teacher Debbie Tietzel and her wonderful children’s choir sang two songs including a stirring

rendition of ‘Advance Australia Fair’.

Following the service those gathered enjoyed a luncheon and a few beverages. Stories were shared and

a few tears shed amongst the smiles. Many offered their backing vocal talents (some good, some not so

good….) supporting our entertainers ‘Singing Pete” and Terrina. Importantly, mate-ship and

camaraderie was the order of afternoon.

You can view every photo from this 2016 Vietnam Veterans Day service here. If you’re wondering how a

Bowls/Sports Club and the Vietnam Veterans Day arose you can read the blog ‘Remembering them’

(written in 2011) that details how it came to that inaugural event in 2005.