Newsletter of the Te Atatu Memorial RSA (inc) July 2016

WOMEN’S SECTION

Anzac day was fantastic at this RSA, and your Womens Section gave 260 meals to our veterans their friends and families. This takes lots of prep work by my committee and volunteers. Thanks girls - it went like clockwork. President Bob Pettis later said Anzac day was the best one so far. Women’s Section food was EXCELLENT, high praise indeed. We have a Women’s Section outing coming up with lots of takers for a movie and lunch, great day at Ryders on the 16th July bus leaving from RSA -speak to Carrol Oliver if interested. Two of our members have had to step down from committee, Theresa Enriquez required surgery, which she has had and is doing very well and another great lady Merle Dysart who is moving to Whangarei, wishing her and Larry well for the future thanking them for their support we presented both ladies with appreciation certificates. Only a couple of funerals, thank you to Joanne Houston, Colleen Danielson, Annie Lancaster and Zolene Houston for catering. Zora Matakovich celebrated her 90th birthday with friends and family—congratulation Zora. On another note it was a sad day saying goodbye to one of our ladies Heni Bermingham (Fish). Tuila Huisman, Sharon Young, Zolene Houston and I attended the RNZRSA National Women’s Association conference at Swanson. It’s the first time for Auckland to host this event and theSwanson Ladies did a great job. I was re-elected RNZRSANWA secretary, and this year RNRSANWA recognised women celebrating 100 years of service to the RSA movement, 43 W.S. attended from around New Zealand. Speaker Corina Bruce Captain RNZNR, who spoke about her involvement with Project 30 years of women in the navy, and the 75th year of the New Zealand Navy. Later reflecting on her experience as a weapons programmer and then later as Commander of HMNZS Philomel, a very interesting woman. Jacinda Ardern spoke to the ladies about her early life in

Morrinsville sharing Morrinsville RSAWS history and how these social networks are important for children and their wellbeing, with a 150,000 children alerts in New Zealand each year. Speaking on how RSA support to veterans and their family is important. All in all great event. Finally a big thank you to Shirley Hooton—great job updating our member subscriptions for our women’s section—big job. If there are still ladies want to update please let Shirley know. Keep well and warm.

Deidre Rich

President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Another newsletter and already 6 months into the year. Doesn’t time fly when you are having fun?

All active members will have seen the huge Improvement made with the upgrading of the lounge chairs. What a difference it has made. Well done Graham. The next phase is to refurbish all the stools in the Sports area.

Congratulations to Ian Henry who has been awarded the RNZRSA merit badge for outstanding service to our organisation. The service for which he has been recognised has exceeded 15 years. Ian is only the second associate member in the country to be given this award. The first was to our own Sharon Young. Ian’s presentation will be made on Sunday 17 July at 1pm. Members are Invited to attend.

Club patronage has declined over the past 2 months; in particular Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesdays we have $10 off all meals; a great night to have dinner out midweek. On Thursdays we have the pork and beef meat raffles to support our sports clubs and of course at 7pm we have the $1000 Club members’ draw.

Keep an eye out for some new entertainment on Thursdays.

Congratulations also to our member Wayne Morris who has been elected as the Auckland District Support Advisor. Wayne will be offering support and advice to the support officers of the 28 RSA’s scattered throughout the greater Auckland area. We all wish you Wayne, every success with your new responsibilities.

Finally, our AGM is only 3 months away and nominations for all committee positions will open in 2 months. If you are interested in making a positive contribution to the Club’s continuing success consider standing for one of the many positions that will become available. We need some new blood with new ideas.

An extra ten members in the Club each day for two beers generates an extra $40,000 in bar takings annually.

SUPPORT YOUR CLUB

Bob Pettis

President

‘8’ BALL NEWS

Oh my goodness, this year is really rushing by. We’ve already passed the shortest day!

To date we have had six home and away games, with not very good results. We have had two wins and four losses. Hopefully we can improve the results on upcoming games. The results of our in house tournaments are as follows:

Tom – John Men’s Drawn Pairs

Winners: Bob King & Ron Rowland

Runners Up: Chas Babbington & Gordon Wright

Les Henderson Picked Pairs

Winners: Gordon Glas & Joe McLaughlin

Runners Up: Chas Babbington & John Newberry

Bill Baskin Drawn Pairs

Winners: Bob King & Bob Seath

Runners Up: Ian Hyde & Paul Howson

Mullins Ladies Singles

Winner: Susanna O’Callaghan

Runner Up: Sue Donovan

Roz Willetts Mixed Drawn Pairs

Winners: Sylvia Marchant & Bob Seath

Runners Up: Gordon Wright & Jaimee Kincett

It was great to have Sue Donovan playing in a tournament and coming runner up. It is a few years since she has played and it was great to have her participating once again.

Bob King, one of our club members has been in hospital

and had a major operation. We wish you all the best Bob

and hope it won’t be long before you are 100% in good

health once again.

Noelene Ross Secretary

SNOOKER

Three teams represented Te Atatu RSA at the RNZRSA National Snooker Pairs tournament held in Mt Maunganui recently, in an excellent showing all three of them qualified to go through to the main draw play offs on the Sunday. Bernie Steward and Graham Ford then progressed to the semi-finals where they eventually went down two frames to one. Ross Rooney and Ted Gregory made it to the quarter finals before also losing two frames to one. Paul Van Der Straten and Ron Rowland were knocked out at the last sixteen stage, but then went on to reach the final of the "flight" competition, at which stage they were also unfortunately beaten. Congratulations to all of them for representing us so well. On the home front our Drawn Pairs was won by Bernie Steward and Naresh Patel, runners up Ted Gregory and Ron Rowland, the Open Pairs went to Ross Rooney and Dave Gourley, runners up James McLean and Alan Harris. The wide spread of names at the top end of the tournaments is a true reflection of the increasingly talented competition. Te Atatu RSA Snooker is well known on the national and local circuit as a force to be reckoned with. We have good cause to be proud of them all. Bob Wood (Chairman)

TE ATATU RSA SUPPORT SERVICES

Hi Everyone

Please note that my mobile is the only available contact at this time. The number is 0274832593. Due to circumstances beyond my control my landline is not connected. If you are not able to call a mobile number please call the RSA and give your name and number. Ask them to call me and I will get back to you.

On the Wednesday after Pension day we offer the opportunity to go to Pak N Save so you may take advantage of the big bargains and save. It’s easy to get on the list. Contact me on the Tuesday before and I will arrange a time and place to pick you up. We leave about 10am. For those who don’t have transport, we have also been able to get up to Westgate.

Stay warm and healthy. Ian Henry

Support Officer

TE ATATU MEMORIAL RSA COMBINED DARTS

Hi Everyone,

Since the last report we have had two friendly games against Avondale Bowling Club and the Newmarket Working Men’s Club. Both great games and entertaining side shows—with mixed results. On the down side our own “in house” tournaments are failing to attract—not sure why however. We will continue to “plug away”.

Our upcoming events include Victoria Park, Point Chevalier Bowling Club and Richardson’s Tavern. All fixtures are posted on the board and in the Sports Diary.

Please remember what better way to spend a wet cold Saturday afternoon is there than having a laugh and throw a few arrows.

Come and join us. Kevin Barlow—Club Captain

IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH

Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs. Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained. Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach. Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk. Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent. Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absent-mindedly answer the door in your nightgown. Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp. Gargoyle (n.), olive-flavored mouthwash. Flatulence (n.) emergency vehicle that picks you up after you are run over by a steamroller. Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline. Testicle (n.), a humorous question in an exam.

MENS GROUP

We have been kept very busy this quarter with some most interesting venues as follows:

30/3. . Crown Lynn Museum at New Lynn was most intriguing and viewing old crockery which once used to be common in most households but now very scarce. A coffee & luncheon was followed at the old Wood Turners Cafe nearby.

13/4. . A visit to Mill House at Henderson. The history around Henderson proved to be amazing.

4/5 . . A day out to the Botanical Gardens at Manukau accompanied by some of our wives. The weather was kind to us that day.

18/5. . . We had an interesting speaker by the name of Ross Dallow who came and spoke to us about his life and time as the District Commander at the Waitakere Central Police Station.

8/6 . . . A trip recently to Riverhead and a viewing of Paremoremo (from a distance). There was a most interesting park nearby which proved to be a popular venue. The housing developments that are going on around Riverhead are amazing and not exactly what could be referred to as "affordable housing".

We have a half yearly get together with our wives in mind but will advise of that in the next issue.

We are all currently in good health . . . .Terry was recently a concern but is now well on the mend again.

Errol Schirnack - Convenor Ph 818 9990

SENIOR CITIZENS

We have enjoyed two bus trips since the last newsletter. In March we travelled to Parakai Hot Pools via Ginger Crunch Cafe at the Helensville Railway Station for morning tea. At the pools we were once again allowed to use the private area where our Committee provided a tasty two-course lunch. A very enjoyable day.

Our May trip was to the Air N.Z. Maintenance Hangars at Mangere where, after strict security checks, we formed into small groups to see what goes on behind the scenes, e.g. the radar installation in the nose cones, and the only device in this part of the world that checks the auto pilot in two hours that used to take two days manually ( even the Aussies haven't got one !!! ). In the hangar we had the opportunity to board a Boeing 777 to see the business class area and the cockpit where we were able to sit in the pilot's seat. Then on to Manurewa R.S.A. for a great buffet lunch at very reasonable cost. Of course we have also been enjoying our Club days on Tuesdays and Fridays with indoor bowls, cards etc.

Brian Craig

President / Secretary. Ph. 8346595

THE QUARTERDECK

Sad to report we have lost one of our numbers, Trevor (Tug) Wilson,ex RNZN Coms, one time member of Tat RSA and Quarterdeck Rating, lately lived in Hastings. Passed away - RIP Tug.

Quarterdeck travellers are now returned, trips around NZ enjoyed- this is a wonderful land .The RSA’s on route are getting few and far between but still very welcoming, and sought after. Not many rum (tots)being consumed these days, one time 12 or more downed on a Friday night. Only 5 lately, we need more sailors present to help us keep up this tradition. Notices will soon be displayed regarding Trafalgar Day lunch (October 21st) Navy Lark style at its best. Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum.

CHEERS Stokes.

RAZZA RAMBLERS

Well, a bit over 3 months since our last newsletter. As the seasons have changed we have tried to maintain our plan to go away as a group at least once a month. Shelly Beach on the Kaipara has become our easy 1st choice. 1 hour from our Te Atatu homes works fine for us all. Queen’s Birthday weekend gave some of us the opportunity to travel to Orewa Motorcamp. Over the weekend four motorhomes made up the group and a great time was enjoyed by all. In the last week of May, yours truly and husband Larry went to the South Island for a fortnight with our motorhome. We enjoyed the most fantastic weather while our fellow Ramblers suffered wind and rain in the north. We have travelled to the South Island a few times in the past 20 years but I must say that this was some of the best weather we have ever experienced there. Every morning was clear and frosty (-1) and the cloudless days were sunny but cool. Mt Cook and the Southern Alps were all at their best. White snow glistening in the sun. Even Ruapehu on our journey home looked pretty stunning.

The Razza Ramblers are planning a Mid Winter Christmas in June, any reason for a get together is fine with us. Unfortunately not to the snow, maybe next year, who knows!!! We plan to head away for a weekend of fun and laughter and a 3 course Christmas dinner at Port Waikato. Update in the next newsletter.

Two of the couples in the Ramblers are planning to move north, but they will still be part of the Razza Ramblers in Te Atatu. Too many laughs, and too much fun, to not be part of this group.

Catch up with our latest “Rambling” next newsletter. Cheers

Merle Dysart

Scribe

THE FISHING CLUB

The AGM was held was held on May 14th. Due to family and other commitment, some of the committee stood down. So we have some new people on the committee. Re-elected as Captain, Rick Enriquez. New Vice-Captain, John Allen. New Secretary, Graham Lange

New Treasurer, Jamie Kinsett Committee Members: Returning, Greg Smith, Barbara Smith, Jaqueline Lange. New members, Russell Simpson, Raiti Karena and Theresa Enriquez.

This year’s awards were donated by Rick and Terry, and are to be retained as Annual Trophies and were presented as follows: Spirit of Sportsmanship = David Kennedy

Largest Snapper – Raiti Karena

Most Unusual Fish – Hank Cappel Jaqueline was presented with a gift in recognition of her efforts as Assistant Treasurer and Rick was presented with a Thank You gift for all his hard work and efforts in building up the club. Finally the Easy Go Lucky award was shared equally by Jacqueline and Nita.

The Fishing Club Notice Board will be displaying all fishing trips as they are booked for the year so everyone will know what trips and dates throughout the year to allow for better planning, so keep checking the board.

Thank you to the members of the Fishing Club, and the

members of the RSA in general for all the support. It is

greatly appreciated.

Terry and Rick

LESSON FOR THE DAY

THE FOX HUNT

WHEN YOU ARE IN DEEP POOS, LOOK STRAIGHT AHEAD, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT & SAY NOTHING.

THE BACK PAGE

Well half of it anyway! Just another indicator as to how

busy this quarter of the year has been. So much has

happened — a lot happy and some not so happy.

First of all sincere congratulations to President Bob

Pettis, and Women’s Section President (past) Sharon

Young for their most well deserved National RSA Merit

awards . Such awards are not made without sound justifi-

cation. They have both worked long and extraordinarily

hard;

always ever in the interests of this RSA.

In a similar vein the same congratulations and

recognition are due to our Support Officer Ian Henry.

What a ‘workaholic’ that man is !

Having said all that there remains yet another who has escaped recognition from within this RSA membership . Whilst her award originates from a non RSA source, the award includes recognition of activities she has provided within and for the Te Atatu (Memorial) RSA.

Take a look !

Clue - Judith - not usually seen from in front ! But nevertheless every year at our ANZAC DAY Service the back of her neck is seen by all as she plays the hymns at the commemorative service.

Here Judith Svensen is seen with husband Neville; himself a WWll veteran returned serviceman and member of this RSA. Neville served from whoa to go in the Italian Campaign.

Judith’s musical skills and welfare work have been widely and generously applied throughout the Peninsula for many years. Her skills recognised and applied at Rutherford Primary School, Te Atatu RSA, ANZAC Day Commemorations and Funerals. She is the resident Organist at St Paul’s Anglican Church. Neville in support with his electrical skills; Neville and Judith have been awarded the Auckland City Council Community Award for Service.

Thanks very much to all our regular writers.

Dave Gillam—Editor