Issue No. 192 Editor: Tony Bowden OAM JP July 2015

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

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

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

ANZAC Day 2015 at GallipoliMy father Mr. Francis Robert Paton Wilson joined the 8th Light Horse Regiment on 6 Nov 1914 at the age of 20 and was discharged 14 Feb 1920. He was a member of the Box Hill RSL in Whitehorse Road, Upton House and Nelson Road until his death in 1972.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing the Australian Government organized a formal service that would be open to all Australians via a government run ballot system. When the ballot was complete 3755 passes were issued with each person allowed to take an accompanying companion. I chose to take my daughter Fiona Johns (nee Kearney). Due to the restricted nature of the site, first descendants (son/daughter of ANZAC soldier) attending the service were issued with an “Assisted Mobility Pass”. This pass entitled the user to shuttle bus access between the main drop off area and the site of the Dawn Service as well as two seats in the assisted mobility stand at the service itself.

A COACH TRIP TO CANBERRA IN SEPTEMBERThe buses will leave the sub-Branch early on Friday 11th September, arriving in Canberra that afternoon and arriving back late on Monday 14th. We will be staying at the Canberra Rex Hotel. The primary aim of this tour is to view the Australian War Memorial’s display and commemoration of the Gallipoli centenary.

After subsidy by the Sub Branch, the cost of the trip is $250 and payment must be made by 14th August. To secure your seat, contact Kathy in Welfare on 9898 2044.

Continues page 6

We thank all members that supported our Nepal Earthquake AppealSEE INSIDE COVER FOR JUNE UPDATE ON NEPAL

Barbara Kearney and Fiona Johns at Gallipoli, ANZAC Day 2015.

IMPORTANT NOTICEDue to recent and ongoing health problems I have had to resign my position as Secretary of Box Hill RSL. Hopefully by the time you receive this, a replacement will have been appointed. For any emails, the address remains the same. I have had seven very rewarding years in this position and will return to the RSL as a member when I am able. Thank you to all the members I have not had the chance to speak to and a special thanks for all the good wishes I have received.

Gail Robertson JP.

2 SCUTTLEBUTT BOX HILL RSL

Vale Lest We Forget

Robert McGregor A37019 - NSAF

Barbara Meyer 174121 – WAAF

Myra Fergusson-Foden Affilliate

Ron Cleaver 421164 - RAAF

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

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

FRANK & ISOBEL BOLTON Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

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

EARLE BUTTERFIELD Alexandra Gardens, 42 Old Warrandyte Rd, Donvale

JOHN BYDDER Silverwood, 105 Porter St, Templestowe

DON CAIRNS Nazareth Care, 16 Cornell St, Camberwell

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

ROBERT CLARK Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

NOEL & LOIS DUNN BUPA, 296-304 Springvale Rd, Springvale

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

JACK GIDLEY Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

GEORGE & DOROTHY GIRLING McGarvie Hostel, Strathdon, 17 Jolim-ont Rd, Forest Hill

GEOFF GLEESON St Catherines, 1 Clayton Rd, Balwyn

GORDON HANG GONG Alexandra Gardens, 42 Old Warrandye Rd, Donvale

MARJ HASLER Charlesbrook, 1 Innisfallen Crt, Templestowe

MARY HODGETTS Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

LOLA INGLEFINGER Banksia Lodge, 2 Jones St, Foster

RAY JACOBS Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box Hill

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

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

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

SYLVIA LANG Donwood Aged Care, 17 Diana St, Croydon

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

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

LEIGH McQUALTER Uniting AgeWell, 75 Thames St, Box Hill

BETTY MADDOCK Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury

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

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

BETTY MONK Springfield, 40 Dorking Rd, Box Hill

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

NOEL OUTHRED BUPA, 296/304 Springvale Rd, Donvale

SHIRLEY PASCOE BUPA, Heidelberg Park, 222 Serpells Rd, Templestowe

TED PHILLIPS Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave, Canterbury.

MILLIE RAYNOR Faversham House, 27 Shierlaw Ave Canterbury

DOREEN ROCK Camberwell Gardens, 15 Cornell St, Camberwell

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

DICK ROSE Clovelly Cottage, 16 Stewart St, Boronia.

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

BETTY SMITH Arcare, Cnr Plenty and Gremel Rds,Latrobe

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

EDNA TREWIN Regis Lake Park, 40 Central Rd, Blackburn

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

NORMA VENDY Dorset Lodge, 362 Dorset Rd, Croydon

EILEEN WADDELL BUPA, 300 Springvale Rd, Donvale

PHIL WALTER Regis Lake Park, 40 Central Rd, Blackburn

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

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

Joanna Eden, Edward Woods, Marcia Ferguson & Alan Byron.

June Update on NepalDespite the chaos the school is up and running in make-shift classrooms of bamboo and sheeting and at the moment there are about 60 children attending. Previous attendances numbered 300. Because of the heat, school is starting at 7:00 am which means some children start walking at 5:00 am.

The Red Cross have delivered rice and clean water is available.

Re-building is on hold as the monsoon is about to arrive. This will make work very difficult.

Work has begun clearing the sites and deconstructing buildings which are unsafe and salvaging materials for rebuilding.

Donations can still be made to this disaster through Faye in Welfare (9898 2044).

Ray Jones.

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Hello Ladies,

We have just celebrated our 33rd birthday. Our specials guests were Lynesse Goldie, State Secretary; Yvonne Dent, State Vice President; Tony Bowden, Trevor Symes and Dennis Fernando. I thank all these people for attending our birthday lunch knowing they all lead very busy lives.

Our thanks also go to the Chef and staff for a very lovely lunch. Everyone was more than happy. Also a big thanks once again to Crystal for ensuing everything went smoothly after having to rearrange chairs to accommodate people who had not put their names down. All this was done with a smile. Overall the day went off well and I thought it was really lovely. I hope all our members agree with me.

On Wednesday 2nd May, Faye Clark (Welfare Co-ordinator) arranged a mini-bus to go to Mt Martha to visit Jean King, a long-time member of the RSL. There were 9 of us on the bus. We drove down to the home and picked up Jean and took her to lunch at Steeples. It was sad to see Jean was a shadow of her old self not really knowing anyone and then a glimpse of memory would come back. I can’t thank the RSL enough, especially Fay, for arranging this. It lets you know that they don’t forget you. It was also nice to meet some of the ladies from other sections of the Club like Madge (97) who still lives on her own and is a bright as a button.

Remember – “Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones that don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is part of life, getting back up is living.”

So for now ladies, take care and keep warm and see you next time.

Joan Clarke Honorary President.

Meeting Dates Function Dates

Monday 22nd June

Monday 27th July

Wednesday 10th June 9am Mystery Bus Trip

Wednesday 8th July – Sausage Sizzle

Women's Auxiliary

A belated recognition to Ron Cleaver.We want to make recognition belatedly to Ron Cleaver who passed away on 17th June. In the June Issue of Scuttlebutt, we acknowledged Donald McDonald as a recipient of the Legion d’Honneur however at that time we were unaware that Ron Cleaver, along with Jim Coulter and Dennis Kelly, were also acknowledged for their services to France.

Pictured left: Prior to his death, at a recent air show, Ron had the opportunity to meet with a fellow RAAF navigator.

Kathy Edelman Welfare Assistant.

A day at the racesPAKENHAM RACE COURSE (the new one at Tynong)

Thursday 20th August, 2015

Special package for Service, Affiliate and Social members – only $40 per person, which includes – coach fare – entry to the racecourse – 2 course luncheon.

Coach leaves the clubrooms at 10am sharp, returning to the clubrooms 15 minutes after the last race. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Please pay at reception and enjoy another great day out.

Legacy ladiesWe had "All the Rage" with all their little "bits and pieces" come to our last meeting. They always manage to have some new items to show and of course lots of things that are good "stocking fillers" - Christmas is only 6 months away. Where does the time go?

On the 7th of July we have our Comradeship Lunch at Legacy House - transport provided. Our fashion show is on Tuesday 21st July (the day after our July Meeting- sorry about that, but there were no other dates available). Be at the Upton Rm between 10:30am and 10:45am - the RSL lounge is a delightful spot to sit and have a coffee and/or a chat if you come early. A light lunch will follow the show. To those who are not well, best wishes for a speedy recovery. We certainly know it’s Winter, so "rug up", keep well and keep warm.

Pat Douglas, Box Hill Legacy Widows' Club.

LEGACY LADIES VISIT JEAN KING

Left to Right: Joan Clark, Pat Douglas Thelma Phillips, Madge Gilbert, Anne Yeowart, Faye Tennyson, Jean King, Bernice Donnelly and Eileen Oates

4 SCUTTLEBUTT BOX HILL RSL

VISIT TO PENTRIDGE & ROCK ‘N ROLL

The 19th of May was a cold, wintry day as we set off for our visit to Pentridge. Luckily, morning tea and lunch was at the Leinster Arms where a warm welcome and a big log fire awaited us first. Freshly baked scones jam and cream served on arrival with a hot cuppa was appreciated. This was followed with entertainment by Cee Jay Jones playing hits from the 50’s & 60’s including Bill Haley, Neil Diamond, the big “O” Roy Orbison, Elvis and more. He had the room rocking with his music. Betty, Hazel, and a few others sang with Cee Jay. Even the manager and his staff joined in by rock ‘n rolling too. Cee Jay had entertained at the Box Hill RSL on Friday nights for 8 years with his band the Speedstars. After a great morning melodies we were served a two-course lunch. Then it was off to Pentridge (visit only) where our guide Vaughan walked us through the old cellblocks and told of the history and gave us an insight into the lives of past inmates. One of our group Marty, now retired, was a warden at Pentridge and was recognised by Vaughan immediately so he was able to fill in some details of a time before Vaughan worked there. Thanks Marty for your contribution to one of the best-guided tours we have had.

VISIT TO THE SHRINE.

THE QUEEN’S cousin the Duke of Kent met up with a few Day Clubbers at the Shrine of Remembrance on our visit there in April. Not wanting to waste an opportunity Ron Teer asked his Royal Highness “how are you Sir”. His Highness replied politely, “Very well thank you”. It was a great moment.

The day trip started at 9.15 am on the 21st April. When we arrived at the gardens near the Shrine for morning tea, workers were putting final additions into the Vietnam Veteran’s new monument. The whole area was a buzz of preparation for the Anzac Day, 100 years celebration on the 25th. After refreshments, we visited the newly refurbished Visitors Centre with its very impressive Galleries of Remembrance. Our guides split us into four groups and for the next hour or so we were transported back in time to the first and second world wars.

Lunch was at the Leinster Arms Hotel in Collingwood. Collingwood supporters enjoyed the “Magpies” memorabilia before sitting down to a two-course lunch. Marty mentioned to management that it was Barrie’s birthday. A cake (small slice) with a sparkler on top was placed before him and everyone sang “Happy Birthday.” We were all in happy mood when we left the Hotel and boarded the coach for a guided tour of The Old Treasury Building in Spring Street. Built in 1852. Again, we split into small groups and taken on a tour of the Gold Vaults, Public Records Office and the Executive Council Chambers. We were allowed to sit at the grand, historic table in the Executive Council Chambers where the Executive Council of Victoria meet every month. All too soon, the time had come to get back on the coach and head for home after another interesting and informative day out.

Wendy and Barrie Grigg Tour Co-ordinators.

MEETINGS12TH MAY

Our Speaker for this meeting was John LIDDELL. His talk covered an amazing period of his family’s history and its effects on the World. It began with a German family’s migration to America, their subsequent success in top class manufacture of cloth, providing clothing to the U.S. Army in WW1. The family’s sons remained based in fabrics and the building of fabulous mansions and the largest private “yacht” in the world. The yacht was sold to the U.S. Navy for conversion into a Gun Boat serving its time along the U.S. eastern seaboard and eventually as Flagship to a range of Admirals in WW2. The vessel had been built by Krupps of Germany. The family KRUPPS fed the Kaiser with steel and heavy weapons in WW1. Fabulous houses were built and business boomed under the leadership of the family successors. The Armistice signing at the end of the war banned heavy industry and armaments production in Germany. Krupps undaunted took up other manufacturing until the arrival of Adolf Hitler. During Hitler’s early days the Treaty was brushed aside and Krupp steel production and armament resumed. At the end of WW2 Krupp was arrested as a war criminal for employing and mistreatment of foreign slave labour. All wealth, businesses and property was confiscated while Krupp himself served his twelve year prison sentence. An American Officer on leave from the Occupation Forces visited the huge ex home of the Krupps. There in the huge private library he “souvenired” the only book he found written in English. Our speaker produced that book!

One postscript told of Krupps released because of the Cold War with the Soviet Union, Europe needed somebody capable of running what had been Krupp Steel. Who better than the convicted war criminal? Krupp gradually regained control of his Company and his wealth.

26TH MAY

Our normal Day Club meeting was given over to our version of The Cancer Council “Big Morning Tea”. We opened at 9a.m. with coffee, tea, cakes and biscuits for all comers from Box Hill

RSL. After things had settled down we began phase two, our auction of goods donated by Box Hill branches of The Bendigo Bank, Big W, Coles, Masters Hardware, the Federal Member for Deakin, Michael SUKKAR and members of both our Day Club and the Box Hill RSL.

All proceeds including the $5 entrance fee, minus the cost of cakes will be donated to the Cancer Council.

Special thanks to our volunteer helpers, all donators of goods and cash plus the RSL Staff for their much appreciated assistance. We banked $1451.40 straight into their ANZ account. All reports from attendees were that they had had a good time.

9TH JUNE

We had a speaker from Compassion, an organisation said to be the third largest in its field after the Salvation Army and World Vision. Their aim is to raise children above the poverty of any country allowing their organisation to operate. Astounding figures were given regarding child deaths, slavery, employment and lack of education. Several questions were raised as a result of this illustrated talk and our cheque for $60 presented to the speaker Sean Foster.

What great news for all members and management to hear that the RSL Car Park is to be enlarged. It will be of great assistance for all our elderly Service and Affiliate members. The older they grow the more they rely on the Welfare and Social activity provided within the Clubs attached to our RSL. Secure parking within the RSL domain affords easier access to not only the various rooms used but also to the many coach trips organised for their benefit by Bowls, Nashos, Day Club and our Welfare Section. Trips away are a big plus and attraction well within the original concept of our RSL “Looking after their Mates and Families, first and last” Well done Committee and Management

Clif Hardy Coordinator.

Whitehorse Day Club

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BOX HILL’S BEST KEPT SECRETThe RSL military library must be the best kept secret since D DAY judging by the lack of patronage by our members. It is rare to see the volunteers engaged in conversation with eager borrowers.

The library has over five thousand books and nearly three hundred DVDs. There are150 books on WW1, many with unit histories, a section on WW2, others on Korea, Vietnam Iraq and Afghanistan. Some go back to earlier conflicts such as the Crimean War, the Sudan War, Boer War, the Zulu War and even the Irish and Spanish civil wars. The Falklands War is covered and there are sections of the library devoted to the Army, Navy, Air Force and Nursing services.

This is a most valuable collection of resources and it is open to all members, their children and grand-children. So give Beth, Jock, Ivan, Bob and Sue a thrill by coming in borrowing. After all, they give up valuable time coming in to help you.

Colin Holt, Welfare volunteer.

BOOK REVIEW

'No Easy Day'THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A NAVY SEAL BY MARK OWEN WITH KEVIN MAURER

This USA published book is the first hand account of the mission that killed Osama bin Laden. For the first time anywhere, the first-person account of the planning and execution of the bin Laden raid from a Navy Seal who confronted the terrorist mastermind and witnessed his final moments.

From the streets of Iraq to the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips in the Indian Ocean, and from the mountaintops of Afghanistan to the third floor of Osama bin Laden’s compound, operator Mark Owen of the US Naval Special Warfare Development Group – commonly known as SEAL team six – has been part of some of the most memorable special operations in history, as well as countless missions that never made the headlines.

Now available from our library

RSL - Fifty years of Service? Did you know the League has a Fifty Year Long Service Award?

Although some members have received this award over the years, it has fewer observed that more recently there have been less nominations. This comes as a surprise considering the age of many of our members and may reflect the fact that members are unaware of this recognition. If you are a member, or know of a member who has been with the League for a period in excess of 50 years, please contact me. My working days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Kathy Edelman Welfare Assistant.

The WWI Centenary ExhibitionWith the success of the bus trips to the Shrine during May and June, the Welfare team has decided to run another trip. We will be visiting the Melbourne Museum for the WW1 Centenary Exhibition. This exhibition is of great historical significance and as part of our celebrations, we are offering you the opportunity to join us in the bus to share the experience.

The exhibition combines artifacts and technology to provide a multi-sensory journey illustrating how the war was fought on land, air and focusing on the experiences of all those involved and reflecting on the legacy.

The trip will include an early lunch at the Leinster Arms.

When: August 19th. Bus leaving 10.30 a.m. Return approx. 4.30 p.m

Bookings: Contact Kathy Edelman on 9898 2044

Jock McCormack in the library

6 SCUTTLEBUTT BOX HILL RSL

The time to leave for Turkey was fast approaching. The passes had arrived, last minute details were sorted out and then we were off. We had decided to go with "On the Go Tours - Royal Engineer’s Tour” leaving from Istanbul on 19 April and finishing with Anzac Day, before returning us to Istanbul. The group consisted of 31 Australians and 7 New Zealanders. There were three - 1st generation descendents, relatives of ANZAC soldiers, veterans and people generally interested in attending the special service. We all had to have a pass to go on the tour.

On 24 April we were up early as we were having a guided tour of Troy before heading onto Canakkale Port to cross the Dardanelles by ferry. We were the 49th bus in the queue to cross, so it took some time for the crossing. Once onto the Gallipoli peninsula we passed through 3 security/registration checkpoints. At the first check point we received a wrist band to allow entry into Gallipoli. Our bus was given the number 083 so we would know what bus to look out for on the afternoon of 25 April.

We arrived at Mimosa Park at approx 4.00pm where we left our bus and proceeded into a holding area after passing through a more thorough security check. We had to carry all our food and clothing for the next 24 hours in small rucksacks. Fortunately the weather was pleasant as we waited with the hundreds of other people to be called to proceed to Anzac Cove via our bus groups. Being bus 83, we didn’t have too long of a wait and soon those of us with “Assisted Mobility Passes” were catching our first shuttle bus, whilst the rest of our group walked the 3km to the site of the ANZAC Commemoration Service.

We had one more security check point to pass through before entering the Anzac Commemoration Site at about 6.00pm. Here we found a large area with lots of grandstand seating around three of the edges leaving a large grassed area in the middle and a stage backing onto the beach. There were plenty of very friendly, helpful volunteers to explain where to go, what was going to happen and where to find the amenities. We were relatively early so we had seats with a good view of the coming proceedings. We settled in for the night with our food and extra layers of clothing to use as the night grew cooler. The assisted mobility people were given a blanket each which certainly helped to keep us warm. People continued to stream in for the next few hours and the stands were quickly filling up. There were large screens in various places so everyone could watch the reflective programs that were screened overnight. The Australian Army Band, the New Zealand Defence Forces Band and the All Hallows Gallipoli Children’s Choir also performed at various times throughout the night. The “Telegram Man” was shown which was a very poignant reminder that this was the only way relatives learned of their loved ones fate. Another segment they showed on the screens was all the different Dawn Services that had gone on around Australia and New Zealand just hours before ours was due to begin. People were still coming in at 2.00am and those already on the grass were asked to make more room as more people still needed to fit in. By 3.00am the 10,500 had arrived and it was a full house.

As dawn was approaching the lights went out and not a sound could be heard except for the lapping of the water. A voice spoke out “the boats are being lowered” the hush descended again and then the service commenced at 5.30am. All the dignitaries were seated, the Catafalque

Party entered and Prince Charles along with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers spoke as well as members of the Defence Forces, as no doubt you saw on TV. With the continual parade of battleships passing in the background, it was all in all a very emotional and moving experience.

After the Anzac service we went by shuttle bus to the Lone Pine Cemetery for the Australian service, passing by four cemeteries along the way, numerous monuments and thousands of people wending their way up to Lone Pine. The New Zealand service was at Chunuk Bair Cemetery 3km’s further on. The Turkish service was at the 57th Regiment Memorial Cemetery also 3kms beyond Lone Pine. We had seats in stand D1 so we made our way to our seats. The weather was still fair, cloudy but no wind. The Lone Pine service was more intimate, with everyone having a seat in the stands surrounding the Lone Pine cemetery. There were again large screens so you could watch what was going on everywhere.

Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Mr. and Mrs. Abbott had a public walk around and spoke with and shook many attendees’ hands. There was a lighter atmosphere here than at the Dawn Service. The Australian Defence Band and All Hallows Children’s choir performed again before and during the service. The Dignitaries were seated facing the altar. After the Catafalque Party entered, Prince Harry, Mr. Abbott, Mr. Shorten, members of the Defence Forces and the winners of the Simpson Prize participated in the service. Once the Official and Public Wreath Laying ceremonies were performed we were all able to leave our seats and have a look at the gravestones and the memorial walls where we placed some long stemmed poppies on the 8th Light Horse Regiment’s section. Sadly there were columns and columns of enlisted men killed in action from the whole campaign on the memorial wall. The Dignitaries went onto the next two services and we had plenty of time to reflect on the ANZAC Commemoration and Lone Pine services and share our experience with fellow attendees.

The buses were finally released at 3.30pm to pick up their passengers first from Lone Pine, then Chunuk Bair. Five buses arrived at a time so it was quite a wait for the approx. 400 buses to be released. We left Gallipoli at 5.30pm, had a quick meal on the road and arrived in Istanbul at 10.30pm.

The three countries involved in organizing this event, Australia, New Zealand and Turkey have to be congratulated and thanked for the mammoth effort they achieved for this memorial occasion.

I wore the special RSL’s ANZAC scarf and the Australian War Widows 70th year Celebratory scarf at the services.

Barbara Kearney, OAM, JP, Welfare Officer.

ANZAC Day 2015 at GallipoliCONTINUED FROM COVER

Free Hearing ChecksAre you missing out on the enjoyment of everyday sounds and conversations?

Free hearing tests are available at Box Hill RSL (by appointment).

When: 28th July, 2015 10am – 12 noon; 2 – 4 p.m.

Bookings through Kathy (Welfare) on 9898 2044 (Mon, Weds & Fri)

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CAMBERWELL’S CUBS ENJOY A GREAT NIGHT OUTRecently, Box Hill RSL was honoured to have the 19th Camberwell Cubs group join us for a night of education and information. I say “honoured” because with an average age of only nine years, they just about knew all the answers to the questions we threw at them.

Colin Holt who always does the introductions with a display of sending and receiving “morse code” had the youngsters intrigued – during this display Jock McCormick attempted to raise the volume of the dots and dashes. This attempt ended with a “short-out” and no sound at all – this small break-down was remedied by holding a microphone up to the “sending” mechanism and as they say, “be prepared”.

After a supper of sausage rolls, party pies and soft drinks, Jock spoke of Australia’s military history, after which he allowed the cubs to dress-up in various uniforms and hats/berets. As a hands-on exercise the youngster really enjoyed the experience.

To conclude the evening we all toured the memorabilia displays within the Sub-Branch, where a myriad of questions were asked and answered.

Brian Tateson, Memorabilia Officer.

FREE MOVIE FOR MEMBERSTHURSDAY 23rd JULY, 2015 AT 10.30 AMPresented by Ray Wall

"The Hurricane"(starring Denzel Washington) an inspirational true story for the July Movie

"This film tells the story of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, an African-American man who rose above his troubled youth to become a top contender for the middle-weight boxing title. However, his dreams are shattered when he is accused of a triple murder, and is convicted to three natural-life terms. This changes when an African-American boy and his Canadian mentors read his book and are convinced of his innocence enough to work for his exoneration."

TREV’S COLUMNDO YOU KNOW YOUR RSL? Did you know that the Club once owned a Chinese rickshaw which Members used to conduct a relay from the RSL to the City collecting donations on the way for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal? It disappeared years ago and was last reported to have been given to the Heathcote RSL Sub Branch.

MEMBERS LOYALTY CARD – CHRISTMAS IN JULY Don’t forget to swipe your Member’s Card at the kiosk when you enter the Club and you could win a Bonus ticket to receive 100.00 Auction Dollars to bid in the Christmas on July Auctions. The Homeware Auction will be held on 17th July at 7.30pm. The Home Entertainment Auction will be held on 31st July at 7.30pm. You can also win a bonus ticket from the kiosk. Present your card over the Bar or Bistro with each purchase and you can obtain additional money when you spend $20.00 or more. Each purchase accumulates until you reach $20.00 so present your card even if you are only buying one drink.

GAMING ROOM The renovation of the first stage of the Gaming room has been completed and it is quite spectacular. Hopefully by the time you receive this issue of Scuttlebutt, stage two will have been completed and we will have an additional 8 poker machines. You should not have any trouble getting a machine.

BUS TRIPS AWAY FROM THE CLUB It’s becoming evident that as our membership has now grown to 14,000 members that parking on any given day has become a challenge. We are also experiencing large RSL groups leaving their vehicles in our carpark for daily outings. Our preference is that you car-pool or better still do not leave your car on the premises if you are not using the Club facilities. All groups wishing to leave their vehicles in the Box Hill RSL carpark must notify the General Manager, Denis Fernando one month prior to the event at which point you will be advised if it’s possible.

RACE DAY I have organised another Race Day at the new racecourse at Packenham located at Tynon for Thursday 20 August. This will be very interesting as it is a new venue. For full details see the ad elsewhere in this edition of Scuttlebutt. Please book early at Reception to avoid disappointment

Trevor Symes Vice President.

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

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

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

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What Does the Box Hill RSL do for its members?An old Army Buddy of mine rang me a few weeks ago and said he had just moved from a country town to a house near the Box Hill Hospital. He went on to say that his wife had been quite sick over the past few years and doctors recommended that he move closer to urgent medical facilities.

He asked me what I did when I had the opportunity to get a leave pass from the wife. I told him I spend at least two days a week at the Box Hill RSL as a volunteer. He went on to say he had never been a member of an RSL because where he lived before never had one. He asked me if I could tell him what the RSL does for its members apart from sell them a beer and this is what I told him.

All Service, Affiliate and Social members pay $40 each year to become a member. When it’s your birthday they send you a birthday voucher that gives you a free meal and drink that virtually gives you back the $40. You get a monthly magazine that tells you what is happening plus, we have full time and part time paid Welfare Coordinators that are available to members for various activities as mentioned below. These include;

Aged and veteran accommodation Services, Health related programs, Social and Community Welfare activities and the relief assistance or support of veterans and/or their dependants and referral to DVA. Disability and War Widows pension advice and counselling.

Our many volunteers either ring or visit the homes, Hospitals, and Aged care facilities to see how our sick and elderly are coping. If there are problems they are referred to our Welfare Coordinators.

In special cases Box Hill RSL provide finance for medical aids, podiatry, gardening services, trips to significant places and TV hire for hospital stays. Haircuts for both men and women are available as is transport to medical appointments. Discounted room hire to non profit community groups and most defence organizations can be made. Groups such as Genealogy, Movies, Walking, Meditation, Gardening, Knitting, Prostate support and men’s discussion groups are all available.

We provide support to families during bereavement of members and assist with wakes held at the RSL. We have a vast military library and our memorabilia displays are outstanding.

We have a day Club, a Snooker Club, an Angling Club, a Darts Club, a Legacy Widows Club, a Swimming Club, a Bowls Club, an Eastern Suburbs TPI Social Club, plus a Vietnam Veterans Sub Branch, a National Service mans Sub Branch, and a very important Box Hill RSL Women’s Auxiliary.

Arthur Merryweather Treasurer.

70th Anniversary of VE DayOur current display in the main Memorabilia Cabinet is dedicated to the 70th Anniversary of VE Day – the end of WW11 in Europe and was celebrated in Australia. The main back-drop of this display is the iconic photo of the “Dancing Man” but it is now certain that it was Frank McAlary.

This Display also has original newspapers from the day the 7th May 1945, when 70 years ago, the world celebrated the end of WW11. On this day, Germany signed an unconditional surrender bringing an end to the war in Europe. This surrender came into effect at midnight on the 8th May 1945 and the day became known as Victory in Europe (VE) Day and was a consequence of the tenacity, courage and sacrifice of Great Britain under the leadership of Winston Churchill, the United States, and Russia, which suffered dreadfully through WW11.

Australian Soldiers fought in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, South East Asia and the Pacific between 1939 and 1945.Darwin was bombed by the Japanese in June 1942,

killing 19 Australians and two British. During the war, sixty (60) million people lost their lives, including 40,000 Australians.

In WW11, our direct and vital interests were very much at stake and we can only imagine what may have happened if Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler had triumphed. It’s important for us now to reflect with a sober sense of reverence and pride in what was achieved in defeating Nazi Germany.

This display has some original flags from WW11 and in particular from VE Day. One is the “Kings” Coat of Arms which flew on VE Day, along with an original British Standard. The Nazi flag in the display was captured toward the end of the war. The uniforms are all original, including Flight Officer Tom Hawkins of 49 Squadron. The 2/24th uniform is Len Bridgman’s, while the WRAN uniform belonged to June Fleming and the RAN uniform to Lt Ron Blackwell. All led the Victory parades in Sydney at War’s end.

Brian Tateson, Memorabilia Officer.