WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW DECEMBER 2014

Guild DigestWAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW DECEMBER 2014

2 GUILD DIGEST DECEMBER 2014

WAR WIDOWS’ GUILDOF AUSTRALIANSW LIMITED

ABN 24 083 075 914

Under the Patronage of His Excellency General The Honourable

David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales

and Mrs Linda Hurley

STATE PRESIDENTMrs Wendy Thompson

CHAIRMrs Dagmar Schmidmaier AM

BOARD OF DIRECTORSS Drysdale, M Green, D Haines,N Isenberg, S Kelly, B Morrison,

D Schmidmaier AM,W Thompson, H Wiseman

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERPatricia Campbell

PRESIDENT’S REPRESENTATIVESBarbara Jeanes, Gina Parrelli

GUILD DIGESTISSN 1449-3691

Editorial CommitteeP Campbell, B McMullen

PublisherWar Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW Limited

HEAD OFFICELevel 2

175 Castlereagh StreetSydney NSW 2000

Email: [email protected]: www.warwidowsnsw.com.au

Telephone: (02) 9267-6577Facsimile: (02) 9267-6601

Toll free numbers(for country members)

Enquiries, Welfare and Referral: 1800-451-615Friendship Line Mon-Fri 10am to 3pm:

1800-001-422

Office hours: Monday to Friday9am to 5pm

Annual Subscription: $30 due 1 April each year

Donations to War Widows’ Guildof Australia NSW Limited

are tax deductible

* * * *MOTTO

“We all belong to each other.We all need each other.

It is in serving each other and insacrificing for our common good that

we are finding our true life.”(King George VI, Extract from

Christmas message 1941)

EDITORIAL

CONTENTS

Centenary of World War I The Centenary of the commencement of World War I was on 4 August, 2014. The Centenary is being commemorated in all the participating countries. An installation of ceramic poppies was a magnificent memorial at the Tower of London – one poppy for each of the 888,246 people from British and Commonwealth countries who died during the conflict. The proceeds of the sale of the poppies will go to service charities.

In Australia, further significant centenary events have been marked, particularly the sailing of the fleet carrying the first soldiers bound for Egypt and ultimately serving at Gallipoli. The first ships from Sydney departed from Woolloomooloo on 18 October

and a service was held at the Mothers and Wives Memorial to remember this event. Several weeks later the full fleet sailed from Albany on 1 November. En route, the HMAS Sydney detoured from the fleet and engaged and sank the German ship SMS Emden in the Indian Ocean. The centenary of this battle was commemorated at Bradley’s Head in November.

It is by remembering these significant events that we learn more about the course of World War I and the events that shaped our countries and our communities. Many of us had relatives who served and it is a way of remembering their contributions to the war effort, as well as the many families left behind who suffered as a result of the war, through the loss or injury of a loved one.

Lest We Forget

OUR COVER Front: Memorial Poppies at the Tower of

London, England 5 August – 19 November 2014 commemorating those who died

during World War I

Back: Guild National Conference Tweed Heads National and State Presidents laid a wreath

and flowers at the Tweed Heads Anzac Memorial Fountain 2014

3 From the Chair4 Thanks & Congratulations5 President’s Message6-7 From the CEO8 Election 20159-11 Centenary of WWI12-13 Visiting Timor-Leste14-15 Welfare news16-17 Transport

DISCLAIMER: The material in this Guild Digest has been checked thoroughly and to the best of our knowledge is correct. However, errors may occur which are beyond our control. If this should happen, we apologise most sincerely.

Guild DigestWAR WIDOWS’ GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW DECEMBER 2014

National Guild Conference 2014

18 National President’s Report19 Friendship Line, Veterans’ Health Week20-21 War Widows’ Walk and Picnic22-24 Guild and Social Clubs 25-26 Members’ News, Jean Arnot Lunch27 Gardening, Recipe

3GUILD DIGEST DECEMBER 2014

New Guild PatronsI am delighted to advise that our new Guild Patrons are His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d) Governor of New South Wales, and Mrs Linda Hurley, continuing the long tradition of Patronage by the Governor and his or her spouse. As the former Chief of the Defence Force, the Governor will have an excellent understanding of the role of the Guild and other ex-service organisations in supporting veterans and war widows.

The Board held its annual planning day in November. Given the decisions we have made about realizing our Guild housing assets, with the occupancy and demand for our housing significantly decreasing, we want to consider how the Guild will manage these funds prudently for future war widows. This will ensure that appropriate activities and services can continue to be provided to meet our aims of promoting and protecting the interests of war widows.

As part of our discussions, we received advice from a solicitor specialising in not for profit organisations. This helped to clarify our thinking on the issues we will face. Although the numbers of war widows are decreasing and will continue to decrease in the forthcoming years, there are still expected to be around 33,500 war widows in Australia in 2024.

One of the important aspects of our work has been and will continue to be our advocacy work on behalf of war widows. Because we know our members well, we are familiar with your needs and are in a position to advocate to government and service providers about your requirements.

We are also concerned to ensure that the legacy of the Guild is not forgotten in future years, and would like to see the story of the Guild available for future generations.

We have decided to call this work the Future Project and we will be committing significant time to developing our ideas over the coming year.

I wish all our members, Directors and staff a Happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful New Year.

Dagmar Schmidmaier AM

CHAIR

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

FROM THE CHAIR FOR YOUR DIARY

Christmas closure, head officeClosed Monday 22 December toFriday 2 JanuaryOffice re-opens Monday5 January 2015

DVA Christmas closureClosed Thursday 25 December toMonday 1 JanuaryOffice re-opens Friday2 January 2015

Nominations closeFor directors and State President5pm 16 January 2015

Remembrance ceremony73rd Anniversary Fall of SingaporeThe 8th Australian Division Assoc11am 15 February 2015The Cenotaph, Martin Place

Jean Arnot Memorial Lunch8 May 2015Parliament House, Sydney

Bridge GroupEvery Friday at 10.15amHead office Contact Barbara Pittaway9267 6577

Please register for the above Guild events at head office on 9267 6577

Season’s Greetings

From the Directors, State President and staff of the Guild.


Dear Ms Campbell

Thank you for your gracious letter on behalf of the President and Members of the Guild on the occasion of the conclusion of my term as Governor of New South Wales.

I was indeed touched by your generous comments and good wishes.

It has certainly been a privilege to walk, and to work, with our people of New South Wales during my years of office and to note their achievements; but also to be alongside our communities in times of crises – of bushfires, of floods and droughts. And certainly I was always most grateful – and proud – to be involved over the years with our superb War Widows, whose dignity, and love for our nation is exceptional.

My husband Sir Nicholas Shehadie joins me in sending our thoughts of appreciation and best wishes in all the years ahead to all members of the Guild, and to the team who give support in so many ways.

Professor Dame Marie R Bashir AD CVO

Ms Helen Wiseman, Guild director and Chair of the Finance Audit and Compliance Committee has been chosen as one of 100 Women of Influence in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards, recognising Australia’s highest achieving women in 2014. Helen was chosen in the category of Philanthropy.

Helen is driven by a passion for social justice. Formerly a partner at accounting firm KPMG, Helen occupies a number of Board roles in not-for-profit organisations, where she can use her experience and business skills to “make the biggest impact.”

Helen is also keen to help women to reach their potential and become leaders so they can play a greater role in their communities and speed up social and policy change. She now works at Imalia, a women-focussed financial services company Helen co-founded with Carole-Anne Priest.

FROM THE NSW MINISTER

FORMER GOVERNOR WRITES

CONGRATULATIONS

Dear Wendy

I would like to congratulate the Guild for delivering another productive year on behalf of war widows throughout NSW. Following the recent wars in the Middle East, regrettably the number of widows who need support has not reduced. Through your presence on the Centenary of Anzac Advisory Council, I am sure that the work of the

Guild will remain prominent over the next four years and into the future.

Victor Dominello MP Minister for Citizenship and Communities Minister for Veterans’ Affairs

Guild farewells Governor


presence of His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales and Mrs Hurley. The congregation really appreciated the outstanding talents displayed by the choir on this special occasion. After the Service we were invited to adjourn to the Church Hall for refreshments, where I had the opportunity to speak with the Governor and Mrs Hurley and was able to personally thank them for agreeing to become joint patrons of the Guild.

For those of you who are able to come and join us on 5 December at the Hilton for our Christmas Party, we know as always it will be a great day. Many of our members are finding it too difficult to travel to the city so this year we are holding regional Christmas parties in the Newcastle/Hunter area and the South Coast area. We hope that many members from these neighbouring Clubs will be able to come together to collectively share in the Christmas festivities.

To all of you I wish you a very happy Christmas and the hope that 2015 will bring us all peace and happiness.

Wendy Thompson

STATE PRESIDENT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Kokoda Day 2014

Hello members and friendsOnce again the festive season is upon us as we move towards the end of another very busy year with the Guild.

In August I visited Timor Leste – more on pages 10 and 11.

In addition to the regular services that we attend, there have been many commemorations relevant to the Centenary of Anzac: at St Stephen’s Church honouring the death of Lt William Malcolm Chisholm, the first Australian killed in World War I while serving in the British Army; at Bradley’s Head for Able Seaman William (Billy) Williams, being the first Australian serviceman to die in World War I; and at the Mothers and Wives Memorial Fountain, Woolloomooloo, the place from where our first troops left on two ships sailing to Albany and then en route to the Middle East and Gallipoli.

On 9 November we commemorated at Bradley’s Head the 100th Anniversary and subsequent sinking of the German Cruiser SMS Emden by HMAS Sydney I. This was a very moving service as there were four flags dedicated to the memory of the four Australian sailors killed in this battle.

In October the National Guild’s bi-annual Conference was held at Tweed Heads. NSW was delighted when current State Director, Meg Green was elected as the Guild’s National President. Meg had been the current National Treasurer and we are also happy now to announce that Shirley Drysdale, also a State Director, was elected as National Treasurer. Congratulations to both Meg and Shirley.

On 23 October we held our annual Walk and Picnic at the Kokoda Track, Concord. Despite the threat of rain and storms we were blessed with a beautiful day. I am sure members thoroughly enjoyed the day.

On Sunday 9 November I attended Evensong at Christ Church St Laurence to mark the 100th Anniversary of the outbreak of WWI and Remembrance Day. This Service was held in the


FROM THE CEO

HMAS Sydney

It is always a pleasure to join with members of the HMAS Sydney Association in November and remember the proud service of all the ships named HMAS Sydney. HMAS Sydney I was commissioned into the RAN in 1913 and was the first ship to sail into Sydney Harbour as part of the RAN fleet entry in that year. While escorting the first ANZAC convoy, on 9 November 1914, the cruiser defeated the German cruiser SMS Emden at the Battle of Cocos.

HMAS Sydney II was sunk during World War II in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian Coast with all crew lost after an engagement with the German raider HSK Kormoran. The loss of the Sydney in 1941 with its full war complement of 645 remains Australia’s worst naval disaster.

The wreck of the ship was not discovered until 2008. The brother of one of our members Mrs June Bickle, was lost on the ship and she always attended the memorial services in Sydney, until she became unable to travel. Sadly Mrs Bickle died recently.

HMAS Sydney III, a light carrier, operated with distinction in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. HMAS Sydney IV commissioned in 1983,has served in a number of operational zones including the Gulf, the Middle East and East Timor. It will cease service in 2015, and the HMAS Sydney V will not commence operations for several years.

Fortunately this year, some of the crew was able to attend the memorial service, as the ship had returned from operations several days before.

DVA newspaper VetaffairsIn the last magazine we advised that the Guild was concerned that the fourth (summer) edition of Vetaffairs was planned to be produced electronically only. Many war widows and veterans who do not have access to computers will not be able to access this edition of the newspaper.

A number of our members have contacted the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to let them know of their concerns that they will be unable to read the Summer edition.

The NSW Guild has now done a survey of over 550 Guild members, and only 43 have the ability to access the internet. This is less than 8%. This demonstrates that many war widows will not be able to read this issue. If these results are applied to the total number of war widows in Australia (81,500), then possibly only around 6,520 war widows will be capable of accessing the newspaper.

If you are concerned about this change and you will be unable to read the Summer issue online, you can contact the Department’s feedback line on 1300 555 785 (email: [email protected]).

VVCSThe Department of Veterans’ Affairs has announced it is changing its arrangements for the Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service in Sydney. The main VVCS centre in NSW will be relocated from Parramatta to Centennial Plaza in Surry Hills early in 2015. This will ensure easy accessibility for all veterans and their families from across the Sydney metropolitan region.

VVCS will also maintain a small centre in Parramatta from where staff counsellors will continue to support the local veteran community. This will complement the successful satellite centre that has been supporting veterans in Liverpool. VVCS will also undertake a six month trial of new satellite centres in Manly and Sutherland, to assess the level of services required at these locations.

Patricia Campbell, CDRE Tony Partridge, Wendy Thompson and the Hon Charlie Lynn MLC at the HMAS Sydney commemoration.


FROM THE CEO

In addition, to facilitate access to services, VVCS has a network of contracted counsellors that can support VVCS clients across Australia, including in the Sydney region.

Guild National Conference

The Guild’s National Conference was held in October in Twin Towns, Coolangatta-Tweed Heads. A range of business was conducted. The Guild is pleased to advise that NSW Director and former National Treasurer, Mrs Meg Green was elected as National President, taking over from Acting President Mrs Wendy Charlton.

The Guild also decided to appoint a Deputy President who would be available to act as President in the absence or resignation of the President. Mrs Helen Strange OAM of Queensland was appointed to this role.

Guest speaker, Repatriation Commissioner, Major General Mark Kelly AO, DSC gave an extensive outline of the Australian Government’s program to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac. Following a submission by the National Guild, all remaining World War I widows were invited to attend the service in Gallipoli in 2015, the centenary of the Landing. There are currently around 100 World War I widows still alive. Ten of those are able to travel and attend, including one from the NSW Guild and one from the Queensland Guild (who was present at the Conference).

Anne BonnerThe Guild was honoured that the Hon Charlie Lynn MLC, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans’ Affairs, made a statement in the NSW Legislative Council about former NSW and National President Anne Bonner who died in August. He presented a framed copy of his motion to Wendy Thompson, State President in November.

He said that “Anne was held in high esteem by her many friends and colleagues at the Guild and also by the many people she worked with in the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and within the ex-service community.” His motion that “This House pays tribute to Mrs Anne Bonner and her family and offers its sympathy to her family in their time of bereavement” was agreed.

Meg Green, Wendy Charlton and Helen Strange OAM

Guild staffThe Guild staff has undergone a number of changes, with several staff leaving during the year. Thanks to Rosalind Fletcher-Dunn and Judi Parker for their contribution to the Guild. We are pleased to welcome Matthew Piesse as our new Assistant Accountant. As part of his job he will be assisting our Guild Clubs with their accounting arrangements.

Renewing membershipFor members who like to renew their membership early, please return your mailing sheet with your payment of $30 (and donation if desired). Alternatively renew quickly and easily over the phone. Call 9267 6577 or for members outside Sydney toll free 1800 451 615.

Patricia Campbell

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


GUILD ELECTION 2015

Directors

Nominations are invited for five directors: four who are members of the Guild and one who is not a member.

The Guild has a board of nine directors. The Guild’s Constitution requires that one third of directors retire each year (those longest in office since their election.) In addition, one Director appointed to a casual vacancy must stand for election and one has reached the end of her term of office.

In 2015, Meg Green, Wendy Thompson, Brenda Morrison, Shirley Drysdale (member directors), and Naida Isenberg (non-member director) will retire. They are all eligible for re-election, except for Shirley Drysdale, who has completed her maximum term as a director.

Mrs Dagmar Schmidmaier’s term as a Director will end on 28 July 2015, and the Board will also be looking for someone to fill the third non-member position.

Nominations for non-members will be considered by a Nominations Committee of Directors, which will decide whether the nominee has the qualifications and experience to complement the Directors who are members.

State President Nominations are also invited for State President, who must be a member and must be or become a director. Wendy Thompson, the current State President, will not be eligible to be nominated for this position, as she will have completed her maximum term of three years as State President.

Nominations A nomination form is included with this Guild Digest. According to the Guild’s Constitution, a nomination is not valid unless

• It is in writing;

• It is in accordance with the nomination form;

• It is signed by two members duly entitled to attend and vote at a general meeting; and

• The written consent of the candidate is included on the nomination form or is otherwise received in writing by the Returning Officer before the end of the Nomination Period.

Nominees may, but are not required to, submit a signed statement of not more than 100 words which sets out information relevant to their candidature and also a head and shoulders colour photograph for publication in the Guild Digest. Election information for the Guild Digest must be received by the Guild no later than Friday 30 January 2015.

If you would like to be nominated as a director and/or State President, or to nominate someone else, please complete the nomination form, ensure that the person being nominated has signed their acceptance of the nomination, and that the two members nominating have both completed their membership details and have signed the form.

The nomination period opens 9am 8 December 2014. Nominations must be received by 5pm 16 January 2015 at the Guild Office, Level 2, 175 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Nominations will not be accepted by the Returning Officer after the close of the nomination period.

Are you interested in becoming a Director?Guild directors find it most rewarding and challenging to contribute to decisions about the policies and future directions of the Guild. However, being the director of a company carries serious responsibilities. If you are thinking of nominating as a director, you may obtain more information about being a director by contacting the CEO Patricia Campbell.

Nomination form

enclosed


CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR I

Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Redwas a 2014 work of installation art placed in the moat of the Tower of London, England, commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War I. It was unveiled at the Tower of London on 5 August 2014; 100 years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in WWI.

The work’s title is taken from the first line of a poem by an unknown World War I soldier, which begins: “The blood swept lands and seas of red, / Where angels dare to tread / ... “

The artist is Paul Cummins, who conceived the monumental installation of ceramic poppies in a collaboration with stage designer Tom Piper. He was himself seriously injured while creating this work, crushing his hand in an industrial roller.

Invitation for members in the HawkesburyMembers are invited to the dedication of a plaque in remembrance and appreciation of the war widows of the Hawkesbury area. It will be held on Ham Common, Clarendon (opposite the RAAF Base) on Wednesday, 25 February 2015 at 11.00am in the National Servicemen’s Memorial Area.

A light lunch will follow at the Windsor RSL Club Ltd.

Enquiries and RSVP to Barbara McMullen on 9267 6577

The work consists of a sea of ceramic red poppies, being added progressively by volunteers. All the poppies have been individually hand-made in a ceramics factory in Derbyshire. There were eventually 888,246 of these, representing one for each British and Colonial fatality during the war. The sea of flowers is arranged to resemble a pool of blood which appears to be pouring out of a bastion window (the “Weeping Window”).

The first poppy was planted on 17 July 2014, and a team of about 17,500 volunteers put the poppies in place. The last one was planted on 11 November 2014 (Remembrance Day), by a 13-year-old cadet, Harry Hayes, from the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) of Reading Blue Coat School. After that day a team of about 8,000 volunteers began removing the flowers. Members of the public had been able to purchase the ceramic poppies, with a share of the proceeds going to six service charities.

At around sunset each day between 1 September and 10 November, the names of 180 World War I service personnel, nominated by members of the public to appear on a Roll of Honour, were read aloud by a Yeoman Warder, followed by the Last Post bugle call.

The installation was visited by the Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge on the day of its opening, and by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh on 16 October. It is estimated that five million people saw the memorial.


CENTENARY OF WORLD WAR I

Departure of the troop ships Sydney

The NSW Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Victor Dominello led a ceremony in Sydney to mark 100 years since the first NSW troops who served in Gallipoli embarked for Albany, Western Australia on 18 October 1914.

Mr Dominello joined with NSW Centenary of Anzac Advisory Council Chair Lieutenant-General Ken Gillespie AC DSC GSM and War Widows’ Guild of Australia (NSW) President Wendy Thompson for the event at Embarkation Park, Potts Point.

Descendants of the troops and representatives of RSL NSW, the City of Sydney and the ANZAC Memorial were also present for a wreath laying ceremony at the Mothers and Wives’ Memorial, adjacent to

Woolloomooloo Wharf (see photo).

Two Members of the NSW Parliament, Member for Armidale George Braund and Member for Willoughby Edward “Teddy” Larkin were part of the embarkation. They were among over 130,000 men and women from NSW who served overseas during the Great War.

Tragically, both were killed at Gallipoli. George Braund’s grandson Ian Braund, his son Joe and his grandson Beau attended the service.

On 18 October troops from 1st Battalion marched to Fort Macquarie, the current site of the Opera House, and caught the ferry to Woolloomooloo. Other soldiers from the 2nd Battalion marched from Darlinghurst to Woolloomooloo. They boarded His Majesty’s Transport Ships, the Afric and the Suffolk

at Woolloomooloo, and sailed to Albany before joining the first convoy to training camps in Egypt and then onto the battlefields of Gallipoli.

Commissioned in 1921 by the Centre for Soldiers’ Wives and Mothers, the Memorial stands opposite the gates which troops passed through on their way to war. For many of the families who gathered at these docks, it was the last place they saw their loved ones.

Maritime MuseumThe Australian National Maritime Museum will build a state-of-the-art Warships (Royal Australian Navy) Pavilion to mark the centenary of World War I and commemorate 100 years of submarine and surface service by the Royal Australian Navy.

Through dynamic interactive displays and immersive media, visitors will learn more about the role and loss of Australia’s first submarine,

AE1, in the battle for German New Guinea; the story of AE2 at Gallipoli and its incredible voyage through the Dardanelles; and the story of Australia’s first great naval battle – HMAS Sydney v SMS Emden.

Building work is expected to begin in July this year and the new pavilion is scheduled to open in September 2015 to coincide with the anniversary of the loss of AE1. A memorial to AE1 will also form part of the entry to the pavilion.


Albany

Thousands of people lined the streets of Albany, Western Australia, as World War I commemorations got under way on 1 November. That day marked 100 years since the first convoy set sail from Albany carrying 30,000 Australian and New Zealand troops. For many of them, Albany was their last sight of Australia.

About 75,000 people flooded the town to see the various commemorative events scheduled over the first weekend in November. Among the events was a commemorative service in Anzac Parade, a re-enactment of the WWI fleet leaving Albany Port, and the official opening of the National Anzac Centre on Forts Road overlooking King George Sound.

The President of the Western Australian Guild, Sue Wilson, laid a wreath at the commemorative service. 1000 volunteers from the local and wider community made and planted 30,000 poppies on Middleton Beach to depict the number of troops departing from Albany in the first convoy.

HMAS Sydney detoured from the ANZAC convoy and destroyed the German cruiser SMS Emden off Cocos-Keeling Islands, Indian Ocean. This event was commemorated on 9 November at Bradleys Head, NSW and attended by State President Wendy Thompson and President’s Representative, Barbara Jeanes.

In 1934 the Mayor of Mosman purchased the HMAS Sydney I mast (at Commonwealth expense) and erected it astride the nationally significant 1839 defence fortifications at Bradleys Head as a memorial to those who died in the Emden action.

The mast has been restored and is located with a new memorial, following a major upgrade by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Jan McLeod and Sue Wilson laid poppies on Middleton Beach

Barbara Jeanes and Wendy Thompson at Bradleys Head


LINKS WITH AUSTRALIA’S NEIGHBOUR

Visiting Timor-Leste As I told you in the last Guild Digest, I had been invited, along with Don Rowe OAM, President of RSL NSW, Chris Perrin, CEO and Jennifer Collins, Deputy Commissioner of Veterans’ Affairs, by His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste to meet with their President, His Excellency Taur Matan Ruak, Her Excellency Isabel da Costa Ferreira, First Lady and himself, in Timor-Leste, to discuss the possible setting up of programs in a way that they could adequately provide sustainable benefits and entitlements to their veterans and war widows.

We were invited to Timor-Leste for FALINTIL Day, 20 August, which celebrates the foundation of the armed resistance against the Indonesian occupiers.

It was an enlightening and rewarding experience that all of the delegates who travelled with us were privileged to share. We would like to continue to work closely with them to assist in the development of ideas in relation to self help groups and also ensuring benefits and entitlements are maintained.

Timor-Leste has a large veteran population and the government has rightly recognised all the various combatants who took part in the struggle for freedom during the country’s occupation and aggression by an invading enemy for a period of about 24 years.

Timor Leste is a beautiful country whose people are struggling to overcome the adversities of the past but they are working hard to ensure a strong and secure future for all of their people.

The Guild has invited Her Excellency Isabel da Costa Ferreira, First Lady of Timor-Leste, to attend the Guild’s Anzac Field of Remembrance Service in April 2015.

Wendy Thompson STATE PRESIDENT


WELFARE NEWS

Pension increase The war widows’ pension was adjusted on 20 September 2014. The pension is now $868.00 per fortnight. This is an increase of $11.80. The Income Support Supplement (ISS) has increased by $3.60 and is now $256.00 per fortnight.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides you with your pension and can give you exact details of amounts you receive. If you are unsure about your pension payments ring DVA for an update on 133 254, country 1800 555 254.

Why I Have a Vitalcall by Barbara

A few years ago I became a volunteer on the Friendship Line. Often the ladies I spoke to mentioned their Vitalcall* and how reassuring it was to have one. I thought at the time, ‘ I don’t need one’, - I drive, travel overseas, family contact me regularly, I have good neighbours and no significant health worries.

A few years ago one of my fellow Friendship Line volunteers fell in her home, and was on the lounge room floor for 22 hours. A family member who was concerned that she had not answered the phone eventually found her.

This made me start to think. I have a large backyard, surrounded by trees and out of view of neighbours. What would happen if I fell whilst gardening? The next time I was in the Guild’s office I spoke to one of the Community Service Workers who explained how I could get a Vitalcall. DVA will cover the costs provided you have a referral from your GP to an occupational therapist (OT) and they will organise everything. A few weeks later an OT visited me and I chose a pendant version rather than the wrist version. She also looked at my house to see if I would benefit from any other aids. I made sure I wore the pendant all the time, pinning it to my nightie at night, and leaving it in the car when I went out. The Vitalcall only works

in and around your home.

Recently in the middle of the night, I slipped in the bathroom on wet tiles. I tried to move and was eventually able to get up. I thought, ‘if I can’t make it at least I can press my Vitalcall to get assistance’. The next morning I saw my GP, who organised for me to have physiotherapy.

I like to be independent and not rely on others. Having a Vitalcall has given me so much reassurance that I can do this, live safely at home and continue to travel.

If you don’t have a Vitalcall think about getting one and remember to wear it all the time – it only works if you wear it!

*Vitalcall is one brand of a home alert system. DVA may provide funding for this daily living aid. Referral is made through your doctor to an occupational therapist, who will assess your circumstances.

ClubGrants thanks South Sydney Junior Rugby League Club $2,000 for Coogee Randwick Social Club

Chatswood RSL Club $6,400 for Chatswood Social Club

Gladesville RSL and Community Club $2,500 for North Ryde Social Club

Brighton-Le-Sands RSL Club $1,500 for Rockdale Guild Club

West Tamworth Leagues Club $1,000 for Tamworth Social Club

Adrienne Bowman, Judith Brownhill, Barbara Ryan


WELFARE NEWS

Next of Kin alertWe request all members to check if your Guild next of kin details are up to date and if you are unsure or it has changed, please fill in the next of kin section on the member’s subscription form which is attached to this December issue of the Guild Digest. The Guild will contact next of kin (NOK) in an extreme situation or when necessary. You are able to nominate a specific NOK or any other person of your choice for the Guild to have on record. Some members do not have any NOK so instead they elect a trusted friend or neighbour to be their emergency contact. We can note up to three separate NOK /individuals on your record. Please indicate the relationship of your NOK contact on the form.

This year one of our Sydney members did not turn up to a Guild Social Club meeting after she had arranged to meet with another war widow member. The friend then attempted to ring her for the next few days without success. She became worried for the welfare and safety of her friend and contacted the Coordinator of the Guild Social Club. The Coordinator then rang Guild head office after she had made several attempts at contact herself.

The Guild Community Services Worker (CSW) tried to contact the next of kin who lived in another state. The contact details were incorrect. A decision had to be made about the necessity of ringing the police or ambulance service to try and locate her. Consideration was given to the idea of going to her apartment and to track her down. In the end the CSW rang all the hospitals in the surrounding area and she was eventually located in one of these.

She had fallen over and luckily was wearing her Vitalcall. She was taken to hospital by ambulance

and remained there for some time. She was visited by the Guild CSW, who then received updated contact details for her next of kin. Her friend and the Club coordinator were

then contacted to alleviate their concern. Contact was made with the next of kin to assist with her rehabilitation.

Fun Food and FriendshipThe Guild Community Services Workers presented Welfare Talks to eight different Clubs in the last three months - Mosman, Epping, Wauchope, Forster, Nelson Bay, Muswellbrook, Maitland and Kiama. They have also supported three Fun Food and Friendship Days at different Clubs over this time.

In August our Community Services Worker Judith Brownhill visited and assisted Parramatta Guild Club with their Fun Food and Friendship Day. Twenty five members attended and enjoyed an interesting day with a guest speaker from The Aged Rights Service. Judith played a fun wool game and talked about welfare and the role of the Community Service Workers, and the upcoming events of the Guild Walk and Picnic and Veterans’ Health Week. She also spoke about the Ready Reference Guide and the Planning Ahead article. The day was generously sponsored by the Auburn Granville RSL Club.

In September Warringah Social Club held their Fun Food and Friendship Day. Adrienne Bowman coordinated the days’ activities. Morning tea and lunch were enjoyed by the members attending. A guest speaker from the Department of Fair Trading talked about being aware of different scams. Adrienne presented a Welfare Talk and Jennifer Yule our Transport Coordinator presented a talk about the Transport Project.

Chatswood Social Club held their Fun Food and Friendship Day in October. A guest speaker from the Department of Fair Trading spoke about scams, door to door salesmen and the Do Not Call Register. Adrienne Bowman presented a Welfare Talk and the members enjoyed the day, the talks, the activities as well as the morning tea and lunch sponsored by the Chatswood RSL ClubGrants. COMMUNITY SERVICES WORKERS


TRANSPORT

Walk and Picnic transportAs Transport Coordinator I am always concerned about members waiting for their transport in either hot or very cold conditions. Luckily, we were blessed with beautiful weather for this annual event, although the day heated up in the afternoon.

A huge thank you again to Premier Cabs for their assistance transporting members to Concord this year. Their sponsorship assistance saves the Guild thousands of dollars, not to mention ensuring passenger safety and timeliness. Thank you also to Stuart, Rhonda, Barrie, and Hayley for taking the time to assist on the day. As a new member told us: “The transport was perfect”.

Travel tipsSummer is here and Christmas is fast approaching. Please take care “getting about” during these hot, busy months:

• find a spot where you can sit in the shade when you are waiting for your transport if you can’t wait inside.

• keep hydrated; keep a water bottle with you and a frozen flannel in a plastic bag;

• invest in a mobile phone if you haven’t already got one, and if you have a personal response system eg Vitalcall, make sure it is around your neck, not on the back of the door! Emergency alerts only operate within the boundaries of your home, but there is still a fall risk between your door and your front gate, and you will have it with you when you return home.

Buses When waiting for your bus, stand back and allow passengers to get off before you board. Once on board, stay clear of the doors when they are closing.

If a bus has left the bus stop, the driver is not obliged to reopen the doors.

Hold onto handrails at all times. If you need a seat, please ask someone seated in the disability seating.

Note: Sydney and Newcastle buses have installed features on buses to increase the safety of customers and drivers.

Walkers less than 800mm wide should fit down bus aisles, which are built according to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002.

TrainsListen for announcements to make your journey faster and safer.

If you’re not feeling well at a station, don’t board the train. Speak to a Sydney Trains staff member, who can help you by calling a friend or relative, or by arranging for medical assistance if necessary. Contact the guard for help if you are on a train and feel unwell.

In an emergency use the Emergency Help Points at stations, speak to a Sydney Trains staff member or call the security hotline on 1800 657 926.

Remember to use your Seniors Card or Pensioner Concession Card. You can also apply for a Companion Card, if you have a carer.

TaxisDid you know your driver should not ask you personal questions? Talk on his/her mobile phone? Discuss inappropriate topics? Make assumptions about you, the passenger? Refuse a DVA transport request?

If you have a concern about your taxi transport, organised by DVA, contact DVA on 1300 550 455 or country on 1800 550 455.

The Premier Cabs team with Jenny Yule


Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS)Who is eligible: people with severe medical conditions or disabilities, who are unable to use public transport.

How it works: The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) allows approved participants to travel by taxi at half fare, up to a maximum subsidy of $30 per trip. When you travel you hand the taxi driver a completed voucher for 50% of the fare up to $30. You pay the remaining fare. Includes travel in wheelchair accessible taxis.

How to apply for a permit: Obtain an application form by phoning 1800 623 724 (toll free) to request a form by mail.

Fill out the application form and provide supporting documents from your medical practitioner or treating specialist, so that the severity of your disability or medical condition can be assessed by Transport for NSW independent medical assessors. Participation is not means tested. Receipt of an aged, invalid, blind or any other pension does not automatically qualify you for participation in the TTSS.

Community TransportThis is a safe, inexpensive transport choice for seniors and people with a disability. Community Transport providers operate all over Sydney and NSW, using sedans and buses to take seniors to medical appointments, shopping centres, to visit friends, or for other purposes. Phone your local Community Transport provider for more information, or ring Jenny at Guild head office and she will assist you.

The Opal system

The Opal system is a new type of electronic ticketing. It is accessed with an Opal card, and is being introduced across the public transport services in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands to make travelling

an easy and convenient customer experience. It is a “tap on, tap off ” plastic card.

The Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal is now available for customers with a:

• NSW Seniors Card

• Pensioner Concession card

• NSW War Widows Gold Card

The grey Concession Opal card will be available soon for customers holding an eligible concession card.

Please note: You do not have to start using an Opal card immediately. You can still use your paper tickets. The cards are being gradually “phased in” and you will be advised of a cut-off point at some stage.

Fares will remain capped at $2.50 a day for customers using the Gold Opal card and after eight paid and completed journeys the rest of the week’s travel is free.

As Opal is based on distance, some seniors and pensioners may pay even less under Opal for short trips that don’t reach their $2.50 cap.

Eligible customers can use the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card on all Opal activated bus, train and ferry services. Light Rail is currently planned to be activated in early 2015.

Benefits of the Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card: You can top up your Opal card at ticket vending machines at railway stations (TVMs), station ticket offices, Transport Shops, Sydney Ferries ticket offices, selected 7-Eleven stores, newsagencies and convenience stores, onboard private (PBO) and Newcastle buses, or on the internet. You may choose to link your Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card to your credit or debit card or to a family member’s Opal card account and set it to auto-top-up, like having an e-tag in your pocket.

Ordering a card is easy: to order a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card visit the Opal website or call 13 67 25 (13 OPAL).

Jenny Yule TRANSPORT COORDINATOR


NATIONAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dear membersIt is my absolute pleasure to be able to pen this, my first report, as your National President. As I said in my acceptance speech, there are some very formidable women in whose footsteps I follow. I would also like to welcome Mrs Helen Strange OAM as the War Widows’ Guild inaugural Deputy National President. A very warm welcome is also extended to Mrs Shirley Drysdale, the incoming National Treasurer. Shirley is a Member Director of the War Widows’ Guild of NSW.

The Annual Conference/AGM was busy as usual. A risk management register and six policy and procedures documents were presented for consideration. These documents still require ratification by the Executive. They will assist the National Guild in functioning within guidelines set out for incorporated associations and will guide the National Guild in following accepted accounting procedures. I will keep you updated on the progress of these matters.

The conference was not all work. Registration and

Welcome began the conference on the Tuesday evening with much ‘catching up’ of old friends. Wednesday began with a wreath laying ceremony conducted by the Rev John Reid. Rev Reid is a local Anglican Minister who is a supporter of the local ex-service organisations. An official luncheon was next on the agenda with guest speakers, The Hon David Feeney MP, Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Shadow Minister for Justice, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence, Shadow Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC and Major General Mark Kelly AO, DSC, Repatriation Commissioner. Major General Kelly was, as usual, a fountain of knowledge in regard to the ANZAC Centenary celebrations that are planned for the next four years.

A bus trip to Byron Bay lighthouse followed by a barbecue dinner at Brunswick Heads took up the rest of the day. The bus trip and barbecue dinner was provided by the Queensland War Widows’ Guild. A very large thank you must go to the Queensland Guild for their support and in particular to their staff, who willingly assisted on this occasion. It was a great afternoon and evening.

Thursday saw the business sessions commence and they culminated in the election of the National President and National Treasurer. Mrs Karen Blackwell, CEO of AVCAT (Australian Veteran’s Children Assistance Trust) presented information about AVCAT. This is a national independent charity that supports the children and grandchildren of veterans by providing scholarships for assistance with tertiary education costs. More information can be found on the AVCAT website (www.avcat.org.au) or telephone 02 9213 7999.

I would like to thank Mrs Wendy Charlton for the outstanding job she has done in her stewardship of the Guild following the resignation and subsequent death of the National President, Mrs Anne Bonner. Meg Green NATIONAL PRESIDENT

Meg Green, MAJGEN Mark Kelly AO DSC, Repatriation Commissioner, Wendy Charlton

STOP PRESS - Vietnam Veterans’ Family Study The results of the Vietnam Veterans Family Study has recently been announced. The study found that the majority of sons and daughters born to Vietnam veterans are leading healthy and productive lives. However, analysis found that the families of Australia’s Vietnam

veterans are more likely to have considerable emotional, physical, and social issues when compared to families of those who served in that era but did not deploy to Vietnam. More details will be provided in the next issue of the magazine, or can be obtained on the DVA website www.dva.gov.au.


FRIENDSHIP LINE

VETERANS’ HEALTH WEEK

Friendship Line 1800 001 422 10am - 3pm, Mon - Fri

All members may register for calls

Veterans’ Line 1800 011 046 9am - 5pm,

Every day of the year, all members

Hello friendsSoon Christmas will be upon us once more. Can you think of some great times you have had in the past with family and friends, and even as a child waking up to see what Santa had brought? It was often only one gift, yet we thought it was the best ever. How different to today’s children, who have toys from one end of the house to the other; such is progress, yet are they any happier? This brings me to the current season, as I wish you every blessing

and happiness, and should you be lonely, try to remember past happy times, and know that your fellow war widows are thinking of you.

Now a tip, from one of our ladies who lives in a retirement village with no cooking facilities, on how

to cook a poached egg. Break an egg into a bowl, boil jug of water and pour carefully onto egg and let stand for 20 minutes. Boil jug again and pour water off egg, replace with fresh boiled water, wait another 20 minutes, and lo and behold a delicious soft egg!

In conclusion, one of our friends told me her story. She had an English mother who, at 16 married her German father. They moved to Australia, where they had 17 children, she being no. 13. The father built them a three-bedroom home on one of four blocks. They grew all their own vegetables, fruit, and had a cow and hens. The fruit trees were very tempting to the children, who did not wait for the fruit to ripen and would eat unripe fruit, which

in turn caused many sick children, so mother in her wisdom cut down all the trees.

The season’s blessings be with you all, dear friends.

Pauline

This year Veterans’ Health Week provided opportunities to be involved in activities and fun events encompassing healthy eating, exercise, social inclusion and mental wellness. A special day at Concord Hospital launched the week and treated guests to a number of talented speakers, who covered topics including How to Avoid Dementia, Bone Health, Myths about Medicine and a Rwanda Experience. A wholesome meal and light

entertainment were enjoyed by the participants.

The Guild held two events this year in conjunction with Veterans’ Health Week

in October. One of the themes for the year was ‘Nutrition’. Bankstown Guild Club held their ‘Fun with Food’ event at Bankstown RSL with 40 war widows attending. The guest speaker, dietitian Hoda Alhayek, spoke about nutrition and led members through a demonstration and an exercise program. They then enjoyed a light luncheon together.

The Guild head office also held their ‘Food, Glorious Food’ event. Members participated in blind food tasting, sharing kitchen and food favorites, a food quiz and a talk by Olivia Bates, a qualified dietitian, who spoke about the importance of keeping healthy with a good diet. They also had a healthy and tasty meal.

Members enjoyed the opportunity to participate in new activities and we thank DVA for the grants and their support to the Guild to host these events. Blind tasting

Friendship Line volunteers’ meeting


War Widows’ Walk and Picnic

Wendy with members from Goulburn

Colleen and Sarah from Camden

Cutting the ribbon

Alice Kang, Meg Green, Wendy Thompson, Jennifer Collins

A water break on the track


Gentle exercise

War Widows’ Walk and Picnic

DVA volunteers

Premier Cabs drove our members

Ambulance Band

Barbara Jeanes, Wendy Thompson, Gina Parrelli


GUILD AND SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

10th Anniversaries Wagga Wagga, Leeton, Narrandera and Tumut Social Clubs all celebrated their 10th Anniversaries on 31 October at the Wagga Wagga RSL Club. The event attracted generous donations from the Wagga Wagga RSL Club, who waived the cost of the ladies’ lunches and the Sub Branch donated $500 for transport. Mrs Yvonne Condon from Wagga Wagga Social Club cooked and iced a wonderful celebration cake which was enjoyed by all.

The State President Wendy Thompson attended as well as Past President Audrey Blood OAM, who was present at the establishment of these Clubs.

Camden Social Club celebrated their 10th Anniversary at the Carrington Centre Rock Salt Café on 22 September. Coordinator Heather Crosland did a wonderful job of organising such a lovely day. The other Coordinator, Betty Munro, was in hospital recovering from surgery and was sadly missed.

Lesley Mann and Heather Crosland


in dressing gown and slippersDreaming of days so long ago when they were little nippersThey babysit the grand kids and listen to their woesThey’ll read them endless stories, or play piggies with little toes.

Some wear the latest fashion and shop at David JonesKeeping up with technology, texting friends on mobile phonesThey meet their friends at social clubs, have a wine or whisky shotThey put money in the pokies, hoping to win the big jackpot.

My friends do not stay idle long, they volunteer their timeRun social clubs and meetings, even tho’ they’re past their prime.Some deliver meals on wheels to the handicapped at home

Or visit hospital patients, when they are all alone.

These caring War Widows, whose mates have sadly goneDid not give up, they raised the kids and bravely soldiered onJust like the other War Widows, I’ll always lend a hand to anyone with problems, I’m my grandkids’ Groovy Gran.

This poem was sent in by Petersham Guild Club.

GUILD AND SOCIAL CLUB NEWS

Hawkesbury Social Club Christmas in July

Christmas parties

Queanbeyan Social Club Christmas Lunch

Groovy GrannyBy Nancy McDonald © 2014

I am a Groovy Granny, I’m very, very oldI belong to the War Widows’ Guild, whose hearts are solid gold,I attend a meeting once a month with friends as old as me,Some on walking sticks or frames, but they’re as happy as can be.

There are some who get around alright, as frisky as a kittenAlthough their health has gone to pot, they don’t stay home just knittin’They go to parties and on trips, they really get aroundWith arthritic bones and replaced hips, you can’t keep these “Girls” down.They don’t stay home watching TV

Norfolk Island

Audrey Blood OAM (R) visited Norfolk Island and met up with Lorraine Rijk-Williamson and Sheila Grimshaw


Raffle Our thanks to Mrs Deirdre Thorncraft from Warringah Social Club, who generously donated a large knitted snowman and smaller Santa and Mrs Claus, hand made by her daughter, Jan Thorncraft. These will be raffled at the Guild Christmas Party at the Hilton Sydney on 5 December.

Melbourne Cup luncheon This year there were fewer members attending the Guild Melbourne Cup Luncheon than in previous years, but for the members who attended and the staff assisting, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Each of the members and several staff wore hats and a number of prizes were awarded: the most creative hat to Ada who used beautiful fresh orchids to make her hat, the prettiest hat, the biggest hat, the smallest hat, the oldest hat and the newest hat. Jenny, our Transport Coordinator was awarded a prize for the funniest hat. Member Heather Little travelled all the way from Cooma to attend. The buffet lunch prepared by Geoffrey was much enjoyed.

GUILD AND SOCIAL CLUBS NEWS

CLUB CHANGES

Change of meeting time

Gosford City Social Club now meet at 10.30 am.

Change of phone number

Drummoyne-Five Dock – contact Sue 0452 664 744.

Change of Co-ordinator

Cabra-Vale – Thelma Daley resigned as Co-ordinator and the new Co-ordinator is Norma Cheney 9725 3797.

Muswellbrook – Aleta Scott resigned as Co-ordinator and the new Co-ordinator is Neita Burkill 6547 2460.

Queanbeyan - Barbara Garland resigned as Co-ordinator and the new Co-ordinator is Grace Lane 6299 0665.

The Guild sincerely thanks Thelma, Aleta and Barbara for the time they have spent as Co-ordinators, and the work they have done on behalf of their

members. Their support of their members is much appreciated.

Retiring Coordinator Barbara Garland presents Queanbeyan Club stalwart Dell Stafford with flowers


MEMBERS’ NEWS

Attention Members turning 90 and olderJean Arnot Luncheon 2015

The Guild is calling for members who have contributed to their communities to nominate or be nominated by others for Guild sponsorship to the Jean Arnot Luncheon at Parliament House on 8 May 2015.

You may have been a long-term volunteer for one or more organisations such as Meals on Wheels, an office-bearer in a community organisation, such as the Guild or Legacy or other organisation.

Please send a letter of nomination, with contact details and outlining the community work undertaken and the period time of that work. Contact Barbara Pittaway at head office for further information.

VALEDoris Webster of Orange, celebrated her centenary in May. She joined the Guild in 1990 and was a foundation member and strong supporter of Central West Guild Club. Doris will be greatly missed for her dedication and in her role as Club Patron.

Shirley Angus of Warners Bay joined the Guild in 2004 and served as an office bearer in Newcastle Guild Club until her passing in September. As President, she organised and attended the Club’s Jessie Vasey anniversary luncheons; Field of Remembrance services at Christ Church Cathedral, Anzac Day marches and services and many other commemorations.

Nancy Taylor, Life Member, passed away in October. Nancy lived in Lindfield and joined the Guild in 1952. At that time her two daughters, Anne and Sally, were aged six and four. Thelma Holmes

Thelma Holmes has been a volunteer from the early days of the Friendship Line and has recently retired. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation at the annual Friendship Line Christmas luncheon.

We thank Thelma for all her years of work.

Patricia Campbell, Thelma Holmes and Friendship Line Co-ordinator Barbara Bell

BOOK REVIEWIn My Father’s House by Jane Mundy

In My Father’s House deals with the impact of the Second World War, the Vietnam War and the Afghanistan War, and shows both sides of the divisive issue of conscription which affected the lives of both veterans and civilians in Australia.

Whether Australia should send troops to Vietnam, and how those troop numbers should be found, was the cause of the greatest social and political dissent in Australia since the conscription referendums of the First World War. It divided communities and families and created two camps - one that supported the war and another that despised the whole idea of it and anyone who stood for it.

Available from Hybrid Publishers www.hybridpublishers.com.au all good bookshops and online. www.janemundy.com.au


Bravery rewardedKathleen Cochrane, a Coffs Harbour war widow has been commended for brave conduct. Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove announced in August 78 Australian Bravery Awards. Along with 43 others around Australia, Mrs Cochrane received a Commendation for Brave Conduct. Sir Peter expressed admiration for the award recipients. “We are fortunate as a community and as a nation to benefit from your contribution,” he said.

In 2008, Kathleen (then aged 81) intervened to assist her 82 year old neighbour, Elsie Beckhouse, (also a war widow) who was being assaulted in her home. She heard cries for help and found Elsie pinned to the floor, with her assailant holding her by the throat and using the other hand to punch her in the head and face. Mrs Cochrane used her friend’s emergency call button to alert the authorities. Mrs Cochrane stepped in between her injured friend

and the assailant and distracted the assailant, who then left. Mrs Cochrane locked the door and waited with her friend until the arrival of the police and paramedics.

Mrs Cochrane said that Elsie’s face was covered in blood and she was unconscious. “I calmly spoke to Terri (the assailant), saying ‘No darling, don’t make things worse for yourself. The police are on their way and sit down on the lounge next to me and we will wait for the police together.’” Calming the attacker, she convinced her to walk outside the unit. She then activated the alarm and locked the door.

Mrs Beckhouse said, “If it wasn’t for Kath, I would have died, I will never forget what she did for me.”

The attacker was later charged and convicted.

Kathleen’s friends at the Coffs Harbour War Widows’ Guild Club are very proud of Kathleen, and said they could not imagine any one of them doing anything so brave as she did to help her neighbour. Congratulations Kathleen, on your calm and determined actions on that night, and your bravery commendation.

100th birthdaysHappy Birthday to those members who have turned 100 or over since June this year. They are Jean Kirkman (102), Hazel Barnes, Madge Heussner (101), Dorothy Humbley (103), Ilma Race (101), Eileen McDonald, Ruby Mackie (101), Mavis Berryman (102), Jean Wisniewski, Muriel Fuller, Thora Sutton. December birthdays are Mavis Downer (101), Marie Lyne, Melva Cummins, Joyce Morton and Wyn McGavin (101).

MEMBERS’ NEWS

Kathleen Cochrane and friend Elsie Beckhouse. Photo courtesy of APN Media


TASTY TREAT Carrot fennel salad

Servings: 2

Ingredients • 1/4 fennel bulb + fennel fronds • 1 dstspn chopped parsley • sea salt and pepper • fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 large lemon) • 1 small garlic clove, minced

will give me a two to three year use by date as shown on the back of the seed packet.

Calendula seeds are large enough to

handle so I place the seeds in a seedling tray 1cm apart which has a seedling potting mix added. Cover the seeds with the same potting mix to a depth of 5mm, water and place in a semi shaded position. Using a soluble fertiliser on half strength, water as recommended by the manufacturer. When they begin to emerge and the leaves are large enough to handle, remove them using a plant label or knife, by placing it under the seedling and gently lift without damaging the roots. I then plant each of them in individual pots of 100mm in size, that have a good quality potting mix added and a slow release fertiliser. It is now time to

SYMONDS SAYS: IN YOUR GARDENCalendula officinalis

The Calendula officinalis or, as commonly called, English Marigold, originated in Southern Europe and has been long valued for its medicinal qualities. It should not be confused with the African and French marigolds, which are different plants.

I have never grown calendulas before, and while looking at the seed display, decided to give them a go. To my pleasure they performed magnificently, and flowered over a very long time of three months.

Planting seeds is very cost effective but time consuming. I planted the seeds on seventh of May and it is now mid-October and they possibly will have another four weeks before I pull them out and replace them with another annual. When choosing seeds, I only use fresh seeds that

prepare the garden bed by adding compost, cow manure and a complete garden fertiliser. When the plants are large enough, plant them in the prepared garden bed and continue using the soluble fertiliser on a weekly basis. The same can be done if planting in

large pots for a balcony display.

The only pests and diseases affecting Calendulas are snails, and slugs, and rust, and these can be controlled using a snail and slug killer and fungicide.

Happy gardening! David Symonds

• 2 tablespoons olive oil • 2 large carrots, peeled

Method Pick a few fennel fronds to make 1 dessertspoon; chop very finely. In a bowl, whisk together the fennel fronds, parsley, salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Set aside.

Use the large holes of the box grater to grate the carrots. Slice the fennel bulb very thinly with a chef ’s knife.

Toss together the carrots, fennel bulb with the dressing.

From La Tartine Gourmande by Bea Peltre

FOOD FOR THOUGHTThe pilgrimage of the Magi

...the star went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshipped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:10-11

National Guild Conference 2014

WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW DECEMBER 2014

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Transcript of WAR WIDOWS' GUILD OF AUSTRALIA NSW DECEMBER 2014