Australian Army Band Corps Association Inc Website.

STATEMENT FROM Lieutenant Colonel Ian J McLean Director of Music – Army 22 October 2009. Under a proposal for the Remediation of Establishment Hollowness the AABC is earmarked to lose 90 establishment positions. There is currently no implementation date but it is expected to be between 2014 and 2016. I am tasked to write an initial implementation plan by May 2010 with a firm proposal for Chief of Army by October 2010. The paper issued by DPLANS does suggest that AAB-Brisbane and AAB-Sydney revert to ARES bands similar to Perth, Adelaide etc and that Kapooka becomes a Pipes and Drums band but this is NOT set in concrete. I have the option to suggest alternative placement of the 142 establishment positions should I be able to come up with a better plan. That would be part of my May 2010 paper. I hope that provides some clarification.   All bands will be operating as in current form for the time being, any change will be phased in over a long period of time.  2-11

Townsville Reunion Photos It appears that there has been problems with the photos taken on the Friday night and many have not received them to date. They appeared to have had problems with their staff that night and the orders were not taken properly. If you have not received yours please contact: ARCH FRALEY PHOTOGRAPHY  (07)47252999 or email : richard@archfraley.com to confirm your original order and mailing details etc.  Scotty Laycock 2-11

Sick Parade - Jeff (Kermit) Walker I have just received news that Jeff Walker had undergone major lower back surgery last Wednesday on the Gold Coast. His Wife Deb says that the surgery, whilst quite invasive, was a complete success and Jeff is now on a slow road to recovery and a better golf swing he hopes. He will be in hospital for several day and then should return home to Caloundra later next week to recover. He can be contacted on Mob:0412114253.  Scotty Laycock 2-11

Sick Parade - Kevin Furness Ex AABC band member Captain Kevin Furness had a burst aorta to his heart last weekend and is in St Vincents hospital intensive care unit. I believe he has been kept in a medical coma but they are going to take the sedation off today (23/10/09) and hopefully he will wake and all will be well in the next few days. 2-11

Vale Gordon Parham - Update Sorry to report that Angela Parham has just let me know that Gordon passed away yesterday (24 October).  He was suffering from Alzheimer's. Gordon was bandmaster of the 8RAR Band and raised it in Brisbane with a National Service class from the Army School of Music. He developed a fine band and time spent there was a valuable foundation for my later career.  Gordon remained with the band in Malaysia after the battalion returned and he later went on to command other bands and retired with the rank of Captain.  Funeral details are yet to be sorted out but likely to be week after next as he has many friends in NZ who may need to make travel plans.  Angela's address: 30 Veronica Avenue  MODBURY NORTH SA 5092  Home phone: 08 8264 6497. UPDATE: For those that haven't heard already, the funeral service for Gordon is at 1100am, Saturday 7th November at St Laurences Church, North Adelaide. Family are in good spirits and appreciate the messages they have been receiving. Thanks to all. I hope to see some old mates there. Regards, Tony Sillcock 2-11

Noteworthy News - Christmas Edition 2009 - Cut off date 1 November 2009 It's that time of year again, calling for all submissions for the next edition. Accepted via email or snail mail to the editor Stu Colhoun, 5 Hammond Circuit, Hopetoun Park 3340. email: sepmc@iprimus.com.au

Australian Army Band Melbourne - Newsletter updated for October 2009

Can you help?  - Army History Unit Customs and Traditions Recording Project Australian Army Band Sydney is currently undertaking a project recording all Regimental marches of the Australian Army for the Army History Unit - however we are having difficulty in locating either scores or audio (Vinyl is ok!) of the following marches - can anyone assist please? RSAR March I'm 95 Sarie Marais Pour Bacchus (once transcribed or whatever) Royal Queensland Dashing White Sergeant Madelon Nachtlager in Granada Captain Oldfield Old Tower Wizard of Oz Bonegilla Farewell to the Creeks Brown Haired Maiden The Black Kookaburra Frog Hollow Rangers The Girl I Left Behind Me (we have half of this march in 2CAV arrangement) Fare Thee Well Inniskilling Captain Rod Mason Australian Army Band Sydney   Ph 02 833 55 057 / Mob 0458 796 507 roderick.mason@defence.gov.au 17-10

Vale - Ben Newbold Ben Newbold was a very fine saxophone player and former AABC member who served in the 10/27 Battalion, 4 MD/AABA and RMC Bands from around 1990 for about 10 years.  After his Army service Ben had his own upholstering business in Kadina SA.  Ben took his own life on 29 September 2009. A funeral service for Ben will be held in South Australia on Tuesday 13th October at the Gateway Church on Paskeville Road, Kadina, beginning at 11am. Later at 2.30pm the committal will take place at Minlaton Cemetery. Members wishing to contact the family can get in touch with Dean Butler on 08 88532070 or Ben’s father, Kip, on 08 88531163. Ben is survived by his wife and two young children. 7-10

Sick Parade - Bill Sheehan - Updated Bill has been in the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, undergoing skin grafts in an effort to cure ulcers on his lower extremities.  He has since been transferred to a Repat Hospital at Bowral and is currently learning how to walk once again. Knowing him as I do, it wont take him long to be up and about.  Get well soon . . . . . 'Old Son!' UPDATE: Yesterday, 30 Oct 09, I received a call from Bill to notify his discharge from hospital.  They took a large area of skin off his buttock to affect the skin-grafts, all of which were successful.  He is experiencing some difficulty in walking but is manging to perambulate with the aid of a 4 wheel walker.  From his conversation he appeared as irascible as ever challenging his partner Mabel (who also has a walker), to a race up the main street of Tahmoor.  Bill turns 87 years of age about the 20th Dec 09. Ern Trotter 7-10 / 2-11

Sick Parade - Bruce Cotterill - UPDATED - Further UPDATE I need to let AABCA know that my dear friend and colleague, Bruce Cotterill is very ill with stage 4 cancer.  Bruce was in AAB Sydney (Eastern Command!) with me way back in the early 70’s and we have been working together ever since with the Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra after both being in the national training orchestra. The illness hit Bruce on July 1st so has progressed very quickly and, frankly, taken many of us by surprise.  He is currently in Norwest Private Hospital (Sydney) but hoping to get home within a few days. If anyone wants to keep up with things, they can email or phone me.  I am sure those who served with and know Bruce will  be very sad to hear this news.  He is a great human being and a mighty fine musician. Regards Brian Evans (02) 94896940 evansdietz@optusnet.com.au Brian has forward an email written on Wednesday 21 October by Bruce's friend Allan Watson. Most of you are aware that Bruce has been battling cancer during the last 4 months.  He had an operation to remove a large slab of it and then whilst recovering ran  in to problems with the cancer blocking his food passage. This resulted in another surgery to bypass the blockage a few weeks ago. Bruce has never really recovered from this - never really regained appetite  and struggled to eat. This cancer of Bruce's is the most aggressive cancer I have ever heard of. It has overwhelmed him and has completely enveloped many of his vital organs and spread all over his body in the last 10 days. His body began to shut down over the weekend. I feel Bruce has known of people's support - it has just been such a fast ride that there has been no time for him to thank people or talk to them. Yesterday  Bruce drifted into a coma and will pass away in the next 48 hours. I have just been out to see him this afternoon - he is no longer really there but for me, even in his terrible state, it was good to see him and say goodbye. His family ( mum and sister both named Helen) and Jayne's family are with him and Jayne now. Bruce has not been in any pain and is peaceful. This has come as a terrible shock to us all but I felt that I should let you know before the end comes. See you all at Grimes - Bruce's favourite opera. Allan News from Brian Evans today: Sad to say Bruce passed away last night (21/10). The funeral will be held at 1pm on Tuesday 27 October at the Leura Memorial Gardens. 4-10 / 21-10 / 22-10

2010 AABC Association Reunion/AGM - Darwin - 25th to 27th June 2010 The 2010 reunion will be in Darwin on the 25th - 27th June. A Civic Reception will be held by the Lord Mayor at the Darwin Civic Centre on the evening of Friday the 25th. A Formal Dinner will be at the Brigade Sergeant's Mess,  Robertson Barracks (to be confirmed) on Saturday 26th. All other venues etc will be confirmed ASAP The plan is to adhere to the established format: 1.    Golf Friday - Palmerston Golf Course 2.    AGM on the Saturday morning 3.    AAB-D concert in Mall at or around noon 4.    Dinner Saturday night 5.    Googenheimer at Bandroom, Sunday Morning with BBQ lunch 6.    Tour of Robertson Barracks Sunday (if there is interest) Accommodation hints: * Shady Glen Tourist park (08) 8984 3330 (across the road) * Hidden Valley Tourist park (08) 8984 2888 (2 km away) * KOA Caravan Park (08) 8927 2651 (4 km away) * Free Spirit Resort (08) 8935 0888  (8 km away) Geoff Carter

Sick Parade - Bob & Sylvia Hore - Updated Dave Walker in Singleton called to report that Bob and Sylvia Hore are both in the local hospital. They are both very frail. Dave reports that Bob will take calls, the hospital number is 02 6571 9222. Tony Sillcock Update – Bob and Sylvia Hore As you may be aware Bob and Sylvia were admitted to Singleton Hospital last month.  I’m not sure what the diagnosis was, but both of them were in no condition to look after each other at home and this move to hospital has resulted in both being given the opportunity to rest, recuperate and re-charge their batteries. When I contacted Bob today (Thursday) he seemed upbeat, in fine spirits and said as each day passed he was feeling a lot better and was going to stay in hospital as long as it took to get fully well again.  I tend to think he loves all the nurses' attention.  He advised that Sylvia had now been placed into a special home/village for her care, but he still contacted her each day.  Bob said after he leaves hospital he was hoping that a vacancy is available at the same place so both could be together.  He dismissed the possibility of going back home as each would struggle trying to look after each other and that the home was the perfect solution to each having the facilities and the care they both need….. and nothing to do. I passed on my good wishes and those of the Association and wished them both a speedy recovery.   If you wish to contact Bob at the hospital the number to ring is: 02 6571 9222.  I know he would appreciate the call. Kevin Noon 1-10

Update from Graham Lloyd Major Graham Lloyd suffered tragic loss during the Victorian bushfires early this year and has kindly consented to allow an update to published on the association website. Please follow the link to the update... 30-9

Army Apprentice Reunion - 12th Class.  Friday 11th - Tuesday 15th December 2009 The Graduation Day for the 12th Intake Army Apprentices was held on Mace Oval  at Balcombe on Saturday 12th December 1959. The 12th Men will gather and be on bended knees to kiss the hallowed turf of  Mace Oval on Saturday 12th December  2009 for a reunion in the  period 11 to 15 December 2009 to celebrate the golden anniversary of our graduation.  Reunion 2009

1. Meet & Greet Function -Friday  6pm to 9pm on 11 Dec 09 at Rosebud RSL( $20 per pers) 2. March Past - Saturday  Midday 12 Dec 09  “blessing the turf” & a casual stroll around the parade ground & Mace oval at Balcombe 3. Celebratory Dinner – 7pm for 7.30pm Saturday 12 Dec   at the Rosebud Country Club ($45 per pers) 4. Dress – Smart Casual to both Meet & Greet and Celebratory Dinner 5. Family BBQ on the Rye foreshore on Sunday 13 Dec 09 .(P.O.A) 6. Farewell Dinner Tuesday 15 Dec, venue to be decided. (P.O.A)

Response to Date Some 60 (12th, spouse/friends)  have  expessed   interest in attending the reunion by either paying  up front $130 per couple or $65 for a single person. Add $35 to purchase Barry Booth’s  book  “The 12th Men” . Barry  has put together a new 200 page book  packed full of  adulthood  experiences including service details of the 12th  graduates post Balcombe. There will a limited publication print run.  Few if any will be available at the reunion. Tourist Information. Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre Booking Service Call: 1800 804 009 or (03) 59873078  Email: info@tourism.mornpen.vic.gov.au  Web: www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org Contact:  Dennis Anspach, 12 Paperbark Crt BANORA POINT NSW 2486. Ph:07 5524 5798  or deemallaraba@bigpond.com Snail mail attendees please include a stamped self addressed envelope.(SAE).Register & pay by 7th October 2009

Army Apprentice Reunion - 19th Class. Help is being sought to locate some of the 19th intake apprentice musicians to inform them of a Balcombe class reunion in 2010. These people have not been able to be contacted. Their names are: Barry Bignell Peter Cobcroft Ronald Daniel John Faul Rob Grant Bernard McCoster Gordon Roberts Peter Scott David Walker Michael Pyne If they could contact Malcolm Botfield via his contact details below, or if anybody can forward contact details for non association members to Malcolm. Mal Botfield Email: malbot@bigpond.net.au Home Phone: 02 9872 2594 Mobile: 0434 536 435

Army Apprentice Reunion - 19th - 23rd Classes. The 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd building trades apprentices are having a reunion in June 2010. The Musicians who were in B Coy with us are invited to also attend as we were all apprentices in the same company at Balcombe.  l have no idea how or where to contact any of them would anybody be able to help us please. The last musicians l had contact with were Kev Batterbury and Shorty Roberts (who has passed away). Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks, Michael Hindle (21st Carpenter & Joiner) mjh48710@bigpond.com

AABC Association Memorial Dedication Dedicated to commemorate Australian Army soldier musicians who served in war and who made the supreme sacrifice in the defence of Australia. Unveiled by Major General B.A. Power AM. CSC. - 28 November 2008 This was conducted on 28 November with the memorial dedication followed by a concert held at the Defence Force School of Music. A report was published in the Christmas edition of Noteworthy News and photos have now been added to the website.  Images can now be seen on the AABC Memorial Page

WE NEED YOUR HELP! First I would like to thank all members who have made a donation and also purchased raffle tickets. We raised just over $32.000.00 which included a grant of $4,000.00 from DVA and a very special thank you to NORM AUSTEN who donated $10,000.00 and to others who also made generous donations. As all work had to go to civilian contractors the cost of The Memorial has blown out from $30,000.00 to over $36.000.00.   We would not have been able to have the Memorial built without the help of Norm and others. The most disappointing part is that over 150 members have not replied or forgotten.  So, have you made your contribution towards this worthy cause?  Please ignore this notice if you have already made a donation. So, to finish off. WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MAKE UP THE DIFFERENCE! Jim Harper (Scrooge McShad)

Membership - We want you! People who once served in army bands (even prior to the Australian Army Band Corps), current serving members, recently discharged members and all of our part-time Reserve members.......membership of the Association is available now! Please follow the link to the Membership page or download the Membership Application Form (PDF).

The AABC Association website is managed by the Association Webmaster Peter Cobcroft. For any enquiries contact the Web Assistant Stu Colhoun or the Association President Bob Keatch.