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News and Events
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British Military Tournament 2010
The British Military Tournament is being staged by ABF The Soldiers Charity and will tell the story of the British Army from the Civil War to the present day. The Director of the British Military Tournament will be Christopher Joll who produced the Household Cavalry Pageant on Horseguards Parade to mark the opening of the New Household Cavalry Museum in 2008. He also directed the Royal Hospital Centenary Pageant in 2007 which raised funds for the Chelsea Pensioners Appeal. Tickets for the British Military Tournament go on general sale Wednesday 16th June 2010. There will be four performances; 14:30 hrs & 19:30 hrs on Saturday 4th December and 13:30 hrs & 18:30 hrs on Sunday 5th December.
For more information on the British Military Tournament, please visit: www.britishmilitarytournament.com
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Eric Andersen - Update
The news I have is that the Andersen clan moved into the new Clonbinane "castle" on 24 May.
There are still a number of things to be completed before we actually get the Certificate of Occupancy, with various workmen still making random appearances on site. We have had a problem with the Project Manager and the Builder, who have an on-going dispute (not directly connected to our place), and who seem to be unable to communicate with one another. There have been delays, double-handling, confusion over who was doing what, and lots of general obfuscation, all of which has been far more traumatic than the aftermath of the fire itself!! It would be a whole lot better if they could all be got together at once to co-ordinate their activities, but I'm sure the necessary work will eventually come to an end. I was fortunate to spend the past three weeks on leave, but am just as pleased to be back at work, where climbing ladders, digging ditches or clambering around in ceilings aren't part of the job description....
The place is certainly roomier than our previous "granny flat" in Broadford. We had problems there when the owner of that property (a golfing friend) sold the house to a young family with a whole lot of kids and animals. Our younger son's girlfriend's dog ate one of the new owner's cats (well, had a good nibble of it, with a vet's bill for the girlfriend of about $700), and shortly after that there were mysterious things happening to the power and TV reception, so we took the hint and moved out into the new house.
Cheryle, the boys and I would like to gratefully thank the many readers of the News Updates who have lent their support to us, and to the Lloyd family too, following Black Saturday. The AABC family has always been a tight knit group, and we have seen further evidence of this over the past 17 months or so.
The house is on the same site, at 224 Clonbinane Road, Clonbinane, and is about 5 minutes from the Clonbinane exit on the Hume Freeway (or 35 minutes from the Western Ring Road, to Melbourne's north). If you are passing by, come in for a cuppa (or something stronger, depending on the position of the yard-arm). You might want to call (03) 5787 1368 to see if we are home first. With any luck Telstra will have organised the phone service for us by the time any of you get the chance to come out here (after all, I've spent about 5 hours on the phone to them already! But THAT'S another story.)
Warm regards to you all,
Eric Andersen |
Baton Presentation - the baton used by Albert Baile, Conductor of the 1st Australian Armoured Division Band A.I.F. 1942 - 1945, will be presented to the Defence Force School of Music during the @Home concert, 11am,21 May 2010. The Band was involved in the 1945 Declaration of Peace at Moratai and Colin Lelean has forward some details about the Band's involvement:
'At approximately 9am on the morning of the ceremony for the signing of the 1945 Declaration of Peace at Moratai, it was realised that the 1st Armoured Division Band did not have an arrangement of the Dutch national anthem. The Band Sergeant gathered a small group of the Dutch to sing for him their anthem. From their vocal rendition a version was quickly transcribed in time for the service, and to the delight of the Dutch present was a rendition described as the best they had ever heard. Such was the talent within the Band. '
The following are, with consent, the contact details of whom I believe is the last member if the 1st Armoured Division Band: Mr Harold (nicknamed Bus) Wilson of 5 Liguori court Mayfield NSW 2304, 02 4967 1378.
I believe that Harold still plays tenor horn with the Salvation Army Band, and I admire him as both a player and true friend. The picture of him that ended up in Red Robbies Rousers I took whilst in the car park (1999) just preceding band practice in Mayfield. His reply to my enquiry as to his health was " If i were a horse they would have shot me years ago", at a time when he was still a contract builder, then aged 80+. A modest but truly remarkable fellow. Please feel welcome to give him a call. As we meet again on the 21st, with thanks and many kind regards. Colin Lelean. |
AABC Honorary Colonel
ORDER OF THE DAY
Good afternoon all - it is with great delight that I let you know that the office of CA has advised me this morning that CA has signed the letter approving the appointment of Brigadier Mark Bornholt, AM, as Honorary Colonel, AABC. The appointment is effective from 1 March 2010 to 1 March 2014. BRIG Bornholt brings to the appointment a wealth of experience, a genuine passion for the work of our Corps, a love of music and a particularly limited vocal talent!! His close professional and personal relationships with the senior leadership group of Army will be of invaluable assistance to us particularly as we shape the Corps for the future and I know he will advocate on our behalf with unabounded energy and zeal.
I have attached a photograph and biography together with a statement from BRIG Bornholt which outlines his appointment priorities. I ask that all units conduct a CO's Hour within the next fortnight to advise personnel of the appointment and to brief members on the significance and history of both the role of the Honorary Colonel and the new incumbent. This office will soon plan a unit visits schedule for BRIG Bornholt so please advise dates of suitable military and civil engagements when he might best take the opportunity to meet and talk with unit members.
Finally I am delighted to advise that he, and his wife Karen, will attend the Farewell Dinner for BRIG Hearn on 30 Mar. This presents an excellent initial opportunity for all officers to make themselves known to him and to advance their career prospects by offering singing lessons aimed at enhancing repertoire beyond the currently limited 'The Gambler'.
Cheers,
Ian McLean
I.J. McLean, AM,CSC
Lieutenant Colonel
Director of Music - Army
Honorary Colonel Introduction and Biography (PDF) |
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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 |
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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
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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
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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 |
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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) |
Brave & True: From Blue to Khaki - the Band of the 2/22nd Battalion - By Lindsay C. Cox
In 1942 the biggest single loss of life suffered by Australia happened in one single wartime act. The number of lives lost was two-and-a-half times the total number of Australian soldiers killed in Vietnam. Amongst those who perished were 22 Salvation Army Bandsmen enlisted in the AIF under renowned Bandmaster Arthur Gullidge to form the 2/22nd Battalion Band. Just one bandsman survived the invasion of Rabaul.
This book can be ordered online at the Salvation Army Online Supplies Shop:
http://www.salvationarmy.com.au/supplies/product.asp?pID=99&cID=1%20
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GOLD ARIA AWARD FOR 'SALUTE TO THE AUSSIE DIGGER'
A musical tribute has today earned the Australian Army its first ever Gold ARIA Award.Presented during a ceremony at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, the award from the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) recognised the national distribution of over 38,000 copies of the compact disc, Salute to the Aussie Digger.
The CD project was conceived in 2003 by Australian Army Band - Sydney member, Warrant Officer Rod Mason.
"This is a wonderful achievement for the Australian Army Band Corp and is recognition of the sort of activities that all Army bands are involved in," WO Mason said. Following extensive research, script writing and music composition, the album was recorded over several months in 2004 by the Australian Army Band - Sydney, under the baton of Major Geoff Grey. "With all of the elements of the project being completed 'in-house' from scripting and recording to sound engineering and graphic design, the CD is a very special achievement by members of the Australian Army Band Corps," MAJ Grey said.
The album was launched at the Sydney Town Hall in November 2004 by Brigadier I.J.C. Hearn AO. The recording features a wide variety of evocative music covering periods of conflict over the past 130 years and includes numerous compositions by members of the band. In addition to Jack Thompson's iconic voice, the recording also has contributions by General Peter Cosgrove (Retired). The project had the honour of being under the patronage of then Governor General Major General Michael Jeffery and also features original sound effects sourced from the Australian War Memorial.
Since its release the CD has been included in national educational literature available in all Government secondary schools, issued to recruits upon march-out from the Army Recruit Training Centre and raised significant funds and awareness for Legacy.
Well done Rod and the Band!
(L to R) Warrant Officer Rod Mason, actor Jack Thompson and
Major Geoff Grey posed with the first Gold Aria Award ever presented
to the Army Band.
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AABC 40th Anniversary Messages
From Honorary Colonel AABC Brigadier Ian Hearn AO
To all members of the Australian Army Band Corps, ARA and ARES, I extend my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the 40th birthday of the Corps.
The bands of the AABC are extremely high-profile, and fulfil a most important role in the Army. This encompasses not only the more traditional functions relating to 'ceremonial' and 'entertainment', but also includes 'assisting in developing the positive public image of the Army'. That the members of the Corps are able to do this is directly attributable to your sense of duty and your very high standard of musical ability.
At this time of year, I also wish to send best wishes to those past members of the Corps who will attend the AABC Association re-union on the Sunshine Coast this weekend. It is these past members who laid the foundation for what exists today.
I look forward to joining the Canberra-based celebrations of the AABC, which will be attended by both present and past members of the Corps.
Best wishes to you all
Ian Hearn AO
Brigadier
Honorary Colonel AABC
From Patron of AABC Association Brigadier J.J. Shelton DSO, MC
The last 40 years has seen some tremendous changes in the Band Corps. Probably the biggest change was the introduction of female soldier musicians. More recently the opportunity to serve in overseas deployments has added to the Corps' credits. Over the past 40 years the Corps has consistently maintained a very high standard on parade. Off parade, the range of music encompassed by the Corps has expanded to meet society's changing musical tastes. Congratulations to all Corps members past and present.
Regards
Jim Shelton
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Thanks to Tom Handley, ex-member of 5MD Band,Perth and also from Kevin Findlay (Burnie, Tas)
The Anzac on the Wall
I wandered thru a country town 'cos I had time to spare,
And went into an antique shop to see what was in there.
Old Bikes and pumps and kero lamps, but hidden by it all,
A photo of a soldier boy - an Anzac on the Wall.
"The Anzac have a name?" I asked. The old man answered "No,.
The ones who could have told me mate, have passed on long ago.
The old man kept on talking and, according to his tale,
The photo was unwanted junk bought from a clearance sale.
"I asked around," the old man said, "but no one knows his face,
He's been on that wall twenty years, deserves a better place.
For some one must have loved him so, it seems a shame somehow."
I nodded in agreement and then said, "I'll take him now."
My nameless digger's photo, well it was a sorry sight
A cracked glass pane and a broken frame - I had to make it right
To prise the photo from its frame I took care just in case,
"Cause only sticky paper held the cardboard back in place.
I peeled away the faded screed and much to my surprise,
Two letters and a telegram appeared before my eyes
The first reveals my Anzac's name, and regiment of course
John Mathew Francis Stuart - of Australia's own Light Horse.
This letter written from the front, my interest now was keen
This note was dated August seventh 1917
"Dear Mum, I'm at Khalasa Springs not far from the Red Sea
They say it's in the Bible - looks like Billabong to me.
"My Kathy wrote I'm in her prayers she's still my bride to be
I just cant wait to see you both you're all the world to me
And Mum you'll soon meet Bluey, last month they shipped him out
I told him to call on you when he's up and about."
"That bluey is a larrikin, and we all thought it funny
He lobbed a Turkish hand grenade into the Co's dunny.
I told you how he dragged me wounded in from no man's land
He stopped the bleeding closed the wound with only his bare hand."
"Then he copped it at the front from some stray shrapnel blast
It was my turn to drag him in and I thought he wouldn't last
He woke up in hospital, and nearly lost his mind
Cause out there on the battlefield he'd left one leg behind."
"He's been in a bad way mum, he knows he'll ride no more
Like me he loves a horse's back he was a champ before.
So Please Mum can you take him in, he's been like my brother
Raised in a Queensland orphanage he' s never known a mother."
But Struth, I miss Australia mum, and in my mind each day
I am a mountain cattleman on high plains far away
I'm mustering white-faced cattle, with no camel's hump in sight
And I waltz my Matilda by a campfire every night
I wonder who rides Billy, I heard the pub burnt down
I'll always love you and please say hooroo to all in town".
The second letter I could see was in a lady's hand
An answer to her soldier son there in a foreign land
Her copperplate was perfect, the pages neat and clean
It bore the date November 3rd 1917.
"T'was hard enough to lose your Dad, without you at the war
I'd hoped you would be home by now - each day I miss you more"
"Your Kathy calls around a lot since you have been away
To share with me her hopes and dreams about your wedding day
And Bluey has arrived - and what a godsend he has been
We talked and laughed for days about the things you've done and seen"
"He really is a comfort, and works hard around the farm,
I read the same hope in his eyes that you wont come to harm.
Mc Connell's kids rode Billy, but suddenly that changed
We had a violent lightning storm, and it was really strange."
"Last Wednesday just on midnight, not a single cloud in sight
It raged for several minutes, it gave us all a fright
It really spooked your Billy - and he screamed and bucked and reared
And then he rushed the sliprail fence, which by a foot he cleared"
"They brought him back next afternoon, but something's changed I fear
It's like the day you brought him home, for no one can get near
Remember when you caught him with his black and flowing mane?
Now Horse breakers fear the beast that only you can tame,"
"That's why we need you home son" - then the flow of ink went dry-
This letter was unfinished, and I couldn't work out why.
Until I started reading the letter number three
A yellow telegram delivered news of tragedy
Her son killed in action - oh - what pain that must have been
The Same date as her letter - 3rd November 17
This letter which was never sent, became then one of three
She sealed behind the photo's face - the face she longed to see.
And John's home town's old timers -children when he went to war
Would say no greater cattleman had left the town before.
They knew his widowed mother well - and with respect did tell
How when she lost her only boy she lost her mind as well.
She could not face the awful truth, to strangers she would speak
"My Johnny's at the war you know , he's coming home next week."
They all remembered Bluey he stayed on to the end
A younger man with wooden leg became her closest friend
And he would go and find her when she wandered old and weak
And always softly say "yes dear - John will be home next week."
Then when she died Bluey moved on, to Queensland some did say
I tried to find out where he went, but don't know to this day
And Kathy never wed - a lonely spinster some found odd
She wouldn't set foot in a church - she'd turned her back on God
John's mother left no will I learned on my detective trail
This explains my photo's journey, that clearance sale
So I continued digging cause I wanted to know more
I found John's name with thousands in the records of the war
His last ride proved his courage - a ride you will acclaim
The Light Horse Charge at Beersheba of everlasting fame
That last day in October back in 1917
At 4pm our brave boys fell - that sad fact I did glean
That's when John's life was sacrificed, the record's crystal clear
But 4pm in Beersheba is midnight over here.......
So as John's gallant sprit rose to cross the great divide
Were lightning bolts back home a signal from the other side?
Is that why Billy bolted and went racing as in pain?
Because he'd never feel his master on his back again?
Was it coincidental? same time - same day - same date?
Some proof of numerology, or just a quirk of fate?
I think it's more than that, you know, as I've heard wiser men,
Acknowledge there are many things that go beyond our ken
Where craggy peaks guard secrets neath dark skies torn asunder
Where hoofbeats are companions to the rolling waves of thunder
Where lightning cracks like 303's and ricochets again
Where howling moaning gusts of wind sound just like dying men
Some Mountain cattlemen have sworn on lonely alpine track
They've glimpsed a huge black stallion - Light Horseman on his back.
Yes Sceptics say, it's swirling clouds just forming apparitions
Oh no, my friend you cant dismiss all this as superstition
The desert of Beersheba - or windswept Aussie range
John Stuart rides forever there - Now I don't find that strange.
Now some gaze at this photo, and they often question me
And I tell them a small white lie, and say he's family.
"You must be proud of him." they say - I tell them, one and all,
That's why he takes the pride of place - my Anzac on the Wall.
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Australia Day Honours 2008
Congratulations go to both AABC members who received the following Australia Day Honours.
CONSPICUOUS SERVICE MEDAL (CSM)
Warrant Officer Class One Laurence James CASE, Victoria
For meritorious achievement to the Australian Army Band Corps.
Warrant Officer Case has provided outstanding, consistent and tireless commitment over an extensive period of military service.Through his initiative and enthusiasm, he has personally contributed to the recruitment and development of Army Cadet Bands and the Queensland University Regiment Band, to revolutionary improvements in doctrine and to active maintenance of the heritage of the Australian Army Band Corps. His efforts reflect the best values of the Australian Army Band Corps and are in keeping with the finest traditions of the Australian Army.
MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE MILITARY DIVISION
Warrant Officer Class Two Roderick Edwin MASON, ACT
For meritorious service as the Australian Defence Force Academy Band
Sergeant Major and as a member of the Australian Army Band Corps. Warrant Officer Mason is an inspirational, self-motivated soldier who has achieved outstanding results as both the Australian Defence Force Academy Bandmaster and a member of the Australian Army Band Corps. His projects have contributed to improving pride and retention in the Australian Army Band Corps, the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Australian Defence Force, while his community-minded initiatives have presented a positive image of the Australian Defence Force to the general public.
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173RD Reunion 2007, Rochester USA
Jim Harper sent this image with some sage advice:
"Never pack your suit in a plastic bag when travelling. It Shrinks!"
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WO1 Stephen Hladio Commissioned
Ex RSM of the AABC, BSM RMC and at present posted to RMC HQ as the Protocol Officer, Stephen has been recently commissioned to the rank of Captain. On behalf of the AABC Association we congratulate Captain Stephen Hladio, OAM on his recent promotion.
KN
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From Bob Keatch....
A photo taken when we arrived at Kokoda after completing the THE TRACK on 10 October.
With me in this shot is my son Ashley and my brother Brian.
The second photo was taken of our whole group at the start at Owers corner.
Bob Keatch
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Decision to Disband Air Command Band
A letter concerning "The decision to disband the Air Command Band. Click here for details
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1 RAR 60th Birthday
Jim Harper was in Townsville before the AGM in Adelaide, Jim sent these photo's of The First Battalion
Royal Australian Regiment celebrating its 60th birthday.
John Seagg and Jim Harper at the reunion in Townsville.
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From Haydn Downes
In May of 2004, I thought it was time to take the bride of 24 years on a honeymoon as we had never had one as we got married just after I joined Victoria Police in 1981 and couldn't get the time to take one. Anyway off we headed to Queensland and I was lucky and fortunate enough (maybe by devious methods) to catch up with three old mates from the NQAB days. None of us had seen each other since 1977 and we all commented to each other that we hadn't changed one bit in 27 years, so it just goes to show, if you look after yourself, not drink to excess and only go out with one woman at a time you can continue to be young, fit and handsome. Those that knew us in our younger days will probably dispute this fact but I suppose they have only got memories as our memories were as sharp as blunt knives.
The day we caught up was a wonderful event with a magnificent BBQ, lots of wine and an unknown amount of beer passed over our lips. The war stories that were told was something to hear and if they were true I don't know how we are all still here. Some parts of the day are a blur and I can't imagine why but I suppose it was just like being back in Townsville. Anyway some may be interested in this photo that was taken at the magnificent residence of Gerard Julian Peter Ian Thomas Hayes (Shaky or Gerry to his mates.
Hope to see lots of old mates in Adelaide in October, I have already booked my seat and am in training already.
Cheers,
Haydn Downes
The line up is from left to right: Ted Redknap, Eddie Jardine, Haydn Downes, Gerry Hayes.
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From Jack Curtis
On the 23rd April 2005, a four wheel drive vehicle towing a caravan pulled into Junee and low and behold, Peter Tuckand his partner Sue emerged out of the vehicle.
Peter and Sue are at present are spending time with Jack and Barbara Curtis in Junee.
Peter and Sue are on a trip from Perthto many parts of Australia.
Peter and Sue have travelled 16,000 Km so far on their trip through WA, SA, VIC, NSW and Canberra for the 5RAR reunion. InCanberra.
Peter also met up with Geoff Lowe, Ken Benson, Peter Frazer and many old 5RAR friends. Peter and Jack were both at the Army Apprentice School of Music at Balcombe in 1962/63.
The two meet up again with 5RAR Band and served together in Vietnam in 1966/67 under the command of Bob Taylor.
Peter and Sue attended the Anzac Day Dawn Service in Junee where Jack is the Hon/Secretary of the Junee RSL Sub-Branch. At the Dawn Service Breakfast, Peter and Sue were conscripted into the Junee Town Band for the Anzac Day March a few hours later. Peter spent a day visiting old buddies in Wagga and they included Bruce Pinney, Laurie Agent, Abe Brown (5 RAR) and Clarrie Halmer, a civilian friend Thank You,
Jack Curtis
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From the Pen of Ernie Trotter....
As mentioned the other day, I had a conversation with Col Fischer just prior to sending off my contribution to the NL. If its not too late I'd like to include some of the matters discussed during that conversation and if possible it should be inserted in the para immediatly after mention of Maria Scragg and Pat Kendrigan:-
During the RMC Band Golden Jubilee celebrations I had a chance to have a brief conversation with Col Fischer who advised that his wife Shirley wasn't able to attend the functions due to a serious illness. This was bad news as she had always appeared fit and well, a condition she'd need to maintain to remain at the 'top' as an A grade net-ball player and coach. The trouble was, I had grown old, but my memory only allowed me to imagine Shirley as half her age, but like us all, the 'machine' starts to wear out. Colin spared me the details of her problems but during a recent phone conversation, he advised that she had eventually got on top of the problem, was now much better and at the time of the call, was enjoying a holiday on the Gold Coast.
We had a long conversation and spoke of many band personalities from Bob Rowan to Bob Butcher and was able to tell him that Bob B, who served with him in RAE and S Comd Band, was approaching his 70th birthday and intended to retire from the County Court in April 05. Colin mentioned that Bob had called in to see him riding his 'steel stallion' - a 1100cc Honda on a recent visit to his brother Mike. What he didn't know was that since then, Bob had ridden his bike to Perth and Back. Seems like he has reverted to his teens. Heaven knows what he is paying in registration and insurance for his 'fleet' of transport which comprises a small red Pulsar, a Mercedes Campervan, the Honda and another 500cc bike. I told him recently that his drivevay must look like Arfur Daley's Car Yard.
With Bob's Imminent departure from the County Court it will leave Eric Andersen, Chris Stock and Graeme 'Murray' Weston to carry the banner for the Corps.
Many members will not remember Graeme, but he served with S Comd back in the dim past before he joined the RAAF Central.
Hope I'm not too late fellas.
Regards
Ern
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