Seasons Greetings - SportsTG · Seasons Greetings . The year is fast coming to a close as is my presidency. I wish the new commit-tee all the success. Our Anzac Day, Kokoda Day and

S T A N D FA S T

The Official Voice of the Tea Tree Gully

R S L Sub Branch

PO Box 171, St Agnes, SA, 5097 Issue: 6 - December 2015

Welcome to your Sub - Branch

A place for meeting & socialising for

Veterans, Family, Friends & Community Together

S e a s o n s G r e e t i n g s

The year is fast coming to a close as is my presidency. I wish the new commit-tee all the success. Our Anzac Day, Kokoda Day and Re-membrance Day commemorations, our prime objective, were very successful. The council has committed to providing big screens and other support for future Anzac Days. The council has been very supportive to the RSL this year, particu-

larly Kevin Knight, Bernie and Sandy Keane and Jim McLafferty. We now have a functioning and up to date Web page and Facebook account, thanks to 3 lovely ladies. I con-sider this to be an important step to continue our pro-gression. Check it out please.

Our clubrooms have seen some major renovations this year, thanks to grants, Bunnings and some dedi-cated volunteers. Our backroom repaint, new cupboards, library are a credit to our club and look very modern.

The kitchen is on a roll with you know who behind the pot. Our new bar staff, under the watchful eye of our Bar Manager are a blessing. We now have 2 Sundays a month with lunch and live music. 1st Sunday Jazz/Swing, 2nd Sunday Country/Rock. Negotiations are currently underway to secure a 3rd Sunday with the Blues Club, and perhaps a 4th with the TTG RSL All Stars Band. (:?

Thursday nights, our mainstay evening has been a massive success. So nice to see so many people participating and enjoying the evening.

Wednesday Darts continue to support our RSL with a new team for next season in the pipeline.

We have an ongoing major project with our club, the council and DVA to erect a statue commemorating the Vietnam War, to be erected in the Memorial Gardens. However at this stage it is still a wait and see situation.

We anticipate a joyful conclusion to our year with our Christmas Show on 5th Dec, and the over 50's (aren't we all?) Christmas Show on the 8th. Judy's exercise group dinner on the 12th and the Kids Christmas Show on the 13th. Wow. Santa will be busy.

Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers. We look forward to your support in the coming years.

HANDY PHONE NUMBERS

Club: 08 8263 2083 (Bar hours only) President: 0409 675 225 Secretary: 0428 448 388 Treasurer: 0417 897 244 Chaplain: 08 8360 6444 Stand Fast Editor: 08 8263 3516 RSL State HQ: 08 8100 7300 Welfare Officer 08 8265 4000

Membership Officer 08 8395 6103

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAR TRADING HOURS

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 4pm to 11.30pm*

Wednesday: 7pm to 11.30pm

Thursday: 4pm to 8pm

Friday: 4pm to 11.30pm*

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 3pm to 8pm

*Subject to patronage after 8pm

COMMITTEE

President: - Wayne Langford

Secretary: - Di Sisson

Treasurer: - Bill O’Donnell

V / President: - Keith Horne

Committee:

Terry Nicholas - Dwayne Hunter

John Harmer - Leanne Matten

Malcolm St Clair-Dixon

David John-Powell

PAST PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Returned Services League

Tea Tree Gully - Sub Branch

C o m i n g E v e n t s

Please keep for future reference and check the notice board regularly for any change of event.

RECURRING EVENTS

Bar Opens at 4pm. Every Thursday evening Suppers from 6.30 pm after the Ode.

Arrive early as numbers are on the increase. Raffles will be run throughout the evening.

SUNDAYS Bar Opens at 12noon, on the 1st Sunday of the month.

A La Carte lunch served from 1 till 3. All Meals $10.00

Jazz / Swing - 1st Sunday of the Month.

2nd Sunday of the Month - The Tea Tree Band

A La Carte lunch 1—3pm music from 2pm — 5pm

O v e r 5 0 ’ s Entertainment Day - 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1.00pm.

Bingo - 4th Tuesday of each month at 1.00pm.

Computer Advise & Help 2nd Sunday of each month

3pm—5pm $10.00 per sess ion.

FUTURE EVENTS FOR YOUR 2016 CALENDAR.

ANZAC DAY SERVICE - 25th April 2016

GOLF WAR 9 - TBA

KOKODA DAY SERVICE - 2nd November 2016

REMEMBRANCE DAY - 11th November 2016

M E M B E R S H I P

Service Membership 169

Affiliates 57

Associates 4

Community 29

As at 4th December 2015

at St Agnes

Please support our Club supporters

The RSL Newsletter STAND FAST is printed as a

community service by Tom Kenyon MP - JP.

Member of Newland. 4 / 1257 North East Road

Ridgehaven. Ph 8264 4482

Tom is a member of the TTG Sub Branch

The office is open for ALL State Government Matters and

Justice of the Peace service is available.

Supports our club with a massive donation.

Please support the Gully as a Club Supporter.

BIOGRAPHICAL DETAILS FOR OUR NEW PRESIDENT

Major W.J. LANGFORD, OAM

Major Wayne John Langford was born at Albury, New South Wales on 2 February 1951 and joined the Army on 6 March 1968,

where after recruit training at Kapooka, was allotted to the Royal Australian Army Medical Corps. On completion of Initial Em-

ployment Training, he was posted to 2nd Field Ambulance. In 1970 he was posted to 4th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regi-

ment for subsequent duty in South Vietnam.

On returning to Australia in 1971, he was posted to the School of Army Health as an Instructor. 1974 saw a posting to Army Ap-

prentices School, Balcombe until 1977 when he returned to the School of Army Health on promotion to Sergeant until 1980 and

after successful completion of the Special Air Services Regiment Selection Course, he served in the Regiment in the CT Wing.

In 1983 he was promoted Warrant Officer Class Two and posted to the 3rd Camp Hospital, Puckapunyal until 1986. After a post-

ing to Aviation Centre Oakey and on completion of the Regimental Sergeant Major Course, he assumed his first Regimental Ser-

geant Major posting to 10 Field Ambulance, Hobart. Postings as a Regimental Sergeant Major have included 2nd Field Ambu-

lance, 3rd Brigade Administrative Support Battalion, Soldier Career Management Agency, 3rd Training Group, Headquarters Lo-

gistic Command and finally Regimental Sergeant Major-South Australia. Captain Langford was commissioned on the 20th January

2000 and has served as the Admin Officer of 3 Health Support Battalion, Senior Recruiting Officer for the Australian Defence

Force Recruiting Unit in South Australia and as the Operations Officer at Joint Operations Support Staff –SA. He has also served

at the Officer Career Management Agency as the RAAMC Career Manager. In Jan 06, Major Langford moved on promotion to

the PD-Joint (Health) position at ALTC.

Major Langford's honors and awards include The Order of Australia (OAM), Commendation for Distinguished Service East

Timor, Australian Active Service Medal 1945-75 (AASM), Vietnam Service Medal, Australian Active Service Medal (AASM)

East Timor, Australian Service Medal (ASM) Iraq, The Defence Force Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, United Nations

Medal (UNTAET) and the Infantry Combat Badge (ICB).

Operational service includes South Vietnam 1970/71, Northern Iraq 1991, Solomon Islands 2000 and East Timor 2001.

His experience includes a background in International Humanitarian Law, Industrial Relations, Logistics, OH&S and in areas of

Ceremonial and Protocol matters, encompassing a CT role at both State and Federal Government, as well as providing DACC

support and assistance to a number of organizations within South Australia. He has served as the President of the Mess Committee

(PMC) on 5 occasions. Major Langford retired from the Australian Defence Force in March of 2008 after completing 40 years in

the regular Army. He is currently the Vice President of the 4RAR –SA Association.

Major Langford's wife, Alana, has also retired and they love travelling. He enjoys motor racing, football, music and riding his

Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Without action there

is no results

Supplied paint, cupboards plus the installation at

our sub branch. Bunnings have gone beyond all

expectation in their generosity.

Please support Bunnings as they have supported us.

EASY PC FIXIT

Contact: Michael Mob: 0431 477 128

Got a question about your computer, laptop,

tablet or smart phone? FREE ADVICE!

Want to get Windows 10 but not sure how?

Is your Device slower than normal?

Getting unexplained popups?

Has your Search Engine changed?

Is your Home Page correct?

Are you getting Error messages?

Is your Anti-Virus good?

Computer Advise & Help

2nd Sunday of each month

3pm—5pm $10.00 per session

/4

What we don’t see pretty much goes without any thought as to what is actually being done behind the scenes. We see changes, the improvements & say how great they are. It is the unher-alded volunteers who really are making a difference to our sub branch. On the 10th August a small band of mem-bers, mainly from the committee armed with tools & power implements hung pictures, plaques and replaced damaged ceiling panels after being ruined by water from a leaky roof. The memorabilia show cases commenced to be filled with the valuables. We sure have a lot of history & items of sig-nificance. Barry Mitchell’s efforts here. The bookcases have now been installed and filled with some extremely rare books. One book in particular is hav-ing a display case purposely crafted by Bill Bates, another silent volunteer. The book will laid open for all to see 2 pages at a time, with the pages being turned carefully

From the Editors Hand Trevor Harvey

2016 Presidents Report

I will take the opportunity to wish you all a pros-perous 2016. I should start by saying, how honoured I am to be appointed as your new president for 2016. I would like publicly thank Robert, our out going President and his committee for an outstanding job and I defiantly have big shoes to fill. I wish to also ac-knowledge both my and your new committee. As they say,”A President is only as good as his or her committee.” I have a great team and with their help we look forward to serving you well.

2016 will see a number of conflicts and battles reaching milestones of 50, 60 and 70 years, with the Vietnam conflict topping that list. I believe that we will again see large numbers at our ANZAC Day Service and at the Remembrance Day cere-monies. We are looking for volunteers to support both of these and many other commemorative activities, so please let the committee know your availability and in what capacity you may wish to become involved.

On the social side of the house, 2016 will be as exciting as the previous year of activities. The committee intends to provide more opportunities for you to drop into the club. Your support will be crucial in making these functions a success. There will be our usual Jazz and Thursday nights that you have enjoyed, with inclusion of even more events such as an AFL Grand Final Day, The Melbourne Cup Luncheon, and the return of our Quiz Nights to name a few. Please remember that your president and his or her committee work for you, so if you have any idea’s or would like to become involved, then do not hesitate to speak with us. Check the notice board for coming events and a full list of functions will be in the April issue of Stand Fast.

In closing, Alana and I look forward to meeting

those members we have not met at this time, and we

both wish you and your family members an enjoy-

able 2016.

every few months for all to enjoy. This book has been locked away for many years and thanks to the silent workers we will soon be able view this rare book and read sections of its stories at our clubrooms.

The bar staff, Con, Karen & Rene` spend many unseen hours ordering stock, filling fridge shelves & after all have departed, they must then clean up. They do a magnificent job.

Jeff Langton & Malcolm Love collaborate content then Jeff wields his magic and compiles all the details, adds music & transitions before burning a DVD for us all to enjoy on the TV Screen each week. It is quite a time consuming job that is done almost on a weekly basis.

Kokoda Day went off well with many volunteers setting up the venue, early morning. Chairs, PA system & gazebo. Mean while back at the sub - branch a team of ladies began setting up tables, heating water etc for tea & coffee. Plates of sandwiches, party pies, pasties & sausage rolls had to be heated. The mandatory cakes also had to be placed on the tables. Without this assistance this event could not proceed. This procedure was duplicated again for the Remembrance Day Service, with the same volunteers at the pointy end completing another amazing effort.

Robert Lotstra for the past 2 years has been a tireless worker. The time he has devoted to our sub branch is phenomenal. He has made music a feature on weekends and the kitchen used efficiently every Thursday evening. He also cleans and changes the cooking oil regularly.

Jan his devoted wife has been a widow at home mostly without trans-port. During Roberts tenure this club has blossomed. His work ethic & tenacity has been a driving force & has become infectious amongst the members.

Leanne & partner are doing an amazing job in the kitchen.

Malcolm Love our treasurer performs a massive amount of hours per week counting money & depositing it in the bank. Writing cheques & balancing the books. It is a extremely important role & also must have some control over the spending.

To the volunteers who manned tables at shopping centres for Poppy Day etc, your efforts have been recognised.

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

Was held at the Remembrance Garden 11th November with approximately 130 people in attendance. The Pre Service music was provided by “Dawn To Dusk”. A youth band whose ages range from 8 up. Their musi-cal director is Alana Whitney.

Mr Robert Lotstra introduced the invited guests & ac-knowledgements then opened with this enlightening information relating to The Great War.

On the Eleventh Day of November in the year 1918

'The Great War' ended.

It had cost the World over Thirty Seven Million Casualties.

Almost Nine Million Soldiers had died and over Twenty One Mil-

lion were wounded.

Over 6.6 Million Civilians Died, 2.2 Million in Russia alone.

Soldiers were dying at an average rate of approx. 6,000 per day.

Thousands of those missing were never recovered from the Battle-

field and have no known graves.

This is the sad and tragic Legacy of War.

Lest We Forget.

/5

BIG FAT GREEK NIGHT

A group of Greek Children dancers started the evening

with a few traditional dances. The dance group were from

the Greek Lyceum of South Australia, a

Adelaide-based Greek-Australian school

of Greek Dance and Culture whose prin-

cipal role is the fostering of Greek Dance

and Culture to South Australian children

and adults.

The children where then replaced with 4

or 5 senior dancing girls who really had

the crowd involved and encouraged the

diners to join them on the dance floor. It

was a great laugh as they tried to learn

the steps & arm gestures. Well done to the brave.

Pre Dinner horderves were fabulous

and plenty of it. A huge variety of pas-

tries and cold meat, dips, olives &

cheese. Main Course—Meat cooked to

perfection over the spit,

Servings were massive with 3 roast po-

tatoes per plate. The meat was accom-

panied with potatoes on a huge plate.

Lots of dogs & cats will be eating like

royal animals as pet owners took their leftovers home in

doggy bags. (serviettes) Woof Woof

Later in the evening Demis Roussos with a female back

up singer mimed several songs with real feeling & classic

gestures. Certain it was the reincarnated Demis. Later in

the evening John and Sharyn Flanigan also mimed

several more Greek songs which was extremely well re-

ceived with loud applause.

Music by Blackbird was once again well received with the

dance floor receiving plenty of attention with some fast

and fancy footwork.

Dessert was pastries of many

varieties. Very yummy.

A special thank you to all who

assisted in the stacking of chairs

& tables at the end of a brilliant,

hugely successful Greek Night.

Annual Luncheon

The Tea Tree Gully Annual Luncheon was held on 18th of

October and was attended by 80 guests. We were fortunate

to have the Mayor of Tea Tree Gully Mr Kevin Knight and

his wife Karen, Major Howard Trendell and his wife Elaine

from the Salvation Army, Mr Tony Zappia MP Federal

Member for Makin, Mr Tom Kenyon MP State Member for

Newland, Mrs Jill Hoare and her husband representing the

State President Brigadier Tim Hanna, Mr Bernie Keane and

Mrs Sandy Kean, Local Council Members in attendance.

Representatives from Payneham RSL, Magill RSL Enfield

RSL, Lobethal RSL, Mannum RSL, Gilles Plains RSL and

Hampstead RSL were also present.

Mr Jim Thompson, our Master of Ceremonies invited our

President, Robert Lotstra to give the welcoming address,

followed by a toast to the Queen and the singing of our

National Anthem. Major Trendell from the Salvation Army

led us in saying Grace.

Entrée was then served; an appetising prawn and avocado

cocktail. We were then entertained by the very talented

Irish dancers from the Margaret Atkins Academy of Irish

Dancing, who performed several dances and were profes-

sional in their presentation and style and had their audience

clapping in time, thoroughly enjoyable!

We were privileged to have Mr Andrew McLachlan as a

guest speaker. A lawyer who has served in Afghanistan

and is also a CMF member. He gave a very interesting talk

on his experiences in Afghanistan.

A beautiful main course of roast turkey and lamb with roast

vegetables was then served.

Terry Nichols gave the Toast to the League which was re-

sponded to by Mrs Jill Hoare. Robert Lotstra led the ODE,

followed by Mr Keith Horne toasting the “Old Diggers”,

serving personnel and absent comrades. Fred Jackson

spoke on behalf of Kindred Clubs and Mr Wes Hogan pro-

vided the response.

A refreshing dessert of strawberry cheesecake with cream

was then served….. delicious

Fred Jackson toasted the Ladies Auxiliary and noted that

whilst they are no longer able to operate, due to falling

numbers, that historically they have done an amazing job in

supporting the Tea Tree Gully Sub Branch. Fred made a

special mention of Lois Ramage and her sad passing.

Glenice Rathjen & Tony Callus spent much of the after-

noon selling raffle tickets and Keith Horne had arranged

prizes for auction and organized an auctioneer. With items

auctioned and raffles drawn it was time for Robert Lotstra

to give the closing address. /6

The service was handed over to Salvation Army Major Howard Trendell.

The band played throughout the service starting with the hymn “God of our Fathers” Amazing Grace was performed during the wreath laying ceremony.

The Ode To The Fallen was recited with two 13 year old boys playing the Last Post & the Rouse. Robert then gave a short closure address before advising all

in attendance that re-freshments & nibbles being available for all to join in with back at the clubrooms with about 70 people tak-ing up the offer of the snacks, tea & coffee with the bar being

opened.

Our program sheets didn’t quite stretch around this year due to an unexpected crowd. It was a great sight to have so many people taking the time out to REMEMBER.

What a great evening, with Quiz Master Scott Brown doing another outstanding performance. With a few less tables than earlier in the year and a rearrangement of table layout, the room wasn’t quite as cramped. The night proceeded spot on time with a male and a female at each table receiving a lucky seat prize. After eight demanding rounds the evening finished with a draw. To break the deadlock a tiebreaker question was put to the two equal teams. It was a number question so closest to the correct answer was awarded first place. The overall winner of the evening was Cheezewizz 89 points winning by a tiebreaker. The Runners Up the A Team also finishing with 89 points & go-ing down from the tiebreaker. A very exciting closure to a fabulous event. All teams were very close with only 7 points sepa-rating first & seventh placing. Overall the evening was a roaring success with bar takings exceptional, adding some dollars to the sub branch’s bottom line. A sincere thank you to Scott, his wife Ranae & the real workers gathering the papers from the tables, Kieran & Declan for their assistance throughout the evening and to all the participants who made the night such a thrilling evening.

11th November 1921 Armistice Day Remembrance

A resolution was passed in Australia that from 11th

November 1921 the red Memorial Poppy was to be

worn on Armistice Day in Australia.

The American and French Children’s League sent a

million artificial poppies to Australia for the 1921 Ar-

mistice Day commemoration. The Returned Soldiers

and Sailors Imperial League sold poppies before 11th

November. A poppy was sold for one shilling each.

Of this, five pennies were donated to a French chil-

dren’s charity, six pennies were donated to the Re-

turned Soldiers and Sailors Imperial League and one

penny was received by the government.

Since that time red poppies have been worn on the

anniversary of Armistice in Australia, officially

named Remembrance Day since 1977. Poppy wreaths

are also laid in Australia on the day of national com-

memoration called ANZAC DAY on 25th April. This

is the day when the AN-

ZAC Force landed on the

beaches of the Gallipoli

peninsular at the start of

that campaign on 25th

April 1915.

An Australian serviceman with a spray of poppies at the grave of an

unknown Australian soldier at Polygon Wood cemetery, Ypres.

Guess who this is from way back.

Answer in the next edition No.7

KOKODA COMMEMORATION

Held at Doxiadis Reserve St. Agnes Monday 2nd November 2015

Commencing promptly at11am.

Members of the Salvation Army Band pro-

vided the music with James Love playing

the Bagpipes.

President Robert Lotstra opened the ser-

vice with introductions of the Tea Tree Gully

Mayor, other dignitaries & representatives

from Government. Mr Bill Denny AM BM

was the guest speaker who gave a brilliant

talk. He sure has a knack of getting the

message across. The wreaths were placed

followed by Major Howard Trendall provid-

ing the Scripture reading then the Prayer of

Remembrance.

The bugler played the “Last Post “& the

Lone Piper the “Lament”. /7

EXERCISE GROUP

Things are still going well with the 3 classes although

9am class participants have been a little bit slack lately,

too many holiday makers I think. Bill & I had 4 weeks

off spening time travelling the Eyre Peninsula, which

was lovely except for wind and FLIES!!!! My nephew

James took over the classes for me. He is also a quali-

fied trainer & has had a fantastic time with everyone.

Thank You James.

Our last class for this year was on Dec 10th and our

Dinner on the 12th Dec. Both of these events are lots of

fun. The girls class provided the entertainment on at

our Dinner night with a humorous rendition of

"12 Days of Christmas".

Our classes start again on February 4th 2016.

9am &10am classes for guys & 11am for girls.

I look forward to seeing everyone again next year &

also any newbies as well.

Thankyou once again everyone for your support

throughout the year. Hope you all have a very happy

Christmas & New Year. Keep safe.

WHO RECEIVED the GOLD STAR —

Gavin Threadgold (endured 8 months of Chemotherapy)

Judy Daddow (fitness leader)

Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more vegies look just like bones. These foods specifi-

cally target bone strength. Bones are 23% so-dium and these foods are 23% calcium. If you don't have enough calcium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Proud Supporter of our

Tea Tree Gully Sub Branch

Butchers--Retail - Tea Tree Gully 13 Walters St, Tea Tree Gully SA 5091

/8

On the 16th of October Con Moustrides (our illustri-

ous bar manager) was conferred as the Tea Tree

Gully RSL Sub-Branch Affiliate of the Year. His

certificate was presented by RSL State President,

Brigadier Tim Hanna who ac-

knowledged that the future and

spirit of the RSL in general, is

reliant on individuals like Con

who go above and beyond ex-

pectations to ensure that the

Mission of the League contin-

ues. Con’s nomination was as

a result of his years of service

and dedication to the Sub-

Branch.

Affiliate of the Year.

The Ode was recited by Robert Lotstra.

The service concluded after the National An-

them was sung, and the benediction given

by Major Howard Trendall. Robert Lotstra

thanked all in attendance & invited everyone

in attendance back to the club rooms for a

light lunch.

SPORTS REPORT

The GOLF WAR 8 was a great success & everyone

enjoyed the day, although the morning started out cold, it

did warm up.

A huge THANK YOU to the organisers, Rod Parslow,

Malcolm Ferguson, Jeff Yates & Con Moustrides for

another fantastic event.

This year our winners are :-

OPEN - Ken Tuffrey

JACK CROUCH - Russell Hrycyk

DIGGERS - Phil Hoffman

NAGA - Tony Callus

LADIES - Jenny Giles

Thank you to our sponsors as without your support this

event could not proceed. Once again the volunteers who

help behind the scenes a huge Thank You.

A special thanks to Rod Hyde from the TTG Golf Club

for allowing us the use of the the Tea Tree Gully Golf

club facilities.

Our Sub Branch members have entered another 2 teams

into Hope Valley Twilight Bowls competition held

Tuesday evenings. Four Fiths & Cossack Kings have

enrolled again and after 6 matches F F has 4 wins & 2

losses with C K not fairing as well with 1win, 1 draw

and 4 losses.

A short spell over the Christmas New Year break then

the teams will be out rolling bowls again early next year.

DARTS The Grand Final was held on December 2nd.

In the PREMIER DIVISION T T G Survivors were vic-

torious and took out the Premiership for 2015. A great

effort but the team.

In the DIVISION 1 T T G Tossers became the Runners

up. A fine effort to finish second.

The Darts 2016 season recommences January 13th 2016.

We currently have 4 teams confirmed starters with a

possible new team entering the competition.

Guess who this is from the last

Stand Fast from way back is:

Malcolm Love our Treasurer

Soldier On is a not for profit organisation that exists to pro-vide support to Australia's con-temporary veterans who have been affected by their service and their families. We provide peer to peer support, educa-tion and training, employment and transition support, respite stays, family days as well as a range of state based health

and fitness activities. At a national level we offer opportunities for veterans to attend inspirational activities, veteran focussed programs and interna-tional projects. The SA office is located at Torrens Parade Ground and you can contact Justin or Mark on 81007319. For more information look us up on our national web page w w w . s o l d i e r o n . o r g . a u or find us on facebook at Soldieron Australia.

We've got your back.

I am not a badge of honour,

I am not a racist smear,

I am not a fashion statement,

To be worn but once a year,

I am not glorification

Of conflict or of war.

I am not a paper ornament

A token,

I am more.

I am a loving memory,

Of a father or a son,

A permanent reminder

Of each and every one.

I'm paper or enamel

I'm old or shining new,

I'm a way of saying thank you,

To every one of you.

I am a simple poppy

A Reminder to you all,

That courage faith and honour,

Will stand where heroes fall.

Paul Hunter 2014 /9

The poppy plant has a long history of military service. The flower has been the symbol for remembrance of those who fell in battle. But how did this com about? The tell is full of twists and turns but begins with the end of WWI. On November 11, 1918, WWI ended. Many individuals had passed with both sides busy burying their dead. Then, in 1919 it was decided to have a day of remem-brance of those who had passed during the war. The date chosen was November 11 and the first Remem-brance Day was referred to as Armistice Day. Later on, this date became known as Remembrance Day or Poppy Day. But how did the poppy become the sym-bol of this day?

This flower symbol started out as a poem written by John McCrea, who was a doctor in Europe during 1915. During his service he saw many different plants but the one that stuck out the most was the poppy. This red flower seemed to grow everywhere and could be seen at one of the bloodiest battles during WWI at Gallipoli. He was so moved by this flower that he wrote a poem about what he saw.

This poem was well-read in both Europe and Amer-ica. An American poet Moina Mi-chael found the poem extremely touching and felt that the poppy could give closure to the living while showing respect for the dead. She began to buy poppy flowers and distribute them to her friends. They became so popular that she began to sell them and give the money to needy service-men. The first Poppy Day bloomed from this in 1921.

A u g u s t 7 , 1 9 1 5

Charge at the Nek — Gallipoli

On 7 August, dismounted Australian light horsemen charged the

Turkish trenches at the Nek in what was a callous and ultimately

futile charge against machine-gun and rifle fire. The attack failed,

with 234 of the 8th and 10th Light Horse regiments killed and

some 140 wounded.

1939 - September 3rd

The government of Australia declares war on Germany.

D e c e m b e r 1 9 , 1 9 1 5

Evacuation of Gal l ipol i

The evacuation of all British, New Zealand, and Australian troops

from Anzac Cove was, according to ANZACorps diary, completed

with a single casualty. By then, the Australians had sustained

26,000 casualties, of which 8,000 were killed in action or died of

wounds or disease.

1942

Saturday September 26th

Australian Army forces hold fast to territory near

Toribaiwa.

1942

Sunday November 15th

Australian forces continue their march from the

west against Japanese-held areas.

1942

Wednesday December 9th

The Australian Army liberates the village of Gona

from the Japanese Army.

1942

Monday December 14th

Allied Australian and US forces continued their

marches against the Japanese, taking territory

through fierce fire fights.

Have you changed your email address

or phone number.

Please advise John Harmer (8395 6103)

so he can keep your contact details up

to date.

RETARDED GRANDPARENTS

(This was reported by a teacher)

After Christmas, a teacher asked her young pupils how

they spent their holiday away from school.

One child wrote the following:

We always used to spend the holidays with Grandma

and Grandpa. They used to live in a big brick house

but Grandpa got retarded and they moved to Batemans

Bay where everyone lives in nice little houses, and so

they don't have to mow the grass anymore! They ride

around on their bicycles and scooters and wear name

tags because they don't know who they are any-

more. They go to a building called a wreck centre, but

they must have got it fixed because it is all okay now.

They do exercises there, but they don't do them very

well. There is a swimming pool too, but they all jump

up and down in it with hats on.

At their gate, there is a doll house with a little old man

sitting in it. He watches all day so nobody can escape.

Sometimes they sneak out, and go cruising in their golf

carts! Nobody there cooks, they just eat out. And, they

eat the same thing every night - early birds.

Some of the people can't get out past the man in the

doll house. The ones who do get out, bring food back

to the wrecked centre for pot luck.

My Grandma says that Grandpa worked all his life to

earn his retardment and says I should work hard so I

can be retarded someday too.

When I earn my retardment, I want to be the man in the

doll house. Then I will let people out, so they can visit

their grandchildren.

ENJOY LIFE NOW…

IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE! /10

FOR SALE

Horseshoe Candle Holder

Locally made at Maylands RSL.

All proceeds to Companion Dogs K9

A not for profit project.

Limited number available $50 each

Order from Keith Horne.

Have a caravan or prefer to stay in a cabin???? Join with a

group of like minded adventurers who like the outdoors.

Next Meeting SUNDAY 17th JANUARY 2016 at the

clubrooms commencing 2.00 pm.

CARAVAN / TRAVEL GROUP

Oh, what a year!!!

Here we go - another year nearly over. As I review my

year, I realise it has been very busy but rewarding.

THE GOLDEN OLDIES

Last Christmas Louis handed over the 'Golden Oldies'

to Keith and myself to keep going (louis ran this group

for 22 years and was unable to continue due to deterio-

rating health - Louis passed away in July). As a way of

increasing numbers and attracting 'younger' people into

the group, I renamed it the 'over 50s', for which we all

are! The year has been very successful and a lot of

fun. Indeed, we have some new members who enjoy

the company of the group twice a month. We had a

variety of artists that entertained us during the year and

our bingo always keeps the 'grey cells' alert. Our

Christmas party on the 8th December was a huge suc-

cess with over 60 attending. Thanks go to Leanne our

chef for preparing a wonderful menu and thankyou to

Karen and Rene’ for assisting Leanne with the meals.

Thank you to everyone that commented on the wonder-

ful day they had and I thank everyone who pitched in

to help set up and clear away - many thanks.

We are looking forward to another interesting year in

2016 with the introduction of quiz days, possibly a bus

trip, a luncheon, and some surprises yet to be re-

vealed. There is always plenty of stimulation mixed

with laughter and good company. Come along and see

for yourself why we love the 'over 50s’.

JAZZ/SWING SUNDAYS

The first Sunday in the month has continued to enter-

tain the sub-branch with Chico's swing band, and has

enjoyed a variety of artists making appearances over

the months. All agree that these afternoons are a lot of

fun and have been complemented by the fact that

Leanne our chef, has been preparing wonderful lunches

for all to enjoy. We are in our fourth year and still go-

ing strong, and next year should be no exception. I

thank Ann for her help during the year when we were

away. Ann will be taking over the reins next year and

together with Colin, will continue to keep the TTG

RSL on the jazz map. So, I urge you to come along

and see what you have been missing.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has helped

out this year, in whatever capacity. Without volunteers

and people being able to take up the slack at vital

times, our sub-branch would not be the same.

T H E O v e r 5 0 ’ s

TO YOU ALL

Copy for the next STAND FAST closes

27th March 2016

Send all contributions please, before this date to:-

Trevor Harvey

e-mail [email protected]

“The Great War 1914-1918”

The year 1914 saw many protective political alliances and

Military tensions between Europe’s most powerful Na-

tions. This coupled with the killing in Sarajevo of Aus-

tria’s Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, by

a Serbian Assassin, gave rise to the First World War.

After Germany’s attack on France through Belgium, Great

Britain declared War on Germany on the 4th of August

1914. By the end of 1918 the war had cost the World over

37 Million Casualties.

Almost 9 Million Soldiers died and over 21 Million were

wounded. Over 6.6 Million Civilians Died, 2.2 Million in

Russia alone.

Soldiers were dying at an average rate of approx. 6,000

per day. Thousands of those missing were never recovered

from the Battlefield and have no known Graves.

The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance”

Lest we Forget

THE CHRISTMAS RUSH

From about late November the

“Christmas Rush” seems to be well

and truly on the way. Everybody it

seems is in a hurry with year-end

functions to attend, presents to be

brought for Christmas Day, family visitation to be

planned around the Christmas Season, the traffic seems

to be greater than at any other time of the year and all of

this is on top of what seems to be an ever increasing

busy world. If you are able to hit the pause button in

your life then you might feel guilty, if you do have a

spare couple hours just to reflect on what 2015 has

brought to your life and what the challenges are for the

year ahead then it will be time well spent. Taking time

to reflect and plan can bring a sense of clarity to our

lives; things that seem cloudy can become clear. We

would do well to reflect and remember the clear mes-

sage that God brings to us every Christmas season, for

in the coming of Jesus into the world we experience

love, joy and peace knowing that God has eternal plan

for all who believe in this gift that comes to our lives.

Let us enjoy the Christmas season, not forgetting the

gift that God has sent us in his son Jesus Christ in the

ultimate expression of love for all humankind.

Howard Trendell (Major)

Trojan's a trek takes on a different route. It's a six day, 4WD wilderness based healing experience that brings Veterans to-gether & to meet their service-induced stress illness head-on. You'll learn how your thoughts and feeling influence your behaviour. You'll learn various individual, personalised strategies to bring about positive changes in your life. You'll be reacquainted with your self-esteem. Drawing on remote, wilderness settings, Trojan is a peer-to-peer circuit breaker which interrupts negatives thoughts and behaviours, non- clinical environments in which veterans, among with experts, help veterans.

Further Information CONTACT Moose Dunlop 0408 088 886 [email protected] OR

Male: Greg Hallam 0419 312 884 [email protected]

Female: Mark Keynes 0487 453488 [email protected]

Have you checked out our

WEBSITE & FACEBOOK pages?

Please do so.

IT”S NOT WHAT YOU GET THAT MAKES YOU VALUABLE,

IT’S WHAT YOU BECOME ALONG THE WAY.

WHEN UTOPIA WAS 66 HOURS AND SIXTEEN PENCE PER WEEK.

If you feel that today’s rat-race is getting a bit much and you would like to go back in time 163 years for a

period of relaxation, do you know what you are letting yourself in for?

In the June issue of the Glenvaal Manson Bulletin (published by the Glenvaal Manson Group of Compa-

nies, Insurance Brokers) appears the following circular. It was sent to members of the staff of the Burnley

Office Mill in 1852.

OFFICE STAFF PRACTICES.

Godliness, Cleanliness and Punctuality are the necessities of a good business.

This firm has reduced the hours of work and the Clerical Staff will now only have to

be present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Daily prayers will be held each morning in the Main Office. The Clerical Staff will be present.

Clothing must be of a sober nature. The Clerical Staff will not disport themselves in raiment of bright

colours, nor will they wear hose unless in good repair.

Overshoes and topcoats may not be worn in the office but neck scarves and headwear may be worn in

inclement weather.

A stove is provided for the benefit of the Clerical Staff. It is recommended that each member of the

Clerical Staff bring 4 pounds of coal each day in the cold weather.

No member of the Clerical Staff may leave the room without permission from Mr Rogers. The calls of

nature are permitted and the Clerical Staff may use the garden below the second gate. This area

must be kept in good order.

No talking is allowed during business hours.

The craving of tobacco, wines and spirits is a human weakness and, as such, is forbidden to all mem-

bers of the Clerical staff.

Now that the hours of business have been drastically reduced, the partaking of food is allowed

between 11.30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m., but work will NOT on any account cease.

Members of the Clerical Staff will provide their own pens. A new sharpener is available on application

to Mr Rogers.

Mr Rogers will nominate the Senior Clerk to be responsible for the cleanliness of the Main Office and

all boys and juniors will report to him before prayers and will remain after closing hours for similar

work. Brushes, Brooms, Scrubbers and soap are provided by the owners.

The new Increased Weekly Rates are as here-under:-

Junior Boys (to 11 years of age)..... 1/4d

Boys (to 14 years of age)…………….. 2/1d

Juniors…………………………………………….. 4/8d

Clerks……………………………………………… 10/9d

Senior Clerks (after fifteen years with the owners)… 21/-

THE OWNERS RECOGNISE THE GENEROSITY OF THE NEW PAY RATES BUT

WILL EXPECT A GREAT RISE IN OUTPUT OF WORK TO COMPENSATE FOR

THESE NEW UTOPIAN CONDITIONS.

Courtesy of: The Postal Advocate/ January-February 1971.

Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub Branch PO Box 171. ST AGNES SA 5097

Veterans, Family And Friends Together

Membership Renewal for 2016

Date……………………….... (Please circle ) Service $40 Affiliate $35 Community $20

Member’s Surname………………………… Given Names…………………………………………..

Service No……………………. Date of Birth………/………/………………

Address………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Suburb…………………………………………… Post Code………………… SA

Phone No…………………..……. Email Address……………………………………………………

(Email info will be kept secure and for RSL use only)

……..…cut here ……………cut here …………………… cut here ……………cut here ……..…......

Paste the address below onto the face of your envelope.

Either post your renewal to the club or drop it in personally.

Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub Branch

John Harmer - Membership Officer

PO Box 171

ST AGNES SA 5097