newsletter april 2013

NEWSLETTER- 11th April 2013

ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL LUNCH

WELCOME

Secretary Peter Pritchard opened our 2013 ANZAC Memorial Luncheon held at the Clayton RSL Club welcoming 45 members and partners as well as our guest speaker Lt Col Terry Beaton Rtd. Members not seen for a while or returning from holidays were Graeme Ainscough, Wendy Black, Helen Bouch, Linda Davidson, Jacqui Luckman, Colin McNamara, Alan Panther, Alan Pearce while Robin Chase and wife Dorothy came from Clifton Springs by train. Peter introduced Terry to the members following the luncheon and President John McPhee passed a vote of thanks and completed the formalities of what was a very pleasant day.

John has asked members to provide the committee with feedback as this meeting was the second of 5 planned meetings held away from our usual home on the 34^th Floor, 100 Queen Street in the city, and the committee looks to members to let us know your acceptance/ preference for meeting venues.

APOLOGIES

Noel Beanland, Diane Carew, Col Edwards, Nola Forsyth, Don Fraser, Ray Gill, Teresa Goldsbrough,  Bob Heinemann,  Stan Halbish , Theo Hall, John Hawkins,  Dorothy Hayes, Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert, Sandra Joseph, Ken Lee, Joan Nathan, Noelene Noonan, Peter Nyga, Geoff Perdriau, Ron Phillips, Maree Pritchard, Paul Tovey, Eamon Veaney, Jackie Waite, Glenda White,  Julie Wilkins, David Woods.

NEW MEMBERS

Cockburn                                R.L. (Ross)                  42 years ANZ

Perkins                                    N.J. (Neil)                   43 years ANZ

Tribuzio                                  Mario                          39 years ANZ

Willmott                                  E.M. (Elaine)              20 years ANZ

We look forward to seeing Ross, Neil, Mario and Elaine at one of our meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

No bereavements reported this month

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during April  and we pass on congratulations from our members for your birthdays: Bill Bowring (81), Max Colwell (81), Bryden Davis (84), Norm Deady (92), Glynn Evans (85), Roy Harper (84), Gordon Kennedy (87), Ailsa Mackie, Leigh O’Neill (83), Eileen Perham, John Read (81), Keith Remington (90), Col Renzow (97), Lindsay Richards (83), Tony Stutterd (86), June Thompson, John Vanselow (81).

INTEREST RATES

From  1/4/2013

Less than $20,000                                           1.94%

Greater than $20,000                                       2.48%

GUEST SPEAKER

President John McPhee summarising  the presentation from Lt Col Terry Beaton Retired says  we were informed and entertained by Terry , who spoke to us on the ‘Factual Story of the Burma Railway “

Terry had a distinguished military career spanning 25 years before retiring in 1996, and after a 3 year term as an adviser to the Royal Thai Army.

From 1999 to 2001 he was the curator of Hellfire Pass and for the past 10 years has been leading ANZAC Pilgrimages to Thailand and Burma.

Terry through his research spoke with authority, to dispel misconceptions created in the film “Bridge on the River Kwai” pertaining to this event .He was also able to provide background history leading up to Japan’s invasion of Malaya on the 8^th December 1941, which in fact is the same day as the bombing of Pearl Harbor but, because of the international dateline, records Japan attack on Pearl Harbour as7^th December. Terry then told us of the background of the plans made for the construction of a railway between Burma and Siam (Thailand) going back to 1854. The construction of the rail line eventually covered 415 klm’s of mountainous country and required the erection of some 669 bridges in all. Japan’s planning and training for this construction is suggested to have been commenced in 1939.The deaths and hardships which have been widely written about was confirmed and included details of the heavy losses of life of English Australian and Dutch prisoners, plus the fact that some 200 000 locals were forced into the labor camps and it is estimated that 50% would have lost their lives.

Terry’s concern is that little of the history  of the conflict  in this region is known, particularly regarding the war in Burma and the clear  lack of interest in Britain, starting  from VE day and ever since, to the history of their former Empire outposts.

On this our ANZAC commemoration it is most important that we remember all those who have served and died in military operations for their countries wherever that has occurred and is happening today.

Anzac is a commemorative day when we look back, remember and give our thanks but we should learn from that experience and work towards overcoming such conflicts.

LETTERS

Anne Blashki writing from Shepparton to President John sends belated thanks for the memorable luncheon in February to celebrate the forthcoming 100^th birthday of Charles Rennie (since celebrated) which was one of the happiest and best social functions she had ever been to. Well done to all the workers behind the scenes – those members from out of town do appreciate these efforts that benefit all members.

Arty Booth emailed his appreciation for the birthday card. Arty’s birthday fell on Good Friday this year and as such, no mail deliveries. However in true banking tradition the card arrived the next business day. Not much to report from Bundaberg. The town is getting back to normal after the recent floods, but one of the large shopping complexes has yet to open and estimates are for late May, early June.

Diane Carew emails her thanks for the Birthday card. Diane had a lovely day. Her children and their families took Diane and husband Geoff to Lady Lavender tea rooms on Princes Highway at Bunyip. What a great place for lunch at reasonable prices.

Jenny Cooke emails her thanks for the recent birthday card. As her friends say, we are “21 and a bit” but the ‘bit’ is getting larger every year. The month after arriving back from visiting family in the US, her house was flooded from a burst hot water pipe. Then Insurance ‘negotiations’ and repairs continued until Jenny departed for Brussels in August .She then took  a cruise from Amsterdam to Basel via Bruges and Antwerp followed by  a  train trip to Lake Garda to stay with a school friend before returning to Milan for the flight home via Doha. On her return, repairs continued until Christmas Day when the dishwasher was finally installed in the kitchen – 7 months to the day later! Golf three times per week and writing articles for the school newsletter plus a couple of committees continue to keep her very busy.

Bob Delahoy writing from Inverloch says to convey to Kathy Trace his grateful thanks for the birthday card. The greetings arrived while Bob was in hospital recovering from a partial knee replacement. Now at home he feels that the card helped in the healing process. Bob had his birthday in the hospital with candles and cake and was known from then on as the Birthday Boy. He particularly enjoyed reading of the proceedings of Charles Rennie’s forthcoming 100^th birthday (now celebrated) and left a sense of pride belonging to such an institution led by notable men like Charles. Bob wishes Charles all the best for his 100^th.

John Fairbairn emailing from Yarrawonga says another year, another card which is much appreciated. Last year Yarrawonga experienced 50 year rains and this year they saw a tornado

that caused  great damage all around them but it fortunately missed most of the built up area. Nearby suburbs of Mulwala and Bundalong did see some areas badly hit. Denison Caravan Park some 5 or 6 kms out of Mulwala was virtually wiped out. It looks as if a bomb landed on it. Enough of the doom and gloom - life continues very pleasantly in Yarrawonga with a lot of Golf. Maurie Harwood and Peter O'Dwyer are regular cohorts in the Oldies Golf Comps. John  had hoped to attend the Lunch for Charles Rennie but an unfortunate death with a resulting Funeral Service precluded this happening but he  hopes  to attend a gathering later this year.

Lawrie Foord writes his sincere thanks for the card on the occasion of his recent birthday. As usual for Lawrie it was a quiet day and he celebrated with a nice lunch with his daughter Jenny.

Teresa Goldsbrough reports that later in April she will be in Adelaide visiting aged parents then off overseas from late May to mid July walking and touring around Italy, Switzerland and France

Dave Hartwich emails a huge thank you to the ANZROC for the birthday card he received marking yet another year of fun!

Dave Harkin updating his involvement in the “Male Bag Ride” from Perth to Melbourne raising funds for Prostate Cancer research says that before the ride started he had to get a Heavy Rigid truck licence as there were to be 3 truck drivers. However for various reasons Dave became   the solo truck driver as the others never arrived.

After leaving the Perth Mail Centre, on Wednesday April 3^rd they travelled to Margaret River and for the first 2 days were followed by a team from the channel 10 “Project” show, with their report due later in April. Then to Albany, Esperance, Balladonia, Eucla, crossing the WA/SA border to Ceduna, and on to Adelaide, where a big fund raising sports night was held.  Following that they  headed  to Mt Gambier ( another sports night) then Lorne and onto Melbourne, with a police escort up Geelong Rd to the MCG where they are due to celebrate the  finish, at half time of the Melbourne  versus  West Coast Eagles game.

The original fundraising target was $100,000 but  they have exceeded $350,000 to go towards research for prostate cancer.

Eddie Hassett writes his thanks for his birthday card which arrived on the dot as usual. Eddie is in the middle of golf pennant season and has taken over the treasurer’s duties for the Mordialloc Football Club. This should keep him off the streets during winter.

Andy Herd emails his thanks for birthday greetings. They seem to come around quickly but he doesn’t mind as long as he keeps having them.

Ron Horne writes to thank Kathy Trace for the kind birthday wishes on his 88^th. Like so many of Ron’s colleagues it is always so pleasing to receive these greetings that are a wonderful tradition being maintained.

Rick Kimber sends his thanks to the Club and particularly Kathy Trace for the birthday greetings which arrived punctually as usual. Apart from the passing of yet another year, Rick is unable to report anything of significance.

Christine Lane emails her many thanks for her birthday card and good wishes. The week prior to Christine’s birthday she was holidaying up at Mulwala and got caught up in the tornado which struck several Murray River towns.  At the time of going through the tornado she honestly thought that her time on this earth was limited and she would not see the next birthday! The very strong winds pushed their 4WD up against the lounge room wall, the garage roof lifted, big round hay bales were found in the driveway and Buddy, the kelpie dog, suffered a cut above his right eye. At the end of the day they got off lightly compared to many others not so fortunate.

Ken Lee sending his apologies for the April gathering says he will be in Bendigo from 8 – 17 April for Bowls Victoria Championship week. Bowls still takes up most of his time, at least for one more year. As Chair of the Northern Gateway Region life is never dull.

Peter Nyga says he can’t make the 11^th April meeting – he’ll be away again for two weeks of sailing on Gippsland Lakes.

Alan Pearce says he has been heavily involved in the planning of celebrations for the centenary of the City of Plenty north east of Melbourne later this year and as Chairman of the Organising Committee he has had to negotiate with Council, Police, businesses and community groups and entertainers  to make the event appealing to the local residents.

Neville Pearson,  our resident poet arrived back from holidays spent overseas cruising the China Seas and on receipt of the birthday card decided to send his thanks by way of this poem…….

BIRDIES ‘BIRTHDAY THANK YOU TWITTER TO KATHY AND ANZROC MEMBERS

I BELIEVE MY CARD ARRIVED HOME ON TIME

WHILE WE WERE ON THE HIGH SEAS DRINKING WINE

BIRTHDAY CAKE AND CARD FROM THE PRINCESS CREW

BUT THE CARD I LOVE MOST KATHY IS THE CARD SENT BY YOU

NOW A CARAVAN TRIP WAS WHAT WE HAD PLANNED

THE MURRAY RIVER AND GOLFING SOUNDED REALLY GRAND

BUT AT $79 A DAY ABOARD DIAMOND PRINCESS

NO COOKING, WASHING OR CLEANING OUR MESS

SO THE CARAVAN TRIP PLAN, WE DID GIVE AWAY

TO BE PLACED ON HOLD FOR ANOTHER FINE DAY

WHILST IN SHANGHAI CHINA, WE TRIED TO LOCATE THE PUB

RUN BY JOCK McGREGOR CALLED, THE “CAMEL SPORTS CLUB

NOW AN EX ANZ MEMBER JOCK MAY WELL BE

BUT ALAS JOCK’S CLUB WAS WELL HIDDEN FROM ME

SO SORRY JOCK WE GAVE UP IN FRUSTRATION

NOT EASY TO FIND ONES WAY IN SUCH A HUGE NATION

IN SUMMARY THE CRUISE WENT REALLY SWELL

KOREA, JAPAN, CHINA AND TAIWAN AS WELL

FINE WEATHER, CALM SAILING, LOVELY PEOPLE AND SIGHTS

WITH THE CRUISE ARRIVING IN BEIJING AFTER 24 NIGHTS

THEN 6 NIGHTS IN BEIJING AT A MEDIAEVAL HOME

NO EMAILS, COMPUTER NOT EVEN A PHONE

JUST RELAXING AND ENJOYING ALL THE WONDERFUL PLACES

THE GREAT WALL, SUMMER PALACE, AND MILLIONS OF FACES

MY 69^TH BIRTHDAY ARRIVED WHEN WE WERE ON THE HIGH SEA

AND WHO DO YOU THINK SAT NEXT TO CHERYL AND ME

“HENDO” A GOOD MATE FROM MY WILD BANKING DAYS

AND WITH BRIAN’S LOVELY WIFE CHRIS A TOAST WE DID RAISE

WE HAD LOTS OF LAUGHS AND A GREAT NIGHT TOGETHER

AND SO LEFT THE DINNER, A LITTLE UNDER THE WEATHER

AND WHILST WE ARE GLAD TO HAVE ARRIVED SAFELY HOME

WHILST CHERYL UNPACKS I WILL PEN THIS QUICK POEM

Ron Pitt sends his thanks for the good wishes for his 90^th birthday. Ron had a most enjoyable day which he celebrated with his family and friends.

Barry Reid emails his thanks to the many members who contacted him by email, phone or cards following the article, placed by Pat Gaskin ,Norms wife in the not well section of last months newsletter. Barry was overwhelmed by the number of get well wishes that he received, a number from former past workmates, ex ANZ cricket club members some of whom Barry had lost contact with over the years and a number of retired ANZ bankers who he meets up with regularly each year at ANZROC Christmas luncheon. Barry was very pleased to hear from them all and is recovering well following the operation, unfortunately he picked up an infection in hospital which slowed things down a little however that has now cleared and it was good to get back home again. He is hoping to catch up with everyone again shortly.

Charles Rennie writes to President John to record how much he appreciated the thought, the time and the effort directed into the celebration in advance of his 100^th birthday at what was a great gathering of fellow officers- past and present- and many of their partners. The welcome to Charles and wife Joy and all the other guests was a happy experience and Charles was honoured by the presence of ANZ Chairman John Morschel and Senior Executives and was impressed with the Chairman’s recall of history. Charles appreciated the gift of the silver framed photographs covering quite a period of years. John’s introduction of Paul Guest as President of Banks Rowing Club and Paul’s observations on the many years of links and memberships with ANZ Bank and its forbears were very interesting. Charles said the location of the function on 34^th Floor/100 Queen Street was a fine choice, great dining with beautifully arranged table decorations. The “Happy Birthday Banner” is quite a gem as it is autographed by many of those present and will be a treasured reminder of the occasion and he closes with his thanks to Past President Neville Pearson for his major participation in the arrangements for the function.

Harry Trefz sends his thanks for the good wishes expressed in his birthday card. Harry like so many others enjoys reading the travelogues of the more adventurous members sharing their holiday trips and journeys with other retirees and he is glad they find additional happiness and new interests overseas.

Julie Wilkins emailed to say thankyou to Kathy for the ANZROC Birthday Card which arrived on the day. Julie and her husband were off to Loch, visit some old mining towns, then hiking, and walks along the beach, then find some antique shops and hope the weather holds for the birthday weekend.

AND Graeme Croxford, George Finniss, Barbara Firth, Bob Lyon, Gordon Lyon, John Simson, John Sudholz, Neville Taylor, Peter Westaway,  John Winbanks,

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

ANZROC AUTUMN GOLF DAY on Monday April 29, 2013

Golf Club and Course: Eastern Golf Club, 473 Doncaster Road, Doncaster

(NB. Close to Eastern Ring Road).

The ANZROC committee is indebted to John Inglis for taking on the arrangements to enable our golfing members to enjoy an autumn golf competition on a first class golf course.

The cost of $55 per player covers the green fees and finger food after the game.  The tee off time is at 8:00 am (This may vary depending on numbers) and please be ready at the tee 15 minutes prior.

John has asked for the entry forms to be sent to him by 17^th April if practicable.

______________________________________________________________________________________

ENTRY FORM…….

ANZROC AUTUMN GOLF DAY   MONDAY 29^TH APRIL 2013

Player Name: …............................     Handicap..........

Cost is $55 per player, which covers game and finger food after the game. This is to be paid on the day in cash.

Please forward this booking form  by April 17, 2013 to John Inglis, 134 Martins Lane, Viewbank, 3084

or via email attachment to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Phone John on 0416048407 for further information.

______________________________________________________________________________________

ANZ REUNION FOR 2013 FOR 351 and 394 COLLINS STREET PAST STAFF on 28^th April 2013

Final notice for this years reunion for Sunday 28^th April from 1.30 pm to 4.30pm for past Staff of 351 and 394 Collins Street Branches at the Lions Club, Corner of Riversdale Road and Station Street, Box Hill.  Nola can be contacted on 9830 4501 or by post to 102 Canterbury Road, Canterbury 3126. She asks that for the afternoon tea ladies bring a small plate and men make a donation of $5.00 to cover hall hire and sundries.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

GOLF DAY AT ROSEBUD COUNTRY CLUB 29^TH NOVEMBER 2013

Brief details are as follows:

• Start time:  8-00a.m from the first and tenth tees ensuring the full field will have teed off within one hour.
• Cost: $60 per person covering golf, prizes, barbecue lunch and some wine.
• Motorised cart hire will be available for $20 per cart.
• Non-playing partners’ lunch cost is $18

We have witnessed a heavy drop off in the number of ladies competing in recent golf days and would like to see as many lady players as possible (they get a generous start from the red tees).

The Mornington Peninsula is not only one of the finest golfing areas in the country, but is also renowned as a premium wine region with excellent restaurants. Why not take advantage of the opportunity and stay a little longer with your spouse/partner, regardless of whether you are both golfers?

• On-course accommodation is available at The Fairways Resort motel. Details as follows:
  • Telephone number 5950 2111
  • King Suite           King Size Bed           $155 per room         1 or 2 guests
  • Twin Suite          2 x Single Beds         $165 per room         2 guests
  • Dinner is available seven nights a week in the club’s restaurant.

Being the inaugural event, the organizers (Huck Bourke, Alan Lauder and Barry King) would appreciate an indication of the number of attendees and to that end; it would assist if those intending to play notified Alan Lauder by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

ANZROC NSW

The NSW News is now available on  http://anzroc.blogspot.com.au just click on the URL and  while you are in the blog have a good look around at the material which is being added to all the time.

ANZROC 2013 MEETINGS AND EVENTS

• June 13:                      Moonee Valley Racing Entertainment Centre for members and partners. Located at the Cnr Wilson Street and Thomas Streets Moonee Valley (Melways 28 K7) and expressions of interest can now be sent to David or Glen Knuckey Phone 9551 0414 , PO Box 242 Dingley, 3172 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• July 11:                       East Malvern RSL – Christmas in July for members and partners. Located on Stanley Gros Drive, East Malvern (Melways 60 A12) and Peter Pritchard will receive early acceptances on 9571 9406 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• August 8:                     100 Queen Street – Guest Speaker Sue Hardy CEO Victorian                                                 Council of the Aged at our Luncheon

• September 12:             Train visit to Traralgon – Grand Junction Hotel

NEXT MEETING

THURSDAY 9^TH MAY 2013   MEETING IN MELBOURNE ROOM ON 34^TH FLOOR ANZ 100 QUEEN STREET at 12 NOON We are holding our annual SALVATION ARMY RED SHIELD APPEAL luncheon commencing at 12 noon for lunch. The meeting will be addressed by Salvation Army executives updating members about the measures being taken to help those in need in Melbourne and we look forward to seeing many members at the luncheon to hear the Salvation Army representative. We raised around $4,600 last year which was an outstanding effort and any support for Salvation Army will be welcomed. We will have envelopes available for donations on the day of the meeting but if unable to attend you can send your cheque payable to Salvation Army to Peter Pritchard, 19 Albert Street, East Malvern, 3145 to be included in the total of funds raised for the day. The Salvation Army will issue official receipts to donors from their office.

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Peter Pritchard know by Phone 9571 9406 or e-mail to pritchard_ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail on the attached acceptance notice to  Peter Pritchard,19 Albert Street, East Malvern 3145 by Thursday 2nd May 2013 to meet ANZ  catering requirements  and  so that a  list of attendees can be  provided to the ANZ Reception Desk.

A reminder that the luncheon fee of $10.00 will be collected at the door to partially cover the cost of catering

_____________________________________________________________________

ACCEPTANCE THURSDAY LUNCHEON 9^th MAY  2013 FROM 12 NOON   MELBOURNE ROOM    34^TH FLOOR ANZ HEAD OFFICE 100 QUEEN STREET

To Peter Pritchard

19 Albert Street, East Malvern,3145

I/we will be attending the Luncheon function

NAME(S):…………………………………………………………………………………………

Ron Adams Newsletter Editor