Newsletter July 2016

PLEASE CLICK TO READ JULY 2016 REFORMATTED NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER JULY 14 2016

NEWSLETTER JULY 14TH 2016

WELCOME

Senior Vice President Eamon Veaney welcomed 63 members and partners to the Mulgrave Club for a wonderfully informal gathering which was enjoyed by all present.

Members not seen for some time included Bryden Davis, Frank Edwards, Keith Findlay, Max Fisher, Rino Frigo, Tony Grayling, Gary Horkings, Mike Nickels, Max Pleydell, Peter Russell, Mark Stankovich, and Syd Swaby welcomed back were Harry Loucas and Gerry and Fay McPherson who came with Heather McNutt. Thanks also to those partners attending making it a very pleasant afternoon.

Photos taken at the luncheon by Eamon Veaney are posted on our Website and Facebook pages.

APOLOGIES

Graeme Baldwin, Diane Carew, Brian Christensen, Wolf Damschitz, Don Davy, Mike Devlin, Phil Dunstan, Jim Dusting, Peter Edwards, Aldo Faella, Norris Gale, Teresa Goldsbrough, Nola Forsyth, Vicky Genius , Ray Gill, Elaine Haw, Erica Hayden, Keith Higgs, Bernadette and Wayne Hulbert, Don Jeffrey, Des Johnson, Sandra Joseph, Peter Keating, Graeme King, Jack Lepedjian, Jacquie Luckman, Gary Mason, Joan Nathan, Neville Pearson, Geoff Perdriau, Alan Podger, Peter Pritchard, Graeme Randall, George Thomas, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins.

QUEENS BIRTHDAY HONOURS

Luigi Bucello phoned to let us know that our soon to be ANZROC Honorary member Alan Ryan was awarded the OAM for service to the community of Warragul and on behalf of all members we congratulate Alan .

NEW MEMBERS

Toner John (JT) 45 years ANZ

We look forward to seeing JT at one of our forthcoming meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Bell I.G. (Ian) 11/7/2016 73 years

Ian was in the ANZ for 37 years and his daughter Tanya said he was based mostly in the country branches and finally retired from Sunbury where Tanya is now a member of that Branch team. Tanya has been employed in ANZ for over 30 years and her sister was in ANZ for 21 years, in all a family commitment of more than 90 years.

Les Roberts phoned to let us know that Ian Lewis, Captain Coach of the ANZ Football team (when Les was playing) had passed away. Les said that ANZROC members including John (Lightning) Bloom, Brian Christensen, Neville Pearson and Peter Treleaven played in the team with Ian and would remember him. Les said he was in the Portland Rotary Club with Ian for many years.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during July 2016 and we pass on

Congratulations from our members for your birthdays; Bernie Atkinson (80), Ron Cashin (83),

Kevin Coleman (80), Eric Dickson (85), Chris Fieggen (85), Lawton Graham (87), Don

Hoffmann (82), Fred Hornsby (85), Alwynne Kilpatrick (92), Godfrey Mills (81), Trevor

Mudgway (80), Coralie Donahoo, Alan Panther (82), Barry Reid (82), Neil Sharman (80), Bernie

Sowersby (86), Bob Stone (82), Keith Taylor (88), Frank Wells (89), Norm Wood (90), John

York (85),

INTEREST RATES

From 1/7/2016

Less than $20,000 1.18%

Greater than $20,000 1.52%

RECOLLECTIONS OF FUN TIMES IN THE BANK

Members are now sending me stories of their past experiences that may bring a smile or two and I welcome your contributions as the feedback about previous articles in this segment of the newsletter has been quite positive…

MAX PLEYDELL

My first job in the bank was at Port Melbourne as a junior. I had not been there very long, when one night after knock off time one of the staff, after leaving came back into the branch with an ashen face. The Manager the legendary N.A.L.Smith asked “what’s wrong”? The young officer said “my car has been stolen”. Norm said “don’t worry you go home and I will see what I can do”. In those days Port Melbourne the home of the Painters and Dockers was like a village where everyone knew everyone. Norm apparently made a couple of phone calls. In the morning the car was not only back but it had a full tank of petrol.

GEOFFREY SANDOW

The Sandal

During the early Seventies I was fortunate to be working within the then marketing team, which was based at 400 Collins Street Melbourne and responsible for marketing, advertising, business development, research, public relations and NewsLink. Officers whose names come readily to mind include Mr. Elliott, John Moores, Alan Pearce, Eric Grant, Dick Cowell, Rob Varney, Vic Crane, Frank K, Alan J, Peter C, Pam and Cheryl.

Back in those good old days, and being an administrative department, we had a ‘formal’ morning tea, which meant the availability of a morning tea lady and fully laden tea trolley. So, each morning we would all gather around the tea trolley and have a chat and a laugh, during the break.

After morning tea one day, a certain gentleman within the group jokingly reckoned that a certain other officer was wearing ‘plastic’ sandals. This was during Melbourne’s summer when, on the hotter days, it was quite acceptable to wear the then in-fashion business attire, comprising shorts and long white socks, shirt, tie and business shoes.

So, early one day before the tea lady arrived, word got around to the effect that the sandals were to be ‘tested’ that morning, to see whether they were indeed made of plastic. We weren’t told how though. Come the tea trolley and everyone prepared their tea or coffee and waited, while lined up in a semi-circle, chatting as usual. The certain gentleman, who shall remain nameless but who sported an impressive handle-bar moustache, seized the moment. He grabbed the hot water kettle and, starting at one end of the semi-circle, poured water near everyone’s feet until he got near the person wearing the sandals. He moved a bit closer, trying to splash hot water on the ‘plastic’ sandals to prove whether they would ‘melt’ under the heat. It sure broke up the group who were in fits of laughter while acting quickly to move out of the way of the hot water pouring out of the kettle. Except, of course, the wearer of the sandals, who was not aware of what was going down.

Were the sandals ‘plastic’? We really didn’t think so...

The Combination

It was a Friday, some time during the 1970’s, in a mid size branch, located in a south eastern suburb of Melbourne which, when a northerly wind blew, would reek of tobacco, due to the emissions from the tobacco factory in the vicinity. One of the officers there at the time had decided to take the afternoon off, telling us that he was heading home early. So, he left around mid-day. Come 5:00 pm, those supervising the branch closure for the day were keen to get away for the weekend, eager for the tellers to balance up and move their cash to the safes. Pretty quickly, all cash was balanced and put away in the safes for the weekend; we are almost ready to leave the premises. It was time to shut and lock the vault door, which, when open, had to have the bolts in the locked position and the two combinations ‘spun’. This was a safeguard so as to avoid staff being locked in the vault should the branch be subjected to a robbery.

One custodian ‘unlocks’ his combination. Who had the second combination? Of course, the officer who has gone home. Oh no! How long are we going to be here? The officer lived in the eastern suburbs, quite some distance from the branch. A search of the branch records and the officer's home telephone number was located [no mobiles in those days]. A phone call made; answered by the officer’s wife. The conversation flowed along the following lines:

Us: can we speak to [name] please?

Wife: I’m sorry, he’s not home.

Us: but he told us when he left around mid-day that he was heading home.

Wife: no, he hasn’t been home. I’ll get him to ring you when he gets in.

Groans all round. How long are we going to be here?

Sometime later the officer returns our call. Eventually the combination is unlocked, the vault door shut and locked, the branch security system activated and we are out of there.

Come Monday morning the officer arrives for work; not a happy man. We discover that he had some serious explaining to do to the wife who wanted to know where he’d been, given that we’d told her he had left early and was heading home. Where had he been since leaving the branch and arriving home? We were told a round of golf!

ROGER WATKINS

“Sprung”

Many years ago pre the ES&A and ANZ merger Ewan Graves the ES&A Premises Officer remembered whilst in the city one weekend that he needed to check up on the roof of 90 Bourke Street Branch and having the keys to gain entry he made his way to the roof. Meanwhile an alert person in a nearby taller building was surprised to see someone wandering around the roof of the Bank. Naturally he rang D24 and Ewan had some explaining to do to the Victorian Police.

“The Flood”

One of the Senior Officers in the Victorian Headquarters of ES&A Bank 86 Queen Street Melbourne circa 1960 was Manager Administration and was in the habit of stopping to fill the electric tea urn at the 2^nd floor lunchroom on his way to his office on the 3^rd floor. One day something must have distracted him for sometime after reaching his office he received a call from the branch in 388 Collins Street to inform him that the 388 banking chamber had water dripping from their magnificent gold leaf ceiling. A split second later he broke all speed records making his way to the lunchroom below finding the urn overflowing with the room covered in water and making its way down hill to the ceiling of the adjoining building. Arnold von Bertouch was Chief Manager Victoria at the time but I was not privy to any conversations between “The Von” and his Manager Administration .

Committee member Neville Pearson reports that he and wife Cheryl will be away for July and August caravanning around Queensland but Neville will still keep us informed of their progress in the usual manner through his short poems.

“1000 plus kilometres via the Kidman Way

We will arrive in Charleville today

Writing this twitter as Cheryl drives us along listening to the footy and an occasional song

It's been pouring rain. our shoes covered in mud green pastures all around us have been in flood

Lawn Hill is our main destination

I believe the scenery is quite a sensation

Politicians have had their say

Now they can save the CFA

A victory over good old common sense

Rather than one costing shillings & pence

Both leaders have been gracious and managed to smile but the real winners have been the journalists by a proverbial mile”

LETTERS

Muriel Drummond phoned me to correct the June newsletter.... in the letters I included Muriel's letter but must have mistaken her writing as the decimalisation was 50 years ago not 60 and the super typist was Kerry Dark not Drake...

Les Ager emailed to convey his thanks to Kathy Trace, in particular and to the President and Committee for the birthday card to celebrate his 85th birthday which was enjoyed with family and friends.

Anne Blashki writing from Shepparton sent a note of thanks to Kathy Trace and ANZROC committee members for the special greetings for her birthday in May. Anne had a wonderful day celebrating with family over a delightful lunch at Crittenden Estate Dromana. The following weekend with 5 of her friends she went to the MCG to see Melbourne take on Footscray. Melbourne was not successful but the highlight for the group was meeting the great Ron Barrassi. Well done to all involved with the Newsletter. Always a great read.

Gordon Christensen emailed his many thanks for quite an elegant birthday card received for his recent 80th.Gordon and his wife were travelling in Nice, Southern France on the day and had a couple of Heinekens to celebrate.

Phil Dunstan emailed his thanks for the ever welcome ANZROC Newsletter. It is always good to receive it and be able to catch up with the news. Phil read with interest of the birthdays for Les Ager and Roy Sloggett each of whom he had the pleasure of working with. It is difficult to believe that the ages quoted are correct as they were never that much older than Phil and he’s still a young fella?? Maybe having worked with Phil helped to accelerate their ageing!! It is good to be able to reflect on the hard work of the time, together with the good social and sporting activities that were a part of the team efforts and achievements. Phil cherishes the opportunities the various positions in the Bank provided. Birdie Pearson's prose is also warmly welcomed - again it is nice to reflect on the good times enjoyed at the Emanza Centre in South Yarra following the coming together of the Scottie and the ANZ.

Aldo Faella emailed to thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for the lovely birthday card which he received. It arrived right on time which was very much appreciated. Celebrated with all the family and overall a great day.

Teresa Goldsbrough emailed that the newsletter and Facebook are great means of keeping in touch when travelling. Teresa also thanked Kathy Trace for her birthday card, much appreciated. She celebrated that week with friends enjoying the facilities at Ramada Resort and the various attractions around Phillip Island. Teresa will be absent for a few months as she is undertaking an Adventure tour of Broome and environments, then onto Darwin in July, while in August she will be on The Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide followed by a trip to Sydney to undertake the Sydney Harbour Bridge walk in September. She hopes to join us for the Woodend visit in October

Terry Heenan emailed from Leopold to thank Kathy Trace for his birthday greetings, which of course arrived on time. Terry had an enjoyable day celebrating with family, and received many phone calls from those living afar. Whilst holidaying in Queensland last winter, friends of Terry and wife Mary took them to the town of Palmwoods, which is situated in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. On this day in August 2015 the town was celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the E.S.and A Bank branch, situated in Main Street Palmwoods. There were many items and photos on display pertaining to the bank's history, including an old signature book. The celebration seemed to create a lot of interest with many people calling in. The local T.V. channel interviewed Terry about his memories of working for the E.S. and A. in Victoria. Terry and wife Mary have recently sold their home in Leopold, and will soon be moving a few kilometres down the road towards Geelong, to Bellarine Lakes Country Club in Moolap.

Wayne Hulbert advises that he and wife Bernadette will be away for the July and August ANZROC meetings, as they are heading off on a 4WD trek. Firstly to a three day concert called the Big Red Bash in the desert just out of Birdsville, then a ten day trip with some fellow Tvanners up North finishing at Tennant Creek then they will be making their way right across to the East coast for a huge Volkswagen week long car show in Nambucca Heads before heading home in August.

Graham Joseph emailed a sincere thanks to Kathy Trace and the Committee for the best wishes extended to him on the occasion of his 77th and indeed for the many other cards which he has received in a timely manner over the years. Because of many travel commitments both local and overseas and as Graham’s Probus Club meeting falls on the same day, unfortunately he is unable to attend the ANZROC monthly meetings as often as he would like. But Graham really enjoys being kept up-dated via the Newsletter. Fortunately, apart from a bit of Macular Degeneration in the eyes, he is keeping well and proposes to continue travelling while he can. Keep up the good work

Frank Marzin emailed to report that he had returned from an enjoyable holiday visiting Merrijig and Creswick. Thank you for the birthday card. He has been busy renovating his home over the last year. Frank will be busy in the next few years upgrading the property at Endeavour Hills and taking a few breaks here and there.

Godfrey Mills emailed thanks for the very nice birthday card. Godfrey and wife Nancy have had a turbulent past few weeks. First, a home invasion (robbery) which saw them relieved of quite a number of personal and household items. Fortunately Nancy and Godfrey were both out at the time. Most of the stolen items can be replaced under insurance but he suspects that some personal gear is lost for good. A day or so later he was carted off to hospital. Day 1 c/t scans etc. Day 2 gallbladder removed. Day 3 home in good shape. Amazing. Godfrey recalls that in 1969 his then Medicine Man diagnosed the same problem He offered Godfrey an operation involving 14/16 days in hospital and a 3 month recovery period, stressing the fact that the operation should happen immediately to avoid a quite dangerous procedure later in life. Godfrey declined on the grounds that all the stones seemed to have exited his system. In retrospect a good decision with the considerable help of major advances in this area of medicine over the intervening 45 years. A bit of travel later in the year seems warranted! Cheers to all.

Ray Murphy emailed to convey to the President and Committee his sincere thanks for the bright and cheery birthday card and of course include Kathy Trace for policing the diary, putting pen to paper and mailing same. It’s amazing when you are on your own that you realise there is still so much to learn in the kitchen and around the traps. Ray looks forward to receiving the monthly news letter and reading the epistles of the older brigade and their experiences in the Bank.

Geoff Murrell emailed his many thanks for the ANZROC card and good wishes for birthday No.77. Keeping well after heart surgery late in 2015 and looking forward to many more celebrations.

Ron Pidcock emailed his thanks for the birthday card. Ron and wife Robyn are doing well and still performing light opera. In fact they will be appearing in the musical “Chu Chin Chow” which opens in July. This piece was written by Geelong-born Arthur Asche, who became one of the leading impresarios in London. Chu Chin Chow ran for 5 years from 1916, and was the must-see live theatre event for many troops on leave from the European front lines. It held the record for most performances until Salad Days overtook it in 1959. Oscar returned to Australia and toured the show here for a couple of years in the 1920’s. As this is its centenary year, Ron and Robyn are opening at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre on 23rd July, coming to the Phoenix Theatre Elwood on Thursday the following week. Ron thinks that many of our members will either remember tunes from the show, or remember their parents seeing it.

Tom Portelli wrote to thank the Committee and members of ANZROC for the good wishes expressed on the occasion of his recent birthday and a special thanks to Kathy Trace.

Reg Roberts emailed to say many thanks to Kathy Trace and the Committee for the birthday card for his 88th. It's rather horrifying to have reached such an age, and to reflect and recall, the names of those with whom he used to work, all those years ago!!!!!!!! Still keeping well and looking forward to, dare he say 89.

Les Roberts phoned from Portland to thank Kathy Trace for the birthday card and good wishes which he appreciated and he was pleasantly surprised to see the card arrive on the day when letters posted in Portland to Portland residents can sometimes take up to 8 days for delivery.

Bruce Sanderson emailed his many thanks for the kind birthday wishes. Thankfully, he doesn’t feel his age, but never the less Bruce is grateful for the efforts of Kathy Trace and other committee members for the birthday card. It arrived on time. Thankfully, a couple of his family were able to defer overseas business trips so that they were able to enjoy a great family get together on the birthday. Birthdays seem to come around all too quickly! Bruce is hopeful that he may be able to catch up with friends at a gathering at Margaret River, and then continue to the Albany district to catch up with relatives. But sadly, over the past 12 months his brother-in-law has passed on and the annual recounting the days that he and his brother endured in their trusty Lancaster have passed. Being the holder of an Enduring Power of Attorney (for another War Widow), Bruce was very interested in Norman Chia’s presentation to our members at the June meeting. With thanks and best wishes for the club's continuing success and camaraderie,

Neil Sharman wrote that it was very pleasant to receive a birthday card from our Retired Officers’ Club on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Roy Sloggett sent his sincere thanks for the lovely birthday card and kind wishes for his 84th birthday.

Geoff Stillman emailed to acknowledge receipt of the new Birthday card which looks great.

Keith Taylor sent his many thanks to Kathy Trace for passing on the Club’s best wishes for his 88th birthday. Keith does appreciate receiving the newsletters to read about former workmates activities.

Jim Trimble wrote to say many thanks for the birthday card for his 88th- gee time does fly as it does not seem that long ago when he retired. A thank you really goes to Kathy Trace for her good wishes.

Kath Walsh emailed to thank Kathy Trace and the ANZROC committee for the birthday greeting, on time as always. Congratulations on the lovely new card design, layout and wording. Kath too, like many members, looks forward to receiving the monthly Newsletter and the interesting stories that are told.

Ern Walton wrote to thank Kathy Trace and the Committee for the birthday greetings and good wishes. He was quite impressed by the new design. It’s hard to believe that thirty years has now passed since his first retirement. Some years later Ern spent two years part time at Commercial Centre at Box Hill. Ern celebrated his birthday with family at the local RSL Club and a happy day was had by all. Another year has passed with no great health problems and he still enjoys tennis twice a week and also lawn bowling depending on the weather. He was sorry to hear of the passing of Keith Westaway. Ern met up with Keith at a social bowls day just a few months ago at Keith’s Village and Ern’s sympathy is extended to his family.

Kevin Watson emailed from Perth to thank the Committee for the newsletter – he does enjoy reading about old friends from long ago! Also, a belated but sincere thank you for the birthday card which arrived safely and on time.

Brian Wills wrote to thank the Committee for the wishes received in his birthday card though another year gone. Brian’s health last year has not been the best but now quite well and living at home alone.

AND Bob Maughan, John McFarlane, ANZROC QLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

PROGRAM FOR 2016 : ADVANCE NOTICE

Note the dates of our forthcoming meetings

Thursday 8th September 2016 at 34/100 Queen Street

Noel Beanland has introduced Brian and Shirley Rix to ANZROC and they will speak to us about their adventures on their motor bike journeys to many parts of the world which should be very interesting. Brian and Shirley have published a book of their travels and copies will be available at our meeting. Partners are invited as well as widows of ANZROC members and members of the ANZ Ladies Club as the speakers/authors are well known presenters on the speakers’ circuit and we hope that members will support the Committee on this day.

13th October 2016 at Victoria Hotel at Woodend

Members to travel to Woodend to lunch at the Victoria Hotel (near Woodend Railway Station) for our country visit and we look forward to joining with local members living in the district and surrounds.

Thursday 10th November 2016 at 34/100 Queen Street

Annual General Meeting

8th December 2016

Christmas Lunch at Arts Precinct: Bob Lyon has agreed to propose the toast to ANZ at the luncheon..

ANZROC WEBSITE

Eamon reported that on the first day of release of the June newsletter we passed the 300 mark on reads of the newsletter on the ANZROC’s website, not bad in one day. Eamon also posted the CEO portraits as a photo album on the website and Facebook page. Here is the link. http://www.anzroc.com.au/component/phocagallery/category/141-anzceogallery

The Facebook CEO gallery page and photos of the June lunch have received a lot of interactions on the website and Facebook since the release in early June.

ANZ STAFF CLUB

Just a reminder that members of the ANZ Retired Officers Club are eligible for membership to the ANZ Staff Club and the annual fee to be an ANZ Staff Club retired officer member is a reasonable $19-50. ANZ Staff Club still offer a great range of products and accommodation to members, together with regular bulletins on special deals and products that are available, Membership can be very worthwhile and a look at their website will get you more information. Web address is as follows: www.anzstaffclub.org.au

NEXT MEETING 11TH August 2016

ANZ BANK RETIRED OFICERS CLUB NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 11th AUGUST 2016 AT THE MELBOURNE ROOM, 34TH FLOOR , ANZ BANK, 100 QUEEN STREET, from 12 noon.

Our Guest Speaker for this meeting will be Sue Noble, CEO Volunteering Australia since 2012. Sue’s CV includes CEO Softball Australia, National Marketing and Business Development Manager CPA Australia, National Business Development Manager ,DLA Piper New Zealand, GM Marketing and Business Development Division Law Institute of Victoria. BA Monash, MBA Victorian University, We look forward to hearing Sue’s presentation which should have much interest to a wide range of our members and partners.

Partners ARE invited that day as well as Widows of late ANZROC members and also ANZ Ladies Club members who are welcome to come to hear Sue speak.

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Ron Adams know by Phone 9821 0444 or e-mail or by mail on the attached acceptance notice to Ron Adams PO Box 579, Malvern, 3144 by Friday 5TH August 2016 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 ANZROC LUNCHEON THURSDAY 11th August 2016 FROM 12 NOON ANZ BANK BUILDING 34TH FLOOR 100 QUEEN STREET MELBOURNE

TO : Ron Adams

PO Box 579 Malvern Vic 3144. By post or Phone 9821 0444 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I/we will be attending the Luncheon function

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