ANZ Retired Officers' Club (Vic)

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NEWSLETTER JULY 9 2015

NEWSLETTER JULY 9th 2015

WELCOME

Past President Ron Adams welcomed 80 members and partners to the July meeting held in the relaxed setting of the Mulgrave Country Club. The informality of the day was appreciated by those present and there were many stories and tales swapped during the luncheon. It was pleasing to welcome 14 members and 6 of their partners who regularly meet at the venue bi monthly to trade stories of their time in ANZ. We were also delighted to see Heather McNutt widow of our long time Auditor Ken in the group with Gerry and Fay McPherson and Robin Chase and wife Dorothy trained in from Clifton Springs.

Members not seen for some time included Graeme Ainscough, Ian Anderson, Keith Findlay, Max Fisher, Alan Forrest, Gary Horkings, Bruce Kells, Alan Lauder, Peter Lees, Don Maguire, Colin McNamara, Bernard O’Reilly, Max Pleydell, Peter Russell, John Stone, Syd Swaby, Bob Tough, Paul Tovey, Rose Virgona, Carole Whiting and David Woods.

We appreciated the presence of member’s partners which boosted the attendance at this meeting to the highest for the year and made for a very pleasant afternoon.

Please don’t forget that to make it easier for our senior members to attend our meetings carers accompanying members are welcome to attend any of the meetings of ANZROC and that includes the Christmas luncheon.

Photos taken at the luncheon by Eamon Veaney are posted on our Website and Facebook pages. Last month more than 400 members looked at the luncheon photos for June and the hits on our website continue to spiral.

APOLOGIES

Clive Bayley, Diane Carew, Robin Cates, Ken Crawford ,Wolf Damschitz, Don Davy, Mike Devlin, Phil Dunstan, Col Edwards, Nola Forsyth, Teresa Goldsbrough,Stan Halbish, Elaine Haw, John Hawkins, Don Jeffrey, Graeme King, Frank Marzin, Gary Mason, Terry Parks, Glynn

Parry-Jones, Peter Pritchard, Graeme Randall, Geoff Stillman, Michael Warr, Doug Watson, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins

NEW MEMBERS

Alexander P.B.(Peter) 18 years ANZ

Chong Susan 26 years ANZ

We welcome Peter and Susan to ANZROC and look forward to welcoming them at one of our meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Greenwood W.R. (Wyn) 17/6/2015 94 years

Wyn Greenwood enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy in May 1940 and on discharge in October 1945 was LDG SMN (TY) at HMAS Lonsdale. During his wartime service in the Navy Wyn served on several ships including HMAS Nestor and the HMAS Australia where he was one of the crew that survived multiple kamikaze hits on the ship. Wyn was a lifetime member of the HMAS Australia Association and after retirement from ANZ worked for many years at the Cerberus Naval Museum as an archivist and volunteer guide. Wyn subsequently wrote a book “With a Grain of Salt” about his war time experiences.

Past President Kevin Mitchell said he knew Wyn from their Scottie days and Kevin used to bump into him and his wife at the Mt Waverley village from time to time. Kevin always made a point of speaking to Wyn when he was not in the best of health but always remembered Kevin. Kevin attended the funeral service representing the ANZROC Committee and met ANROC members Eric Dickson and Tom Phillips both of whom had worked with Wyn during their careers.

Hobbs J.H. (John) 6/7/2015 98 years

The celebration of life of John Hobbs will be held after this newsletter has been issued and a further report will follow.

John Vanselow said he remembered John Hobbs as AHQ Head of Personnel all those years ago and more recently he discussed the planning and obtained much of the background for the eulogy at the Late Charles Rennie’s celebration of life that John Vanselow presented on the behalf of the Rennie family.

John Brown said he worked with John’s daughters Dorothy and Rosemary. Dorothy was working as a Teller at the merged Boronia Branch when John was there as Accountant, and he recalls that Rosemary was in Travel at 531 Collins St when John was based in that branch, and later they were working on the same floor (different departments) at Como.

Hockey S.G.W. (Graeme) 13/6/2015 80 years

Life Member David Knuckey reported that he attended his first training meeting in ES&A in 1956 as a raw young recruit and he met Graeme Hockey and his wife to be Val who were both at the same seminar.

Past President Col Edwards knew Graeme and his wife Val, more socially than work-related when Col was an Area and Regional Manager and attended quite a few of the Esanda sponsored concerts. They were always great company.

I also worked with Graeme in Esanda for some years and he was a very private person but was solid performer when working with us.

Lacey W. (Bill) 22/5/2015 81 years

Bill was a regular contributor to our newsletter and a strong supporter of the Club.

Perrone L. (Louis) 22/6/2015 79 years

ANZROC Committeewoman Joan Nathan had a phone call from Don Davy to say he had attended the funeral of Louis Perrone, a work Colleague of his. Don went on to say it was a

beautiful service held at St Peters Catholic Church. Bill Mitchell also a past ANZ work colleague attended. Approx 130 people attended.

Members at our Mulgrave luncheon stood in remembrance of Wyn, John, Graeme, Bill and Louis and the condolences of ANZROC members are sent to family and friends.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during JULY 2015 and we pass

on Congratulations from our members for your birthdays:

Marguerite Barnsley, Ron Cashin (82), Eric Dickson (84), Chris Fieggen (84), Lawton Graham

(86), Don Hoffmann (81), Fred Hornsby (84), Terry Humphris (90), Alwynne Kilpatrick (91),

Godfrey Mills (80), Coralie O’Donahoo, Alan Panther (81), Barry Reid (81), Kevin Smyth (84),

Bernie Sowersby (85), Bob Stone (81), Keith Taylor (87), Frank Wells (88), Norm Wood (89),

John York (84).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/7/2015

Less than $20,000 1.30%

Greater than $20,000 1.67%

PRESIDENTS’ PEN

Our Banking History… events of the past 180 years.

Over the following months we will continue to share in the newsletter some of the history. Perhaps find things that you did not know. This is the third of 10 articles……..

The English, Scottish and Australian Chartered Bank Ltd. The early years.

o Established in 1852 (An Anglo Australian bank)

o 1853 Opens in Sydney.

o 1873 Became the first bank to open a branch in Darwin (then Palmerston NT)

o 1893 Changes name to English, Scottish and Australian Bank following 1893 Banking crisis and the bank’s reconstruction.

Next Month we will look at the Bank of Adelaide

Peter P

BIRDIES TWITTER

REMINDER: PAST PLAYERS DAY SATURDAY 25TH JULY 2015 MIDDAY BEUREPAIRE PAVILION OVAL 20 ALBERT PARK

The ANZ Bank has a proud history of being at the forefront of commercial and industrial social environments for staff. This proud legacy continues to live on within the bank and outside the organisation, albeit on a smaller scale

This is understandable given that in the mid 1900’s recruitment of new entrants from the country areas was targeted to cover the heavy demands of a booming industry and demand for staff

A strong social environment was an important feature to help country youngsters settle into what was a foreboding environment. Having been recruited in Yarram in 1959 as a 15yo who had only ever been to the big smoke twice before, this was a somewhat scary adventure. I was invited to join the ANZ Football Club, ANZ Bank Basketball Club (incidentally was the largest Basketball Club in the southern hemisphere with approx 25 teams playing across Melbourne), Tennis Club and later Badminton Banks Rowing Club and Squash. And along this journey enjoyed the feeling

of premierships, in all but rowing, of these sports code. Also learnt how to scull a pot in the boat racing team!! (Seemed important in those times??)

THE ANZ FOOTBALL CLUB in its wisdom and because of necessity changed its name to Albert Park Football Club to entice players to fill the void and continue to be viable

This has been very successful as the club currently has three Football teams playing in the VAFA and two Netball Teams also

The history of the ANZ Bank Football Club written by Birdie, Chrisso and Jet is for all to view on the ANZROC Website

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US ON SATURDAY 25TH JULY AT MIDDAY FOR THIS IMPORTANT DAY

Regards Chrisso, Jet and Birdie

LOOKING FOR JIM TONKIN

Our Auditor Alan Forrest has lost touch with retired ANZ staffer Jim Tonkin who was best man at Alan and Margaret’s wedding many years ago. If you can help with Jim’s contact details please ring Alan on 03 9877 2663

LETTERS

Les Ager emailed to convey to Kathy his sincere thanks for the birthday wishes for the 15th June on his 84th – as always Kathy hit the day “spot on”. Les had a very enjoyable day with family and friends. Les enjoys reading the newsletters to keep up with colleagues and friends.

Anne Blashki writing from Shepparton to thank Kathy Trace for the greetings sent on behalf of ANZROC Committee and members for her birthday. She keeps up with members activities through the newsletter each month.

Terry Brennan emailed his thanks to Kathy Trace and the Club for birthday wishes for 28 June. It was much appreciated.

Gordon Christensen emailed from Highton to thank the Club for the card received for his recent birthday. Gordon said that he and his wife on a cruise between Singapore and Tokyo were playing a deck game called Ring Toss when Gordon noticed a young fellow wearing an Esanda cap and it turned out to be ANZROC member Rino Frigo and his partner Joy. Later in the cruise the Christensen’s caught up with Athol Watkins and his wife also members of ANZROC and residents of Clifton Springs. Gordon said that like Rino he and his wife cannot get enough of Japan and are returning in September to join a cruise from Tokyo to Sydney on the Diamond Princess.

Phil Dunstan emailed to say thanks for the Newsletter which is always welcomed.

Phil would have liked to attend the July meeting at the Mulgrave Country Club but will be in Brisbane at that time catching up with his elder son and the grandchildren. He is however looking forward to some warmer weather as he feels that this is, and will be, a long cold winter. His younger son is currently visiting from Norway where he is now based as a Naval Architect, and it is great to be able to sit over a glass of wine or two and hear of developments in shipping design. Apart from having had an unscheduled trip to hospital recently, when Phil broke his nose, he is keeping well, keeping the daily bike riding going, and enjoying his woodworking hobby together with Car Club involvement.

It is sad to hear of the passing of people with whom Phil has worked and with whom he shared good work ethics and social interaction.

Terry Heenan emailed to thank Kathy Trace for the birthday greetings. Since his major operation for cancer Terry has been informed he is in remission and at the same time he is getting stronger. Terry and wife Mary hope to have a holiday in North Queensland before the end of winter.

Bill Lanigan emailed to say thanks for the birthday card. The last year or so has been busy with the downsize to a townhouse in Ringwood North and particularly the culling of paperwork from his study at the previous house where the family were for 43 years. Bill is looking forward to be able to read the list of names from the banking/insurance records.

Frank Marzin emailed a thank you for the birthday card. It’s almost a year since his retirement and he has been busy working around the house and doing the things he wanted to do while he was at work and did not have the time. Frank has also been away on holidays and has had little time to see colleagues at the Club’s luncheons but hopes to get to a meeting soon.

Sherwin Meerwald emailed thanks to Kathy for the birthday card that was greatly appreciated.

.Sherwin celebrated with family and friends at a luncheon organised by his Sri Lankan Club for its members on the same day. Great music for dancing and a sumptuous lunch. An afternoon to remember.

Ray Murphy emailed after reading the copies of the Bank Staff lists in the Australasian Insurance and Banking Records now posted on the ANZROC web site. He was able to look up branches and find names of managers at the time when he was stationed in the country branches who he considered were truly human looked after staff and were a pleasure to work under such as Gavan Ryan Ballarat East, David Reid 9 Lydiard St Ballarat and Charlie Mowbray Maryborough. “The Scottie” was all about people and the motto”The Bank where service is a tradition” was a blue print for fashioning his years as a Manager based on the best traits of those he had worked under. Many thanks for the Birthday Greetings another year on but sadly his first without Glenyce.

Tom Phillips emailed that the June newsletter included a melancholy note that Ray "Spud" Murphy's wife, Glenyce had passed away. Tom worked with Ray at Dandenong and later in Central Highlands.

Tom Portelli wrote to thank the Committee and members of ANZROC for the good wishes contained in the card he received for his recent birthday with special thanks to Kathy Trace. Tom looks forward to catching up with old friends again at the Christmas luncheon which he had to miss last year.

Joe Romano mailed to say he had received his birthday card and many thanks to all members and especially to Kathy Trace.

Anthea Santos emailed to pass on the new address for her and husband Artur as they have sold up and moved a massive distance of 1.4 kilometres. They have moved to a lovely over 55 retirement village. She is hoping to get to Melbourne one day for a catch up with old friends from the bank. Its 30 yrs since Anthea left the bank and 28 since moving to Sydney, and she does not know where the time has gone. Also a big thank you to the "Birthday Card Fairy” as it’s her birthday and she is sure there will be a card waiting for her when they return from the Sunshine Coast.

Neil Sharman wrote to thank the Club for sending him a birthday card on the occasion of his 79th birthday. Neil is always pleased to receive a card from the ANZROC members.

Rob Smith emailed thanking the Committee very much for the birthday wishes. It beggars belief how with the postal system today the card arrives on time. Life is quite mundane in retirement which is now 15 years. Rob has settled well into Traralgon and look like seeing his days out there. He still enjoys a weekly game of tennis followed by a social coffee. Recently took a trip on the Ghan to Darwin where Rob and his wife spent 5 days accompanied by ANZROC member Bob Irvine and wife Judy. It was a very enjoyable and interesting trip. They also enjoy their 2 weeks in Port Macquarie each year. Rob also catches up with ANZROC member Alex Fowler and wife Helen at odd times.

Lyn Stevens said many thanks for the birthday reminder which arrived on due date as usual. Lyn can now sing “76 Trombones” …scary isn’t it.

Sandra Street reports that she and husband Patrick are looking forward to their Mediterranean cruise next month to get away from the chill.

Miles Tiller wrote to thank Kathy Trace and the committee for the timely birthday card. Miles had an enjoyable day with visits from his children and grandchildren. The past year has had its trials. A fall from a ladder caused a broken bone in his foot and ankle, then a bowel operation followed by two hernia operations. Consequently he has spent some time in and out of hospital which has restricted normal activities. The horizon is looking much brighter now as Miles and wife Betty are looking to a much healthier future.

Kevin Watson emailed a thank you for the birthday wishes on his 86th on June 1. Kevin is travelling pretty well physically but his sight continues its downward passage. However, Kevin still remains pretty active and passes on his best wishes to all of those old friends in Melbourne who might still remember him from the many years he spent in their company.

AND

Helen Bouch, Ron Browne, Jim Christie, Aldo Faella, Darrell Hodges, Harry Loucas, Rod Mann, Kaye Phelps, Tom Phillips, Kevin Quigley,

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

WEBSITE

The ANZROC’s Website has been in operation now for nearly 5 years. We have just reached an impressive number of readers of 99,200 so it is likely that we will hit 100,000 after this month’s newsletter is published on the website. Most newsletters attract over 700 readers.

There has been a flurry of interest in the recent posting covering the past Insurance and Banking Records that President Peter provided with more than 700 readers on that item and one of the most popular postings we have done.

We also have an ANZROC’s Facebook page which has attracted over 160 'likes'. The benefit of this page is that friends and family of our Members can also get involved with ANZROC’s and browse through articles and photos related to ANZ.

We have over 900 Members most of which are now on email so the combination of the ANZROC’s website and Facebook page is a great way of keeping in touch with each other. We encourage all Members and their families to catch up with what we are doing via these Social Media channels.

The latest links to recent articles on the ANZROC’s Website are listed in the advice you receive of the newsletter.

GOLF DAY AT ROSEBUD COUNTRY CLUB FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER 2015

Huck Bourke has again secured Rosebud Country Club for Friday 27th November 2015 for this year’s ANZROC golf day

Full details of this event will be included in Newsletters closer to the date.

RECOLLECTIONS OF FUN TIMES IN THE BANK

Just a reminder that Gary Mason has been collecting humorous stories which happened over the years and will have a book published if sufficient entries can be obtained.

While there have been several contributors that have supplied Gary with anecdotes if anyone has a story or two they are prepared to share openly (with names included if no privacy concerns exist) would they please contact him direct on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

or (03) 9571 9575

Descriptive stories would enable other staff to appreciate the event.

If publication eventuates, the booklet will be made available at a nominal price.

MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2015….

September Meeting: 10th September 100 Queens Street Guest Speaker Ian Henry Bock from the Melbourne Camera Club.

October Meeting 8th October visit to Ballarat

November Meeting: 12th November 100 Queen Street Annual General Meeting

December Meeting: 10th December ANZ Pavilion Arts Centre Melbourne

NEXT MEETING

Thursday 13th AUGUST 2015 will be held in the MELBOURNE ROOM ON 34TH FLOOR ANZ 100 QUEEN STREET at 12 NOON

Our Guest Speaker will be Dr. Andrew Remenyi is a Clinical Psychologist and amongst other things he also specializes in Hypnosis. He would be able to explain how hypnosis works and how it is applied. He was also posted to PNG in 1969 at the height of the Vietnam War and his experiences will ensure a very interesting presentation for members and we look forward to seeing you at our city meeting.

Remember that Carers accompanying members are welcome to attend this meeting of ANZROC .

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Ron Adams know by Phone 98210444 /0408136100 , e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail on the attached acceptance notice to Ron Adams PO Box 579, Malvern, 3144 by Friday 7th August 2015 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

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor.

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ACCEPTANCE THURSDAY LUNCHEON 13th August 2015 FROM 12 NOON MELBOURNE ROOM 34TH FLOOR ANZ HEAD OFFICE 100 QUEEN STREET

To RON ADAMS

PO BOX 579, MALVERN, VIC 3144 Phone 9821 0444 / 0408136100 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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