November - December 2012 - Bathurst RSL Club

PRESIDENT’S BI-MONTHLY REPORT FOR NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2012
RSL Bathurst Sub Branch Report No. 5
www.bathurstrsl.com.au
T
he dedication of the Black Springs War Memorial was organised
by the RSL Oberon sub Branch, Black Springs
Progress Association and Black Springs Public School. Over
100 people attended the dedication of a new village war memorial
which took place at 1.40 pm on November 3rd 2012 at the Black
Springs sporting oval; the weather being heavily overcast with a cool
breeze blowing during the early part of the service.
President Bill Wilcox of RSL Oberon sub Branch acted as MC and
introduced President Jill Ross of the Black Springs Progress Association
(BSPA) who explained how they accomplished their task of
fund raising to enable them to build the memorial. A CD vocal
recording of the hymn ‘God of our Fathers’ was played with Secretary
Neville Stapleton behind the PA controls. Sister Maureen of
Oberon’s St Ignatius Catholic Parish led in the Lord’s Prayer. Reverend
Paul Woodhart, Chaplain All Saints’ College, Bathurst offered a
Prayer for the Fallen.
At this juncture Councillor John McMahon Mayor of Oberon and
President Don Rowe OAM, RSL State Branch unveiled the new
memorial by drawing away the black cloth covering. The dedication
prayers were performed by Reverend Paul Woodhart; Sister
Maureen and Reverend Mathew Trounce of the Uniting Church,
Lithgow.
The marching in of the three colour party members carrying the
RAAF flag, National flag and the White ensign flag and beside them
marched the five Catafalque Party members made up of cadets of
328 (City of Bathurst) Squadron marching in slow time to take up
their respective positions around the memorial. About 10 wreaths
were laid by official representatives. President Rowe was now invited
to offer his address and in six minutes he spoke of expressing his
sadness in all lives lost through conflict and stated in a way this
memorial represented a grave of all the Australian lives lost in all our
conflicts being a tangible link for descendants to be able to come
and pay their respects.
RSL State President Don Rowe OAM addresses the gathering
as President Bill Wilcox of Oberon sub Branch looks on.
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Three Life Members from Bathurst sub Branch also attended.
Brian Tobin, Denis Chamberlain & Bill Abbott. Photographs by
Beverley Chamberlain.
Reverend Trounch offered prayers which were recited by all the
gathering. A CD recording of the Last Post was sounded, after which
President Wilcox recited the 3 rd and 4th verses of the Ode to the
Fallen. After the playing of Reveille a recording of a poem recited by
Roger Climpson was played, ‘They Are Not Dead’. Next the CD
vocal recording of the hymn ‘Abide with Me’ was played which was
followed by the Australian National Anthem. The Colour Party and
Catafalque Party dismounted which ended proceedings at 2.30pm.
After the gathering mingled and photographed with the dignitaries
and guests. About 50 to 60 members of the gathering made their
way the spacious Black Springs Community Hall where refreshments
were provided by the good people of the Black Springs Progress
Association.
BADGE DAY
On Friday, November 9 th we conducted our annual Poppy Day Appeal
on behalf of the United Returned Soldiers’ Fund. The Bathurst
RSL Women’s Auxiliary members again came forth and organised
the packing of badges to distribute to the many sellers consisting of
sub branch, women’s auxiliary, students from various schools, RSL
Club and other businesses. Kevin Wren drove the mini bus to collect
students from their various schools and later delivered them back
safely. The appeal raised almost $6000.

BATHURST REMEMBRANCE DAY 11-11-2012
On a fine sunny Sunday morning there was a fresh breeze shifting
through the air with about 90 to 100 war veterans, ex-service
personnel, citizens and young citizens of Bathurst present to
commemorate their Remembrance Day in fitting style. Trustee Bill
Abbott drove up and delivered 49 chairs for the band and elderly to
have some comfort on during the service.
We were fortunate enough to have the Hon John Cobb MP, Member
for Calare, Mr Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst, Councillor
Monica Morse, Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council, Reverend
Howard Knowles JP who made the trip from Gilgandra and our very
special guest speaker being Year six student Madison Weal (Library
Monitor) of Holy Family School. Madison was born in Bathurst, her
sports being hockey and tennis; next year Madison will move onto
McKillop College to further her education.
Above-sounding of Last Post-Reverend Howard Knowles, President
Denis Chamberlain and student Madison Weal who delivered
an excellent address.
Right-guest speaker Madison weal delivers her address &
President Chamberlain.
The Hon John Cobb MP, Member for Calare, President
Chamberlain & Councillor Monica Morse, Mayor of Bathurst
Regional Council. Photographs by Beverley Chamberlain.
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Legacy representatives President Wil Arnison & Secretary
Dick Crossing laying their Legacy wreath.
At 10.25 am the seven member Catafalque party was mounted by
cadets from 328 (City of Bathurst) Squadron 3 Wing (NSW)
Australian Air Force Cadets. The president gave the introduction
and invited our worshipful Mayor to open the service with a
welcome. Our sub branch Chaplain, Reverend Knowles offered his
excellent opening prayers, after which some 12 wreaths were laid.
Music was provided by Bathurst City and RSL Concert Band under
Conductor, Mathias Rogals-Koczorowski; the first hymn being the
Recessional. Our guest speaker Madison Weal came forth and
delivered her address on what she had learnt on the war efforts of
her Weal and Sewell family members and what she had learnt on
our past conflicts.
After the hymn O’Valiant Hearts the Catafalque Party came to
attention for the sounding of Last Post played by Peter Delany.
The president recited the Ode. Immediately after the sounding of
Reveille the court house clock struck 11.00 am and at the same
time the Carillon bells rang. It was described as a spectacular time
in the life of those who were fortunate enough to witness the event;
all pausing for one minute silence. The president acknowledged all
who helped in organising the Remembrance Day activities.
All stood for the Australian National Anthem and remained standing
until the Catafalque Party was dismounted, the service ending at
11.08 am. After the service concluded and to remember the
occasion RSL Secretary Les Anderson presented Madison with an
engraved personalised RSL plaque.

$2 RED POPPY
Sub branch purchased 200 of these souvenir $2 coins which depicts
the red poppy in the centre of the coin. We took delivery of the coins
on Wednesday, November 28 th, and commenced selling them for
$10 per coin. On the same day RSL State Branch’s Assets officer
John Boyle and another officer came to the Bathurst RSL Club and
commenced selling the coins from 11.00 am. Their sales did not
affect our sales what-so-ever. We currently have about 80 of these
coins on sale in sub branch office where they are steadily selling.
Our office is open from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm on Monday, Wednesday
and Friday. So why not purchase a coin as a New Year gift?
CATH MILLER LIFE MEMBER
At 5.30 pm on December 10 th through the invitation of the Bathurst
RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Bruce Irvine, Bill Abbott, Les Anderson, Jim
McFerran and I attended their pre-dinner meeting of which 15 persons
attended. President Jannefer Toohey offered the welcome and
introduced my colleges and me. It certainly gave me great pleasure
on behalf of the RSL Women’s Auxiliary and RSL Bathurst Sub
Branch to present tireless worker Cath Miller with her Life Membership
badge and framed certificate dated June 15 th 2012. Jennefer
Toohey also presented Cath with a lovely bouquet of flowers. This
good lady has given the auxiliary some 23 years of devoted service.
After the brief ceremony Jim McFerran took a few excellent photographs
to remember the occasion. After RSL Sub Branch members
departed the ladies and their guests enjoyed each other’s company
and during their dinner a delicious cake made and decorated by
Dorothy Campbell was enjoyed by all.
President Jannefer Toohey, RSL Women’s Auxiliary; Life Member
Cath Miller & President Denis Chamberlain, RSL Bathurst
Sub Branch. Photograph by Jim McFerran.
SUB BRANCH MEMBERSHIP DUE
Sub branch members are advised that their membership subs are
now due. Remember it only cost $5 with sub branch subsidising the
remaining $25. So from January 2nd call into the office during the
mornings on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
LADIES AUXILIARY CHRISTMAS PARTY
This happy event took place in the Heritage Room at Bathurst RSL
Club on December 21 st with 15 persons in attendance. I took along
my wife Margaret and Jennifer Brennan and John Haynes filled in
for our secretary Les Anderson. I was asked to address the ladies,
and in doing so I praised their support of the sub branch. I then
played the role of Santa Clause presenting swap gifts to the ladies.
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TO CONTACT US
The latest President’s Report can now be viewed on the Bathurst
RSL Club website. For more information about our membership and
activities please phone Honorary Secretary Les Anderson at
Bathurst RSL Club on 6333 2999.
SUB BRANCH & VIETNAM VETERANS CHRISTMAS PARTY
From 6.30 pm on December 22 nd over 60 people sat down in the
Courtyard Function Room at Bathurst RSL Club to a most enjoyable
Christmas Party. Partners and their children were encouraged to
come along and enjoy a chat and camaraderie. Brian Tobin, Kevin
McDiarmid and Kevin Miller were soon cooking up the steak and
sausages with the bar plying its trade of good cheer.
Towards the end the meal I offered a Welcome on behalf of the Sub
Branch and Vietnam Veterans and made a point that everyone was
here to enjoy themselves and offered the compliments of the season.
President Kevin McDiarmid said likewise and handed over to Secretary/Treasurer
Tony Walker who distributed gifts to a number of lady
workers whilst Allen Storey was presented with a personalised
engraved brick for his work in supplying firewood for the race weekend.
Since holding the annual parties in the Vietnam Veterans
Memorial Park this has been the second time it was held in the club.
This was described as the best party ever with everyone enjoying
themselves.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
On behalf of sub branch we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and
a Prosperous New Year for 2013. Our next sub branch general
meeting will be held on Monday, January 7 th 2013 at 7.15 pm.
NORMAN ELLIS
NX203598. Private Norman ELLIS: 1st Australian Aircraft Mechanic
Company AIF World War 11. Enlisted at Paddington and joined the
AIF on April 21st 1944. Private Ellis served on active service in New
Guinea. At his time of discharge on February 28th 1946 he was serving
with 11th Air Maintenance Platoon. Born on December 4th 1920
at Hill End, Mr Ellis attended school in the township and worked his
first job as store attendant at the Hill End general store. Mr Ellis married
Marie in 1943 and had two boys Peter and Gary.
The family resided in Rankin Street, Bathurst with Mr Ellis working at
California Productions Ltd, painter on Department of Public Works,
Atel Furniture Pty Ltd, and later a cleaner at Mitchell College of
Advanced Education, Bathurst (later CSU) until retirement. Mr Ellis
was a foundation member of the Bathurst Rugby Leagues Club and
often played a game of golf. Marie died on February 10th 2011 aged
87 at Orange Base Hospital and due to ill health Mr Ellis moved to
Macquarie Care Centre. After suffering a stroke Mr Ellis died on
December 20th 2012. Some 22 people attended his private funeral
service commencing at 11.00 am at the Godfrey Smith Chapel on
December 27 th. The service was conducted by Salvation Army
Chaplain Ron Hollebone and RSL sub Branch members Denis
Chamberlain, Fred Collett and Reg Stapleton conducted the RSL
Tribute. After the service private cremation was held at the Canobolas
Gardens Crematorium, Orange. The funeral was in charge of Karl
and Joanne Schroder of Godfrey Smith Funerals.