australian broadcasting corporation reunion club...
TRANSCRIPT
`
N a simple phrase, the long-awaited Ripponlea Closure function “The Dream
Factory Revisited” celebrating 60 years of wonderful television was an unqualified success.
Well over 400 former Ripponlea staff attended the event
on Friday, 13th October, several from interstate,
followed by a further 100-plus family and friends on the
Saturday afternoon.
Apart from the wonderful socialising opportunity
and the catching up with old work colleagues, the
highlight was the sound and light display in Studio 31.
The photo on page 3 doesn’t do justice but provides a
glimpse of the all-enveloping laser presentation.
On arrival, a corridor of coloured chaser lights led us
to Studio 32 which was full of nostalgic displays of
equipment and memorabilia from days gone by—the old
camera crane, a microphone boom, wardrobe displays,
and an Emitron camera, now one of only three remaining
in the entire world.
The bar ran smoothly to offer a variety of appropriate
liquid refreshment and the two food trucks in the old OB
courtyard provided plenty to eat. The night just went too
quickly as old friends met, and although the event was
scheduled to end at eleven, many were reluctant to leave
even by midnight. Truly a happy-sad night.
There are so many people to thank for the function
it’s hard to know where to start, but Johnnie Walker was
responsible for the initial conception. He and many
others had a massive input to event. Without singling out
each individual’s achievements they include Carol
Simpson-Bull, Rick Hunter, June Williams, Mike
Bramley, Stephen Murray, Denise Potter, Kate Jarvis,
Rob Pemberton, Trevor Ling, Jayne Russell, Lyn
Peucker, the John Fish installation team, and the entire
Committee of the Reunion Club.
The Annual BBQ
PERFECT weather—a sunny 27 degrees with a slight
breeze—was an ideal setting for our annual BBQ at
Linton and Tiffany Bryant’s attractive property at View-
bank in November. More than 40 members attended.
As usual, a six-piece jazz band provided the
entertainment and everyone had a great time. The
sizzling sausages and shasliks were well prepared by our
hot-plate operators and there were plenty of various
salads and other accompaniments. Helen Hiscock’s
delightful slices made for delicious desserts.
Most guests departed around five o-clock but a few
diehards stayed on to finish the left-over food as an
evening meal before finally leaving at around nine.
The Annual Christmas Luncheon
ALTHOUGH 128 Members booked for the RACV
Christmas Luncheon, a few were unable to attend due to
illness and other reasons. Nevertheless, it was a great
turnout, some coming from interstate.
After the best part of an hour of socialising in the
foyer with drinks and canapes, Chairman Johnnie
Walker opened the function by welcoming everyone,
mentioning a few names of Members deserving special
praise for their various efforts during the year and also
the new members who were attending for the first time.
The main course was then served—alternatively
tender roast pork or turkey breast all attractively
accompanied with vegetables.
After the sale of raffle tickets by Committee Mem-
bers, the always-popular raffle was drawn. The first
prize of one night’s accommodation at the RACV in the
city with full breakfast was won by Angela and Arie
Schellaars, while second prize of Concert tickets valued
at $298 were won by Helen and Allan Hiscock.
Other prizes included Christmas cakes, two hampers,
dining vouchers from Kotaraya restaurant, Caulfield
Glashouse and the Wheelers Hill Hotel, bottles of
vintage port, and several other well received items.
Desserts consisted of a delicious brandy-snap with
fruit which was followed by tea and coffee accompanied
by fruit mince tarts.
Although the function was supposed to finish at 3.00,
there were still a few lingering on for a final drink or
chat at 4.00. We heard of no complaints and we’re sure
that everyone had a wonderful time.
The AGM in February at the Albert Park Yachting &
Angling Club should prove to be just as enjoyable so
don’t forget to book.
I
Australian Broadcasting Corporation Reunion Club – Victoria – Inc.
JAN / FEB / MAR 2018 Volume 41 No 1
PATRON: Stephen Murray Manager TV Operations
New Members
WE have recruited no fewer than 28 new members to the club.
LAST issue we unwittingly ascribed Joan Patrick to
the wrong department; Joan was from Make-up, the
second person to have been appointed there.
We also welcome Mem Alexander, Peter and
Anne Sparnon, Peter Carnell and Jean Clarke, Leslie
and Peter Falkner-Rose, Julie Kruger, Renzo and Kim
Beltrame, Terry Mutch, Kate Maher, George and
Elizabeth Mavroyeni, Tony Stanyer, Bob and Julia Grieve, Mike Ridley, Merryn and Andrew Millikin,
Peter Redman, June Armstrong, Ken and Suzanna
Greenhill, Belinda Hawkins, Suzanne Nicols and
John Clift, Christine White, and Andre Switzer.
COMING EVENTS
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
Wednesday 14th February
THIS year we will be at the newly renovated Albert Park Yachting & Angling Club, 129B Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park (opposite Kerford Rd.)
Champagne and soft drinks along with savouries will be served on arrival at 11.00 am followed by the official meeting at 12.00 noon. At around 1.00 pm a gourmet main course will be served at each table. Drinks to accompany lunch can be purchased at bar prices. Delicious desserts, tea and coffee will follow.
Car parking in the area is scarce and can be expensive. It’s best to catch the No 1 tram in Swanston Street (heading south) and alighting at the terminus. Walk towards the beach, turn left at Beaconsfield Parade, and it’s a five-minute walk.
COST: Members $45 (subsidised). Guests $55 (actual price)
HOW TO BOOK: Please see page 4.
Please refer to “Notice of Meeting” which includes a Nomination Form. There will be vacancies on the Committee if you wish to nominate. (You may nominate yourself.)
OTHER COMING EVENTS FOR 2018
Thursday 21 June
Puffing Billy Dining Car for an event known as “the Steam and Cuisine Luncheon Natter Platter”.
Sunday 22 July
Mid-Year Sea Food Buffet Luncheon at the RACV.
Friday 7 December
Annual Christmas Luncheon at the RACV.
Watch out for the date of other possible events.
2
NAGAMBIE WINERY VISIT (NWV)
Thursday 19th April
WE have arranged a coach trip to visit wineries in the Nagambie area with lunch at the Royal Mail Hotel in Nagambie.
Our coach leaves Caulfield Railway station (north side) at 8.00am sharp and from the Glen Waverley RSL in Coleman Parade (opposite the station) at 8.45am sharp. Note: all-day parking in this area is only available quite some distance away so allow time.
We have morning tea (at your own expense) plus a wine tasting (at $5 per head) at Fowles Winery in Avenel. Then a short drive to Mitchelton’s for another wine tasting ($5 a head). The $5’s are deducted if you buy wine.
Lunch will be at the Royal Mail Hotel which offers $10 Seniors’ meals. We will have time for one more wine tasting (free) at Chateau Tahbilk where we will be able to visit their historic underground cellar.
We should arrive back at Glen Waverley by 5.45pm and Caulfield by 6.30.
COST: Members $55 (subsidised).
Guests $65
HOW TO BOOK: Please see page 4.
Committee Members in Studio 32: L to R: David Rolfe, Tiffany Bryant, John Backman, Lynn Innes-Irons, Ken and Carol Simpson-Bull, Johnnie Walker, Barbie Mathiesen, and Helen and Allen Hiscock.
FOLLOWING the announcement of John Friend’s
passing we present this condensed version of a resumé
of his varied career which he sent us some years ago.
John arrived in Australia from Hungary in 1949 with his
wife Eva. They had one suitcase and were unable to speak
English. Because of his knowledge of photography, he
got work with Kodak, then with the Argus where he
modernised their ancient photocopying equipment.
In 1956 John joined the ABC, first working in
Telerecord where he managed to solve some difficult
film processing problems. He then became a cameraman
in Studio 33, and later on OBs often working from high
towers without any safety harness.
John finally became a Technical Producer and
Lighting director, working on many iconic shows. On his
retirement he and his wife Eva became active members
of the Reunion Club and John seriously resumed his
photographic hobby. We will miss him.
Visit the Reunion Club On-line
RICK HUNTER, who runs the ABV2 website, has
recently put some interesting items on-line.
For instance, there is a great video of the Ripponlea
Closure Function produced by Graham Fettling and
Gerry McKechnie plus 150 still photos of the event taken
by Ivan Gaal.
There are another two videos produced by Graham
and Gerry: The 2014 Annual Xmas Party (with Molly
Meldrum) and the 50th Anniversary Ball. If you haven’t
seen them before, there are also hundreds of ABC related
photos as well as a large number of audio recordings.
Simply Google “ABC Reunion Club” and follow the
links on the left-hand side of the Club’s home page and
the ABV2 home page. The current (and past) Newsletters
are also available for viewing or downloading.
OUR
YESTERDAYS
3
“The Dream Factory Revisited” featured a wonderful Sound and Light display in Studio 31. Photo: Ivan Gaal
Bereavement
WE sadly report the passing of John Friend, former
Studio Supervisor and Lighting director, who passed
away last October. (You can read of some of John’s
achievements opposite on this page.)
Sadly, Frank Westaway also passed away in
October. Frank, a former city cinema projectionist,
first joined ABC Radio in the late 1950s before
moving to Television where he became best known in
Master Control. He later left to join the Village
Cinemas Management team. He regularly attended
Reunion Club functions and, over the years, donated
many cinema tickets for our raffles.
In November we lost Alan Ireson at age 87. Alan
joined ABC Radio around 1950 as a Technical
Operator and later became a Training Officer. He
retired in 1995. At Southbank, level 4 Terrace was
named for Alan.
In December we lost Bill Passick, former long-
time announcer at Broadcast House and Radio
Australia and member of the Reunion Club.
All will be sadly missed.
Tours of Southbank Studios
NOW that Ripponlea has closed, as you would
know the new very modern TV studios are now
located at Southbank along with the Radio studios.
We have organised group tours of the whole of the
Southbank Studio Complex on the following dates:
Wednesday 21st February from 11.00am – 1.00pm
Wednesday 7th March from 11.00am – 1.00pm
Wednesday 21st March from 11.00am – 1.00pm
To book: please ring Carol on 9561 4124
THE COMMITTEE Chairman: Johnnie Walker
mobile 0418 323 051
Vice Chairman: John Backman Secretary: Carol Simpson-Bull 9561 4124
or mobile 0403 393 746
Assistant Secretary: Helen Hiscock 9758 7205
Treasurer: Barbara Mathiesen mobile 0413 892 877
Assistant Treasurer: David Rolfe Newsletter Editor: Ken Simpson-Bull
Auditor: Tiffany Bryant General Committee:
Allan Hiscock, Syah Goldrich, Jo Maxian, Lyn Innes-Irons
HOW TO BOOK FOR AN EVENT
For those members sending cheques or Money Orders by post, the procedure is this:
1. Make cheques payable to the ABC Reunion Club
2. On the back of your cheque (or on a slip of paper attached to your cheque) please write the following:
Your member number (or your name), the event code, and the number of people attending.
E.g. 153AGM2 means Member No 153, Annual General Meeting, 2 people attending.
If you are paying for two or more events, repeat the coded information for each event.
If you propose to bring a guest, please let us know their name for insurance purposes.
3. Post the cheque to PO Box 272, Glen Waverley, Vic. 3150 (Put your return address on the envelope)
Members making bank transfers must initially contact the Secretary for procedure details.
Reminder: In the Transaction Description: 999AGM2 means your Member Number, Event Code, 2 people attending.
We do not automatically confirm payment but we have not had related problems.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Write, telephone the appropriate Committee Member, or email: [email protected]
Postal Address: ABC Reunion Club, PO Box 272, Glen Waverley, Vic. 3150
(Please put your return address on the back of any mail)
For Telephone numbers refer to “The Committee” listing.
4
We need Raffle Prizes IF you have a favourite Restaurant, we
would really appreciate it if you could
ask them to donate a Dining Voucher
as a raffle prize for our AGM. Other
appropriate donations would be
gratefully accepted. Proceeds from our
raffles help us to subsidise some
functions so everyone can benefit.
Ring Carol on 9561 4124.
Annual Subscription Due! (Code SUB)
IMPORTANT! Your membership fee for 2018 was due at
the end of December 2017. If you forgot to pay please
forward your subscription ASAP. If you are attending the
AGM you may pay then. Fees are $20 (single) or $25
(double). Please refer below for the method of payment.
Members who joined after 1st August 2017 do not have to
pay again for 2018.
Just consider, if you attend just one of our few subsidised
functions you could effectively get most of your membership
fee refunded!
Wanted Jim Oastler would still like to borrow a Betacam Unit to copy
some Betacam tapes to DVD. If you can help, contact him at:
[email protected] (unfortunately we gave the wrong
email address last issue!)
Closure Posters
The Club has a number of
attractive glossy posters
for sale celebrating the
Ripponlea Closure Func-
tion. At $10 they will be
available at the AGM or
you can contact us to have
one posted or for pick-up.