S T A N D FA S T

The Official Voice of the Tea Tree Gully

R S L Sub Branch

Welcome to your Sub - Branch

A place for meeting & socialising for

Veterans, Family, Friends & Community Together

PO Box 171, St Agnes, SA, 5097 Issue: 3 - December 2014

/2

PRESIDENTS REPORT

HANDY PHONE NUMBERS

Club: 08 8263 2083 (Bar hours only)

President: 08 8289 9981

Secretary: 0428 448 388

Treasurer: 08 8263 8189

Chaplain: 08 8360 6444

Women's Aux: 08 8263 9298

Stand Fast Editor: 08 8263 3516

RSL State HQ: 08 8100 7300

Welfare Officer 08 8265 4000

Membership Officer 08 8395 6103

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BAR TRADING HOURS

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 4pm to 11.30pm*

Wednesday: 7pm to 11.30pm

Thursday: 4pm to 8pm

Friday: 4pm to 11.30pm*

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 3pm to 8pm

*Subject to patronage after 8pm

COMMITTEE

President: - Robert Lotstra

Secretary: - Di Sisson

Treasurer: - Malcolm Love

V / President: - Keith Horne

Committee: -

Terry Nicholas Tina McLaughlin Con Moustrides John Grivell Mark Fulcher Michael Sherlock John Harmer Tony Callus

ONE RULE BROKEN WEAKENS ALL THE REST

Thank you to all those happy volun-

teers who have kept our club going

for another year. I can't name them

all but a special mention must go to

Con for his hours and hours of bar

management, Golf War 7 and darts

have kept our club in the black, also

the committee & the Vice Presidents

for their total support.

Our club revolves around our cere-

monial days and these were once again a big success.

There are not enough servicemen, ex-servicemen to

keep a club our size viable, so we have introduced

community membership and it has been pleasing to

see so many smiling new faces walk through our

door. An emphasis next year should be on member-

ship and membership benefits. The emphasis will of

course remain military. Anzac Day will be huge and

volunteers to assist in the management and prepara-

tion for this 100th year event will be required com-

mencing in January. The back room will receive a

facelift early next year with compliments of Bun-

nings Hardware.

My 12 months as president has been a huge chal-

lenge / learning curve and an extremely enjoyable

experience. So much so I will be at it again for an-

other term. See you all in 2015.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all.

Robert

A simple way you can help your RSL Sub Branch is to be-

come a financial member and visit the club for a chat, a

drink and some socialising. You can even bring a friend or

relative to the club, attending the functions that are now

scrolling across the TV screen and patronising the events

your Club promotes. Don’t forget the Thursday night sup-

per is available for all and sundry to attend. A very af-

fordable meal at $5 per head for mains with $2 desserts.

Coffee available at $2 cup. Music some Thursday nights.

By supporting & attending OUR Sub Branch events, this

enables us to help you, the member.

See you at the Club

Returned Services League Tea Tree Gully Sub Branch

C o m i n g E v e n t s

Please keep for future reference and check the notice board regularly for any change of event.

RECURRING EVENTS

Bar Opens at 4pm. Every Thursday evening Suppers from 6pm onwards. Arrive early as

numbers are on the increase. Raffles will be run throughout the evening.

SUNDAYS Bar Opens at 12noon, from the 1st Sunday in Feb,

lunch served from 1 till 3. All Meals $10.00

Jazz - 1st Sunday of the Month. A La Carte lunch 12—2pm music from 2pm — 5pm

“ O l d i e s ” Entertainment Day - 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1.30pm.

Bingo - 4th Tuesday of each month at 1.30pm.

FUTURE EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR.

2015 EVENTS

Gallipoli Centenary RSL Golf Tournament.

13 April 2015

100th Year Anzac Day Dawn Parade & Service

25th April 2015

THE ILL and INJURED LIST

Con—Internal blockage - very painful & uncomfortable. Was missing in action for a few days. After

many weeks he is on the recovery path, although still not 100%.

Les—Collapsed at the club Thursday evening 28th August. Para medics attended. All OK other than

a mix up of medications. Has his arm in a sling & waiting for a reconstruction operation on his

shoulder. He has now been waiting almost 5 months for this operation.

Malcolm Love has spent 5 days in hospital after his leg severely swelled up. Appears this was reac-

tion to his diabetes & is now on the mend. His heart was also racing & started to cause a few prob-

lems as well.

October's "Veteran's Health Week" is now over and it is not the time to be complacent regarding

our health. On October 1st, committee member Terry Nicholas after a number of visits to his GP was

finally able to get referred to a cardiac specialist for a heart check.

After a stress test and an angiogram in hospital Terry was dismayed when the specialist told him he

had some massive blockages and he was not going home and they would operate ASAP.

/ 3

Supporting the Tea Tree Gully RSL

Two elderly gentlemen from a retire-

ment village were sitting on a bench under a

tree when one turns to the other and says:

'Slim, I'm 83 years old now and I'm just full of

aches and pains. I know you're about my age.

How do you feel?'

Slim says, 'I feel just like a newborn baby.'

'Really!? Like a newborn baby!?'

'Yep. No hair, no teeth, and I think I just wet

my pants.'

THE BEST GIFT OF ALL

Christmas can be a great time of giving and receiving gifts. I can remember growing up as a boy of 7-8 years of age being at my grand-parents’ house on Christmas Eve. It would a time of great excitement as the next day would reveal what gifts I would receive for Christmas. As I have grown older there is still a good feeling when those in your family or a friend give you a gift at Christmas time. It is also true that sometimes the gifts that we re-ceive are just what we need but there may be also those gifts that we accept gracefully but wonder what we are going to do with. For many people celebrating Christmas with friends and family is a gift in itself, the joy of belonging touches our very heart. The time of Christmas comes to us because God has a gift for each one of us in Jesus Christ. The gift of baby Jesus to the world changes eve-rything for all who believe in his coming, for in believing in the coming of the baby Jesus and his mission means that we have received the most precious gift of all, that of everlasting life. Please take time this Christmas to think about “the best gift of all” it will bring a great joy into your Christmas cele-bration.

Howard Trendell (Major)

The Salvation Army

Terry's operation on Thursday 2 October was a triple bypass, 2 arteries were 90% blocked and one was

75% blocked. Had he not seen the specialist at that time he was told he would have possibly been dead

by the end of the week. Happily Terry has now recovered and is quickly returning to good health.

The upside of this story is if Terry had not pressured his GP to refer him to a specialist he may not

have been with us now.

We all know our own bodies, take Terry's advice if you are not feeling 100% get your GP to check you

over, don't wait until next years' Veteran's Health Week to be reminded it's time to check, or it may be

too late. If you know of anyone that is ill please advise Barry Mitchell & he will make a house call to assist.

Fred Smith Diplomat, song writer singer

performed at the RSL - Thursday 6th

November.

WOW! What a night. A brilliant evening of

music with such an enlightenment of informa-

tion about the local Afghan people, politics,

Government, War Lords & the conflict.

Sometimes sad & sometimes humorous.

The evening started with a delicious buffet

dinner and at 7.30pm the performance com-

menced almost as a casual discussion. It was

so different from usual entertainment. We re-

ceived a short interesting history lesson about

Afghanistan.

The overhead projector was synchronised to

his talk and also the pictures & movies added

an unusual but informative visual to his songs.

He opened up with “Dust of Uruzgan” which

has become the Theme song for Afghanistan

returned soldiers.

Everyone in the room was so quiet & almost

mesmerised by his performance. Fred had the

crowd singing along with a song relating to

the Dutch soldiers idiosyncrasies. His story

telling blended in with songs he wrote about

certain people & actual events. A great eve-

ning for those who chose to attend.

Thank You, Fred, for a interesting evening.

Sunday 12th October the Tea Tree Gully Sub Branch

hosted their Annual Luncheon with about 75 in atten-

dance. On arrival in the clubrooms the choice of pre

lunch drinks included sherry, beer, lemon squash, red &

white wine. A orchid CORSAGE was presented to each of

the ladies as they entered the hall. A few nibbles where

placed on tables to assist with digestion. The call to

lunch, as all filed into the hall which was set out in fabu-

lous style with blue table cloths & red table runners. All

drinks where placed on the tables in carafes or jugs. A

great way to start a lunch. Cr Bernie Keane the MC intro-

duced the Club President Mr Robert Lotstra who made a

short welcoming speech & proposed the Loyal Toast. The

National Anthem was played then followed up with

Grace being offered by Major Howard Trendell.

Prawn & Avocado with salad was served for entrée. Deli-

cious with some receiving seconds.

Michael Sherlock them made The Toast to the League.

During the quiet periods delightful music of our era was

played and sung quietly by Ron & Rod.

Main course consisted of Roast Pork, Beef & chicken

with vegetables.

A very gener-

ously sized serve

was presented to

all for the mains

lunch. Keith

Horne gave re-

spect to “OLD

D I G G E R S ” ,

serving personnel

& absent com-

rades. A raffle was held with many prizes on offer, in-

cluding a hobby horse which was last seen entering the

kitchen.

After the raffle was drawn Robert Lotstra recited the

“ODE”. Fred Jackson toasted the Invited Guests & Kin-

dred Clubs with Mr Mark York-Simpkin responding in a

very humorous way.

Dessert of Chocolate or Vanilla Mousse went down very

nicely. Ms Frances Bedford MP paid tribute to the

Women’s Auxiliary, with Jeanette Martin responding be-

ing the current President of the Women Auxiliary.

After much chat & music the luncheon was officially

closed with an address from Robert Lotstra.

This was a great afternoon that was well or-

ganised and executed, being enjoyed by all in

attendance. Well done to all who assisted

especially the Bar Manager & his team and

also a huge thanks to Keith & Di for provid-

ing the Orchid Corsages.

ANNUAL LUNCHEON

The Auxiliary has held four meetings during 2014: February, April, August and October to make arrangements for the vari-ous RSL ceremonies. A few of us even supplied afternoon tea for a wedding party at the clubrooms in January. Members shared a Christmas lunch after the 2013 AGM. There were a few minor hic cups when the Hotel chef walked out unexpectedly so some of the meals were not as ordered. I had a friendly discussion with staff members when they would not accept our cheque without the manager’s approval. He was away from the premises and it was some time before he was located. Despite this we all had a good time Thank you to the many helpers that assisted on ANZAC morn-ing. It is always a bit hectic. With more volunteers selling raffle tickets, and four good prizes, our takings were the best for several years. My special thanks to those who donated goods for the raffle, especially Mike, who left two clothes dryers and two boxes of pegs on my doorstep. The manager of the Valley Inn Hotel donated a dinner voucher for two. We also had good attendance at the Kokoda and Remem-brance Day ceremonies. Catering went well. The Salvation Army ladies provided the sandwiches. They were excellent as usual. My special thanks to Maureen, Colleen, Anne, Donna and Christine who prepared the lunches while I attended the ceremonies to place wreaths on behalf of the Auxiliary. After much discussion about the possibility of disbanding the Women’s Auxiliary, prior to the 2013 AGM, it was encouraging to increase our membership and gain the opportunity and sat-isfaction of knowing that the Auxiliary, who had supported the TTG RSL, for 50 years would survive. Sadly we are once again faced with this situation. A vote was taken at our AGM; all members were in favour of disbanding. It is a sign of the times, with many other RSL’s having faced this situation. We ladies can still offer our support in a volun-teer capacity. I for one will be happy that I no longer need to provide financial reports. Please accept my special thanks to each and every one of you, both past and present members, for the support that you have given me during my years as president. I wish you all a great Christmas with family and friends. All the best for the New Year,

Jeanette Martin President and Treasurer.

/5

Women’s Auxi l iary

/6 Your body is the baggage you must carry through life -

the more excess the baggage the shorter the trip.

KOKODA COMMEMORATION SERVICE

Sunday 2nd November at Doxiadis Reserve Me-

morial site St Agnes was attended by approx 50

people. The President Mr Robert Lotstra opened

the service at 11am sharp with the Salvation

Army providing the band. Colonel Steve Larkins,

Deputy President of the RSL State Branch gave an

address relating to the battle and the heroics on

the KOKODA TRACK. Major Howard Trendell said

the Prayer of Re-

membrance & a

scripture reading.

Wreaths where laid

to music played by

the Salvation Army.

The Last Post was

sounded by the bugler. James Love –Lone Piper,

played the Lament, followed with a minutes si-

lence. Robert Lotstra recited the Ode. The flag

was raised to the bugle “Rouse” followed by the

piper playing The Bugle Horn.

The band played God Save The

Queen & Advance Australia

Fair. Major Howard Trendell

gave the Benediction.

Robert Lotstra thanked all for

attending, then invited every-

one back to the TTG RSL for a

light lunch & refreshments.

The RSL Newsletter STAND FAST is printed as a

community service by Tom Kenyon MP - JP.

Member of Newland. 4 / 1257 North East Road

Ridgehaven. Ph 8264 4482

Tom is a member of the TTG Sub Branch

The office is open for ALL State Government Matters

and Justice of the Peace service is available.

Where has 2014 gone!!! and before we all blink 2015 will be here.

Our Fitness classes this year have been a little up & down. Quite a bit of sickness, a few injuries (not due to classes) and

LOTS of holidays. I guess those 3 things all come with "age". Haha.

We take a break from 18th December until 5th February 2015. I need a holiday early in year to be able to "cope" with the rest

of year.!!!

If any of you are interested in joining us, the classes are held on Thursdays at 9,10 & 11 am for approximately 1hr. The first

2 classes are for any Veterens of any age group or if you have a "mate" who would like to join, he will be most welcome as

well.

The 11am session is for women of any age. Most participants at the moment are wives/partners of Veterans, but we welcome

anyone who is interested.We do pay a small weekly fee for the use of the hall.

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of the participants in my classes & to those are involved with

the RSL at TTG. It's a great place to be!!!!

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas, a Healthy & Prosperous 2015. (So you can have more holidays) haha. Remember the

"Christ" in CHRISTmas!!!

FITNESS & EXERCISE CLASS

Our President Robert Lotstra asked if the Students of

Gleeson College could restore a framed series of pinned but-

tons from 1914 era as a school project. This item was do-

nated to the RSL way back in 1977. It has deteriorated dur-

ing storage and it would be a great achievement to have it

placed back on display after the proposed renovations of the

back room of our Club rooms. It is planned to have the frame

repaired at the same time & hanging on the wall of the RSL

before ANZAC DAY 2015. Thanks to Ben Dwiar for his

assistance with this major project.

Robert Lotstra, Mrs Kate Pill (Teacher, Gleeson College), Ben Dwiar.

Proud Supporter of our

Tea Tree Gully Sub Branch

Butchers--Retail - Tea Tree Gully

13 Walters St, Tea Tree Gully SA 5091

On 17th October some of the RSL caravan mob, joined

with the Para Hills Community Club rock and roll club

and we spent the weekend at Berri. Some of the group

had left on the Thursday and were all set up when the ma-

jority arrived. We almost lost "Mr David Poppins" when

a wirly wind caught his awning but help was at hand and

he was saved.

After an afternoon of deep and mean-

ingful conversations and nibbles,

drinks and lots of laughs under the

big shady tree we spent the night at

the Renmark Hotel being entertained by a band and some

very good dancers. Sat morning the growers market was

visited and then the all important stroll around Cheap as

Chips. A BBQ in the park and then dolled up for the big

dance in the Berri Town Hall. Most people got up and

had a dance, some danced in their chairs and I am sure we

all danced in our hearts as the band was very good. Sun-

day morning BBQ breakfast on the banks of the mighty

Murray was a bargain. Well done to the organisers. We

had another afternoon under the big shady tree with so

much high tech talk around the iPads, iPhones and cam-

eras we were quite ready for switch off by 9.30. The

dogs enjoyed themselves and I hope the real people did

too. The rock and rollers have booked for next year so

please join us if you wish to Rock & Roll. Cabins are

available for those without a caravan. Libbie K

Next van meeting 4pm Sunday 11th Jan, 2015 at RSL

COBDOGLA November. Great sites.

A few meals were con-

sumed at the Cobby

Club where very good

food was served. We

had a few day trips to

Loxton, Berri, Banrock Station winery with Tony

Callus becoming a major shareholder with the vol-

ume of cartons purchased.

If you receive a phone call from an individual

identifying himself as an Telstra Service techni-

cian who was conducting a test on your Tele-

phone lines hang up.

He stated that to complete the test I should touch

nine(9), zero( 0), hash (#) and then hang

up. Luckily, I was suspicious and refused.

Upon contacting Telstra, I was informed that by

pushing 90#, you give the requesting individual

full access to your telephone line, which allows

them to place long distance telephone calls billed

to your home phone number.

I was further informed that this scam has been

originating from many of the local Jails/prisons.

DO NOT press 90# for ANYONE. PLEASE pass

this on to your friends.

If you have mailing lists and/or newsletters from

organizations you are connected with, I encourage

you to pass this on.

Stephen Cooper

Detective Senior Constable 29748

Victoria Police State Crime Squads

Level 12, 412 St. Kilda Road , Melbourne

(03) 9865 2663 (03) 9865 2663(03) 9865

2663 or 0414644499

Stephen.cooper@police..vic..gov.au

Proud Supporter of our

Tea Tree Gully Sub Branch

at St Agnes

Please support our

Club supporters

CARAVAN / TRAVEL GROUP

A lunch at Overland Corner was another high

light. Ross Jettner of

Loxton entertained

us at the park by

singing & playing

country music. Mal-

colm Love was flat

out as usual. A great

attendance of 11 vans

& 2 cabins. A great time was had by all. No

awnings lost.

Medical alarms register From Donna Moody,

Group Manager Department of Social Services Do you use a Medical Alarm? Do you know some-one who does? If so, you who should be aware how these devices will interact with the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN). As you would be aware, the NBN is being rolled out across Australia. Eighteen months after an area has been declared NBN-ready, existing landline phones, ADSL internet, and Telstra cable internet services, will be switched off. This will begin to occur – initially only in a small number of areas – from 23 May 2014. Not all existing medical alarms are compatible with the NBN, and some alarm providers have not yet adopted products more suitable for a fully digital environment. As such, there is a risk that medical alarm users will be left with alarms that will not work. In response to this, NBN Co has launched a medical alarm register (http://www.nbnco.com.au/medical-alarmregister. html), which is designed to help support medical alarm users during the transition to the NBN. It is important that medical alarm users visit this website as soon as possible and…

register their alarms with NBN Co; contact their alarm providers to check compatibility

with the NBN and confirm if any wiring changes are required;

contact phone or internet providers to advise that they have medical alarms; and

confirm that their alarms are working correctly af-

ter the NBN is installed. Further information about the medical alarm register can be found at: http://www.nbnco.com.au/medical-alarm-register-faqs.html.

As football season leaves us and we turn our atten-

tion to the gentlemanly endeavour of cricket, I

thought this little story would be worth sharing with

you all. Occasionally in wartime, you get the rare

opportunity to do something good for someone.

While based in Tarin Kowt in 2010, my job as Gar-

rison Engineer was to maintain the Australian and

Dutch (later US facilities).

My Afghan colleagues, the Afghan National Army

(ANA) were brilliant cricketers and actually had

representatives in the

World 20/20 side when I

was over there. I went

into their part of the

FOB (Forward Operat-

ing Base) one day, and

noticed them playing

cricket on what I could only describe as a gravel

pitch, using a 500mm drainage pipe laying on its

side as a wicket. The pitch was neither level nor

smooth.

I set about pulling in

a few favours from

some of the civilian

contractors that I had

built up over my tour

(commanding a troop

of tradies had its ad-

vantages!)

Well the end result was a nice concrete pitch that

any Aussie would be proud to play on. The Afghan

General came out and thanked me, and we even had

a few matches – our own version of World 20/20

before my time was up and returned home.

Regards,

Pat Trainor (RAE)

CRICKET IN AFGHANISTAN

Tomorrow is not promised to us, so take today and make the most of it. /8

Our sub branch was successful in obtaining the framed Steyr

AUG Assault Rifle that was auctioned off at the concert “Back

to the Dat held last November. The Steyr AUG 5.56mm rifle

was sort after by many, so the bidding was fierce. It was a bold

bid of $700 which secured the framed weapon.

It will soon be displayed proudly on the wall of our clubrooms.

”Oldies” GROUP

It is with regret that at 91 years of age I have re-

signed as co ordinator of the “Oldies” group. My

eye sight is poor and my mobility very restricted

and every day I have to lean heavily on my family.

It has been a marvellous 22 years organising the

group. In November 22 years ago Mick put the

idea of a day time group to the monthly meeting,

this plan was put in writing and Mick was there to

answer any questions. It was a unanimous vote

and Mick and I started to send out letters to the

older members who had not been attending RSL

functions. Our first meeting was in March 1993

when 86 people attended. The popularity of

“Oldies” grew and we soon had 142 members and

thanks to the generosity of the TTG Council we

moved into the Community Hall. We had some

wonderful entertainment and some delicious after-

noon teas and lunches with so many of our older

members being such great cooks. Mick passed

away 10 years ago on 3rd November. He was able

to leave hospital for day leave a week before he

died and came to bingo to say goodbye to his RSL

family and friends. Nick Gogilis promised Mick that

day that he would help me with “Oldies” and Nick

well and truly kept that promise.

We have had some wonderful helpers over the

years and I would like to thank them all. Unfortu-

nately many of the members have passed away

and our group has become smaller each year.

Both Mick and I volunteered into the army in WWII

and it was while based at a men’s camp as a trans-

port sergeant in Queensland that I met Mick after

his return from the Middle East.

Mick and I spent 5 years in the “tin shed” which

was the first TTG RSL clubrooms. The shed had a

beautiful fireplace and a timber bar. Only drinks in

bottles were sold. On the first Saturday night of

each month a family night was held with WWI and

WWII veterans and their families, we all got on so

well. ANZAC mornings we drank our famous milk

coffee and rum around a big log fire outside the

clubrooms, a lot of members could still fit into their

uniforms back then.

In 1964 we moved into the new clubrooms. In

January 1964 the TTG Women’s Aux. was formed

and I was proud to be the Foundation President.

So much work was done to get the new club rooms

furnished and running well. We had a debutante

ball where many of the member’s daughters made

their debut. We had a ball/dance each year for

many years.

The women sewed and baked and the men worked

hard, often doing gardening, building fences help

ing war widows maintain their houses. Parcels of

homemade cakes biscuits etc. were sent to Viet-

nam. Golf days were catered for by the Women’s

Aux as was the annual dinner when only men were

invited and women waited on the tables, so much

has changed over the years.

I am very honoured to have been granted Life

Membership of the RSL Life Membership of the

Women’s Aux. Centenary Medal for service to veter-

ans, Senior Citizen of the year TTG Council and six

years later Citizen of the Year TTG Council.

I have always been proud to be an RSL member

and wear my Life Membership badge with pride.

I hope to be able to contribute to the next newslet-

ter with news of Oldies Xmas dinner and some

more memories of the “tin shed era” and early

days in the “new” clubrooms.

Best wishes and A Merry Christmas to all members.

Lois Ramage Life Member

Are you aware.

Do you know that under the Stamp Duties Act 0f 1923, war veterans or widows & widowers of ex serviceman personnel are entitled to receive an exemption from stamp duty up to the value of $132.00 when you purchase a place of residence. You are also entitled to a refund if you did not put in an application for the exemption when you pur-chased your home. Evidence of Service MUST be provided.

If in Doubt contact Revenue SA for clarification Ph: 8223 3750

Christmas Dinner Show

What a night of fabulous music by the Blackbirds playing

our comfort music from the 60’ & 70’s. The dance floor

was packed with enthusiastic rock n rollers & modern

dance. The variety of music played was enjoyed by all at the

tables & on the dance floor.

Door prizes & a raffle where conducted during the evening.

Tables were adorned with musical battery operated Christ-

mas toys which added another dimension to the evening.

Thanks Libby for sharing your toys.

The hall was decorated with Christmas theme as were the

tables. The two colour laser light really gave us the dance

mood as the beams bounced around the ceiling & walls. A

great touch. Con & his bar team provide the refreshments

to those exhausted by dancing feverishly. A huge thank you

to Leanne & Sharon who provided a delicious meal. While

we do what we can with catering we are still learning. Our

meals will continue to improve over the next 12 months.

Thank you also to the volunteers who helped to set up,

serve, wash dishes, as well as those who helped to clean up.

You are too numerous to name. /9

W h y i s n ’ t t h e r e , m o u s e f l a v o u r e d c a t f o o d ?

S P O R T S R E P O R T

GOLF DAY

Another great day was had by all who participated in this years Golf War 7. Despite strong gully winds there were 68 player that tee'd off. It is very pleasing that we attracted for the first time ever, 3 ladies for this years event. Well done girls and hopefully we can better this number of ladies next year.

The winners for this year are:

DIGGERS JACK CROUCH NAGA Jeff Yates Peter Woodrow Arthur Kabos

OPEN - Terry Smith

A huge Thank You to our many sponsors, for their continued support, not only for the golf day but for supporting our sub branch. Thanks must also go to Malcolm Love for his contribution with ap-plying & receiving a monetary grant from DVA. He also did a lot of behind the scene running around. Thanks also to DVA Heart Health Golf War 7’s for their generous grant which provided us all with a lunch & on course sausage sizzle. President Robert Lotstra also gets a mention for keeping the players from dehydration despite loosing his way around the course. Thank goodness for mobile phones as the situation may have become serious at the 15th hole where 3 phone calls were required.

Place this event into your Diary.

Monday 13th APRIL 2015 a SPECIAL one off Golf Day

GALLIPOLI CHALLENGE.

Also to be held at the TTG Golf Club.

In closing a huge THANK YOU to all the participants and for the making the day the success that it was.

DARTS

The T T G Sub Branch has again fielded 5 teams in the N E E D A with the season drawing to a close soon, with finals just around the corner. We had 4 teams competing in finals this year. Our Premier league team took out the Premiership with one other team runners up. Well done.

Twilight Bowls Members of the TTG RSL have formed 2 teams at Hope Valley Bowling Club & compete in the Twilight Bowls competition on Tuesday evenings.

Con Moustrides - Sports Officer

WORLD WAR 1

HEROES.

Lance Corporal Albert Jacka

14th Australian Infantry Battalion, AIF

/11

Copy provided by Chris Swierczewski from a Family Tree Book.

A guy stuck his head into a barbershop and asked, 'How long before I can get a haircut?

The barber looked around the shop full of customers and said, 'About 2 hours!’ The guy left.

A few days later, the same guy stuck his head in the door and asked, 'How long before I can get a haircut?'

The barber looked around at the shop and said, 'About 3 hours.!’ The guy left.

A week later, the same guy stuck his head in the shop and asked, 'How long before I can get a haircut?

The barber looked around the shop and said, 'About an hour and a half !’ The guy left.

The barber turned to his friend and said, 'Hey, Bob, do me a favour. Follow him and see where he goes. He keeps asking how long he has to wait for a haircut, but he never comes back.'

A little while later, Bob returned to the shop, laughing hysterically.

The barber asked, 'So, where does he go when he leaves?'

Bob looked up, wiped the tears from his eyes and said, 'Your house!'

Are you confused by what is going

on in the Middle East?

Let me explain. We support the Iraqi government in the

fight against ISIS.

We don't like ISIS, but ISIS is supported

by Saudi Arabia who we do like.

We don't like Assad in Syria. We support

the fight against him, but ISIS is also

fighting against him.

We don't like Iran, but Iran supports the

Iraqi government in its fight against ISIS.

So some of our friends support our ene-

mies, some enemies are now our friends,

and some of our enemies are fighting

against our other enemies, who we want to

lose, but we don't want our enemies who

are fighting our enemies to win.

If the people we want to defeat are de-

feated, they could be replaced by people

we like even less.

And all this was started by us invading a

country to drive out terrorist who were

not actually there until we went in to drive

them out.

Got it now. It's quite simple, really.

/12

It has affected many who served in SVN. Do not wait, test for it NOW

YES!

To all that have served in South East Asia, please request a specific blood test for STRONYLOIDES from your

local doctor.

It is starting to affect many of us now. after laying dormant in our bodies for over 40 years. A blood test can de-

tect it before it starts to eat away at the inside of the body. It is excriutatingly painful so be warned. Have a blood

test for this parasite, as it can now be cured with one pill.

/13

Recently launched at the Tea Tree Gully Library and superbly illustrated, this collection of war poetry focuses on

Australians who enlisted when their country called. Slouch Hat Soldiers – Generations at War is not a history

book, nor extensive in its coverage of events. Indeed, it is mainly based on stories about the author’s nineteen rela-

tives who enlisted, including his Father and Grandfathers. Robert Jarrad recreates the harsh realities of war with

compassion, as he speaks for those who cannot.

Slouch Hat Soldiers – Generations at War, contains a series of poetic snapshots, distilled from the powerful sto-

ries and images that some people experienced during World Wars One and Two, and the Vietnam War. Along with

the bloodshed and horror are mateship, humour, patriotism and love of the homeland. There are many acts in the

theatre of war, which only those who serve in the forces witness, however, through storytelling, they are remembered

– and here they have been turned into poignant poetry. The author hopes this book may help a new generation of

Australians to understand what it was like to go to war.

Slouch Hat Soldiers is illustrated by war artist Barry Spicer. Barry was honoured with the title of official artist

to ‘Australian Army Aviation’ in 2008 and has recently been named as the Regimental Artist for the Army’s

1st Armoured Regiment.

This book will resonate with all Australians. Slouch Hat Soldiers is a

testimony to the mateship, courage, humour, ingenuity, endurance

and individualism of Australians at war – and in general.

Slouch Hat Soldiers has had the tick of approval from our Governor General, the

Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AKMC and the Director of the Australian War Me-

morial, Dr Brendan Nelson and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Vietnam

Veterans Museum, Mr Andrew Kilsby.

Slouch Hat Soldiers- Generations at War has received two congratulatory let-

ters from Buckingham Palace, one from His Royal Highness the Duke of Cam-

bridge, Prince William and the other from His Royal Highness Prince Harry of

Wales.

Part proceeds from all book sales are being donated to Legacy.

Purchase from TTG RSL member, Bob Jarrad at the clubrooms @ $30.00 or order online as follows:-

Price: $30.00 + $8 P&H. Author: Robert Jarrad.

Published by Echos Downunder. Paperback 116 pages.

Order from www.slouchhatsoldiers.com.au

Enquiries: info@slouchhatsoldiers.com.au or Phone Bob on: 0409 677 553

Review provided by the publisher

Copy for the next STAND FAST closes 28th March 2015

Send all contributions please, before this date to:-

Trevor Harvey

e-mail tjnchavey@adam.com.au

If a pig loses its voice,

is it disgruntled?

TO YOU ALL

B E N M A R T I N & T H E K O K O D A M O N U M E N T

Ben Martin was born in Gumeracha in 1929. He left school at age14, became a bricklayer, did a course in

concrete engineering and laid foundations for many SA Housing Trust premises. He later went droving and

worked as a stockman on Muloorina station. In 1951 he joined the SA Police force and became a founding

member of the Mounted Cadre. He joined the TTG RSL in 1994 and served on the committee. One of the

requirements at that time was to help serve behind the bar. His comment that he was hopeless with money

was considered an excuse, so he took his turn. His inability to handle the till and supply correct change

caused problems for the treasurer so his assistance was no longer required. He just laughed and said, “I

tried to tell you”. Every year he volunteered to sell badges and poppies at major shopping centres and was

a great hit with the ladies. His comment, “I’d pin this badge on you but I might get too excited” got him

plenty of customers. He assisted with all commemoration ceremonies.

He became involved with the “Oldies”, the monthly entertainment afternoon for Veterans and their wives.

Collecting up all of his paraphernalia, sabre, uniform, ceremonial helmet and a heap of photos he gave a

talk on the history of the Mounted Cadre. Talked about his years as a farrier and included a display of

shoeing tools that he’d made for himself because he was left handed. As an aid to his talk he also manufac-

tured a board showing the various stages of making a horseshoe. He was such an entertaining speaker that

requests came pouring in from a multitude of organizations who wanted him to repeat the stories. The only

problem was that he enjoyed himself so much that once started it was almost impossible to stop him.

When asked to be Master of Ceremony at the RSL Annual Dinner he went prepared with a few jokes that

he’d cleaned up. Responding to a toast, the State President, John Bailey, commented that if the jokes told

by Ben were all that he could come up with, then he the President, would provide a good joke book for

next year. True to his word, a few weeks later John presented Ben with the Australian Book of Jokes.

Ben’s involvement with the Kokoda memorial began in 1995 after the Tea Tree Gully Community Man-

agement Board constructed a walking path along a deep creek that runs through Doxiadis Reserve St

Agnes, as a replica of the Kokoda Trail. Eight engraved plaques, dedicated to the various military actions

in the New Guinea campaign from July to November 1942, were placed along the path.

These were subjected to vandalism from the outset, bombarded with rocks, the supports worked loose and

the plaques thrown into the creek. To effectively repair this damage Ben manufactured a split fulcrum to

straighten the plaques. The vandals then obliterated them with duco spray. The solvent used to remove the

paint destroyed the surface of the Perspex. Ignoring Ben’s advice, in 1999 the council replaced them with

what they considered stronger material at an additional cost of $10,000.00. The vandalism continued. Ben

brought the state of the trail to the notice of Mrs Trish Draper MP and members of the Tea Tree Gully

RSL.

The Minister for Veteran’s Affairs the Hon. Bruce Scott attend at the site and recommended that a perma-

nent granite monument be constructed at ground level on the reserve. Ben immediately went home and

started working on a design that would suit the area. He drew a rough chalk outline on the garage floor: the

final measurements were then put down on paper.

With the assistance of the RSL Ben made an ap-

plication for Federal Government funding. He also

contacted the City of Tea Tree Gully and other

local businesses and organizations by letter, with

requests for extra funding.

Arrangements were made with Tillett Memorials

to construct a monument from Streaky Bay Red

Granite. Every year from 2001 to 2008, Ben held

a service, incorporating the Salvation Army band

and Padre, a bugler, Scottish piper, guest speaker

and catafalque party (when possible). After Ben’s

death in June 2009 the RSL made this an annual

event. In November 2009 Governor Kevin Scarce,

who was the guest speaker, unveiled a plaque on

behalf of the RSL and TTG Council, dedicated to

Ben’s commitment and dedication to the diggers.

/15

/16

TOUR TO MYANMAR.

On Monday 10th November President Robert wife Jan

with Roger and Glenice RATHJEN, Ton and Jan

STEELE, Graham and Libby KNIGHT, Trevor and

Colleen HARVEY and John and Wendy McKNIGHT

flew to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur and after two

nights in Robert’s second home flew to MANDALAY

in Myanmar formerly BURMA. 3 days in MAN-

DALAY opened our eyes to what was to come. Heat,

humidity, dust and poverty.

The main streets in MANDALAY were poorly bitumi-

nised and very dusty with street stalls early in the

morning and late afternoon for breakfast and dinner for

the locals.

On 15th of November we boarded a steel hulled fully

teak upper decks boat for a cruise from MANDALAY

to YANGON formerly RANGOON on the Irrawaddy

River. This river is very very wide but extremely shal-

low with sand bars making navigation difficult at

times. We became stranded at dusk one night on a

sand bar in 4 foot of water in the middle of the

river. We woke the next morning on the move. Dur-

ing the cruise we visited numerous pagodas, and local

villages with little or no amenities for tourists. Each

village we visited was at the River’s edge and appeared

to have their individual industry. Eg. Pottery, Lacquer

ware, sand or pebble dredging, vegetable growing. At

one point there were several green huts on the steep

sides of hills where local families were hand drill-

ing 200 feet for crude oil to get 50 gallons per day to

make a living. We endured several horse drawn cart

rides & trishaw trips throughout the towns.

MAYANMAR has many resources which as yet has

not been fully exploited. Oil and gas, Coal, Gold,

Gems, Uranium, Copper, and Teak.

The local villages do not have electricity for normal

living. They rely on wood fires for cooking, candles

for lighting and the river for washing them selves and

clothes. The houses and made of bamboo frames with

woven bamboo walls and open with dirt floors.

Dogs, Pigs, Geese, Ducks, Cats, Chickens roaming

around the yards and in and out of the houses.

A highlight of the Cruise was a visit to a school on

a Saturday morning where 200 children turns up to

greet us Westerners. This was only the second time

that they had seen and been visited by Western-

ers. All Passengers on the boat contributed to a

fund where our Guide Terry bought Pencils, Rul-

ers, Rubbers and note books and these were distrib-

uted by the passengers individually to the chil-

dren. A very emotional event for all.

Mechanisation in MYANMAR appears non exis-

tent with boats and trucks being loaded or unloaded

by hand with the use of baskets or bags. Manual

labour at its best.

YANGON, the end of our river cruise was a bus-

tling busy City. No motor bikes allowed into the

city area. Our mooring point was next to the river

taxi area with numerous small river taxis’ ferrying

people to and from the City till very late at

night. At 9.30pm 4 policemen came down to the

wharf area blowing whistles loudly and waving

torches. They cleared all the locals from the area

and locked the gates to the wharf. Numerous street

stalls on the road outside the fenced area moved off

also. It appeared that there is a curfew for the area

when cruise boats are in.

The only down side of the cruise was a virus affect-

ing the passengers one by one from day 2, which

lasted about 48 hours causing concern for all the

passengers and the boat management.

MYANMAR has been under Military Control for

many years which has suppressed the country from

modernisation, however the people appear to be

very patient, resourceful, and peaceful. Western

influences from Europe, USA, Australia and other

western countries is now starting to have some ef-

fect on the Military and in the next few years the

Country will slowly progress.

The whole tour was fantastic, an eye opener and a

different experience for all. Thanks Robert for or-

ganising this tour for us. Well done.

Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub Branch PO Box 171. ST AGNES SA 5097

Veterans, Family And Friends Together

Membership Renewal for 2015

Date…………………….. (Please circle) Service $40 Affiliate $35 Community $20

Member’s Surname………………………. Given Names…………………………………

Service No……………………. Date of Birth………/………/………………

Address…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Suburb…………………………………………… Post Code………………… SA

Phone No…………………..……. Email Address……………………………………………………

...…cut here ……………cut here …………………… cut here ……………cut here ……

Paste the address below onto the face of your envelope.

Either post your renewal to the club or drop it in personally.

Tea Tree Gully RSL Sub Branch

John Harmer - Membership Officer

PO Box 171

ST AGNES SA 5097