TOC H AUSTRALIA NORTHERN REGION
ANNUAL REGPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 30TH SEPTEMBER, 2014
INTRODUCTION:
Soon Toc H will be celebrating its one hundredth anniversary. What a milestone this will be!
As I sit down to write this Report I am reminded of what it was that inspired the Toc H
Movement and what it was that attracted, and still is attracting, many people around the
world to it. To discover this I must turn the clock back almost one hundred years to the day
that Talbot House opened its doors to war weary, often devastated and disillusioned young
men making their way back from the Ypres Salient with all its horrors and fears, its cruelty
and gruesome behaviour and its challenges to everyone trying to live worthwhile and
fulfilling lives. It was not sheer chance that Tubby Clayton was host to the thousands who
found their way to the House. It was God’s challenge to him to use his vocation in this way,
and I use the word ‘vocation’ here because we need to remind ourselves today just what
this word means. It comes from the Latin word, ‘vocatio’ which means a call or a summons.
Vocation had its origin in early Christian times when it was used to refer to work or an
occupation to which a person was called by God to perform. Today the word is used
somewhat loosely to refer to a career or a job, but sadly it has lost a lot of its real meaning.
It was men like Lord Forster, who was the Governor General of Australia in the early 1920s,
who was the one responsible for bringing Toc H to Australia. He had lost two sons in World
War I. It was men like Sir Harry Chauvel (of Australian Light Horse fame) General Pompey
Elliott (of the A.I.F. on the Western Font – Fromelles) , Bishop De Witt Batty (Christ Church
Cathedral, Newcastle), Sir William Campion (Governor of Western Australia), Jim Arkell (the
founder of the Royal Queensland Bush Children’s Health Scheme), Sir Edmund Herring (Chief
Justice of Victoria), Sir John Goodwin and Sir Leslie Wilson (both Governors of Queensland)
and other well-known Australians who were inspired by the Aims and Objectives of Toc H
and gave their full support to it in its early days in Australia. In one way or another they
were involved in the Birth of a Movement, a Movement which has withstood the test of
time and, which in 2015, will be 100 years old. All of this, however, is history, and this
history has shaped where we are today. The question I would like to ask everyone involved
in Toc H today is: ‘How well is our rich and worthwhile history shaping what we do today to
put the Aims of our Movement into practice?’ ‘How well are the lessons of Talbot House
being learnt by our members?’ Below is what the President of the Toc H Belgium wrote
recently:
‘Over the years, the world bulletins were marked by tales of war, misery and poverty. Toc H
sends out a different message to our world. Our movement promotes international
cooperation between cultures. Our members listen with an open mind to the ideas and
values of other people without denouncing their own. Our movement shows that it is indeed
possible to work together in a peaceful way with people who are different. This is the lesson
of Talbot House and it is what we should continue in the future.’
As we plan for the future these words should be our inspiration to help break down many of
the barriers which keep people apart. It will mean reaching out to those with whom we do
not normally associate and in our multicultural society surely there are many opportunities
to do just this. For example, it is some time since we have had anyone from the Aboriginal
Community in Toc H, and the contact we have with the African Community needs to be
strengthened. I believe Toc H should be engaged in some way or another with the Moslem
Community. Some discussion has taken place about setting up a CAMEO (Come And Meet
Each Other) and I would like to see this idea developed and acted upon in 2015.
THE TOC H AUSTRALIA NORTHERN REGION EXECUTIVE
In 2014 this Executive has met on four occasions and meetings have been positive and
productive. It is probably appropriate here to remind those on his Committee of the role it
plays in Toc H in the Northern Region. Firstly, its main role is to support the work done by
members in their Branches or Groups. Secondly, it looks for new opportunities for
establishing new Groups or Branches and helps in setting these up. Thirdly, it ensures that
the requirements of the Toc H Australia Constitution are being met and that the real ethos
of Toc H maintained. And fourthly, it reports to Toc H Australia on the state of Toc H in the
Northern Region.
There are three sub-committees of the Executive – the Ethos Committee, the Youth
Committee and the Committee for the Elderly. Each one has specific functions, the most
important of which is to develop and support appropriate projects and to make them known
to the wider community.
Meetings of the Executive are held at Gaythorne RSL which is one of the Northern Suburbs
of Brisbane. Minutes of the meetings are circulated to all Branches and Groups. Meetings
were held on 10 February, 28 April, 5 August and 13 October. All were very well attended.
EXTENSION IN 2014:
In the past year visits were made to Maryborough, Newcastle and Canberra and in each of these
places very productive meetings were held involving people who support Toc H in a variety of ways.
In Maryborough I was asked to present a paper on ‘Talbot House’ at the Annual General Meeting of
the Australian War Historical Society. This was held at the Colonial and Military Museum which is
owned and operated by John Meyers, who has been a supporter of Toc H for many years. There is a
Toc H display in the Museum.
Meetings were held in Newcastle with the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, The Very Reverend
Stephen Williams, Pauline Chambers Jill Cameron, Dr Rosemary Barnard to decide on what kind of
function/event might be organised for the Centenary of Toc H in 2015. I also met with Adrian Price
who is a member of the Cathedral Council and is very interested in the connection between the
Cathedral and Toc H. There is strong support for Toc H at Christ Church Cathedral. The book, ‘Christ
Church Cathedral - The Spiritual Home of Toc H in Australia’ was rewritten and published. It is now
on sale at the Cathedral.
In Canberra a meeting with Sally Wodzinski resulted in the re-establishment of Toc H in Canberra.
Plans are in hand to have a special Centenary Event there in 2015 there will be a further meeting in
January or February to finalise these. Peter Fisher, who was for many years the Treasurer of the old
Canberra
THE WORK OF TOC H IN THE NORTHERN REGION IN THE PAST YEAR
BRANCHES AND GROUPS:
BRISBANE BRANCH: Members of this Branch have had a very busy year. The Childhood
Cancer Support Group’s Children’s Christmas Party in December 2013 involved all Brisbane
Branch members. There were well over 120 children who received a gift from Santa. In the
early part of 2014 members also played a major role in Camp Crystal which is also put on by
the Same Group. The Exhibition Outing for 2014 was a very successful project. Below are
extracts from the report on it written by Jason McNeil:
After several months of intense planning, the annual Toc H Ekka Outing had arrived.
The weather forecast for the day was a cause for concern, but, as the kids from
Childhood Cancer Support (CCS) boarded the Black and White maxi taxis, the clouds
dispersed and blue skies and warm sunshine appeared.
As children were photographed with the friendly constables from the Queensland
Police Service, I peered over and could see the joy etched in their excited faces. Our
guests from CCS were joined by folks from the Ipswich Women’s Shelter, Murri Sisters
and Nundah Shelter.
Upon entry to the RNA Showgrounds, our guests received a welcome and safety
briefing from Dan Boucaut. Under the care of Toc H volunteers and parents, our
guests enjoyed free rides and time in the animal pavilion. Free lunch and drinks were
provided at the John McDonnell Grand Stand as the horses and cars were paraded
around the arena. All children left with a free Toc H show bag as well as a fruit package
donated by Zone Fresh Windsor.
Thank you to the following organisations for their generous support and on-going
commitment of this important event.










Royal National Association
Trevor Lyons
Black and White Cabs
Queensland Police Service
Zone Fresh
Cancer Council Queensland
Coca-Cola Amatil
Queensland Government
AFLQ
Durkin Amusements
Special thanks to Dan Boucaut and the team of Toc H volunteers for their hard work
and dedication.
GENERAL MEMBERS BRANCH: The Toc H General Members Branch has almost fifty
members most of whom live outside Brisbane and they do a lot to keep alive the ‘Spirit of Toc
H’ and the ‘Name of Toc H’ in places like Orange and Newcastle (in New South Wales),
Canberra (in the Australian Capital Territory) and Toowoomba, Millmerran, Pittsworth,
Maryborough, Rockhampton and Townsville (in Queensland). Most have been members of
Toc H for many years.
The origins of this Branch are interesting and can be traced back to 1925 when a small group
of women in Brisbane formed the Toc H League of Helpers. By the 1930s the League had its
own badge and blazer, on the pocket of which was the ‘Lamp of the Magnificat’ and it did
outstanding work in the community under the leadership of Miss Macfie who lived on
Tower Hill in London. In 1943 its name was changed to the Toc H Women’s Association and
the contribution this Association has made to Toc H, not only in Australia, but also around
the world has been most significant. It was, however, not until 1948 that members of the
League of Helpers in Brisbane decided to form the Brisbane Toc H Women’s Association.
For many years its members worked closely with the Royal Queensland Bush Children’s
Health Scheme travelling to places like Cunnamulla and Quilpie to accompany ‘bush
children’ to Brisbane for medical treatment.
By the early 1990s many members of the Women’s Association were becoming less active
and unable to attend meetings and it was decided to change the name once more – to the
Toc H General Members Branch and its first meeting was held on the 23 rd May 1992.
Seventeen people attended that meeting. Since then this Branch has grown and includes
amongst its membership those who are unable to attend regular meetings because of age
or because they live outside the Brisbane area. It is administered by a small group of people
who live in Brisbane and who are able to attend meetings which are held once a quarter.
Projects for 2014 have been:
Provision of a Bursary of $350 and a beautifully engraved Toc H plaque to a trainee nurse
who has shown devotion to her studies and is compassionate and caring in her chosen
profession. The recipient is nominated by the University of Queensland with whom the
Branch has a close partnership.
Keeping in close contact with all general members and ensuring that they receive minutes of
meetings and Toc H literature such as The Link.
BRIBIE ISLAND TOC H BRANCH:: Members of this traditional Toc H Branch have met
once a month and attendance has been good. Besides supporting Coungeau House
they staged a very successful concert for people who are normally house-bound and
for others in the community who are elderly. The Hall was packed to capacity. The
Branch made a significant contribution towards the refurbishing of the laundry. Three
members of the Branch are now over 95 years of age (one is over 100). They all still
give wonderful support to Toc H. Membership has been static but it is expected that
there will be a few new members in 2015.
ST MARGARETS ANGLICAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL TOC H ACTION
GROUP
Support from the students for the Toc H Action Group at St Margaret’s has been
excellent in 2014. The year started with the admission of new members in the School
chapel and the Service was taken by the School Chaplain, the Reverend Di Murphy.
Mrs Shirley Patton, who teaches in the Mathematics Department, has given excellent
support during the year, organising projects like the Easter Egg Drive in the School,
packing sample bags for the Toc H Annual EKKA Outing and helping with the Midnight
Service on Anzac Eve. She attended all meetings and encouraged the girls to take
part in a number of other worthwhile Toc H Projects. One group of students made
Scrap Books for people with dementia, another group knitted squares which were
made into knee rugs for people in homes and another group did embossing. Concerts
were arranged at The Residence, an old people’s home. Over 2000 Easter Eggs were
collected and delivered to children in the Royal Brisbane Children’s Hospital on Easter
Sunday and at the end of 2013 many boxes of toys were delivered, also to the
Children’s Hospital. Another worthwhile project was the ‘Two Cans’ project. Well over
100 cans of food were collected (two can from each student) and these went to The
Pantry in Fortitude Valley for distribution to needy families. Many of the students
participated in both the Toc H Midnight Service on Anzac Eve and also in the parade
on Anzac Day. Meetings were held weekly during the Monday lunch break for term
one and then fortnightly on the same day in terms two, three and four.
After each meeting the Ceremony of Light was taken in the School Chapel. Girls were
rostered for this. Before the Ceremony started the girls were reminded of the
significance of this ceremony in the life of the Action Group – bringing Light into the
lives of those who are going through difficult times of illness or other traumas
Mrs Vicki Strid, who the Head of the Mathematics Department in the School has also
joined Toc H and she is going to do the publicity for the Centenary Toc H Concert at
the Kedron/Wavell RSL on the 19th April, 2015. Noel Peinke, who is a Senior teacher
in the English Department has also joined Toc H and he is looking forward to being
involved in 2015.
NORTHERN REGION PROJECTS:
COUNGEAU HOUSE ON BRIBIE ISLAND – Coungeau House, which is a Holiday Home
for people in need and people with disabilities, has had significant work done to it in 2014.
A donation from the RSL Women’s Auxiliary of $3000 helped to have the railing on the
balcony replaced; a donation from ‘Busy Fingers’ of just under $10,000 paid for the painting
of the interior of the House and a donation from Bribie Island Toc H Branch paid for new
storage cabinets in the laundry. The latter has been completely refurbished and this work
was done by Janet and Bob Cleaver, the Caretakers at the Home. New blinds have been put
up on the veranda to prevent water from blowing in during storms. Further improvements
are planned for 2015 and an application for a grant of some $25,000 has been lodged with
the Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund. Should this be successful the money
will be used to replace five doors to the hall downstairs, the roof on the dormitory and paint
the exterior of the House.
Coungeau House will be 100 years old next year and plans are being made by members of
the Bribie Island Toc H Branch to celebrate this milestone.
THE MIDNIGHT SERVICE ON ANZAC EVE: This Service started in 1927 and in recent
years support for it has been excellent. The Service in 2014 was no exception. Australian
Army Cadets formed the Catafalque Party and the Flag Party; members of the Queensland
University Music Society Choir led the singing of the hymns and Father Peter Luton, the Toc
H Northern Region Chaplain, took the Service. His address was excellent. Representatives
from the Queensland RSL and the Brisbane City Council were also present. Senior sudents
from St Margaret’s were the official wreath layers. It is hoped that this Service in 2015 will
have a number of special additions to it, including a Piper, who will play a Lament.
CELEBRATING THE CENTENARY OF THE TOC H MOVEMENT IN THE NORTHERN
REGION:
 There will be a Centenary concert at the Kedron/Wavell RSL on Sundaay,
19th April. Featured at this will be the National Service Memorial Pipes
and Drums, a duet called ‘Black Heather’, Soloist Xenia Puskarz-Thomas
who is studying singing at the Conservatorium and Ellena Papas who is a
very well-known harpist. It is hoped to fill the Auditorium for this great
concert.
 There will be a special event at Coungeau House celebrating the
Centenary of both Toc H and the House itself.
 A breakfast is planned at The Pancake Manor for the younger members of
Toc H and for young past members.
 In Newcastle and Canberra, as has been mentioned earlier in this Report,
there will be special gatherings and in Maryborough, Tubby Clayton’s
birthplace, there will also be a special occasion.
 It is also hoped that moves will be made to establish a new Toc H
presence in other parts of Brisbane and in some large country towns.
One such town that should be considered is Townsville and I will be
speaking to the Anglican Bishop there, Bishop Bill Ray, about this. St
James’ Cathedral has had a long association with the Toc H Movement.
Certainly the next twelve months will be a busy time for everyone and to make everything
happen it will be necessary for more people to ‘put their hands u[‘ for the many tasks to be
undertaken.
YOUNG AMBASSADORS:
Two young people will have the opportunity to go to Poperinge at the end of 2015 to
represent Australia at the wonderful Centenary Events being planned there. This will be the
occasion of the World Chain of Light which will be held in the ‘Upper Room’, the Chapel, in
Talbot House. The guest speaker at this will be Helen Clark, who was the Prime Minister of
New Zealand for many years. At this stage there are likely to be twelve going from
Australia.
Application Forms for the Young Ambassador Program will be available at the beginning of
the February, 2015. This will be a wonderful opportunity for two young people to be
involved in a once in s lifetime event. The exp[ectation will be that when they return they
will give twelve months service to Toc H and help build the Movement in Autralia.
CONCLUSION:
2014 has been a challenging year for Toc H in the Northern Region. Membership has
shown a small increase and amongst those who are new to Toc H there are many who are
very keen to see Toc H move forward confidently in to the next 100 years of it existence.
These are the things which are part of my vision for Toc H:




Ensure that the real meaning of Toc H is clear to all who are in any way
associated with it.
To build the Movement using the lessons of Talbot House developed one
hundred years ago. The world needs them. We need them.
To have more young people willing to take on leadership roles in the
Movement.
To live out the Four Points of the Compass –
To Love Widely (Friendship)
To Build Bravely (Service)
To Think Fairly (Fairmindedness)
To Witness Humbly (The Kingdom of God)
May i take this opportunity to thank most sincerely all those who have supported me in
2015 in the great work of Toc H in the Northern Region – those who have served on the
Northern Region Executive, those who have worked at the grass roots from their
Branches/Groups. I would also like to thank Jenny Eisentrager at St Margaret’s who in her
own time, has helped with doing the layout for a number of Toc H news items/flyers. This
has been a very busy year but it has all been so very rewarding and, I hope, worthwhile.
Warmest Greeting s for the coming Christmas Season and every good wish for a wonderful
2015.
Ray Geise,
Director,
Toc H Northern Region.