FROM THE SECRETARY'S DESK:
The last 3 Months have been, to say the least hectic.
With the reintroduction of the Grey Funnel Line News Letter, the numbers of non
financial members has dropped from 256 to just 56, a magnificent effort, to all
members, I thank you as does the Treasurer..
The first issue of the GFL, feedback has been very encouraging.
Marketing has tripled and we have had four New Members join.
Active Membership currently stands at 409 and 215 Non active Members.
Sadly fourteen members have crossed the bar during the 2013-2014 year.
If you know any member who has let their membership lapse, please encourage
them to return to the ship, we promise not to lash them up for being adrift.
Twenty seven of our members, accepted an invitation to attend the 100th
Anniversary SYDNEY-EMDEN Mess Dinner at the WO & SS Mess.
It was a great success, with the presentation of a double Montage and other
SYDNEY1, memorabilia donated by your Association to the Maritime Heritage
Collection, which will be displayed at the WO& SS Mess.
The double montage concept and construction was done by member Vern Bechaz
and the cost met by your Association, the only way to describe the twin montages
is magnificent. Vern deserves a BIG BZ.
Many thanks are owed to immediate Past President Marty Grogan for his Herculean
efforts in securing the invitations and accommodation for our members..
The Association conducted the 100th Anniversary service of Commemoration for
the sailors who lost their lives in H.M.A.S. SYDNEY 1 during the sea Battle against
SMS EMDEN on the 9/11/ 1914, at the Shrine of Remembrance, on Sunday the 9th
of November 2014.
Twenty eight attended the once only service, including two descendants of the crew
and WO Brendan Woodsell and wife Annemaree on behalf of the CO CERBERUS..
Fourteen attended the luncheon at Melbourne Grammar and many thanks go to the
Catering Manager , ex POCK Jamie Brendan
Also at the Shrine, on Wednesday the 19th of November 2014, we held the annual
H.M.A.S. SYDNEY 2 service of Commemoration, for the loss of her entire crew on
the 19th of November 1941. Forty persons were in the Sanctuary for the service.
Later 17 attended a luncheon at the Melbourne Boys Grammar dining rooms.
MEMBERSHIP: As stated previously, 53 Members are still not financial ($25.00 per
year). I will be placing Red Dots in your XMAS GFL edition.
Should you disagree and feel you have paid, please do not hesitate to contact me
with details and I will alter your status should this be correct. This will be the last
news letter sent to you, should you fail to either pay your membership, or contact
me to remedy the RED DOT.
Last function for 2014. SUNDAY 30 November:
Kids XMAS Party & BYO BBQ in the grounds:
In 2013 we had 46 children attend and a great day was had by all. Santa will visit with
presents for those 12 and under, with the elves distributing bags of sweets, fruit juice
and icy poles. it will cost you for Santa's present is $5.00 per child 12 years and
under.
Before the year ends, I wish to thank a number of people within our ranks.
Tina Abbott, Kerry Scott, Marty Grogan, Carl Sorensen, Lee Andrews, Laurie Pegler,
Ron Bowkett, John Carroll, Bruce & Mary Trappett, Bill Furey, Steve Mika, Fred
McLeod-Dryden, Gary Taylor, Ray Surridge, Bruce Hathaway and our Chaplain
Dennis McMillin.
In one way or another, they have all helped me, during what I consider to have been
another successful year for your Association. Many hands make light work.
Also a thank you to the following people at the Navy Club, Mark Kinda, Harry Kime,
Life Member and Club Stalwart, Stan Goldsmith and Bernie Ross, who have never
hesitated to assist me when I ask for help.
ANZAC DAY SATURDAY APRIL 25th 2015:
ANZAC DAY 2015 marks the year of the 50th Anniversary of the first operational
Voyage of H.M.A.S. SYDNEY and escorts with 1 RAR onboard.
A shuttle 58 seater coach will run from Birdwood Avenue to the reunion, just make
your way to the coach when you fall out on the Shrine grounds
The Coach will convey you to the Reunion at the Maori Chief Hotel, where a BBQ
Luncheon will be served.
A small cost of $5.00 per head will be charged for the Bus.
As you may know, I am also a Navy representative on the ANZAC DAY
Commemorative Committee.
The ANZAC DAY 2015 March, will be divided into Phases 1 & 2.
Phase 1: 0900: Navy Ships Associations, will march off at 0900 from our usual spot in
Flinders St West and the March will continue as in other years.
Phase 2: 1200.
In 2015 the RSL are inviting one per family descendant of a WW1 Sailor or Soldier to
wear the WW1 medals on their Right Breast and march in their ancestor's place.
The descendants will march within WW1, Navy or Army formations
WW1 NAVY descendant's leading, will march off at approximately 1200 from mid
Swanston St.
No prams, pushers or photographs of a deceased veteran will be allowed.
All marchers are asked to dress to respectively, to mark the occasion, no jeans,
football jumpers, socks. Dress as your ancestor did, when he or she marched in past
ANZAC Days.
I would also bring to your attention the following.
Various Committees have noted over an extended period of time, that the Post 1975
RAN Veterans do not seem to be joining ships Associations. We recognised that these
Veterans are ships Associations future members and hopefully will join RAN
Veterans of other wars and keep the ships banners flying on future ANZAC Days. We
felt to acknowledge, encourage and embrace, these veterans to join us, a place be
found for them in the Navy Ships section, that is uniquely attractive to their years.
Your Committee with the blessing of the RSL, have paid for and produced a POST
1972 RAN VETERANS BANNER. The Staffs/Poles were made by Korea Veteran, Stan
Goldsmith ex PO Greenie, the frogs/baldrics, were sourced from the RSL shop in
NSW and I sourced the lashings. A marvellous team effort. The Banner will be
paraded for the first time in the 2015, ANZAC DAY March Melbourne. Our hope this
will bring the younger Veterans into the city, to march behind this banner on ANZAC
DAYS and they will observe the various ships Associations to which hopefully they
will identify as theirs and join us for the march.
SATURDAY MAY 30TH 2015 Dinner Dance:
Your Association will be holding a Dinner Dance, to mark 50th Anniversary of the first
operational voyage of H.M.A.S. SYDNEY 3 and escorts to the Vietnam War, on the 27
of May 1965. SYDNEY carrying 1 RAR.
We the committee ask, that you, our membership, Please support us and attend the
Dinner Dance. Full details are on the web site and if you want more details please
contact me. Invite a mate from the Army, Air Force, family or friends.
Dress is semi formal and please wear miniatures.
Bookings are open and we have already have four members fully paid up, coming
from interstate.
My best wishes for the coming festive season, have a happy, safe and healthy break.
Regards
David Speed Dwyer
davidgdwyer@hotmail.com
Tel: 03 9720 8183