Sadly there was another marine died recently. Alan Wittingham. Alan was not a regular member, it was a case of catching him and getting his subs for the year! Nevertheless, he was a Royal Marine
and John Satchwell and John Lees represented the Association at his funeral.
Corps Birthday
The Corps Birthday luncheon went off well this year although numbers of members were down considerably on last year. Next year, if more members don't support the event, consideration must be given as to continuing it in the same vein. This would be a sad decision as it is the highlight of the Association's social calender. Those who attended had a good time with lots of big eats and beverages. Thanks must be given to Dick Clough for his masterly tinkling of the ivories in between trying to get something to eat, his skill was most entertaining. Normie Bowes deserves a big wrap for the way he handled the money side of things, including the raffle. I was unable to be there because of being crook. He reckoned that he was buzzing around like a blue arsed fly all the time.
He even looked after the ladies and their drinks. The marines don't know what a treasure they
missed out on when the navy grabbed him. The Guest of honour, R.S.M. G. Poulson, was excellent and carried out his duties to a T. His lovely wife got into the swing of things and helped Normie with the drawing of the raffle. Thanks to our President, John Satchwell, who once again supplied the cake. I've attached some photographs to show some of the goings on.
While on the subject of social events the Jenny Wrens are having their Christmas bash on Tuesday 6th. December at the Watson's Bay Hotel in the beer garden, starting at 1130 hrs. for 12 noon. The ferry for Watson's Bay leaves Circular Quay at 1110 hrs. If you are considering going let Sam Smith know by Friday 25th November for catering purposes. You buy your own tucker by the way. Sam's number is 46205267.
We had a very pleasant surprise at the last meeting, Tim Bell turned up. Tim has been a member for a lot of years but has been in the army deployed all over the place. Friday was Tim's last day in the army and he is now moving to Cairns to start work with the Hydro graphic Service. We had a very interesting talk with him relating his experiences in the service and his opinion of the army as a whole.
On to a more sordid subject. The Association funds have been taking a hiding over the past month or so, what with the subsidising of the Luncheon and purchase of this years Christmas cards etc.
The foregoing gives me an excellent excuse to let you know that I am now taking subs for 2012.
They are still the same, i.e. $10-00 minimum, if your conscience allows you to pay a bit more, all well and good. Please get those cheques or notes in the mail to me as soon as possible. Still on the financial side of things, some of you have not responded to the Globe & Laurel reminder that I sent you. If I don't hear by Nov. 23 I will assume that you no longer wish to receive the magazine and will remove your name from the data base. So there!!
We will be having our Christmas get together straight after the next meeting. Food will be
supplied but you will have to pay for it. It will most likely be in the region of twenty dollars but
John Satchwell is negotiating with the club for exactly what we will be getting and how much. After our faux pas last year in not inviting the ladies we are rectifying things and wives etc. are welcome.
You'll have to pay for their tucker though!
On sick parade this month we have the inimitable George Bush who is having a long spell of
treatment for the two ulcers on his leg. It could be a five week job before they are better. He tells me that he has to sleep with his leg in the air, that should be a sight to behold. Sam Beggs has done it again and had a fall and once again is black and blue all over. On top of that he has to have several tests for one thing or another to do with his kidneys. Ian Stewart has to go into hospital for an operation on his eyelid. He's quite chuffed about this as it means he will be able to get his driving licence back. On a personal note I would like to thank all those who visited me in hospital and phoned to see how I was getting on. I'd had a week in hospital with a trifecta. Gastro Enteritis, pneumonia and an infected liver. I'm just about back to normal now, thank goodness. I should be when I think back to the vast quantities of antibiotics they pumped into me.
I mentioned the Christmas cards earlier on in my preamble for subs. I still have a lot left for you to purchase. They are $12-50 for ten, including envelopes. If you want any, and I hope you do, let me know and they will be in the mail by return post. They are unique to the RMA, NSW and help swell the funds although we will have to sell more to make a modest profit so dig in and order some. My phone number and email address is on the top of this epistle.
I think that's about all for this month so see you at the next meeting,4th.Dec. Don't forget to order your Christmas cards.
Re: the following article . . .
Good idea Australia, maybe we could offer our services as advisers !
I love the last bit of the Marine training.
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