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Makan – No. 137
October, 1959

COMMITTEE

Dear Dig,

You would be surprised to know how many of our next of kin have written us asking for photographs of the Bathurst Memorial. One of the latest to do so was Mrs. M. McGee the mother of our late friend Tommy McGee who died in Thailand in 1943. Tommy was the brother of Jack or "Brute" as he was better known to us. Brute has been in and out of hospital quite a lot in the last two or three years. However, his troubles are over now as he has become engaged to a lass from Temora and is looking forward to settling down and raising a family.

REGIMENTAL TIES

We still have a few ties left. Just send in 10/-to Bessie Ellis and a tie will be sent to you.

CONCORD HOSPITAL

Norm Allen (ex A. Coy.) has been transferred to Ward 410 in the Multi-Building and would appreciate visitors from the Unit. Norm has been in hospital almost since the end of the War. Other members who have been in Concord Hospital recently include Harry Maurice, Bob Moore, Len Dawson, Harry Green, Norm Garland.

We received quite an amusing letter from Sid Grounds telling us of a small reunion he attended with the lads who were together in Japan. Among those present were Alex Dandie, Ray Brown, Jimmie Walshe and Jack Carey. They enjoyed themselves so such that they all finished up getting pinched for being on licensed premises after hours.

Jackie Pope suffered a bad heart attack recently and was confined to bed for three weeks. It was the first time anything like this had happened to Jack and it was a great shock to himself and his family. However, the old Jack is irrepressible and is bouncing around again almost like his old self.

The Old Man has been appointed Honorary Colonel of the Australian Cadet Corp. It is a fitting appointment as the Old Man has always maintained an intense interest in the young soldier. The job takes him all over the State and he is enjoying it very much. Recently he inspected a Cadet Parade at Leeton and later was entertained at a dinner given by the R.S.L. followed the next day by a Civic function. The R.S.L. really turned it on and at the dinner he renewed acquaintance with Les Perry, Keith Mulholland, Laurie Mountford and Jock McKenzie. The Old Man enjoyed meeting our lads again and he was particularly touched at the gesture by Jock McKenzie who farewelled B.J. at 5.30 a.m. the next morning with a gift of a pair of dressed ducks all ready for the pot.

ANNUAL REUNION

We are hoping for a good roll up for the reunion this year. The date of the reunion has been set down for Saturday 14th November. This is the first time we have held a reunion on Saturday and we hope for a contingent of visitors from the near country districts. The venue of the reunion will be the Royal Blind Society of N.S.W. which is situated at the lower end of William Street, Sydney. Supper will be provided and ample liquid refreshments will be available both "soft" and "hard". Admission will be 15/- per head.

We are happy to announce that Ward Booth and Des Kearney will render a little ditty which is not known to our members. It is called "Princess Papooli she loves the "Papaya". It should be well received.

For those who will be in town early on the Saturday afternoon we suggest a Chinese Meal at the "Eastern Cafe" Dixon Street at about 6.00 p.m. You will hear the noise.

BATHURST PILGRIMAGE

On 21st November the Association will make a pilgrimage to Bathurst where wreaths will be laid on the memorial at approximately 2.30 - 3.00 p.m. A good roll up is expected this year and the Committee is considering the hiring of a coach to take those who prefer the comfort of a coach to the fatigue of a long drive. Cost per head of intending coach travellers will be £2.5.0 per head and we must have at least ten more starters to secure the coach. In addition we would like all people who intend to go to ring me at XJ5453 in order that we may make arrangements for a cup of tea at Bathurst. Also if you have a spare seat in the car we would like to use it as we have members who would like to go but are without transport. If you can make the trip by coach or car please ring me.

See you at the Reunion,

STAN ARNEIL

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