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Makan - No. 146
Apr/May, 1961

COMMITTEE

Dear Dig,

Latest new member is Alan Thorncraft, ex carrier Platoon H.Q. Coy. Alan lives at Balgowlah and enjoys 'Makan' so much that he has enrolled as a Life Member.

Alex Dandie has shifted from Dover Heights to West Ryde. Alex's move was hastened by the tremendous increase in rates in his district of the past few years. He is one of thousands who have suffered from this problem recently. Ron Johnson ex 'C' Coy. and of Seaforth is another of the clan to become a 'Lifer'. Ron has had his troubles in the last few years but is over them now and is looking forward to a brighter future.

Tommy Grant of Mount Burrell, Tweed River, writes regularly, as does David 'Gogo' Lloyd of East Lindfield.

REGIMENTAL TIES

A sample weave of the new tie has been received from London and approved. The ties should be delivered within a few months and we hope to have, at least, one tie ready for Anzac Day so that you will know what to expect. The ties will be of good quality silk, a blue background with miniature colour patches in true colours.

They will be suitable for both day and evening wear and it is the Committees' opinion that the ties will be worn frequently by our members rather then being restricted to Battalion functions. For this reason the Committee suggests that many of the members might like to order two ties as there will be, definitely, NO REPEAT ORDERS to the manufacturer, who declines to make less than 200 ties per weave. The ‘Old Man' was first in with cash for three ties and others have followed suit. Ties (including postage) will cost you £1.0.. each. If you wish to make sure of your purchase send your money in now.

ANNUAL PICNIC

The Annual Picnic was held at Lane Cove National Park and despite the slightly inclement weather was a great success. The venue for the picnic was ideal for us, completely isolated, private and right an the bank of the river. The attendance was very good, with all hands assisting where required. The kids all got ice cream and drinks and the races were a lot of fun. The 'Old Man’ and Mrs Galleghan came along during the afternoon and renewed acquaintance with members in this friendly atmosphere of a mixed gathering. Jackie Pope came along with his family, including a great strapping son and grandsons. Jack is a T.P.I. now and sports a cane but his heart is as good as ever and it was a pleasure to see his cheerful smile. The Picnic was a lot of fun, relaxed and easy. If you have not attended one of them then try and make it next year,

ANZAC DAY – SYDNEY

The troops are reminded that the Unit will be on parade again on Anzac Day. The assembly point will be at our usual meeting place in Macquarie Street and Battalion ties should be worn, plus medals correctly placed, as always. The banner will be carried by Eric Arps and the 'Old Man' will lead the March. We expect this year to be one of our biggest roll-ups, following the last reunion, where so many new faces arrived. After the march, we have arranged for the use of a private bar at the Rawson Hotel which is situated in George Street, just near the Haymarket and the City Municipal Markets. At the Hotel, we will, once again, provide fresh sandwiches in order that you may remain there and not have the discomfort of looking for food in crowded cafes. If you attend the hotel you will probably remain there until thrown out, but you will be assured of a very happy time, and we look forward to renewing acquaintance, not only with regulars, but with any other member who has not previously enjoyed himself in the company of the Unit on Anzac Day.

ANZAC DAY – BATHURST

The R.S.L. at Bathurst will be conducting solemn commemoration services at the Unit Memorial on the Limekiln Road, opposite the site of the old Bathurst Camp. Dave Clarke will officially represent the Battalion, but we ask that any other member of the Unit who lives within striking distance of Bathurst and, indeed, any member from Sydney who can attend, to be present at the Bathurst Memorial for these ceremonies.

The people of Kelso make much of this day and our custodian Herb Pratley will be in attendance. The ceremony will take place at 3.00 p.m. we believe, but all those who attend should make themselves known to Reg Henderson, Secretary of the Bathurst R.S.L., who will be arranging the ceremony.

LISMORE REUNION

Harry Teasdale, of Corndale via Lismore, writes that he has just come through the worst season ever, with the rain coming about five months late. Harry attended the recent Lismore reunion which, he says, was a great success, as usual. Harry writes that Jerry Myers has another son, Mark William, whilst Fred Winter's wife presented him with his first daughter. Fred scored twice as he won a carton of beer at the reunion.

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS

The General Meeting was held at the Chinese Restaurant in Dixon Street on 3rd March and was, as usual, a most enjoyable evening. The most revolutionary item to come before the meeting was a motion to RAISE OUR ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO 10/- as from 3rd March, 1961. The increase, of course, is long overdue as all members will recognise. The humble 'dollar' does not go far these days and when members consider that the cost of postage alone, on six 'Makan' and an Annual Report amounts to 2/11, they can see that the 5/ per annum was rather ludicrous. Don't forget this change - ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW 10/-. If you have not paid for this year then why not do so now?

Clyde Blencowe writes from Tumbarumba to tell us how much he appreciated last year's Anniversary Dinner. Clyde has not changed very much since the war and was immediately recognisable, after fifteen years. Ross Madden, of Armidale, is another who writes of his pleasure at the Anniversary Dinner. Ross is well, as are his family. Gogo Lloyd met Harry Griffis in the Post Office at Taree, Harry said that Fred Abbot has retired to Taree where he has a home with a lovely backyard garden; he also told us how much he enjoyed the Anniversary Dinner. If Harry enjoyed the company then so did the lads, because he is a popular figure and everyone was delighted to see him.

'Ack Ack' Martin of Huskisson, has ordered two Regimental ties. He wants to be quite sure that he doesn't miss out on a tie this time. Andy Hyslop of Strathfield writes, once per year, to let us know that he is still around. Andy is the Headmaster of a big State school.

Frank Webb of Yenda, is thinking of selling his small business and moving to the coast. Frank is still having trouble with his hip; you will recall, of course, that frightful ulcer which Frank lived through. It left him permanently damaged and causes him a lot of pain. Frank has five children, three girls and two boys. He is a keen Unit man and hopes to travel to Sydney for one of our reunions.

PASSING OF AN OLD FRIEND

Members will be saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Lee, late proprietor of our regular Chinese Restaurant in Dixon Street. Mr. Lee was full of fun and often told us that he enjoyed our company, boisterous though it was, Mrs. Lee is carrying on the business and we have conveyed your sympathy to her on her sad loss.

REGIMENTAL BANNER

As we have already told you Eric Arps is to carry our banner this year. You all know that the carrying of the banner is regarded, by the Committee, as an honour and Eric easily qualifies for the position. Members will be pleased to know that the Committee has approved the design of a new banner, and quotes will be called for its manufacture in readiness for Anzac Day, 1962.

CHILDREN IN MARCH

Members who heard opinions broadcast recently, on the appearance of children in the ranks of the Anzac Day March, need no reminder that our Association abides strictly by the R.S.L. ruling that children are NOT allowed an the March.

See you all Anzac Day

STAN ARNEIL

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