First of all I would like to thank the following members of the Association for their efforts over the past year. They are;
Vice President John Walsh: For his support in his capacity as President of Ashfield RSL sub Branch and Club Ltd together with his assistance especially at the FUP’s for Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.
Hon Sec/Tres Gary Smith:For his dedication and devotion to this very important position and his assistance on both Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.
Bob Duggan:For his financial donation to develop and maintain the Association’s new web page/site
MurrayTaylor:For his efforts in project managing the design/purchase/application for funds to the DVA and requirements for the dedication of the Association’s Plaque at the Australian War Memorial.
Richard Mason, For their support in representing the Association (Banner Party)
Eric and Reg Denning: at the Launch of RFD 2008 atVictoria Barracks in November 2007.
Don Willey:For his support in carrying the Association’s New Standard at rehearsals and
on Reserve Forces Day 2008
Peter Pether:For his support in being custodian of the Association’s Banner and ensuring it is maintained and delivered to the FUP for Anzac Day and Reserve Forces Day.
All Members:For your attendance to the Association’s activities during the past year.
Past Year’s Events
Ashfieldsub Branch Remembrance Day Service
This service was again well attended by members of the Association in support of Ashfield RSL sub Branch
Launchof Reserve Forces Day 2008 atVictoria Barracks in December 2007
The Association participated in this launch with its Banner proudly being displayed by the Banner Party consisting of Eric and Reg Denning, Richard Mason and yours truly.
Ashfield RSL sub Branch Anzac Day Sunday
As in previous years it was good to see this activity was well attended by members of the Association who proudly marched behind our banner from AshfieldPark to the Club. No doubt the members did enjoy the LIGHT Refreshment!!!!!!!!! afterwards, thanks to the hospitality of the RSL sub Branch.
Anzac Day 2008
This year was the first year that the Association marched with the Corps rather than with the Reserve Contingent.From all reports members were happy with marching with the Corps which allowed members to bond/associate with other unit members within the corps, prior to and after the march. As always it was good to see that our Patron, Col Mike Miller lead our contingent, with the dress and bearing of the members outstanding.
Reserve Forces Day 2008.
Again this year the Association marched with 12 Coy as a Corps contingent rather than with other Reserve units marching in Brigade (Arm/Services). Our Association was lead by Don Willey proudly carrying the Association’s new Standard, presented to the Association by the Pratt Foundation. Don also took part in the march past at Parliament House. Don’s picture can be seen on the Association web page. It was also pleasing to see a number of our country members attend, from both the North and SouthCoast.
After the march, members adjourned to the NSW Leagues Club for light refreshments.
Coming events
The Secretary will list those events in his segment. However, I need to bring to your notice the changes for next year’s Reserve Forces activity. There will be NO MARCH per say, but a parade in the Domain. The reason given for a parade rather than the usual march, follows complaints from the Catholic Church about the noise that disrupts their morning services from the FUP and march past in College Street.
To this end the RFDC (Arthur John Moore) has decided to have a parade with units forming up in Division/Brigade Formation and that only Unit Standards are to be displayed, No Banners.
From my discussions with other association they are unhappy with the RFD’s push to maintain the Arm/Services in the Division/Brigade Formations, especially when considering the Defence (Division/Brigades) do not support this activity by allowing current serving Reserve personnel to attend. Because of the NO Banner policy and the change in format, together with units now wishing to participate as a Corps, a number have indicated that they will not be participating in RFD’s activities in 2009.
In the past the Association has been involved in the RFD’s Launch activities. This year the rehearsals are at the Scott’s College in North Sydney and commence 7.45am on 22 &29 November 2008.
The involvement in RFD’s activities for 2008/9 will be placed on the agenda for discussion as to
1Participation in 2009 Parade in the Domain in Brigade Formation with Standard only.
2Participation in Launch on 22 &29 November 2008.
In conclusion, I would like to pass on to All Members and Friends of the Association the very best wishes for the coming festive season.
Kevin Connelly.
From the Desk of the Secretary/Treasurer.
Coming Events
Firstly, we still have two events left on our 2008 calendar these being:
·AnnualGeneralMeetingonFriday 7th November 2008 at 1900Hrs. (Agenda Attached)
Ashfield RSL Sub Branch Remembrance Day Sunday 9th November 2008 commencing at 1045Hrs.
Commemoration Plaque
As mentioned in previous Newsletters the Association had made representation to the Veterans Affairs Department for a grant under “Saluting Their Service” program for the placement of a Plaque at the Australian War Memorial to honour all who have served with 3 Coy AASC/RAASC/RACT. We were successful in obtaining this grant, thus a dedication service will now be held at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Friday 6th March 2009. Preliminary arrangements are as follows:
·1000 – 1100Hrs arrival at the Australian War Memorial
·1200Hrs Lunch in the GarrisonRoom for all members and invited guests
·1400Hrs Dedication Service
It is hoped that All Members, partners and ex-members and friends of the Unit and Association will attend this function. This will be one of the major discussions for the AGM so that final notification can be despatched to all early January 2009.
Subscriptions and donations since October 2007 are acknowledged from the following:-
M Black, S Brown, W Burrows, K Bushell, I Cleland, K Connelly, J Dewar, C Dirks, V J Donaldson, B Flint, J Greentree, D Hazell, B Howard, W C Hill, R Hodgins, I Kalandy, R Leedow, T Maling, G Marshall, R Mason, B Martin, J May, R McCardell, M Miller, K O’Brien, J Pether, P Pether, W Roche, P Rider, R Ross, D Smith, G Smith, J Walsh, D Willey.
Name Badge
Association Name Badges are now available at cost of$12.00 including postage. For RAEME members your Corps Badge will be subsituted for the RAASC and RACT Corps Badges. To order your “Name Badge” please complete the details on the “SUBSCRIPTION/MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION” Form. Please indicate if RAEME Badge required otherwise RAASC/RACT Badge will be provided as per the above sample.
Finally, congratulations to both Peter Cassar and Alan Lyons on their recent promotions to Warrant Officer Class 1 and Squadron Leader respectively.
