insiDe - Aviation Heritage Museum

A IR M AIL
Royal Australian Air Force Association
“Fostering the Spirit of Friendship and Perpetuating the Honour and Ideals of Her Majesty’s Air Forces”
October/November 2010
Print Post Approved:
PP644113/100
> WHAT’S
INSIDE
MCINTOSH
MEMORIAL
SCHOLARSHIP
In memory of John McIntosh,
a scholarship is available for
descendents of WA RAAF members.
Applications close
PAGE 5 >
next month.
VIETNAM
VETERANS DAY
A ceremony to commemorate
Vietnam’s Veterans was held at
Kings Park last month. Lovely
weather allowed members to
enjoy a BBQ and watch
PAGE 6 >
the parade.
Wirraway display opened
By Ken Pittman
Thursday, 1 July 2010 saw the official
opening of the Wirraway A20-688, an
Australian manufactured aircrew trainer
aircraft. This is the latest restored aircraft to
be added to the Aviation Heritage Museum
at Bull Creek and was initially given to
RAAFA WA by the RAAF over 37 years
ago.
The Thursday restoration team, led by
Graham Cotterell, and other guests not
only had the pleasure of listening to the
Museum Administrator, John Park and the
State President, Ken Thornton officially
accept the aircraft, but also see Graham
being presented with Life Membership of
the RAAF Association. Something which
took Graham by total surprise and left him
speechless.
A20-688 built by the Commonwealth
Aircraft Corporation in Melbourne was
handed over to the RAAF in December
1944 and was initially to be used for target
towing. With the cessation of the war the
following year the Wirraway was sent into
storage at 7AD Tocumwal. There it stayed
until December 1955 when it was passed to
25 Squadron, the City of Perth Squadron.
They in turn decided it was surplus to
requirements and handed it over to the
Midland Technical School for the training
of apprentices in 1958.
In July 1974 the aircraft was the subject
of national news when it flew across the
Perth skyline once again. On this occasion,
not with a pilot in the cockpit, but slung
underneath a helicopter as it was ferried to
the Aviation Heritage Museum at Bull Creek
for its final home. A task generously donated
by the company Bristow’s.
Initial restoration was commenced back
in1974 prior to the aircraft being used as
part of a mobile display being taken to
shopping centres to promote the Aviation
Heritage Museum.
This latest restoration has taken over 5
years with many thousands of hours by
the volunteers and assisted by donations in
excess of $50,000. All involved are to be
congratulated for their efforts. It looks as
though it has just rolled off the production
line!
The name Wirraway derived form the
Aboriginal word for “challenge” was the first
aircraft to be mass produced in Australia, the
prototype having been flown in 1939. The
design was based on the American Harvard
/ Texan and resulted in 755 aircraft being
built with production reaching 11 per week
at its peak. The last aircraft was still flying
for the RAAF in 1959.
Although its primary role was as a trainer it
did score one “KILL”, a Japanese Zero!
Some of the Wirraway volunteer team
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Around the roundel
AGM Voting – 30 October
I have found it interesting to have been in
office at the beginning of the review of
the WA Division Constitution and I look
forward to seeing the final product in 2011.
But I was also saddened to see the declining
numbers of people prepared to nominate
for Division Council positions this year.
I hope there will be increased enthusiasm
from our membership in coming years
to partake in this important part of our
organisation.
State President, Ken Thornton
By Ken Thornton
As this is my last edition of Around
the Roundel for Air Mail, I take this
opportunity to thank you the members and
RAAFA staff for all your support during
the year which has made my task easier.
I believe the State President’s function is to
ensure that the Aims and Objects of the
Association are maintained and this report
is part of the means of informing members
of Division Council decisions that affect
membership.
Voting papers have been mailed to all
members for voting for Division Council
nominees. Please have your views heard and
return your vote for counting. Background
details of each nominee are included in
the September edition of Air Mail. If you
require another copy please contact Julie
Stearne on 9311 4449.
Service Awards
Vietnam Veterans’
Remembrance Day – 15 August
Awards were recently presented to members
of the Cambrai Village Residents’ Branch
and the Erskine Grove Residents’ Branch.
Details are provided later in this edition.
Well done.
I attended the wreath laying Ceremony and
laid a wreath on behalf of the Association.
The Australian Air Force Cadets Band
led the march and the Cadets provided
the Catafalque party. GPCAPT. Jeanie
Harrison ARRC. RAAF Nurse Vietnam
War, presented the reading, and the
address was by WGCDR Wayne Franklin
Parsons, 9 Squadron Association. It was
a very impressive ceremony that was well
conducted and attended by a number of
RAAF Association Branches.
A reminder to Branches that nominations
for local awards in recognition of
outstanding service can be sent to the State
Secretary at any time during the year.
RAAFA Events Calendar 2011
This is being finalised and will be
forwarded to Branches via Branches Forum
or a copy can be obtained from Julie
Stearne on 9311 4449.
Singles out
socially
As explained by the Welfare Officer,
it is a FRIENDships group, not a
RELATIONships group, and with this in
mind, the group has the following aims:
•
•
To receive mutual support and meet
others in a similar situation.
To have the opportunity for social
outings which are stimulating and happy
events.
Some members of the new SOS group
•
•
•
•
•
To share ideas, tips and techniques
about living on your own.
To learn about local community services
that exist for mature singles.
To nurture the development of trust
within the group.
To acquire group skills in order that
members may become involved with the
running of the group.
To encourage other singles to join the
group, whether residents of RAAFA
villages or otherwise.
The second morning tea event was used
to gather information on events in which
members have expressed their greatest
interest. Some ideas that came forward were
a trip to see the Pompeii exhibition, a trip to
Fremantle and a movies day.
The steering group is now correlating the
information to organise their first “outing”
for the 74 members of this newly formed
group.
The initial lunch meeting had 56 attendants,
and from this event a group of 6 ladies has
come forward to “steer” the group.
RAAF Association (WA Division) Inc. Bull Creek Drive, BULL CREEK WA 6149 Telephone: (08) 9311 4444 Fax: (08) 9311 4455
Email: [email protected] Web: www.raafawa.org.au
October/November 2010
I was surprised and delighted to receive 2
awards on behalf of RAAFA from Glew
Corporate Communication. One was
in recognition of our 10 year business
relationship, and the second for the 50th
edition of Air Mail. Glew Corporate
Communications rolled the first edition
of the Air Mail newspaper off the press in
December 2001. We have seen Air Mail
progress with the times to the vibrant paper
we see today.
The RAAFA Estate Meadow
Springs Art Club has
been in existence for 10 years,
producing good quality paintings
at affordable prices.
Telephone: (08) 9311 4449 Fax: (08) 9311 4455 Email: [email protected] Enquiries: Julie Stearne
AIR MAIL
Recognition
exhibition
Editor: Colin Mounsey Contributions to: The Editor, Air Mail, AFME, Bull Creek Drive, BULL CREEK WA 6149
Page 2
A reminder that applications are now
available for the McIntosh Memorial
Scholarship for 2011. The scholarship
is open to descendants of a person who
enlisted in WA for service in any branch
of the RAAF. For further details see
the advertisement later in this edition or
contact Julie Stearne on 9311 4449 for an
application. Applications close 29 October
2010.
Art
By Dorothy Herrington
Over the last few months, the residents
of RAAFA Estate Merriwa and Cambrai
Village have formed a singles friendship
group called Singles out Socially. The
acronym SOS (Save Our Souls) has no
bearing on this group, as it is by no means
a lost souls gathering, but a zealous group
of over 55’s who are looking for more ways
to fill the “alone” times, such as weekends,
public holidays and festive events that are
often taken for granted when you have a
loved one to share them with.
McIntosh Memorial Scholarship
2011
This year we are holding our
annual exhibition at the
RAAFA Estate Meadow Springs,
41 Portrush Parade,
Meadow Springs.
Friday, 26 November:
9.00am – 8.00pm
Saturday, 27 November:
9.00am – 5.00pm
Sunday, 28 November:
9.00am – 4.00pm
Ample parking, free admission
and home made refreshments
available.
For submission
deadlines please
see page 10
Royal Australian Air Force Association
Cambrai’s living memorial
Chief of Air Force
selects Wings of
Destiny
The Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal
Mark Binskin AM, has selected Wings
of Destiny, by RAAFA WA member,
Charles Page, for inclusion in the
inaugural Chief of Air Force’s Reading
List. This is a list of recommended
reading for RAAF personnel. The
30 page booklet can be downloaded
from the Air Power Development
Centre: www.airpower.airforce.gov.au/
contents/research/reading-list
By Des Wright OAM
At the Cambrai Village Memorial we
raise the Australian National Flag every day
of the year and mark 22 special days which
have military or civil significance by flying
appropriate flags on each occasion. On
ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day these
are augmented by traditional wreath-laying
ceremonies.
A special day of remembrance occurred
on 19 July this year when we flew the
Australian National Flag at half-mast all day
to honour the dead from the 1916 Battle of
Fromelles. The remains of 250 Australian
and British soldiers were exhumed from a
communal grave where they had lain for 94
years before being buried individually, with
full military honours, in the new Fromelles
(Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery. On 29
May 2011 we will add another special flag
day to our list honouring United Nations
Peacekeepers.
Usually, the special days are fairly well
spaced but occasionally historical closeness
or overlaps occur when we wish a certain
battle or other event had happened on
another day. A case in point is 3 September
when both Merchant Navy Day and the
Australian National Flag Day coincide.
History is particularly unhelpful when
Remembrance Day (11 November) is
followed shortly afterwards by Cambrai
Day (20 November) although in reality of
course, the Battle of Cambrai (from which
our village takes its name) was fought in
1917, but the Armistice ending the Great
War was signed nearly a year later in 1918,
and is commemorated on Remembrance
Day. Nevertheless, on our calendar they
follow each other in close succession every
year.
Our village war memorial was first used on
Cambrai Day, 20 November 2001. Until
2008 we held a wreath-laying ceremony
on that day despite its close proximity to
Remembrance Day. The Commemorations
Committee reviewed this situation and
similarity of the two ceremonies, and
decided not to hold a ceremony on Cambrai
Day. Instead we fly the flags as usual and
decorate the memorial with floral displays
honouring the dead and showing that we
have not forgotten them.
We believe that flags proudly flying and
colourful flower displays at the memorial
show that we care, and the memories held
by the silent stones and bronze plaques are
released for the world to share every day, not
simply on ANZAC Day and Remembrance
Day. From sundown each day, when the flag
is lowered, the central monolith is floodlit
until dawn, thus perpetuating through the
hours of darkness, the memory of those
whom we honour. Our purpose has perhaps
never been better expressed than in the
following quotation with which Mr Frank
Pimm, our Master of Ceremonies concluded
our Remembrance Day ceremony in 2009:
We Who Remember
And we that are left grow old with the years
Remembering the heartache, the pain and
the tears.
Hoping and praying that never again
Nations will shrink to such sorrow and
shame.
The price that was paid we will always
remember
Every day, every month, not just in
November.
Wings of Destiny is a life and times
biography of Wing Commander
Charles Learmonth DFC and Bar, who
commanded 22 (Boston) Squadron,
and fought in New Guinea, and the
Battle of Bismarck Sea. He was
killed in 1944, when his Beaufort
experienced a tail trim failure and
crashed into the Indian Ocean, near
Rottnest Island. The book is a high
quality soft back, 416 pages, and fully
illustrated.
Wings of Destiny, ISBN
981877058646 is available from
the Aviation Heritage Museum, Bull
Creek, the Australian War Museum
website, Rosenberg Publishing website,
or can be ordered from any bookshop.
For RAAFA members, a signed copy at
the special price of $30, incl postage,
may be obtained from Charles Page,
16 Whitecliffe Sq, Iluka WA 6028.
Anon
Cammeri craft exhibition
By Bob Cotton
The Cammeri craft exhibition was held
late August at the Community Hall in
Cambrai Village. It was a joint exhibition
by the residents of Cambrai Village and
RAAFA Estate Merriwa. Displays included
paintings, woodwork, sculpture, patchwork,
knitting, dressed dolls, decorated cakes and
embroidery.
This year the opening address was by Tracy
Roberts, Deputy Mayor of Wanneroo. In
2002, the last function organised by Welfare
Officer Kaye Goddard was an exhibition of
Arts and Crafts once again created by the
residents of Cambrai Village and RAAFA
Estate Merriwa. The first exhibition was
opened by Antoinette Kennedy, now the
Chief Justice of the WA District Courts.
The residents of both RAAFA Estate
Merriwa and Cambrai Village are possessed
of skill, talent, inventiveness, imagination,
creativity, patience, dexterity, and good taste.
Congratulations to Mary Skinner, Elva
Myers, and the many volunteers and helpers
who have made the exhibition possible.
Some of the craft on exhibition
October/November 2010
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Cambrai Village awards
Festive Season and is also well known for her
cooking skills and love of craft in which she
is very involved.
William Henry, or Bill as he prefers to be
called, joined the RAAF Association in
November 1998. He and his wife moved
onto the Village in April 2000, and to use
Bill’s own words “we were the first to storm
the beaches”. Bill has always been described as
a person behind the throne, and has achieved
so much in the ten years he has lived there.
In the early days of Village life if you saw Bill
walking up your street on a Sunday meant
that you may have won the ‘Super 66’ weekly
prize.
Bill was instrumental in starting the indoor
bowls and was a keen player for many years.
He was the man who checked all the electrical
equipment prior to the fete and if your TV
or video was on the blink or even just needed
tuning, Bill was the man to fix it.
L to R Ken Thornton, John Oag, Val Harrington and Bill Henry
Three unsuspecting residents from
Cambrai Village were awarded Certificates
of Appreciation for their hard work. State
President, Ken Thornton presented the
awards at the Cambrai Village Residents’
Branch AGM on 26 August.
John Oag joined the RAAF Association in
September 2001 and with his wife became
a resident of Cambrai Village in November
2001. Since that time he has been active in
many areas.
John is a stalwart of the hobby workshop and
has made various contributions to the Club
utilising his excellent woodwork skills. These
have included table accessories, President’s
baton and equipment for the Australia Day
percussion band.
He has also volunteered as a medical driver,
served on the Cambrai Village Residents’
Branch, organised rosters and drivers for
Genevieve, and picked up the newspapers for
recycling every Wednesday morning, rain, hail
or shine.
Valerie Harrington, or Val as she prefers,
joined the RAAF Association in August
2001 and moved into Cambrai Village
‘Dear Welfare’
Q
Dear Helen,
I have heard about some people having an
Enduring Power of Attorney, Enduring
Guardianship and an Advance Health
Directive. What are they all about and
do I really need any of them?
Signed Curious in Mandurah
adults who are unable to make
decisions, therefore, provide the legal
documents you mentioned.
All three documents are designed
to safeguard future choices but
the information can be a little
hard to get your head around.
Here is a brief overview:
Dear Curious,
These documents
are part of the
State Governments
“getting your
affairs in order“ promotion. The
Western Australian Office of the
Public Advocate works to promote
and protect the rights of vulnerable
Page 4
AIR MAIL
October/November 2010
Your Money and Property An Enduring Power of Attorney;
is a document that allows you to
nominate a trusted person to look
after your financial and property
decisions whilst you are alive.
You have the choice to make the
document stand in the instances
of whether you have mental
capacity or not.
September 2001 with her late husband Peter.
She immediately became involved in Village
life and while being a silent and behind the
scenes worker, she has been the driving force
behind many activities within the Village.
Val organized the extremely popular keep
fit class in the Community Hall, which
continue to meet three times weekly and was
instrumental in the weekly card afternoons,
and with her husband, got the darts group up
and running.
Bill is still very active in the Village in his own
quiet way and is always there to help when
needed. His work with the fete preparation is
well known.
Cambrai Village is a better place because
of the efforts of these residents and the
Residents’ Branch had no hesitation in
recommending them for a Certificate of
Appreciation.
Congratulations and thank you.
Each year Val has taken on the responsibility
of decorating the Community Hall for the
Your Life- An Enduring Power of
Guardianship; is a document that
allows you to nominate a trusted
person to look after your personal,
lifestyle and treatment decisions
while you are alive and do not have
mental capacity.
Your Health Care and End
of Life Wishes - An Advance Health
Directive; allows you to write in
advance what treatment you would
or would not agree to should you
be unable to communicate this
information in the future.
Whether you need these documents
depends on how important it is for
you to choose who will look after
you and your affairs if required
in the future. For more detailed
information, answers to specific
questions, or to find out what
happens if you do not have these
documents contact the Office of
the Public Advocate Telephone
Advisory Service.
The RAAFA Welfare Officers
cannot complete these legal
documents for you or provide advice
but they can refer you to local low
cost professional services that will.
Information kits and legal forms
are available free of charge from
the Office of the Public Advocate
or you can download them directly
from their website.
Helpful links and numbers:
Office of the Public Advocate
Telephone Advisory Service
1300 858 455
Online forms
www.publicadvocate.wa.gov.au
Royal Australian Air Force Association
Scholarship
available
McIntosh
Memorial
Scholarship
RAAF Association
(WA Division) Inc.
The McIntosh Memorial
Scholarship is open to
descendants of persons who
enlisted in Western Australia for
service in any branch of the RAAF.
To be eligible, persons must be
undertaking a first course of
tertiary education, in any year
of that course, and must reside
in Western Australia.
The award for the 2011 academic
year will be $1,000 and is usually
used by students to help defray
the costs of equipment, books,
or activities associated with
their studies.
Application forms and further
information on the Scholarship
are available from the
Executive Assistant or the
Chief Executive Officer.
Air Force Memorial Estate
Bull Creek Drive, Bull Creek,
Phone: 9311 4449
Applications close on Friday,
29 October 2010.
John McIntosh
The first single-engined aircraft flight from
England to Australia was completed on 2
August 1919 by a team of Lieutenants, Ray
Parer and John McIntosh.
In March 1919, the Australian Government
announced that it would give a £10,000
prize for the first successful flight from
England to Australia. Six crews took part,
however only two finished. The winning
team of brothers Ross and Keith Smith
completed the journey in only 28 days,
flying a Vickers Vimy two-engine former
bomber.
The second team consisting of Lieutenants
Parer and McIntosh didn’t start until 20
January 1920 when the race was already
won. The pair took 237 days to reach
home, encountering almost every possible
misadventure on the way. The aircraft finally
arrived in Melbourne on the back of a truck
to a huge public reception and they became
the first airmen to fly a single-engine aircraft
from England to Australia. McIntosh and
Parer were each rewarded with £500 and an
Air Force Cross.
John Cowe McIntosh was born in Scotland
in 1892, and having moved later to Western
Australia, enlisted in the Australian Imperial
Force (AIF) in 1914. On enlistment his
occupation was recorded as architect and
surveyor.
He served in the 4th Field Ambulance
AAMC on Gallipoli and in France, and
was promoted Corporal. Just before the
end of hostilities he transferred to the
Australian Flying Corps to undertake flying
training at Oxford in the UK. McIntosh
was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (on
probation) in April 1919.
McIntosh was killed in an aircraft accident
in WA in March 1921. The McIntosh
Memorial Scholarship Fund was established
in 1921 by the people of Western Australia
to perpetuate the memory of Lieutenant
John Cowe McIntosh, AFC. In 1983
administration of the Scholarship was
transferred to the Royal Australian Air Force
Association and is now open for application.
For more details see advertisement on this
page or contact the Julie Stearne on
9311 4449 for an application.
Erskine Grove residents rewarded
Norm Seaman and Lillian Bridewell
were each awarded a Certificate of Service
by State Secretary, Jim Carruthers at the
Erskine Grove Residents Branch AGM on
25 August.
He has also proven to be a very popular
Santa at our Childrens Christmas Party and
is always willing to assist in any other area.
Norman Seaman, or Norm as he prefers to
be called, joined the RAAF Association in
July 2003 and became a resident at Erskine
Grove in April 2004.
Norm Seaman and Lillian
Bridewell with their Awards
L to R John McIntosh and Norman Brearley, Langley Park c1921
Norm has been the Chairman of the Fete
Committee for a number of years, working
countless hours organising this successful
event which raises thousands of dollars for
the village.
Lillian Bridewell joined the RAAF
Association in December 2003 and became
a resident at Erskine Grove in February
2005. During this time she has been an
active participant in village life and is a
member of the Estate Residents Liaison
Committee.
In 2006 she introduced a very popular
digital photography course for the residents
and in the past 12 months she has set up a
computer help group, spending many hours
each week assisting residents with their
computer problems.
Lillian is a hard working volunteer in our
kitchen, assisting with catered functions
and organising the catering for many wakes
held on the village. Lillian is a very caring
person, and is willing to lend a helping hand
whenever needed.
The Erskine Grove Residents’ Branch has no
hesitation in recommending Norm Seaman
and Lillian Bridewell for the awards of a
Certificate of Service.
Congratulations and thank you.
Welfare
Officers
Available
Welfare Officers
Available
The Royal Australian Air Force Association Welfare
Service is client directed and available to all Association
members. The main aim of this service is to assist
members to maintain or improve their quality of life
whilst also encouraging independence and choice by
providing information, referrals and support as needed.
Contact a Welfare Officer as soon as you think you may need assistance or guidance:
Please note this service is not an emergency service.
AFME Bull Creek Bettyna Clark 9311 4562
Cambrai Village
Bianca Briggs
9304 5280
Erskine Grove
Helen MacBeth 9582 5369
RAAFA Amity Village Albany
Dianne van Clarke 9841 8311
RAAFA Estate Meadow Springs
Helen MacBeth 9582 5369
RAAFA Estate Merriwa
Bianca Briggs 9400 3778
October/November 2010
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Remembrance Day, 11 November
Grandpa, What Did You Do In The War?
By Jeff Cook
I’d been mowing the lawn and pulling some weeds, and slipped inside for a breather
I picked up the paper and turned on the news, not paying attention to either
When my grandson came in with a look on his face and a question that hit me full bore
An innocent question, no intention to hurt, “Grandpa, what did you do in the war”?
My skin went all creepy, I had sweat on my brow, my mind shot back fifty years
To bullets that thudded and whined all around, to terror, to nightmares, to tears
I was crawling through mud, I was shooting at men, tried to kill them before they
killed me
Men who had wives and children at home, just like mine, just like my family.
“What did you do in the war?” he had asked, a question not meant to cause pain
But it brought back the horrors I’d left far behind in a deep dark recess of my brain
I remembered the bombs being dropped from the planes, the explosions, the screams,
and the loss
Of a friend - or an enemy - but a life just the same, replaced by a small wooden cross.
The visions attacked me of tramping through jungles, hot and stinking, with leeches
and flies
Of orders that seemed to make no sense at all - of distrust, of suspicions, of lies
I lived once again all those terrible storms, the dysentery, fever, the snakes,
The blisters that lived with me month after month, all those blunders, and costly
mistakes.
But how could I tell the boy all about that, ’Twould be better if he didn’t know
It’s a part of my life that I don’t talk about from a good half a century ago
So I gulped, took a breath and tried to sound calm, and bid him to sit at my side
Then opened my mouth to say a few words, but the tears welled up and I cried.
He cuddled to me with a look of concern, and I mumbled of feeling unwell
Then took hold of myself, blew hard on my nose, while I thought of some tales I could
tell
“What did I do in the war,” I began, then the stories began tumbling out
And they flowed with such ease I felt better again, and got over my pain and my doubt.
I told him of how I had made many friends, how I’d trained and had gone overseas
Made a joke of how seasick I’d been on the way, almost dirtied myself when I’d sneezed
I told of the joy of the letters from home, of the hand-knitted socks and the cake
That I got for my birthday but three weeks too late ’cause it went somewhere else by
mistake.
We talked about mateship and what it had meant to trust someone else with your life
And of when I came home to my family again, to my kids, Mum and Dad, and my wife
Of the crowd on the wharf, the bands, and the pomp, and the pride I felt in the parade
But I’m not ashamed that I hood-winked the boy, a decision I’m glad that I made.
He can grow up without seeing fear in my eyes, or know of the terror I knew
For he’d not understand - and neither he should - all those memories that hit me anew
But maybe some day when he’s older than now, I will tell him what war did to me
But with luck he won’t ask me ever again, about wars that never should be.
Remembrance Day
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Remembrance Day Ceremonies will be held
at the following RAAFA Estates:
Air Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek
Cambrai Village
RAAFA Estate Meadow Springs
RAAFA Estate Merriwa
RAAFA Amity Village Albany
Assembly will be at 10.45am
Members and friends are invited
to join in this solemn ceremony
of remembrance.
For further details please contact the
relevant Estate.
Redeveloped gallery to display
Memorial’s Victoria Cross collection
Acknowledgment: Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial has
commenced work on redeveloping its Hall
of Valour, which features the world’s largest
publicly held collection of VC medals.
management were delighted with Johnson’s
design, which would use the same sandstone
and granite already in the fabric of the
building, and would embody references to
the Hall of Memory and to the buildings
art-deco features.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence
Personnel, Alan Griffin, said the Hall of
Valour project was the latest in the decadelong redevelopment of the galleries at the
Memorial.
“The Victoria Cross is the highest form
of recognition that can be bestowed on a
Service person for valour. The entire nation
can draw pride and inspiration from the
deeds of these men,” he said.
“It has been 30 years since the original
Hall of Valour gallery was opened, and it
was important that the gallery be dignified,
uplifting and an engaging space for visitors
to learn about the Victoria Cross and the
deeds of those who had been awarded it,” he
said.
Once completed, the gallery will not
only feature the 63 VC medals held by
the Memorial, but also tell the individual
story of all 97 Australians who have
been recipients of the VC. George Cross
recipients, recognised for valour, not in
contact with the enemy, will also be featured.
The new Hall of Valour has been designed
by award-winning architect, Richard
Johnson, of the leading architectural
practice, Johnson Pilton Walker, who worked
with the Memorial on its recently opened
Eastern Precinct.
The improvements will require the Hall
of Valour gallery to close temporarily, but
the Australian War Memorial will remain
open during the redevelopment, which is
scheduled to be completed by December
2010.
Australian War Memorial Director, Steve
Gower, said that the Memorial’s Council and
Vietnam Veterans Day
15 August 2010
By Suzanne McKinnon
The 2010 Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony held in Kings Park was dedicated to the RAAF
and the RAAF Vietnam Veterans Association WA members’ attendance ensured the day was
an outstanding success. The Association banner led the parade followed by 9Sqn banner,
then the other units and battalions.
After the ceremony members and partners enjoyed the perfect weather for a barbecue.
Special thanks to Barry Wanstall, our parade marshall, for whipping us into order.
Page 6
AIR MAIL
October/November 2010
Barry Wanstall, parade marshall with Association members
Royal Australian Air Force Association
Pilots’ graduation
Children’s
Christmas
Party 2010
Date: Sunday, 5 December 2010
Time: 12.30pm
Where: Air Force Association Club, Bull Creek
Cost: $18 per child
Special Events: Sausage Sizzle 12.30-2.00pm,
Father Christmas at 2.30pm, Face Painting, Jumping
Castle, Balloon Fun, Lucky Dip
L to R LEUT Morgan Carter, Ken Thornton and AIRCDRE John
Oddie, AM CSC
Tea and coffee, full bar service (no BYO)
For further information call Judy Bland 9311 4401
The graduation ceremony for No 220
RAAF Advanced Pilots’ Course was held on
Thursday, 2 September 2010. Lieutenant
Morgan Carter, RAN was recognised as
the graduate who has shown the most
improvement throughout the course and was
presented with a trophy by RAAFA State
President, Ken Thornton.
Lieutenant Carter was born in Geelong
and raised in Buninyong, Victoria. He
completed high school at Ballarat Grammar
in 2003 prior to completing a Bachelor
of Aeronautical Engineering degree at
the Australian Defence Force Academy.
Morgan’s interests include cars, golf,
travelling and spending time with friends
and family. Morgan has been posted to No
723 Squadron to fly the Squirrel helicopter
at HMAS Albatross.
Reviewing Officer, Air Commodore John
Oddie, AM CSC, congratulated the
graduates, saying “having achieved this great
step you have won your licence to a great Air
Force career. Gaining your first operational
conversion, the next step in your pilot career,
will enable you to drive a rewarding career
as a pilot and as an officer in the Australian
Defence Force. With these achievements will
come responsibility and adventure. The Air
Force commitment to serve in operations,
to develop skills through hard training and
to integrate the amazing new systems that
will arrive in your time of service, mean
that now is a fantastic time to be starting
out. You will already have realised that our
aircraft are of little use without people to fly
them and a team to support that flying. You
will be welcomed by many people to a great
Air Force team with a deep tradition of
achievement in adversity, but I particularly
bring you the warm welcome of Air Marshal
Mark Binskin, Chief of the Air Force.”
“I truly hope that your achievement in
aviation right now becomes the stepping
stone to an aviation career of excellence and
a chance to serve our Nation whether times
are tough or easy. As you now depart to
your specialist flying squadrons and build
your own careers, I wish you every success.
The Air Force is a team that brings together
skills and specialities that make us the most
effective small Air Force in the world. You
are now a proud part of that team.”
Complete the form below and return (along with $18 per child)
to the RAAF Association, Bull Creek Office, by
Friday, 26 November 2010
Registration Form
2010 Children’s Christmas Party
Parent/Grandparent Name:
Address:
Suburb:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Amount Enclosed: $
Child’s Name:
Age:
Sex:
Child’s Name:
Age:
Sex:
Child’s Name:
Age:
Sex:
Note: Children 12 years or under, but young teenagers
welcome (any special interests? Please let me know)
George Oliver – Vale 22 October 1921 to 8 July 2010
George Richard Oliver was born in
Boulder, WA and moved to Perth with his
family when he was three years old. He
met Jean, his wife to be, whilst stationed at
Leicester East, UK. They married in August
1944 and have 3 children, 7 grandchildren
and 8 great grandchildren.
George enthusiastically joined up in WWII
and trained as a pilot. He was sent to
England, and flew Stirlings on clandestine
operations over Europe. Many of the
operations were highly secret and security
was tight. George and his crew did
numerous drops to the Resistance during
1944, including supplies, ammunition and
occasionally even troops.
He was shot down in 1944 over the
Netherlands, but managed to crash land in a
field. With the help of local villagers from
Westerhoven he and his crew, eventually
returned safely to England.
George continued on various operations
until June 1945, when he embarked for the
return home to Australia.
Georges service was highly regarded and in
1945 he was “Mentioned in Dispatches” for
distinguished service.
In 2005 George was awarded the French
Legion d’Honeur which was presented
in Sydney by the French Ambassador in
recognition of his actions during WWII
operations in France.
!
In 2007 he was awarded the Medal of
Remembrance from the Netherlands
Government for his assistance in the
liberation of Holland.
George was honoured to be asked to take the
ANZAC Day salute in Fremantle in 2009.
Among his many interest, those he rated
highly were:
• President of the WA branch of the Air
Crew Association. He joined the Air
Crew Association in 1991 and became
Chairman in 1994, a post he discharged
with distinction for 16 years.
• President of Fremantle Legacy 1992
to 1993.
George will be sorely missed.
October/November 2010
AIR MAIL
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A IR M AIL
The
Padre’s Piece
As my dad used to say in his Yorkshire
dialect “Th’s non s’ blind ‘s ‘em ‘s
cannot see.”
That’s a proverb that has been traced
back in English to John Heywood
(1546) and which was used by Jonathon
Swift in his “Polite Conversation”
(1738). I think the actual phrase is
“There’s none so blind as those who will
not see”. . It’s not talking about being
physically blind but rather about the
willful disregard of clear truth due to
prejudice and bias - in other words the
lack of an open generous mind.
By Padre David
I’ve just had my driving licence renewed.
But let me tell you the full story.
This time, because I am well past my 75th
birthday the Department of Transport
sent me a nice letter asking me to get my
GP to complete a form for them as to my
health. So I duly went along to see my
doctor- Bill. Now I have known Bill for
well over 30 years since the days he was
a medical student. So he glanced at the
form and started to put crosses into most
of the boxes on the form. No - I did not
suffer from diabetes, epilepsy etc etc. But
then he said “I’d better just check your
eyes, read the wall chart for me”. With
my left eye I could read right down to
the bottom line. “Now the right eye” Bill
said. Feeling very pleased with myself
because vision had never been any trouble
for my driving I looked at the chart and I
could hardly read the top first line it was
so fuzzy.
The result of all that is that in a few weeks
time I am heading to the Lions Institute
for a cataract operation. In 2006 I had had
a cataract operation on my left eye that
is now so good. Bill pointed out that my
good left eye had been compensating for
the poor right eye, and I had never been
aware that its vision was so bad.
The subject under discussion may range
from an individual - their character and
contribution to life, family or society;
or a group or party - its leaders and
representatives, as in the recent election.
Too often, not one word of good is
said about that person or that opposing
political party because of prejudice and
bias.
Confucius (551BC –479 BC) the
Chinese thinker and social philosopher
is much nearer the truth when he said:
“The more man meditates upon good
thoughts, the better will be his world and
the world at large”.
In the “Random House Dictionary of
Popular Proverbs and Sayings”(1996)
the compiler Gregory Titelman
acknowledges that this saying “There’s
none so blind….” has its roots in the
Bible in Jeremiah 5 v 21: “Hear this, O
foolish and senseless people, who have
eyes, but do not see, who have ears, but
do not hear.”
The ancient words of “The Good Book”
still provide commentary on modern
attitudes and issues.
Shalom
Your State Secretary – Jim Carruthers
Jim served in the Royal Air Force for 24
years, with postings in England, Scotland,
Egypt, Germany, Maldive Islands, Singapore
and Cyprus.
Jim joined the RAAF Association in 1975
as a member of the Victoria Park Branch and
served as President of that branch 19761980. He transferred to the Australia Pacific
Branch in 1982 and was Branch Secretary
until 2001.
Jim served on the Division Committee
1976-1983 and 1989-1994, and on the
State Executive 1978-1983. He was elected
to Division Council in 2000 and has been
State Secretary since 2005. He has been a
member of several Standing Committees
of Division Council and was awarded Life
Membership of the RAAF Association in
1998.
Jim Carruthers
Jim and his wife Lynne reside on the Air
Force Memorial Estate at Bull Creek.
New Cambrai
Village Manager
We would like to extend a warm
welcome to one of our new team members,
Nick Walker. Nick is the new Estate
Manager at Cambrai Village, and some
of you may have already met him out and
about in the village.
Nick was born in Crowborough, East
Sussex, England, and is the middle of 5
children. All his siblings still live in the UK.
His love of oz began with an around
Australia trip he took during a gap year in
1981 before he started his career in hotel
management. He has worked in various
hotels in the UK and for those who know
the area, they include hotels in Battle,
Brighton and London.
Nick finally immigrated to Australia
with his family in January 2007, where
after a brief spell at Cambrai Village as a
groundsman, he was employed by Settlers as
the Village Manager at their Lifestyle Village
in Ridgewood.
Nicks wife works as a clinical nurse at the
Joondalup Hospital and they have three
Nick Walker
children. The eldest is in the WA Police
Force and his daughter and younger son
are still at school.
They all enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that
Australia has to offer and are often found
with their kayaks and portable BBQ on a
beach or park somewhere in the West. Nick
also enjoys golf and actually manages to get
out and play once a month. He enjoys all
sports, especially rugby union and cricket.
Nick says he has received a warm welcome
from the residents at Cambrai Village and
he looks forward to working closely with
them in the future.
Veterans and veterans’ families counselling service
A service founded by vietnam veterans
Who can use the VVCS?
· Australian veterans of all conflicts
and peacekeeping operations.
·Partners, ex-partners and dependent
children of veterans with issues
arising from the veteran’s overseas
service.
·Sons and daughters of Vietnam
Veterans with issues relating to their
parent’s service.
·Certain current and ex members of
the Australian Defence Force.
Page 8
AIR MAIL
October/November 2010
What services VVCS provides
·Individual, couple and family
counselling
In a friendly and safe setting,
counsellors help veterans and their
families address problems in their
lives with the aim of finding effective
solutions for an improved quality of life.
Counselling can help to communicate,
understand and address a range of
personal and emotional problems. These
may include ongoing service-related
stresses for veterans, the impact on
their partners and sons and daughters,
personal crisis at work or home,
relationship and family issues, alcohol
and drug abuse, and other physical or
emotional difficulties.
Counselling and Administration is at: 7 Kintail Road, APPLECROSS WA 6153
Telephone 1800 011 046 (toll free)
Royal Australian Air Force Association
Cambrai Club
Meadow Springs Club
Phone: 9304 5000
Phone: 9582 5375
Trading Hours
Trading Hours
Tuesday
4.00pm to 8.00pm Fish and Chips/
Quiche and Chips (alternates)
Monday
11.30am to 2.30pm Bar
12noon to 2.00pm Lunches
Wednesday
10.00am to 11.00am Morning Tea
5.00pm to 6.00pm Happy Hour
6.00pm to 8.30pm Dinner
Tuesday and Thursday
11.30am to 5.30pm Bar
12noon to 2.00pm Lunches
Friday
Bistro/Theme night once a fortnight –
2nd and 4th Friday of the month
Contact Bar Staff on 9304 5000 at any
time for bookings or information
Phone: 9311 4460
Monday and Thursday
11.30am to 6.00pm Bar
Tuesday
12noon to 2.00pm Bar
5.00pm to 8.00pm Bluegum Restaurant
theme night
Tuesday
11.30am to 2.30pm Bar
Wednesday and Friday
11.30am to 10.00pm Bar
Friday specials
12noon to 2.00pm Lunches
1st Friday 5.00pm Fish and Chip night
2nd Friday 6.30pm Dining in Beaufort
Restaurant
3rd Friday Bar until 2.30pm unless
Dinner booking
4th Friday 6.00pm Entertainment night,
Buffet $19.50 per person
Counter Meals
Tasty Tuesday Lunch Special
Fish and Chip $10.00 per person
Counter menu also available
Chase the Ace, Bingo & Horse Racing
Phone: 9400 3640
Trading Hours
Saturday
3.00pm to 6.00pm Bar
Saturday and Sunday
Ring bar for details
Merriwa Club
Trading Hours
Wednesday
11.30am to approx 9.00pm Bar
12noon to 2.00pm Lunches
Bookings to be made at the bar or call
on 9582 5375
New look
Second World
War galleries
relaunched
Bull Creek AFA Club
Sunday & Public Holidays - Closed
11.30am to 1.30pm Monday to Friday
Wings Restaurant – Closed
(only open for functions and
A la Carte every 4th Wednesday of the
month 6.00pm to 10.00pm)
Chase the Ace
4.00pm to 5.30pm Monday
Friday Dinner Dance
Wednesday
12noon to 2.00pm Bar
4.00pm to 6.00pm Bar
4.30pm to 5.30pm Happy Hour
Thursday
10.00am to 11.00am Morning Tea
12noon to 2.00pm Bar
4.00pm to 6.00pm Bar
Friday
12noon to 2.00pm Bar
4.00pm to 6.00pm Bar
5.00pm to late Bistro
Saturday
12noon to 6.00pm Bar
2.00pm to 3.30pm Afternoon Tea
Raffles on sale from 4.30pm
Dinner 5.30pm to 7.00pm
Counter Meals
Band Roster
1st Friday – Colin & Muriel
2nd Friday – Michael & June
3rd Friday – Colin & Muriel
4th Friday – John Callander
5th Friday – Dinner only in the
member’s bar
Tuesday Theme Night, Bluegum
Restaurant (please book)
5.00pm to 8.00pm Wednesday, meal
available
Available Tuesday to Saturday, last orders
taken 1.30pm daily
Different 2 course menu every week
$17.50 per person
Wednesday Offal Club, Bluegum
Restaurant (please book)
4th Wednesday of every month 12noon
to 2.00pm $13.00 per person
Thursday Morning Tea
Acknowledgement:
Australian War Memorial
Tea /coffee with sandwich and cake
$6.00 per person
An anti-aircraft gun used in the
siege of Tobruk and an audiovisual of the
wreckage of the HMAS Sydney are now on
display in the updated Second World War
galleries of the Australian War Memorial.
Friday Night Bistro
Orders taken from 5.30pm to 7.00pm
Raffles, lucky wheel and horse racing
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and
Defence Personnel, the Hon Alan Griffin
MP, launched the new-look galleries, which
include never-before-seen objects alongside
some remodeled existing exhibits.
Saturday
“The Second World War galleries were fully
upgraded in 1999, and while they remained
engaging and in good condition, some of
the exhibition infrastructure had begun to
show wear and tear. This re-development
has resulted in the Galleries being more
interactive and exciting for the visitor,”
Minister Griffin said.
Bingo, main hall
Australian War Memorial Director Steve
Gower said the renewed galleries offered
visitors an improved experience and
stronger interpretation of the Australian
experience during the Second World War.
Fish and Chip lunchtime special $9.00
per person
Afternoon tea, coffee and cake $5.00
per person
Chevrolet lorry and Breda anti-aircraft gun combination
“The revitalised galleries are going to
improve our visitors’ experiences. It was
also important to draw more attention to
the experiences of families in Australia
during the war, which the new items on
display enable us to do” the Director said.
armoured vehicle, the Dingo scout car;
a captured German Flak 38 anti-aircraft
gun still in its original desert camouflage;
a unique Chevrolet lorry and Breda
anti-aircraft gun combination used by
Australians during the siege of Tobruk.
Visitors will be able to see a number of
objects that have not previously been
on display, including: a rare Australian
A new showcase emphasises the importance
of the “home front” and includes a
beautifully restored civilian Studebaker
Every second Wednesday, eyes down
7.30pm
sedan with its producer gas unit and an
Anderson shelter, which was designed to
protect families in their backyards.
Returning displays include the Kokoda
campaign and German Kübelwagen. The
HMAS Sydney exhibit has been updated to
include an audiovisual presentation.
October/November 2010
AIR MAIL
Page 9
A IR M AIL
Notes From Branches and Groups
Airfield Construction
Squadrons’ Branch
Val Lopaten
The ACS Branch AGM, held on 27 August
at Bull Creek was attended by 16 members
with 8 apologies. The committee elected
unopposed for 2010/2011 is:
President - Ron Lopaten
Vice President - Bob Henley
Secretary/Treasurer - Val Lopaten
It was disappointing to see only two
members from Perth in attendance and no
new faces on the committee. However,
since the AGM Ray Smith has held up his
hand to fill the post of Floor Member,
thank you Ray. The role of the vacant
Social Secretary position will be shared for
the time being.
Upcoming events
Sunday, 3 October, ACS WA Annual
Reunion, RAAFA Meadow Springs AFA
Club “under the sails”, from 10.30am.
BBQ lunch at $15 per person, which we
will cater for ourselves. AFA Club Bar to
be open. If you are very quick, last minute
bookings may be accepted, ring Val on
9535 7830.
Thursday, 27 November, General Meeting,
at Meadow Springs 10.30am followed by
lunch at the Club if you wish. Note – the
ACS Branch Committee usually meets one
week before each General Meeting and
welcomes notice of any topic of interest
you intend to raise so that they might be
“looked into” in advance. The train runs to
Mandurah every 15 minutes or so and the
lunch after the meeting is always enjoyable.
Thursday, 2 December, Xmas Lunch at
Meadow Springs AFA Club. The cost is
subsidised by the Branch, being only $25
per person with beverages at own expense.
Please book and pay no later than Friday,
26 November to Val 9535 7830 or Bob
9582 5121.
Friday, 11 & 12 March 2011, National
ACS Reunion. Queensland Group will
host a shorter reunion at Twin Towns in
Tweed Heads. Numbers limited to 240.
Full details available – Tom Wilson at
[email protected]. Accommodation is
likely to be scarce due to a big surf carnival
on at the same time so don’t dally!
Australia Pacific Branch
AAFC biographies update
European Area Branch
Denny Hains
To date, we have collected 10 biographies.
There have been some amazing stories, and
it illustrates the importance of recording
members’ biographies. Depending on the
response, and finances, we aim to produce
either a booklet or book, or archive the
records.
Clive Naylor
At our AGM held last month, we had an
almost complete change of committee:
President - Frank Fergusson
Vice President – Ted Forster
Treasurer – Rose Howard
Secretary - Dellys Fergusson
Sad news from our branch was the passing
of Jack Berkshier. A long time member of
our branch, he held many positions over the
years. He will be sadly missed, except for
his terrible jokes.
Congratulations must go to Dellys and
Frank on the celebration of their 62nd
wedding anniversary. Very well done.
Upcoming events
Monday, 25 October, Branch Meeting at
11.00am, Administration Building.
Monday, 22 November, Branch Meeting at
11.00am, Administration Building.
Australian Air Force
Cadets Branch
Del Willmott
7th AGM and lunch
The 2010 Branch AGM was held on
Wednesday, 25 August 2010 at the AFA
Club at Bull Creek and was attended by
30 members, partners and friends. Our
guest speaker was Phil I’Dell of Praevia
Consulting who brought members up-todate on the review of the Constitution of
RAAFA (WA Division).
The President, John Clifford, presented a
comprehensive report on the years activities.
The Treasurer’s Report was presented by
the Treasurer Graeme McGlashan showing
a balance of $3,215. The Branch currently
has 82 members.
Election of Branch Office Bearers for
2010/2011 was conducted by Peter
Fardon and resulted in the following being
elected unopposed:
President - John Clifford
Vice President - Rex Kaye
Secretary/ Treasurer - Graeme McGlashan
Newsletter Editor - Del Willmott
Committee Members - Glen Fruin, Terry
Kenny, Charles Page, Paul Falconer-West
All Branch Scribes, please note that Branch Notes can be submitted for
all issues and you are most welcome to submit prior to the deadline.
Additional articles of interest are also welcomed.
AIR MAIL
October/November 2010
Upcoming events
Saturday, 16 October, Rifle Shooting and
BBQ , at Wanneroo Shooting Complex.
Branch members are welcome to bring
friends and family.
Friday, 22 October, St Mary’s Anglican
Church, Middle Swan and lunch.
City of Perth Branch
George Winnett
SUBMISSIONS FOR AIR MAIL
Page 10
For further information refer to Air Mail
article June/July/August 2010 or
contact Charles Page on 9304 1656,
0417 966 974 or [email protected].
I continue to be amazed how the months
and years seem to rush by as we get older
(these notes are for October and November
for example). Before we know it Christmas
will be upon us and 2011. Oh well, that’s
how things are.
The European Area Branch Officers elected
for 2010-11 are:
President - L Gordon
Vice President - D Harrison
Treasurer - J Crago
Secretary - J Naylor
Branch Scribe - C Naylor
Auditor - J Grey
Branch Representatives - L Gordon & J
Naylor
Branch meetings will continue to be held
at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every
month (with the exception of January) in
the Meg Olive Room at Bull Creek.
Upcoming events
Wednesday, 6 October, General Meeting.
This will be an important meeting as by
then we will have had the next stage of
discussions regarding the amended RAAFA
WA Division Constitution. Please make
every effort to attend.
Saturday, 30 October, Association’s Annual
General Meeting. No need to remind
members that this is a pivotal date for your
calendar.
Wednesday, 3 November, General Meeting
Wednesday, 1 December, General Meeting
Upcoming events
Sunday, 10 October, Mokine Memorial
Service. The coach will depart Bull Creek
at 9.00am promptly. Please be there ready
to go on time. Other coaches make their
own arrangements. If possible bring your
own folding chair. Luncheon arrangements
etc have already been made known. Please
make sure Colin Mounsey has your name
on the list.
Thursday, 21 October, General Meeting,
Ev Nicholls Room Bull Creek 11.00am,
followed by lunch for those who require it.
Wednesday, 11 November, Remembrance
Day Service, Bull Creek 10.45am for
11.00am service.
Thursday, 18 November, General Meeting,
Ev Nicholls Room, Bull Creek 11.00am,
followed by lunch as usual.
Thursday, 9 December, Christmas Meeting,
Meg Olive Room, Bull Creek.
Mandurah Branch
Graeme Coventry
The bi-monthly General Meeting and the
AGM were held on 19 August 2010. 84
members attended the former meeting
during which Branch Vice President, Ron
Gregor, presented an informative update
on the Division Constitution Review
currently taking place. An application from
Betty Angel to become member of the
Branch was ratified, welcome Betty. There
were 90 members, including guests, at the
AGM. The Branch President, John Kemp,
welcomed the State President of RAAFA,
Ken Thornton and Mrs Thornton also,
Keith Lockhart, Branch Auditor and Mrs
Lockhart.
Election of Office Bearers resulted as
follows:
President - Ron Gregor
Vice President - No nominations
Deadlines are:
5 November for December/January issue
4 January for February/March issue
4 March for April/May issue
Royal Australian Air Force Association
Secretary - No nominations
Treasurer - Carmel Mabey
Executive Committee - Hugh Brett, Alan
Huckson, Bob Richards, Frank Poat and
Dawn Yandle
As there were no nominations for the
position of Secretary the President advised
he would undertake those duties.
At the Sundowner following the AGM
members and guests enjoyed a hot curry
meal provided by members who volunteered
to delight attendees with their culinary
“spicy” talents.
Upcoming events
Thursday, 21 October, General Meeting,
AFA Club, 3.30pm Sundowner follows.
Thursday, 9 December, Christmas Lunch,
12noon for 12.30pm.
Thursday, 16 December, General Meeting,
AFA Club, 3.30pm Sundowner follows.
Meadow Springs Residents
Branch
David Oxley
with the Southern Gateway Alliance and the
trip to the Aviation Heritage Museum were
all very good excursions. Thanks to Judy
McCarthy and Eileen Oxley for organizing.
AGM
Fund raising
Retiring Officers and Committee were
re-elected with the addition of Margaret
White to the Committee and the retirement
of Eileen Oxley.
President - Frank McCarthy
Secretary - David Oxley
Treasurer - Roma Stuber
A sausage sizzle conducted outside the Club
on Election Day raised $336.60 for Branch
funds. The Branch will be responsible for
the Raffles on Friday nights in the Club
during November.
Welfare presentations
There have been several welfare presentations
recently. Veterans Health Week had a
nutrition presentation at the Mandurah RSL
that a number of our members attended; we
have had the Community Police to speak
to us; Donna Myers from Centrelink spoke
on recent pension changes and we have
conducted a very successful CPR training
session organized by St John Ambulance.
Trips
The recent trip to the Steel Tree Restaurant
at Baldivis, the trip along the new Mandurah
Entrance Road organized in association
Upcoming events
Sunday, 12 October, Mokine Memorial
Ceremony. Bus leaving the Club at 8.15am.
Friday, 15 October, 10.30am. Enduring
Powers of Guardianship and Medical
Directives (Living Wills) presentation.
Sunday, 17 October, Craft Fare, the Branch
will be running a cake stall and sausage
sizzle outside the Club bounds. Approval
is being obtained from the Environment
Health Services of Mandurah Council.
Monday, 13 December, Christmas
Luncheon. $20 per person after a subsidy
from Branch funds.
WRAAF Branch
Judy Bland
Upcoming events
Tuesday, 5 October, General Meeting,
7.30pm.
Sunday, 17 October, 59th Anniversary
Luncheon. We encourage as many
ex-WRAAF to attend as possible as we will
also be discussing holding the National
Reunion here in 2013. Tickets $30 per
person from Judy 9311 4401 or Laeraine
9306 2681. Friends and partners are
welcome.
Tuesday, 2 November, Melbourne Cup
Party, 7.00pm.
Thursday, 11 November, Remembrance Day
Ceremony, 11.00am at the Memorial Wall
on our Estate.
Tuesday, 7 December, Christmas Party,
6.30pm.
Please ring Judy 9311 4401 for any further
information.
Lifestyle choices driving apartment sales
According to AFME Retirement Living
Coordinator, Maureen Winton, people have
been drawn to the apartments because of
their low maintenance and the comfortable
lifestyle they promise.
“The kitchen is a focal point of apartment
living and the galley layout has proven very
popular because it allows easy interaction
with the living areas,” Maureen said.
“Buyers often comment on the impressive
attention to detail throughout the
apartments after noting the quality of the
fixtures, fittings and finishes,” she added.
Buyers of terrace apartments can express
their personal taste with their choice of
colour scheme options, wall and floor
tiles, carpet, bench tops, splashbacks and
cupboard fascias.
There is a separate laundry, which is out of
sight in its own room and each apartment
will have user-friendly technology integrated
in the apartment, allowing Broadband
Internet, cable TV and free-to-air TV
connections.
A monitored emergency call system, smoke
detectors, fire alarms and a security access
system are naturally part of a comprehensive
technology package that provides essential
peace of mind and privacy.
Reverse cycle ducted air conditioning
completes the package of home comfort
features.
“The design of the apartments and their
associated features combine to make living
as relaxed and care-free as possible,” said
Maureen.
“Each apartment has its own generously
sized lock-up store room adjacent to the
allocated car bay in the secure car park.
“This is perfect for all the things you don’t
need for daily living such as luggage, golf
clubs and Christmas trees.”
Only seven apartments remain out of the
original 66.
The beautifully appointed kitchens make life easy
Six have two bedrooms and two bathrooms
and there is a single one bedroom one
bathroom apartment.
For a terrace apartments information kit
contact Maureen Winton on 9311 4488 or
go online to www.raafawa.org.au where you
will find a link to the apartments.
Maureen would also be pleased to send an
information kit to any friends or relatives
you believe would benefit from living in a
brand new apartment at AFME.
TERRACE
BED 2
3.35 X 3.03
TYPE C
B.I.R
Independence, personal security, and
the absence of home maintenance chores are
some of the key factors influencing decisions
to acquire a terrace apartment at the Air
Force Memorial Estate, Bull Creek.
LIVING - DINING
6.71 X 4.57
BED 1
3.61 X 3.87
B.I.R
ENSUITE
BATH
LINEN
PANTRY
KITCHEN
ENTRY
LAUNDRY
WALL
OVEN
FRIDGE
Five of these spacious Type C apartments remain
October/November 2010
AIR MAIL
Page 11
A IR M AIL Health and wellness
Sleep awareness week 3-9 October 2010
Acknowledgement: Sleep Disorders Australia
Sleep disorders are no joke - they adversely
affect quality of life, efficiency, health
and safety. Take them seriously and seek
information and treatment.
If you are over 60 it will come as no surprise
to hear that sleep changes as we age. Nearly
a third of our life is spent asleep. Infants
spend most of the day asleep. Through
youth and young adulthood the pattern
of sleep that we have come to accept as
“normal” or “good” develops. As we
grow older sleep becomes lighter and more
interrupted and other factors may impact
on our ability to get that “good” night’s
sleep. Poor sleep affects our ability to
enjoy daytime activities. Importantly, there
are things that you can do to improve this
situation.
How does sleep change as
we grow older?
There are three important phases of
sleep that go to make up a normal nights
sleep; these are quiet sleep, deep sleep and
REM sleep which is often associated with
dreaming. From young adulthood to old
age there is a steady decline in the amount
of deep sleep and an increase in quiet sleep
although the amount of REM sleep remains
much the same. It may surprise you to know
that in adulthood the total amount of sleep
remains the same or slightly increased.
What is “normal” sleep in the elderly?
Although there is no simple answer to this,
most people sleep between 7 and 9 hours
each day. In the elderly, this sleep may not
all occur at night. The afternoon nap that
becomes possible when you retire and the
after dinner snooze also contribute to your
total sleep need for the day. Most naps
tend to be 30 minutes or longer and at age
80 lengthen to 60 minutes. If you do nap,
you should not be surprised if you sleep less
than 8 hours each night. The good news
is that 80% of the elderly say they wake
refreshed – if you don’t, perhaps something
can be done.
It is not unusual to take some time to
fall asleep
One third of women and one sixth of men
report taking longer than 30 minutes to fall
asleep. This may be for a number of reasons
including medical or psychological, or
simply that you may be going to bed when
you think you should, but your body isn’t
ready. Research shows that as we grow older
the body secretes less of a sleep promoting
substance called melatonin.
Anxiety and Depression Awareness Month October 2010
Acknowledgement: beyondblue
Over a million people in Australia live
with depression. Over two million have an
anxiety disorder. With the right treatment,
most people recover.
October is Anxiety and Depression
Awareness Month. Help raise awareness and
reduce the stigma.
It’s easy to help raise awareness. Sometimes
the simplest acts have the greatest impact
– just talking openly about anxiety and
depression helps reduce the stigma. Find
out more and share the facts with your
colleagues, friends and local community.
How you can be involved
•
Wear a beyondblue wristband during
October.
•
Take a beyondblue carry bag with you
when you’re shopping.
•
Put a beyondblue magnet on the fridge.
•
Encourage your family and friends to
keep active – organise a group walk,
bike ride or game in the park.
•
Visit www.beyondblue.org.au to find
out more about beyondblue events and
activities.
•
Encourage people to talk openly
about anxiety and depression –
raising awareness will help improve
understanding and support within your
workplace or community group.
•
Display beyondblue awareness posters in
your local community centre or club, or
other community group space.
•
Use a beyondblue mouse mat
throughout the year – it’s a great way to
remind people that it’s OK to talk about
anxiety and depression every day.
beyondblue has produced a booklet
containing a collection of heart-warming,
inspiring stories and insights from a
remarkable group of OBEs – people Over
Bl**dy Eighty! This booklet celebrates the
lives and experiences of older Australians,
who challenge the myth that “depression is a
normal part of ageing”.
beyondblue CEO Leonie Young said, “Our
Stories booklet highlights the importance of
looking after both the mental and physical
health of older people. We hope these
stories inspire others to live active and
healthy lives well into their eighties and
beyond.”
“Depression is common, but it is not a
normal part of ageing. It is an illness for
which effective treatments are available
regardless of the person’s age. Research
shows exercise, being with friends and family,
socialising, eating well and staying positive
all play a big role in helping to maintain
people’s well-being”.
It is not unusual to wake up during the
night
Partly as a result of lower melatonin levels,
sleep becomes more shallow, fragmented and
variable in duration with age. The lighter
sleep pattern makes you more likely to being
woken. The ageing bladder and hot flushes
can also contribute to this.
Persistent trouble falling asleep at night or
feeling sleepy in the day is not a normal
result of ageing and something can be done.
For further advice see your family doctor.
Monthly carers
support group
This group meets monthly and brings
together family, carers, relatives and
friends of people with dementia under
the guidance of a group facilitator.
Group members learn skills and
strategies from each other and from
guest speakers on a range of different
topics.
This free program is intended for family
members or friends providing care or
support to a person with dementia.
When and where:
Every 4th Monday, RAAFA Estate
Merriwa, Beacon House,
19 Hughie Edwards Drive, Merriwa
9.30am to 11.30am
Just drop in – bookings not necessary
For more information contact Bianca
Briggs, Welfare Officer,
RAAFA Estate Merriwa and Cambrai
Village
Ph: 9400 3778 or 9304 5280.
To order a free copy of Our Stories or to find
out more about older people and depression
call 1300 22 4636 or visit
www.beyondblue.org.au
National Bandanna Day Friday, 29 October 2010
Acknowledgement: CanTeen
Wear a bandanna to show young people
living with cancer they are not alone.
emphasis that CanTeen places on enjoying
every moment and living life to the full.
This year’s National Bandanna Day is set to
be one of the biggest ever and the goal is 1
million bandannas sold to raise $3million.
Wearing your bandanna is a powerful gesture
that shows young people living with cancer
that they are supported and they are not
alone.
“Image is a big thing for young people, and
if you loose your hair because of cancer
treatments you are stuck with wearing a wig
or a hat or a bandanna. To see everyone
wearing a bandanna on Bandanna Day, for
me symbolises unity between all people;
underneath it, we’re all the same” said Chris
Bond, CanTeen Member, diagnosed with
leukemia at 19.
The bandanna is more than just a fashion
accessory. At the same time, the funky and
youthfully designed bandannas symbolise the
The money raised from National Bandanna
Day funds over 80 CanTeen programs,
camps and services, bringing young people
Page 12
AIR MAIL
October/November 2010
living with cancer together in a secure,
supportive environment. CanTeen Members
learn to deal with the emotional, physical
and realistic issues of cancer in their lives.
Bandannas will be on sale at Woolworths,
Woolworths Petrol, schools and RAAFA
Corporate Services.
About CanTeen
CanTeen is the Australian Organisation
for Young People Living with Cancer.
CanTeen’s Members are young people aged
12-24 living with cancer, including cancer
patients, brothers and sisters of cancer
patients and young people with a parent or
primary carer with cancer.
CanTeen provides members with a place
where they can simply be young people –
away from the adult-dominated environment
of cancer hospitals and treatment regimes.
Through its camps and programs, CanTeen
encourages its Members to get involved,
make friends and have fun! In the words
of our Members the most effective form
of support is from other young people in
a similar situation – who have “been there,
done that.” For more information, please
visit www.canteen.org.au.