BANKING

ANZ BANKING GROUP

RETIRED OFFICERS’

CLUB (NSW)

PRESIDENT

Graeme Bool

6 Jamberoo Place

Bangor 2234

9543 4337

0427 125 327

gbool@bigpond.com

SECRETARY

Reg Smeaton 48 McKenzie Ave.

Wollongong 2500

4228 6951

reg.kini@

bigpond.com

HON TREASURER

Mike Cunneen 27 Leicester St

Epping 2121

9876 6969

mikecunneen@

optusnet.com.au

EDITOR

Alex Morgan PO Box 751

Narrabeen 2101

9970 8668

aamorgan8@

gmail.com

WELFARE OFFICER

Ken Dighton PO Box 16

New Lambton 2305

0423 104389

kendighton@

bigpond.com

WELCOME TO OUR APRIL 2017 NEWSLETTER!! Secretary Reg’s Report of our 10th April Luncheon Meeting:

Today’s gathering attracted 40 members. President Graeme warmly welcomed all, especially the following members not seen for a while: Paul Jepson, Bruce Philps, and John Nicholson (John was down from Barrington in the Upper Hunter. This is his first time visit in 25 years. .................................................

The Loyal Toast to the Queen, and to the People of Australia followed. ......................................................

Apologies: Were received on behalf of John Becroft, Noel Bowmer, Betty and Geoff Brown, Phil Cohen, Alf Evans, John Freedman, Pam Griffiths, Brian Liebert, Alf McDermott, John Mitchell, Phil Newsome, Jim Richardson, and Tony Schembri.

.......................................................

New Members: A very warm welcome to Jane Rose of Eltham NSW. Jane and Ken Rose send their regards to their many friends and colleagues from their days in the Bank in and around Sydney, Broken Hill etc.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Angelo Briganti, Bruce Philps and John Turnbull at the lunch. Noel Chie and long awaited visitor John Nicholson ...............................................................................................................................................................................

Just quickly...a man is recovering from surgery when the Surgical nurse asks him how he feels. “Oh, I’m ok thanks, but I didn’t like the four letter word the Surgeon used whilst I was still awake.” “What did he say?” asked the IC Nurse. The patient responded “He said “OOPS”!!

Bereavements:

We regret to advise that our much admired member Jim Nicholson (aged 95) passed away on the 10th April 2017. Jim's funeral was held at the Oatley Uniting Church on Thursday 13th April at 10.30am.

Jim was an active member of the club for many years and rarely missed a monthly luncheon until illness caught up with him in the last 12 months. He has entranced us all as a guest speaker with stories of his wartime experiences where he served with distinction (DSM awarded for ASDIC detection and sinking of a submarine) as a navy serviceman and Jim retired at war end with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Jim was a representative for the RAN at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth and was awarded an OAM for services to his community and was a dignified, gracious and humble gentleman. We are all lucky to have known him. RIP Jim. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jill Chapman phoned to advise that Douglas Chapman of Hollywell Qld aged 89 passed away on 28th Feb 2017.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our Condolences have been offered as appropriate. ..........................................................................................................................................................

TREASURERS REPORT:

As usual, Treasurer Mike’s report was detailed and food for thought. Our Club, whilst being in a sound financial position, is now at the stage where we need to increase some fees.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

CTA Luncheon Cost Increase. CTA have increased our lunch cost to $30.00 per head, and the current room hire fee of $180 has been increased by $20.00 to $200.00. To ensure the sustainability of ANZROC (NSW) it is now necessary to increase members’ lunch charge by $10 per head to $25.00, effective from 15th May 2017. The last food cost increase of $5.00 p/h by the CTA was covered by your Club, however it is now essential that we move to a more user pay basis than we historically have. Failure to take this responsible step will place ANZROC (NSW) on an untenable and irreversible path to its financial demise. Despite the increase to $25.00, attending members will still enjoy a 37% subsidy for their meal. Calculations do not include the gift of birthday lunches to members if they attend a lunch at the CTA during their birthday month. There were 74 birthday meals provided to members in the last twelve months at a cost to ANZROC (NSW) of $1850.00, so this also has a substantial effect on our cash flow, and is currently under review. ...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

BIRTHDAY WISHES: Were extended by VP Terry to Alistair Johnston, John Turnbull and Barry Wileman. happybirthdayhappybirthdayhappybirthdaytoyou!

Now there’s a smart dog?? An old farmer is inconsolable after his favourite dog goes missing. His wife suggests he take out an ad in the local paper. Two weeks later....still no sign of the missing puppy dog. “What did you put in the ad?” his wife asks.

“Here Boy!!!” The Farmer replied.

WELFARE REPORT: Ken Dighton for April 2017. Sick List: • Alan Brown – Allan has had some significant surgery and he’s been home from hospital for about a week. At the moment it’s “softly softly” but he feels he is on the mend. • Noel Fox – Noel is improving with his current medication. However, a trip into town for a lunch meeting right now could prove to be a little too much, and therefore it’s not on his agenda just yet. • Alf McDermott – Mike Cunneen called to see Alf at home. He is making some progress but he’s not likely to be breaking records of any kind soon. He is happy that he is now on solid food. His wife Loretta is also quite unwell. Best wishes to you both. • Denis Lickley – our old mate Denis had a “prang” recently and spent some time in hospital. He’s home again and in his own words he is “not too bad” (I don’t think anyone knows what that actually means!). Hang in there old son and remember the affairs of state at Ryde Eastwood Leagues Club require you to be fit and well. • Dick Hughes – Dick moved into nursing home care about a month ago. His wife Margaret said he is far from keen on the idea but his best interests were of course paramount in the decision. We send our best wishes to you Dick (and of course to Margaret). • Maureen Zarubin – in July last year Maureen was knocked down by a bicycle and sustained a traumatic brain injury. There were fears that she may never walk again, but happily she is now walking unaided after many months of rehabilitation. Well done Maureen, keep up the good work and happy days ahead. • Brian Thompson – the last 4 months have been an emotional experience for Brian to say the least. He has had prostate surgery, and his wife Dell was diagnosed with a tumour. Brian is recovering slowly and Dell is lining up for more surgery soon. Prognoses are fortunately both good. Good luck to you both. • Frank Mills – Frank is taking part in a cancer trial at Tweed Heads Hospital, but he is symptom-free at present which is very good news. Wife Shelby tells us that they are both well. We wish these members and all other members who are not in top condition at present a good recovery. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> I was able to make contact with the following people, who enjoy the esteemed title of Honorary Member, to check up on them and to extend best wishes for their birthdays this month and for the year ahead: • Betty Hickman (90) – Betty said she is “pretty good”. She certainly sounded positive and cheerful (although she did seem shocked that it was all of a year since I spoke with her last!). She expects to celebrate this milestone with a family get-together. Great work Betty, and keep doing what you’re doing. • John McCrudden (87) – John said that despite a few trials with his health, he is being extremely well cared for by wife Henrietta and generally he is OK. They are moving into new aged accommodation at Randwick but they have been frustrated with delays in completion of the complex. Let’s hope it all falls into place soon John. • John Scott (91) – John said he is travelling fairly well. He had some scheduled chemotherapy in March for his lymphoma and he is doing alright. He’s still living at home and taking care of himself. • Barry Thompson (83) – Barry and Beverly have just returned from a few enjoyable days in Nelson Bay with good friends Peter and Pam Bradford, and Bill and June Horton. Barry said he puts up with some age related complaints which inhibit his activities a bit, but on the whole he is OK. • Aub Walker (85) – Aub said he is in pretty good shape and walks about 5km a day to keep the joints moving. He has however had an operation and skin graft for a skin cancer in recent days. He’s now planning a trip to North Carolina to see his sister whom he hasn’t seen for 20 years. Sadly, Aub’s wife Val passed away last November after enduring cancer for 30 years.

• Dave Fleming (82) and Col Killer (81) – Unfortunately these two gentlemen were not answering their respective telephones. I have seen them around the traps in the past several months, and we all hope they are both well at the moment, and that they enjoy happy birthday celebrations and good times ahead.

Our Welfare Officer, Ken Dighton also advises: It was this time last year that your Committee undertook a program to make contact with as many of our widow members as we could, at which time various committee members were able to chat with a good number of widows and widowers. We’re now into the annual follow-up, and I can report that to date the following widow members have been contacted: • Mrs Mary Patterson, Mrs Judy Plush, Mrs Alison Sandow, Mrs Nancy Sharp, Jenny Moles, Maureen Munro, Mrs Val Hoskin, and Mrs Margaret Hopkins Ed Note: It was great to chat with two of the folk on our list whom I contacted: Val Hoskin and Margaret Hopkins. Hi again to you both, and thanks for the memories!!!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CORRESPONDENCE: Ian Auld writes: Sorry to learn of Tom’s (Williams) death. I had tried to locate him in London in 2012 without success. Tom was Regional Manager South Coast early 1970’s when I was also Lending Manager in Administration. We had a great working relationship and shared many an enjoyable ale together. He would not object if I related a funny happening one Christmas eve. Having enjoyed a very extended lunch with work mates and friends he returned to the office in a somewhat unsteady manner just as the State Manager arrived on the floor to wish everyone a Happy Christmas. With Bill Greene’s assistance we managed to keep Tom away from the State Manager and steered him to his office where, having extended an invitation to other staff, he announced that there was a certain time of the day when you could place a glass of beer on your head and walk across the desk. Perhaps it may have worked if he hadn’t stepped on the swivel chair and saturated himself. Tom was living at St Ives. Bill agreed that we drive Tom’s car to my home at Carlingford to pick up my car to take Tom home .Arriving at Carlingford I introduced Tom to my wife’s blind aunt who, shaking hands with Tom placed her hand on Tom’s arm and remarked, your wet ,is it raining outside? Returning home from St Ives, Aunt asked me “would I be correct in assuming Tom was slightly inebriated?” (Slightly was not the operative word). Vale Tom Williams a great friend! Another amusing anecdote from Ian Auld: Bill Greene was Best Man, Dick Hughes Groom’s Man, and Roger Hickman Usher at our wedding 61yrs ago. Bill was rather nervous. Standing and buttoning up his suit coat he announce in a strong voice, “Ladies and Gentlemen, It gives me great pleasure to propose a toast to the bar maids”, which brought the house down. All great mates .Over the ensuing years until Bill’s death our sign off was” Cheers”- as it is to all ANZROC members P.S Now enjoying life with Roger Hickman & Ian Tredinnick at ARV, Castle Hill. Cheers!

Anne Pereira our club coordinator for the Mid North Coast chapter hit the headlines in the Port Macquarie News on 22nd March 2017 as having been appointed as the President of the Catholic Women’s League Australia- New South Wales Incorporated. The organisation has a 1200 strong membership and Anne aims to strengthen this membership. Congratulations Anne on a wonderful achievement BUT don’t overload yourself and forget your friends at ANZROC(NSW), you still have the Mid North Coast Christmas function to arrange!!! CENTENARIAN: Betty Gemmell celebrates her 100th Birthday on the 11th May 2017 and we are hopeful that she will be able to join us on the 15th May CTA Luncheon so we too can celebrate her magnificent milestone. Congratulations Betty on a remarkable life full of achievement and interest and more than a little self determination ! ------------------------------------------------------------------ WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Attempts to contact Elizabeth Pratt of Thornleigh, Gillian Normand of Broke Dorothy Horne of Turramurra, and Miriam Jacka of Baulkam Hills and by phone or email been unsuccessful. If anyone can shed any light on their whereabouts or circumstance please contact Reg Smeaton or Ken Dighton (see masthead for details). ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

A Blonde phones Qantas and asks “Can you tell me how long it takes to fly from Sydney to Darwin?” The Qantas Agent responds “Just a minute”. “Gee Thanks”, says the Blonde, and hangs up. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dates for the Diary! 1st May 2017 Tour of Small Arms Factory Museum at Lithgow at a cost of $20.00 covers the museum, bus transport to and from Lithgow Railway Station (via scenic views of Hassan’s Walls) and a light lunch. Train leaves Central at 8:18 am returns at 6:14 pm. Check with Ann Morgan at aamorgan@bigpond.net.au or 9970 8668. 15th May 2017 Luncheon at the CTA Club, MLC Centre Martin Place Sydney gather at 11:30 am for a 12:30 pm start to the meal. All members are welcome. Bookings are not required; it is always an enjoyable day with good food and lots of old friends and the occasional surprise visit by those who can’t make the meeting all the time. 25th May 2017 Newcastle luncheon - from 11.45am at Cardiff RSL CLub, Macquarie and Munibung Roads, CARDIFF. R S V P is essential to meet Club requirements. There will be a $15.00 charge on the day to help defray expenses. Train leaves Central at 9.15 am – check your local timetables and will be met at Cardiff Railway Station at 11.33 am. Contact Jim or Cheryl Richardson email: jimcher@exemail.com.au or mobile 0419 602 087. Our landline is 4943 8031, if using this number please call before 4th May or after 14th May, 2017. 6th June 2017 Tour of the Sydney Town Hall at a cost of $5.00 commencing at 10:30 am with an optional lunch afterwards at the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel at the diner’s expense. Contact Ann Morgan at aamorgan@bigpond.net.au or phone 9970 8668.

28th July 2017 Canberra are holding a Christmas in July function at our usual venue, the Austrian Australian Club in Mawson. RSVP Albert Orszaczky phone: 6231 6198,email: orszo@bigpond.com or Bob Dyer phone: 6231 2371, email: rdyer@bigpond.net.au John Lucas phone: 6293 2532 or jandklucas@bigpond.com 9th August 2017 Tentative date set for our Partners’ Lunch at the TAFE at Ultimo, further details in early course. 12th August 2017 Wagga Wagga Luncheon at RSL Wagga Wagga 30th October 2017 Tour of the Brisbane Waters with a 1.5 hour ferry trip and a lunch at Davistown RSL. The Ferry leaves Woy Woy at 10:15 am and cost will be $tba. Contact Ann Morgan at aamorgan@bigpond.net.au or phone 9970 8668. 16th November 2017 Newcastle Luncheon at Cardiff RSL again with details closer to the event. 16th November 2017 Far North Coast ROC Christmas lunch is set down for Thursday at the RSL bowls club Ballina, contact is Brian Rawle 02 66876286 or elwar@bigpond.com

2nd December 2017 Wagga Wagga Christmas Luncheon at RSL 11th December 2017 Christmas Cocktail Function at ANZ 242 Pitt St Sydney 15th December 2017 Canberra are holding a Christmas Dinner at the Royal Canberra Golf Club, Yarralumla. RSVP Albert Orszaczky phone: 6231 6198,email: orszo@bigpond.com or Bob Dyer phone: 6231 2371, email: rdyer@bigpond.net.au John Lucas phone: 6293 2532, email: jandklu cas@bigpond.com. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SOCIAL NOTES:

Ian Jarratt, Ian Tredinnick, Bob Janson and Heather Riach share a yarn at our April lunch.

Garth (Gary) Brown (Honorary member) (aged 83) his daughter Lyn Smith also an ANZROC (NSW) member and an old friend from Castle Hill enjoy a round of golf at Forster last month. Lyn says that Garth still enjoys life despite having a battle with the onset of dementia. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for an old work mate? Do you have a favourite story from those were the days to share? Do not hesitate to email the Editor, who would love to receive some reader contributions! --------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 6th June 2017 - Sydney Town Hall Tour An excellent Tour of this wonderful building will be very well worth experiencing. A two hour journey not to be missed! We will have a highly recommended personal guide, (Kieran). Cost is $5.00 per person, payable when you put your name down. We plan to adjourn for Lunch (at our own expense) at the Castlereagh Club, site of last year’s very enjoyable Christmas gathering!! More Details...from Ann, of course!!! 0407265108 or 9970 8668 -----------------------------------------

Ray and Bob, two local Council maintenance workers, were standing at

the base of a flagpole, looking up. A woman walked by and asked what they were doing.

"We're supposed to find the height of the flagpole", said Bob, "But we don't have a ladder."

The woman said, "Hand me that wrench out of your toolbox." She loosened a few bolts at the base, then laid the pole down.

She then took a tape measure from their toolbox, took a measurement

and announced, "Six metres exactly!" and walked away. Ray shook his head and laughed. "Well, just like a 'Miss-know-it-all'

Woman?" he said. "We need the height and she gives us the length!"

Ray and Bob still work for the Council.

......................................................................................................

MAY BIRTHDAYS Bruce AANENSEN 17th Greg LANCE 4th Jim ROGERSON 17th Trevor AULD 11th Jenny LENNOX 2nd Maree SHANNON 8th Chris BOORER 16th Con LUCAS 5th Alan SINGLE 18th Betty BROWN 14th Robyn MACDONALD 25th Lorraine SKETCH 6th John CLARK 11th Elizabeth MACHADO 20th Wilhelmina SMITH 18th Tony DALTON 8th Mal MATTHEW 16th Alasdair STEEL 17th Bob DYER 1st Peter MAYBON 17th Evan SUMMERSON 23rd Rod GALLAGHER 3rd Neville McKINNON 21st Paul TOOHEY 25th Barry GILBEY 16th Pixie McPAUL 23rd Greg WATSON 1st Geoff GILL 8th Phil MINETT 26th Denis WILLIAMS 7th Ron HARGRAVE 22nd Ann MORGAN 1st Steve WILTON 16th Mick HOWARD 23rd Clive NEUTZE 6th David WRIGHT 14th Col JEFFERIES 9th Phil NEWSOME 15th Eric YACOEL 6th Hilla KERKARIAN 12th Ann PEREIRA 4th Sebastian ZAMMIT 30th

THE “HONS” Frank BLINMAN 16th Noel COOK 20th Peter DOUGLASS 26th Ian FRASER 12th Ron FREEMAN 4th Betty GEMMELL 11th Barry HENNESSY 1st Ian HISCOCK 27th John LE GRAS 8th Peter MABER 30th Colin MALONE 19th Morrie MILES 27th Carl OWENS 30th Dan PAWSON 6th Brian SHEPHEARD 18th Terry STAPLETON 20th Joan STORCH 20th Dick WALKOM 18th Ken WHITE 3rd

Congratulations to Brian SHEPHEARD who joins the ‘Hons’ this month !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! An Easter Story.

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two graduating students filing into the

already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing and traditional

caps, they looked almost as grown up as they felt.

Dads swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Mums freely brushed away tears.

This class would NOT pray during the Commencements, not by choice, but because

of a recent court ruling prohibiting it "for fear of Offending non-Christians".

The Principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed

by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one

mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for Blessings on the graduates.

The speeches were routine until the last one commenced.

A lone student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a

moment, and then it happened.

Ninety two students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED in unison!

The student on stage simply looked at the audience and said, GOD BLESS YOU’ and

then walked off the stage…….

The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way

to invoke God's blessing on their future, with or without the Court's approval.

This is a true story from Halifax Nova Scotia (Ed)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS:

There are 39 members yet to pay their annual subscription for this year.

Those yet to pay have been contacted, so anyone that has not

received notification can assume they have paid.

A reminder that you can pay your subscription by direct credit to BSB 012-006

Account # 008906464, don’t forget to record your name on your transaction.

Enclosed please find cheque for $5 for my ANZROC (NSW) 2017 SUBS. Name: ………………………………………………………………….. Address:(if changed recently) ………………………………………………………….. Email: (If changed recently) ..................................................................................... If paying by cheque please mail to Hon Treasurer ANZROC (NSW) 27 Leicester St. Epping NSW 2121

Again, my thanks to Reg and the other Contributors to this edition. Hope you all had a relaxing and happy Easter. Thanks for reading the Newsletter!! Ed.