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The following activities were held between 2010 and 2014.
ANZAC Day 2010 was not one of Sydney's better days weather-wise but the rain held off for the Parade. The Association was not as well represented as in past years with only about 60 members on parade but we were very pleased to welcome MAJ Trevor Creber, one of the founding members of the Association, a former officer of 30 Bn and Company Commander of Alpha Company. Trevor now lives in Adelaide but travelled to Sydney for the day.
Photographs of the Association on the March are also less presentable than usual due to the absence of our usual photographer. What we have is shown below:
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The usual Reunion lunch was held after the Parade, but this year at a different location, the Orient Hotel at the Rocks where our numbers, with partners and friends had swelled to 75.
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And again we were well entertained by the Pipes and Drums
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But this time our story has a very sad ending. Pipe-Major Bill Campbell annonunced after the usual brackets of numbers that this would be the last occasion that the Pipes and Drums would lead us on ANZAC Day. This decision had been very reluctantly taken as members of the Pipes and Drums are reaching an age where they are finding it difficult to maintain the very high standard to which we have become accustomed.
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| Bill Campbell announcing the sad news |
Following this announcement, Frank Woodhams presented a Certificate of Appreciation to each of the members of the Pipes and Drums. A presentation that was warmly supported by those if us who were there to witness the historic but sad occasion as after 125 years, there are now no New South Scottish Pipes and Drums in New South Wales
Photographs of the presentations are shown on the Pipes and Drums page of this web site
The RNSWR Church Parade in 2010 was a special event in that it marked the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Royal New South Wales Regiment. 2010 also marks the 50th anniversary of the disbanding of 30 Infantry Battalion NSW Scottish Regiment, so it was pleasing to see a turn out of about 50 members of the Association for the occasion. On a sadder note the occasion was the second last appearance of our own Pipes and Drums who piped the Colours of the Regiment's Battalions into the church and also played a magnificient and moving rendition of Highland Cathedral during the service.
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| The Guard of Honour | The Governor and the 17Bn Colours |
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| Happy Haggis eaters | and some more |
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| As usual we were supported by A Coy members | and the Pipes and Drums |
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| Our Elder Statesmen. Harry Macdonald and Alasdair Macdonald |
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| Frank Woodhams and Bill Campbell show that we can take artistic photos - some times! |
Bill Campbell and helpers made the Haggis welcome as usual.
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| Another tradition |
Cost cutting in today's Army has resulted in the withdrawal of issue of any item of Scottish item of dress.
The Association is now assisting Alpha Company members by providing funds for some items of dress. Also with the demise of Pipes and Drums in the Army,
Alpha Company is sponsoring 2 members to learn to play the pipes.The Association has agreed to buy their pipes.
Frank Woodhams presented a cheque to LCPL Greg Smallwood, the President of the Alpha (Scottish) Coy Diggers Club
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| Frank Woodhams and LCPL Greg Smallwood |
To round out and finish the day on a high note were again marvellously entertained by the Pipes and Drums. We will miss them
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| Our magnificent Pipes and Drums | We cannot see enough of them |
The Parade on Reserve Forces Day 2010 was a special one in that it was the first Parade to be honoured by the first female Governor-General and Commander in Chief. Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AM took the salute and inspected the Parade.
We will let the photos tell the story:
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NSW Scottish members had the honour to carry two of the Standards on Parade:
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| Colin Boland with the 8 Brigade Standard | and Peter Bryce with the NSW Scottish Standard |
Our thanks to Debra Rodgers for the Parade photos
The Parade was followed by the traditional formal lunch at the Royal Automobile Club where the honours of the day continued with the NSW Scottish Association hosting His Excellency Mr Michael Bryce AM AE, the husband of the Governor-General.
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| His Excellency talks of his Scottish ancestry and visiting the Queen at Balmoral |
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| Tradition was maintained with the usual excellent entertainment by the Pipes and Drums |
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| And the Pipe Major's toast with our guests |
As the Formal Lunch was the last formal occasion on which the Association will be entertained by the Pipes and Drums, the opportunity was taken of His Excellency's presence to make a presentation to Bill Campbell for his outstanding contribution to the Association and to Reserve Forces generally since the formation of the Reserve Forces movement in 1998.
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| His Excellency and Bill Campbell | Frank Woodhams adds his thanks to Bill on behalf of all of us |
The NSW Scottish Regimental Association is one of the very few Associations that is strongly supported by currently serving Reservists. To recognise their support, A Company members were seated with His Excellency and introduced. He was very happy to recognise their support.
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The 30 Battalions' Church Parade is always a subdued occasion as we remember the departed members of the 2/30 Battalion (AIF) and the 30 Battalion AIF (1939-1945) who gave their lives during World War 2 and those who gallantly fought for their country and survived the War and returned, but whose numbers are sadly diminishing as the years take their toll.
This year the occasion was made even sadder because it was the last occasion on which our own Pipes and Drums marched with us and entertained us in the superb manner to which we have been accustomed since 1998. Here also the years are taking their toll
It also marks the occasion, the first since 1885 that New South Wales does not boast a Regimental Pipes and Drums
To pay tribute to the Pipes and Drums, this section of our web site is devoted to our Pipes and Drums and we show below as many photographs as our (very amateur) photographer was able to persuade his very basic camera to produce.
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This year the Pipes and Drums were supported by the rest us, some 80 marchers, the best attendance at any parade for some time. (Note that in past years we have reported that the rest of us were supported by the Pipes Drums, this year the other way round!)
Our sincere thanks go to those who supported the Pipes and Drums on this momentous but sad occasion.
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The traditional trooping of the Pipes and Drums took on a greater meaning in 2010
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Following the Parade the usual end of year function was held with some 95 of us attending. This caused considerable pressure on Frank Woodhams but he was grandly supported by the Royal Automoble Club management who upgraded our venue at the last moment to accommodate the increasing numbers
A special welcome was extended to previous members of the 30 Battalion and 17RNSWR Pipes Drums and and a very special welcome to Mrs Moira Playfair, widow of Major Playfair, 2IC of 30 Battalion when it disbanded and later OC of A Coy 2RNSWR. Moira remains a staunch supporter of the Association and on this occasion very kindly donated a sum that enabled the members and past members of the Pipes and Drums to attend the lunch at no cost to them
We also thank an anonymous donor who provided wine for the tables.
Once again the function was treated to the magnificent playing of the Pipes and Drums who included in their repertoire a number of tunes rarely played by other Pipe bands, or as suggested by the Pipe Major and enthusiastically agreed by the audience, if they were, they were not played as well.
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The traditional Pipe Major's toast followed
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Frank Woodhams re-presented the plaque which was the subject of a presentation previously presented to Bill Campbell
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Les Robertson reminded us of the previous members of the Pipes and Drums who were unable to join us. Bill Campbell added to the presentation presenting by presenting a momento to Les in thanks for his hard work on the bass drum for many years.
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Mrs Jan Field added her thanks to Bill Campbell for his help in making Jan's daughter the occasion that the bride wanted it to be.
We also thank Mrs Alison Phillips for adding some additional beauty to the picture.
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More style and decorum was added to the occasion by our Chaplain Kevin Herlihy
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Our thanks go to Jack Horsfall for the photo
Drummer Greg Hazlett added the thanks of the Pipes and Drums to Bill Campbell for his leadership and Frank Woodhams re-presented a presentation that was presented to Geoff Leigh on a prior occasion but where the photographer was not quick enough to record it.
If it appears that we are being hard on our photographer, perhaps it should be recorded that any critcism should be directed to the webmaster whose name appears on another page of the web site and who owns and operates the camera.
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Finally a very sorrowful good-bye to the Pipes and Drums with huge thanks for the very many hours of pleasure they have brought to members of the New South Wales Scottish Regimental Association over so many years.
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A glorious day on the harbour was enjoyed by 76 members and friends on 14 March. In accordance with the theme set in recent years business was transacted first with Frank Woodhams presenting his report on activities over the past twelve months, the finances of the Association (which are in healthy state) and the activities planned for the remainder of 2010. 30 members were in attendance.
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| The Port side and President | The Starboard Side |
(The remainder of the cruise participants were not left on the Quay, they were enjoying the bar facilities and the sights from the lower deck)
Following the AGM those attending then got down to what we do best - having a good time on HMRNSWSR Good Time.
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| Bon Voyage | The Senior Contingent - Col Macpherson (joined 1939) and his wife, Mary (at rear) and Alasdair Macdonald (P&D 1948) in the foreground |
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| and the younger generation | and the rest |
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| and more of the rest | and still more of the rest |
The occasion was also marked by the promotion of Peter Bryce, the Association Standard Bearer, to Honorary Corporal and to celebrate James' McCann's birthday.
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| Peter Bryce, Association Standard Bearer | the aging James McCann> |
And of Course the Pipes and Drums, splendid as usual
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| In procession |
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The Starboard Side | And the Port |
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| And a Farewell - to the delight of the tourists at the Quay |
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The last function each year - 30th Battalions' Church Parade - and the first of each year - Gemas Day are both solemn reminders of the traditions and history that we as the most recent generations have a duty to uphold. Gemas Day in 2010 was blessed with the attendance of 6 survivors of the historic and gallant victory at Gemas. In 2011 that number was down to 2.
Examination of the photos below shows that all the marchers are wearing medals on the left. The relatives remember the sacrifices of the members of the 2/30th. Those of us from the Association that attended the function were proud to show that we too, as representatives of other generations who served on the 30th Bn and its successor, Alpha Company 2/17 RNSWR remember those sacrifices and remain thankful that we did not have to undergo the horrors that were so magnificently borne by the men of the 2/30th in 1942 and beyond.
Let us reflect on the service of our forebears on 2/30th while looking at he following pictures of Gemas Day 2011 that tell the story of the day
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On a very much less sombre note what a very pleasant surprise to see members of our Pipes and Drums leading the march. Despite the formal disbandment of the Pipes and Drums when a request came for assistance on Gemas Day, volunteers came to the fore.
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| The Pipes and Drums playing "Now is the Hour" ( A traditonal Scottish tune?) |
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| Our Major was demoted to Captain for a short while as he directed the loading of the vessel | Which was achieved successfully |
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| A study of concentration at the AGM |
Then came the Mess call
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| Does this look like the mess line of old? | Or this? |
As usual the highlight of the day was the Pipes and Drums
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| The New (Temporary) Look of the Pipes and Drums |
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| The Pipes and Drums really did deserve Stuart Kennedy's attention but he was folding raffle tickets | Billy King's nautical stripes were right for the occasion |
Frank Woodhams took advantage of the occasion to make some presentations. The first was another first for the New South Wales Scottish Regimental Association. Bob Mountwitten was appointed the accredited representative of the Asscoaition in Israel. This is the first and only, so far as we aware, overseas representative of any Reserve Association. Bob is ex-A Coy but now is resident in Israel, from where he brings us up to date regularly on events there.
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| Bob Mountwitten and Frank |
The theme in 2011 for Reserve Forces Day is the family, or more specifically the wives and partners who have supported Reservists when they were or are serving. Wives and partners will be presented woih medallions at Reserve Forces Day Parades throughout Australia in July. However we have three special and very deserving recipients that Frank was permitted to honour in advance of that date:
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| Mrs Dot Morgan wife of Brian Morgan | Mrs Jan Field widow of Keith Field | Mrs Moira Playfair, widow of MAJ David Playfair MBE ED |
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| Our three special medallists |
There was one more presentation but this was not on Frank Woodhams' programme for the afternoon. It has become a tradition for members who have been awarded an Order of Australia honour to have an additional award of OAM - Old Association Member. On this occasion, it was Frank's turn to be given this award following the very well deserved award he received in the 2011 Australia Day Honours List. Don McNeice presented Frank with his award. We are trying but have yet to persuade, Frank, Don McNeice and Bill Campbell, our other Old Association awardees, to use the postnominal "OAM and Bar".
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| Frank and Don |
Our functions all provide an opportunity to swell the Association's funds with the proceeds of raffles. On this occasion 17 prizes were donated for raffles. This caused some consternation to the crew of or vessel as they foresaw that we would still be conducting raffles when they were boarding the next cruise. We had some difficulty in deciodiong to report the results of this year's raffles as the captions below will demonstrate. But in the cause of fair and proper reporting we have done so
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| Brenda McNeice, wife of Don McNiece who organised the raffle (one of four wins) | Barbara Meek wife of the webmaster | Hazel Watson one of our special members |
The 2011 Harbour Cruise and 2010 AGM was a special day for a number of reasons, the first appearance of our New Look Pipes and Drums, and the special presentations and as is the case with all our functions, those members who could not attend missed a very enjoyable day.
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| The Pipes and Drums farewelled us and provided free entertaunment for the passing tourists |
Despite the inclement weather 54 Association members marched proudly behind the Manly Warringah Pipe Band
On the completion of the march the Association formed up with the massed pipe bands to take part in the Scottish Act of Remembrance Parade and marched back to the Cenotaph
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A particular disappointment was the Army's refusal to allow the members of Alpha (Scottish) Company to wear the kilt on ANZAC Day march. However our thanks to the members of Alpha (Scottish) Compnay 2/17th RNSWR who volunteer each year to carry the Australian National Flag and the Association Standard and Banner. This year they were Privates Tom Perry, Benjamin Coaldrake, Jude Fonseka and Elliott Hislop
The march was followed by our usual Reunion, this time at the Royal Automobile Club where our numbers had swelled to about 80.
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| Kevin Herlihy, our Chaplain, said Grace | A group of happy reunioners | and another |
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| and another | and yet more |
The New Look Pipes and Drums entertained us royally (notice the Pipers' tartan?). Since their original appearance at the Annual General Meeting and Harbour Cruise, they have acquired their new uniforms and were magnificently turned out.
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Following their recital Pipe-Major Gordon Irving inroduced the members of the new Pipes and Drums quoting their lengths of Service and very impressive this was too:
| Pipers | Drummers | Gordon Irving (20 years service' starting with 30 Bn) | Bill King (37 years' Service starting with 30 Bn) | Bill Wright(19 years' service) | Arthur Robinson (20 years' service) | Eric Maver(17 years' service) | Sandy Brownlie (17 years' service) | Alan McFarlane(13 years' service) | Ross Lindsay (10 years' service) | Bruce Meikle (6 years' service) | Mark McIntyre(9 years' service) |
That is a total service of 168 years in 30 and 17 Battalions. In addition most members have considerable experience in civilian Pipe bands
Then there was the very popular raffle.
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| Maureen Bryden drew the first | Selection of prizes is a serious business | Very serious but Frank was glad to help |
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| Followed by the delight at finding Atholl Brose | It was not only the ladies who won. | You choose the caption for this one |
On 30 March 2011, 15 members of the Association gathered at Rose Bay RSL in honour of Darvill Malcolm, an enthusastic member and supporter of the NSW Scottish Regimental Association who is now restricted by physical problems in taking part in Association activities. Darvill is an office-bearer in the RSL Sub-Branch and Club and we felt that it was fitting that we visit him there to assure him that despite his unavoidable absence from Association functions he is by no means not forgotten.
In keeping with the evolving tradition of the Association, Darvill was included in the Association's Honours List by being elevated to the rank of Enthusiatic Member, which allows him to use the post-nominal EM when he is mentioned in the Association annals. Frank Woodhams presented Darvill with a certificate and medal.
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| Darvill and Marie enjoy the moment |
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| As did Frank Woodhams | and the rest of us |
At the Reserve Forces Day Council Presentation Night on 3 March 2011, it was announced that once again the NSW Scottish Regimental Association had been successful in gaining the Best Association Award, this time for the 2011 Reserve Forces Day Parade. This is the top award given by the Council for Reserve Forces Day
The Association has earned this Award on more occasions that any other Association, having won it in 2006, 2007 and 2008. (We suggest that in 2009 and 2010 the awards were only given to other Associations to encourage them). Our success is due to the excellence of our Re-enactment Group, our members who turn up in force and who take the trouble to dress appropriately in Balmorals, Red Hackles and kilts and to our Association Sergeant Major Mark Rickard who keeps us in line. There is no doubt that our appearance and our drill eclipses all other Associations and our Scottish dress wins the day.
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| Frank Woodhams and Mark Rickard receive the Award from Air Vice Marshal Bruce Short |
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Following a week or so of rain, Reserve Forces Day 3 July 2011, turned out to be perfect weather for the annual Reserve Forces Day Parade and Vice-Regal Review.
The Parade was reviewed by the NSW Governor, Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO and the Parade was well supported by the New South Wales Scottish Association and about 1500 ex- and serving Reservists.
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Our thanks to Graham and Margaret Podmore for the photos.
Each year the Reserve Forces Day Coucil selects a theme for the Parade. This year the theme was the family and wives, partners and spouses of Reservists were presented with a medallion to thank them for their support of Reservists during their service
25 medallions were presented to NSW Scottish members partners before and during the parade. The Premier of New South Wales, the Hon Barry O'Farrell MP, attended the parade and congratulated the NSW Scottish medallion holders.
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Following the parade 95 members of the Association, and their guests, who included executive members of the Reserve Forces Day Council and the Manly-Warringah Pipe Band who had played during the parade attended the traditional Formal Lunch at the Royal Aurtomobile Club.
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A guest speaker at the Lunch was Major Andrew Bailey who is the Officer Commanding Alpha Company (Scottish),2/17 Battalion RNSWR. Major Bailey brought us up to date with the ongoing success of the Scottish Company.
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And then the new NSW Scottish Pipes and Drums who continue to go from strength to strength.
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Photo courtesy of Laurelle Boland.
To continue the tribute to the wives, partners and spouses of Reservists, Frank Woodhams presented certificates to the Association's medallion recipients thanking them specially for their support to members of the Association during their service with the Scottish.
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On a brilliant winter's day the Association was well represented at the RNSWR Church Parade held at the historic Garrison Church. This year the guard was supplied by the 1/19 Battalion augmented by other members of the Regiment including a number of A Company members wearing the kilt.
This Parade is always well supported by our Association and this year was no exception. Our members are readily recognisable by our Red Hackles and kilts and perhaps this tends to distort any comparisons but other Associations do not appear to provide the same level of support for the currently serving memnbers of the Reserve that we do.
Following the church service about 40 members of the Association adjourned for what is now our traditional Haggis and Chips function at the Orient Hotel.
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The highlight of the meal was, of course, the haggis, addressed by Eric Maver
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Then the recital by the new look Pipes and Drums whose talents seem to improve with each performance. Certainly the appreciation shown by the audience is ever increasing
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Led by our new Pipes and Drums, forty of our members marched from Hyde Park to St Stephens for the Annual 30 Battalions' Church Parade. Unfortunately, as with recent years the members of the 30th Battalion AIF and 2/30 Battalion AIF were unable to join us due to advancing age. Their members were represented by Mr Ian Huntley of the 30 Battalion Association.
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Fifty of us then adjourned to the Royal Automobile Club for the Association's end of year function.
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The Pipes and Drums entertained us and as usual played magnificently.
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Then the Raffle, conducted this year by our stand-in MC, Harvey Baden in Frank Woodhams' absence, and ably assisted by Katrin from the RACA.
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2012 is the 70th anniversary of the battle at Gemas. Each year it becomes even more sad to record this sombre occasion as less and less of the members of the 2/30th from World War 2 are able to attend the Gemas Day Ceremony. This year there was only 1.
It is a tradition of the ceremony for the names of those who have passed away during the year are read. As the survivors of the original 2/30th grow less even this list is reducing.
The photo below shows the people who marched in memory of deceased family members of the the 2/30th and it is heart-warming to see that those who fought so gallantly in Malaya and then suffered so badly in the POW camps afterwards are remembered
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30 members of the Association attended as well as our Pipes and Drums and it is gratifying to see that so many our members are taking up the responsibility honouring our predecessors in the the 2/30th and their outstanding and history making performance at Gemas in 1942.
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The ceremony followed its traditional lines and the following pictures record the proceedings:
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What an organiser the Association has in Frank Woodhams OAM! Not only did he organise a very enjoyable event attended by 100 plus Association members, families, friends and friend's families, he also arranged for the extreme wet weather that had plagued the east coast of Australia and even leading to the overflowing of Sydney's Warragamba Dam for the first time in 14 years , to be replaced by a marvellous Sydney summer day with blue sky and refreshing breeze. As proof of his organising abilities the rain returned just a most of us returned home. (Apologies to Graham and Margaret Podmore who had to battle the floods to return to the bush)
The day started with the now traditional welcome by the Pipes and Drums at Circular Quay to the delight of our members and to the passing tourists.
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Back to our organiser. For those of our members and particularly those who did not attend and who thought that the cruise would be on a Harbour ferry, look what he turned on for us:
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After moving out to sea, proceedings commenced with the Annual General Meeting at which Frank reviewed the past year's activities and detailed the next twelve months plans. He also tabled a very healthy financial report but also forecast that due to increased costs the subscription for SITREP which had not changed for some years would be increased to $10.
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| The meeting. | The financial report receives close auditing. |
We then adjourned to the main cabin for the main proceedings of the day.
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Then the Pipes and Drums
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The AGM/Harbour Cruise also porivides an opportunity for the Association to recognise the extraordinary contributions of some of its members.
The first recipients this year were Harvey Baden and Colin Redshaw who on different occasions both suffered what is known in fashion and entertainment circles as "kilt malfunction". Certificates were presented to Harvey and Colin in recognition firstly of their stoicsm in the face of extreme adversity and secondly for their devotion to maintaining the secret by refusing to reveal what a Scotsman wears under his kilt.
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| Harvey | Colin |
Note: Neither Harvey nor Colin was wearing the kilt on the day!
On a more serious note, Frank Woodhams also presented a Cetificate of Appreciation to LCPL Greg Smallwood. Greg is a serving member of Alpha Company (Scottish), 2/17 RNSWR for a long time has encouraged and maintained within the company the liaison between the NSW Scottish Regimental Association and Alpha Company
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An important element of all our activities is the Raffle the prizes for which are donated by Association members and topped up with prizes extracted from outside organisations by the very successful efforts of our Raffle Master, Don McNiece. This year the main prize was 2 tickets for the Harbour Bridge Climb donated by BridgeClimb to whom we are very grateful. The tickets were won by Marea Dorman.
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| Frank and Marea discuss who she will take with her on the climb |
Other prizes were:
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And some of the winners:
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| Brenda McNiece a regular in the winners list | Peter Bryce could not choose beteen the soft toy and the hard contents of the bottle | Ken Griffin, one of "our old and bold" |
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| The winners were all ages. This winner showed impeccable taste by choosing a bottle of the Association's special Atholl Brose. (With his parents' consent, we hasten to add) | We class Graham as one of the older generation | Priscilla Leece, wife of Brigadier David Leece, senior ranks are welcome to share the loot |
In contrast to the last couple of years, ANZAC Day 2012 turned out bright and sunny but windy. We had 60 members on Parade. Our banner bearers from Alpha Company (Scottish) can testify to how windy it was and our usual (but aging) banner bearers thank them for providing the young muscle necessary to conquer the elements.
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Again, in what has now become a tradition, we were led by the Manly-Warringah Pipe Band and our thanks go to Drum-Major Barry Nicholas and Pipe-Major Nick Roelvink for their willing support
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Following the Parade, the Association's annual Reunion was held in the ISC Room at the Royal Automobile Club, with about 60 members and guests enjoying the afternoon.
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In proposing the toast to the Regiment, Harvey Baden added a very well researched and instructive insight into the meaning of ANZAC Day to the NSW Scottish Regiment including the contribution of 86 members of the New South Wales Scottish Rifles to the Boer War and the subsequent award of the Regiment's first Battle Honour. The latter is particularly appropriate in 2012 where the theme of Reserve Forces Day is the recognition of the 110th anniversary of the signing of the treaty that ended the wars in South Africa.
Frank Woodhams presented Maureen Bryden with a photograph signed by the Governor of New South Wales taken when Maureen was presented with her Commemorative Medallion. When the presentations were made at Government House prior to Reserve Forces Day 2011, a group photo of the Association's recipients was taken but unfortunately Maureen was omitted. The omission was rectified by the Governor who kindly agreed to sign the photo. The importance of the Association is recognised not only by the Governor wearing the Red Hackle at Reserve Forces Day Parades but also by such personal touches as the signature on Maureen's photo
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And of course we were entertained by the Association Pipes and Drums
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The prizes for the raffle were again donated very generously by members
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And it was drawn by Katrin the extremely efficient and helpful restaurant manager at the RACA, whose presence at our functions is also becoming a tradition
Our thanks go to Katrin for helpful attention on the day but also to Ellen from the Royal Automobile Club who organises our functions for us very efficiently and contibutes enormously to the successes that are. Ellen is always a pleasure to deal with and if she says she is going to do something in organising our function we know that always it will be done.
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| The prizes were won | by the old and bold | and not so beautiful |
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| With the exception of the ones won by Brenda McNeice and Katrin who managed to draw her own ticket |
In 2012, although a Parade in the Sydney Domain had been planned, the wet weather that had prevailed over the previous weeks, combined with an adverse forecast for the day itself, influenced the organisers to transfer the event to the Sydney Town Hall, the first time that Reserve Forces Day has been celebrated indoors.
The Parade followed as closely as possible the same format as previous years and was a resounding success.
The Reserve Forces Day Council has been well supported by our Assocation over the 14 years since it was first formed, with Frank Woodhams having been involved since before it was founded and serving on the Council since, currently as Treasurer and deputy to LTCOL John Moore OAM RFD ED Ret'd, the driving force behind RFDC activities. Ian Meek is the Secretary of the RFDC and OIC of its logistical arm.
The theme of Reserve Forces Day in 2012 was a celebration of the 110th aniversary of the signing of the treaty of Vereeniging which brought hostilities to an end of the Boer War. As part of the celebration, medallions were presented to descendants of Boer War veterans. This part of the Parade was commanded by Frank Woodhams who was assisted by Derek Bryden, Harvey Baden, Jack Horsfall, Kevin Zehnder and Mike Laurence as commanders of each of the 5 Contingents of recipients corresponding to the 5 Contingents that went from Australia to South Africa.
We had 60 members on parade, again one of the largest of any of the Associations.
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| Cadets carrying National and Triservice Flags | Boer war Replica Uniforms |
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| The Parade | The magnificent setting of the Town Hall |
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| Our Renactment Group | On Parade - nearly |
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And what would any Parade be without our great Pipes and Drums who gave a recital on the floor of the Town Hall prior to the Parade
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| NSW Scottish Pipes and Drums | NSW Scottish Pipes and Drums |
Photos by kind permission of MAJ John Doig RFD and Leonie Doig
Following the Parade our Annual Formal lunch was held in the Cello Room of the Masonic Hotel a change from the usual venue of the Royal Automobile Club. This room is beautifully decorated and as a venue for the occasion proved to be very good decision by Frank Woodhams. 90 members and guests enjoyed a memorable afternoon
The following pictures show the very attractive atmosphere of the lunch provided by the venue and those who attended.
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The Guests of Honour at the Lunch were MAJ the Rev Dr Iain Barclay MBE TD FRSA and his wife MAJ Carilon Barclay TD. Dr Barclay is the Minister of the Scots Church in Sydney. Scots Church remains a Presbyterian Church and was the Regimental Church of 30Bn when it was re-formed in 1948.
The Association's new Padre, Don Wright, was invited to say grace and in doing so, recited a poem which was so appealing that we thought it should be recorded. Here it is::
A Soldier's Final Inspection
"Step forward now, Soldier. How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek? To my Church have you been true?"
The Soldier squared his shoulders and said, "No Lord, I guess I ain't
Cause those of us who carry rifles can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my speech is rough.
And sometimes I've been violent, because war is bloody tough.
And I never passed a cry for help, though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me, I wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here
They never wanted me around except to calm their fear
If you've a place for me here, Lord, it needn't be so grand.
I've never expected or had too much. But if you don't I'll understand."
There was silence all around the throne where the saints had often trod.
As the Soldier waited quietly for the answer of his God.
"Step forward now dear Soldier, you've borne your burdens well.
Come walk in peace on Heaven's streets. You've done your your time in Hell"
Dr Barclay, being a Scotsman, was asked to address the haggis and did so in the broadest of Scottish accents
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| Dr Barclay and the Haggis |
Our Pipes and Drums then played for the second time that day
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Followed by the traditional Pipe Major's toast
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| Tracey Wright | Margaret Podmore |
Barry Barber joined the Logistics team at RFDC this year and did a great job in organising the venue for the Parade. Although Barry was not a member of our Association, Barry's performance was so good that it seemed only natural that he should be made a member of the best Association of the RFDC membership. Barry was appointed an Honorary Member of the NSW Scottish and Frank Woodhams, John Moore and Ian Meek presented him with a tie to mark the occasion
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Then followed the raffle, which again raised valuable funds for the Association.
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The 2102 Church Parade was attended by 46 members on a cloudy but fine day when we marched off but with a few spots of rain falling by the time we reached the church. But all was well with our Parade Commander getting us out of the elements before it mattered.
The Parade with its circuit of the Archibald Fountain and trooping by the Pipes and Drums is now traditional. The pictures tell the story:
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The Standard and Banners were accepted into the sevice:
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Then to the Royal Autompobile Club for the Association's end of year function:
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The theme for next year's Reserve Forces Day activities is the role of the Reservists in the Boer War, the Australian and Colonies' contribution to which was made up for the greatest part by voluntary Reservists. A great-uncle of Ken Griffin (B Coy 50) was,sadly, the first Australian to be killed in the War. A monumental plaque recording this is in the Vestibule of the Sydney Town Hall.
Ken spoke to us about his great-uncle's history and the action in which he died.
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Then tradition again with the performance of the Pipes and Drums:
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Then the raffle. The Association's contribution to the drive by the Reserve Forces Day Council to assist in raising funds for a Boer War Memorial in ANZAC Parade, Canberra, was conducting a raffle of a quilt made by Mrs Joy Newton. Although tickets for that raffle were sold at the end of year function, the raffle was not to be drawn until the Reserve Forces Day Formal Dinner to be held on 24 November 2012. The normal raffle for Association funds was drawn at the function
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Some of the prize winners were:
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But the top table featured heavily. (Was it because they invested heavily or something else?)
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| Maureen Bryden's decision | Robyn Baden's indecision |
And where would tradition be without Brenda McNeice winning a prize. We have decided not to take her picture next year, we will just use last year's photo or the year before that or the year before that. I am sure that Brenda won't mind if we keep her youthful.
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| Brenda McNeice |
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Gemas Day 2013 at Pymble was held two days after the record-breaking heatwave in Sydney but fortunately the temperature was mild although the weather was cloudy with a few spots of rain.
The Association was well represented by about 40 members and friends and the Pipes and Drums
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The Guest speaker this year was LTCOL Simon Watts who was the Commanding Officer of what is now the 2/30 Training Group in Butterworth Malaysia when its name was changed to honour the 2/30 success at Gemas. In his address he recounted the action at Gemas and paid well deserved respect to the soldiers of Bravo Company (although then it was probably Baker Company) of the 2/30th on 11 January 1942.
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This year in recognition of the advancing age of the marchers and the possibility of the weather being hot, the sequence of the ceremony was altered so that the guest speaker spoke before the Parade and then the parade marched past the memorial and fell out before the laying of wreaths.
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Then followed the laying of wreaths
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 | MAJ Stephen von Muenster, OC Alpha Company | Our own MAJ |
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Gemas Day 2013 was the first attended by the new Officer Commanding Alpha Comany, MAJ Stephen von Muenster.
 | MAJ von Muenster and Alpha Coy CSM WO2 Thomas |
 | Memories of the gallant 2/30th - Lest we Forget |
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Our opening photograph says it all! A Good Time and the Pipes and Drums.
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Another view of our Pipes and Drums - a little more classical but contemporary, the sign says so. The Pipes and Drums always attract a good Sunday Circular Quay crowd as they play us aboard.
More than 90 members, guests and friends boarded the MV Goog Time for the 2013 Annual General meeting and Harbour cruise. Once again the weasther was kind. Despite a poor forecast of strong winds and indifferent weather none of the bad stugg transpired and day was near enough to perfect.
As usual as soon as we set sail, members were called to the Annual General Meeting
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(Frank Woodhams did not have a double, your photographer is not clever enough to superimpose the port and starboard sides}.
At the AGM Frank revealed a healthy financial position and detailed the need for the Association to fund scottish uniform items for Alpha Coy following the Department of Defence's decision not to do so.
He also made the strong point that in 2013 we need to look at what we are doing as an association and the course we should take for the future of the NSW Scottish Regimental Association. He suggested there are few things that we need to look at:
Suggestions from members will be very welcome.
Following the AGM members enjoyed lunch and then the highlight - the Pipes and Drums
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Frank Woodhams took the opportunity during a break in the Pipes and Drums recotal to make several preaentations.
First to Reg and Joy Newton for their long and continuous assiatnce to the Association including being stalwarts of the SITREP mailing team and o to Joy for her contributions of patchwork quilts that have made our raffles, inclding the one that earned $1,000 for the Boer War Memorial Fund, such financial successes.
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Then to Peter Bryce, the Association Standard Bearer for his efficiency in that role. Peter's excellence as Standard Bearer has earned hin a promotion to Association Sergeant.
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Frank then introduced Major Stephen von Muenster, the new OC of Alpha Compnay Scottish and presented him mwith an Association tie
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Major von Muenster then brought us up to date on the progress of Alpha Company/
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And finally the raffle which again raised valuable funds for the Association.Stephen von Muenster assisted in the draw. (No-one can say that he did not earn his cruise).
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In contrast to some of our previous parades ANZAC Day 2013 turned on near perfect weather and this attracted 60 of our members to the Parade
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Thanks to Mike Laurence for his photography.
As part of the Association's commitment to the 30 Battalion 1939-1945 Association, James McCann carried the banner of that Asscociation in the march
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Following the Parade the traditional Scottish Association Reunion was held in the ISC Room at the Royal Automobile Club attended by 67 members, partners, friends and, in one case, sisters. Special guests this year were the Deputy Chairman and New South Wales Executive Officer of the Reserve Forces Day Council, LTCOL John Moore OAM RFD ED Ret'd and Mrs Virginia Moore, CAPT the Rev Fred Nile ED, who was accompanied by Ms Silvana Nero, and Mrs Jan Field
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It has not been our usual practice to provide a Haggis at the Reunion but at the special request of John Ewing, probably to impress his sisters, this year was an exception.
Bill Wright addressed the Haggis and a very dramatic address it was too
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Frank Woodhams invited John Moore to bring us up to date with the activities of the Reserve Forces Day Council and planning for RFD 2013
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John Moore mentioned the success of the Reserve Forces Day Council by supporting the work of the National Boer War Memorial Association in its attempt to have a proper memorial to Boer War soldiers and nurses built in Anzac Parade Canberra. This is a project that is very appropriate for a Reserve Forces organisation as the majority of the men and women who went to South Africa were Reservists, and particularly for our Association as 85 members of the New South Wales Scottish Rifles had volunteered and fought in the war.
RFDC had raised in excess of $80,000 for the menorial.
Frank Woodhams added that the NSW Scottish Regimental Association had donated in excess of $1,000 to the fund following generous donations from members and the successful raffle of a quilt donated by Mrs Joy Newton
Donations of $1,000 or more will be sent a certificate signed by the Governor-General. Frank announced that members of the Association who donated $25 or more will be sent a copy of the certificate and presented a replica of the certificate to Kevin Cram and John Newton who had both donated.
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| Kevin Cram | John Newton |
(Kevin Cram was sporting a new kilt on the day but it was not bright red as depicted above)
Again the highlight was the recital by the Association Pipes and Drums
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Frank Woodhams took the opportunity while the Pipers regained their breath to make several presentations:
First to John and Virginia Moore who were made offical Friends of the Scottish, following their many attendances at Scottish functions. This entitles John to wear the kilt and Virginia to wear Black Watch accessories. We are wating anxiously for this to take place!
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Then to Vicki Redshaw who was also made a Friend of the Scottish having recently married Colin. The same privileges were also extended to Vicki
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Frank also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Ian Meek for his assistance to the Association over the years as Secretary and Webmaster.
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(The above photograph represents an historic occasion because as Webmaster and unoffical photographer Ian has happily avoided having a self portrait on the web site, but other circumstances prevailed and history was made).
Following tradition and on conclusion of the Pipes and Drums recital, Frank invited Gordon Irving, the Pipe Major to join him in a drink to toast great performance of the Pipes and Drums. John Ewing was invited to join in the toast.
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The proceedings for the day then finished with the Raffle which always raises valuable funds for the Association. The winners always have plenty of choices for their prizes and we owe a large vote of thanks to those who donate them. The following show the rapt concentration of some of the winners in their choices
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Perfect weather for the Reserve Forces Day Parade with the Governor as the principal reviewing officer, resplendent in blue balmoral and Red Hackle. We acknowledge her choice of uniform headwear as a particular compliment to the Association. The NSW Governor is currently the Colonel in Chief of the Royal New South Wales Regiment and for her to single out Alpha Coy (Scottish) (Scottish) of 2/17 Battalion is a great accolade to the Company and to the memory of 30th Battalion.
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The 2013 Parade was a break in the routine of the past few years. We formed up in Hyde Park and marched to Parliament House outside of which the usual ceremony took place before marching past the saluting base outside Parliament House to the dismissal area in Phillip St.
We cannot let the occasion pass without recording the major part that our Association members play in the organisation of Reserve Forces Day. Our contingent is led by Frank Woodhams who is the deputy to the NSW Executive Officer of the Reserve Forces Day Council and was the Treasurer, backed up by Ian Meek who is the Secretary of the Council and Officer in Charge of Logistics for the Launch and Parade and who received very able assistance from Kevin Cram who was responsible for the installation of the infrastructure of the Parade and Terry Kennedy who organised the Marshals and was responsible for logistics elements in Hyde Park. Terry and Kevin are also active members of the RFDC planning group that meets every Thursday night when events are in the planning stages . They have also assisted the Council in several tasks such as sending out Boer War medallions and storing and recording RFDC stores at its headquarters at the Combined Services Club in Barrack St.
The contribution by the Association to the running of the RFDC by far exceeds that of any other Association and more than carries our weight in value to RFDC
To add to the honours of the Day the Association Pipes and Drums led the first element of the Parade, the Association Banners, to their holding ground positon in Macquarie St.
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Our Formation, 8 Brigade, is always led by the Manly-Warringah Pipe Band in recognition of the inclusion in the Brigade of our Association. Manly-Warringah took part in the Edinburgh Tattoo last year and this was an occasion to congratulate them on a fine effort at the Tattoo and for the very professional help that they have given to the RFDC and to the Association in previous RFD parades and ANZAC Days.
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Then it was our turn to take our part. Numbers were good with about 70 members participating
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Our deepest thanks to Margaret Podmore who was our official photographer on the day and with apologies to her for the lack of space preventing us from showing the 90 something other photographs she took.
Then it was on to the Formal Lunch that we traditionally hold on Reserve Forces Day.
The master of ceremonies on this occasion was Harvey Baden
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We were again pleased to welcome the minister of the Scots Church Rev MAJ Iain Barclay MBE TD FRSA and his wife MAJ Carilon Barclay TD. Iain Barclay again addressed the haggis in his true Scots accent. Other special guests were MAJ Stephen von Muenster OC of Alpha Coy (Scottish) (Scottish) and WO2 Russell Thomas, Alpha Coy (Scottish) CSM.
Stephen von Muenster spoke to bring us up to date with the Reserve Forces and Alpha Coy (Scottish)'s curent role.
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The OC's address was well received by members
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As were the Pipes and Drums
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Gordon Irving was joined by Manly Warringah Pipe Major Nick Roelvink
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And then the Raffle.
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Members of the Association were invited to Pymble by the OC of A Coy, MAJ Stephen von Muenster, on 28 May 2013 to join a history night where several members of the Company presented resumes of famous battles in which the Australian Army had taken part.
14 members took up the invitation.
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On the disbandment of 30th Battalion, Frank Woodhams and other members of the Asscociation were entrusted with certain Regimental funds from the Battalion and the interest earned on these funds has been applied in recent years to provide items of Scottish uniform to Alpha Coy as these items are no longer provided by the Army. Blue bonnets, spats and garter flashes have been some of the items provided.
The latest items to be poresented are kilts for the OC and CSM and another issue of spats and Frank Woodhams took the opportunity to make the presentation on 28 May.
 | Frank Woodhams and MAJ von Muenster |
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| MAJ von Muenster shows off his new kilt | CSM Russell Thomas tries for size |
Comment on our web site has previously been made about our organiser's ability to turn on good weather for our functions. The 2013 30th Battalions' Church Parade tested him this time with a long wet spell in Sydney occurring at the time of the Parade. However true to form he arranged for the rain to let up for the period of the march from Hyde Park to the Church, although it pelted down before and after.
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| Rain Coats on - Rain Coats off | The traditional trooping of the Pipes and Drums |
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| The Standard Party in the wet | The Standard Party in the dry |
Members of Alpha Coy (Scottish) (Scottish) under the command of LCPL Damien Pace manned the Standards party with distinction and we thank 2/17 Battalion and Alpha Coy (Scottish) for providing them.
2013 saw a change in tradition for the function following the Church Parade, with the lunch taking the form of a Traditional Christmas Lunch, this year held in the Cello Room of the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel. Frank Woodhams welcomed 62 members, guests and friends to the lunch. A special welcome was extended to MAJ the Rev Iain Barclay MBE TD and his wife MAJ Carilon Barclay TD who are becoming regular attendees at our functions. Also attending were Gordon Beale, a Royal Artilleryman whose unit had been attached to The Black Watch and Mrs Rita Beale and LTCOL Ian Guild who served with The Black Watch and Mrs Ann Guild. MAJ Ian Sayers ED and Laurel Sayers were also able to join us from Canberra.
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One of the features of our now Traditional Christmas Lunch is the serving of Yule Log for dessert. Iain Barclay who has served previously as our Haggis Odist demonstrated a new talent with a hilarious rendition of the Ode to the Yule Log, a wonderful addition to our new Tradition.
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In appreciation for his work as as a two times Odist Frank Woodhams presented Iain Barclay with a Black Watch clerical collar and an Association tie for good measure.
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But the old tradition was not broken with the usual stirring performance of the Pipes and Drums. This time, although your cameraman's inept performance failed to capture it, with Santa Clause hats replacing Glengarries.
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| The Pipes and Drums | The Pipe Major's Toast |
Frank Woodhams showed his appreciation of the help given to the Association by Don McNeice and Ian Meek by presenting them with NSW Scottish whisky glasses and the wherewithal to fill them
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And then our raffle. Once again the items donated by members for the raffle were outstanding.
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Some of the happy winners were:
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Among his objectives for the Company the Current Officer Commanding Alpha Coy (Scottish), MAJ Stephen von Muenster, includes:
All of which we, at the NSW Scottish Regimental Association, welcome and applaud
In furtherance of these objectives on 22nd October, MAJ von Muenster arranged a vist to the Victoria Barracks Museum by Alpha Coy members and invited the Association to accompany them. Eight members of the Association took up the invitation and enjoyed a very informative night at the Museum. The enjoyment of the night was enhanced by the opportunity to share the history with the current members of the Company.
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| A Coy members | The Association attendees with MAJ von Munester and several Rickards |
Photos courtesy of Tony Humphrey
The Association display that has been at Pymble for a number of years has now been moved to the Dee Why headquarters of Alpha Coy in Deep Creek Creek Rd, Dee Why, previously occupied by 7 Field Regiment RAA. 7 Field has now been reconstituted as 7 Light Battery not a Regiment and is equipped with mortars and not guns. The Battery is also now attached to 2/17 Bn for close support.
MAJ von Muenster has also instituted a room in the depot as a Heritage Room. This room is used for small groups and has now been decorated with Association Pictures taken from the Pymble display. Further pictures will be displayed in the Diggers/Gunners Mess at Dee Why.
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At the suggestion of and with the help of Vicki Redshaw who is a friend of the wife of the Custodian/Caretaker of Spectacle Island, 25 members and friends visited the Island on 14 September 2013. Spectacle Island is an operating naval base that houses one of a number of museums maintained by the Royal Australian Navy and contains, under strict environmental control, an extraordinary number of items ranging from ships' bells, old and new uniforms, design drawings of all the ships that have served in the Australian Navy, even down to the cricket boots issued to midshipmen in the past.
Our sincere thanks go to Vicki for the suggestion.
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As usual, our chief organiser turned on perfect weather. Spectacle Island was named because, before its development, it featured two large rock outcrops joined by a sand spit, so resembling a pair of spectacles. However on a day like the day we visited the spectacle of Sydney Harbour gave the island a far more attractive meaning
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The day started off with a briefing from Commander Shane Moore and then a tour of the exhibits
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| The Briefing | Reminsicent of the eye of a needle! | One of the many exhibits |
Then lunch and what a setting!
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| Those on the East had the better of the view | The Westerly view was not as spectacular but more historical |
Then more history before as the saying goes, "the sun sank slowly in the west"
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And after a presentation to Shane we embarked on the voyage for home
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All in all a wonderful day thanks to our chief organiser, Frank Woodhams, to Vicki and to Spectacle island. As is always the case with NSW Scottish functions, those that missed the occasion really missed out. The only slip up of the day occurred when your correspondent went to the wrong wharf and had to be rescued by telephone by Frank
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| HMVSWSRV GOODTIME |
The 2014 AGM and Harbour Cruise attracted 88 members and guests and the usual good weather - what else do we expect but good weather on New South Wales Scottish occasions?
As usual the first item on the agenda was the AGM
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Frank Woodhams presented his annual report which included a healthy report on the Association's activities in the year past and details of those to come in 2014. He also revealed a very healthy financial situation
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Then on to the main business for the day, eating and enjoyment
Does this picture ring any bells from the past? Apart from the magificent location and even more magnificent company
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| The mess queue lineup |
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Then the highlight amongst highlights of all NSW Scottish functions, the Pipes and Drums
As an introduction we could not resist the following:
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| Showing Sydney how music should be played |
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Ron Palmer has made a considerable donation of $5,000 to the Association and Frank presented Shirley with a Supporter's Medallion and Certificate and Ron with a Certificate of Appreciation for his very magnanimous gesture
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And equally importantly Ron was presented with a Balmoral to replace the Glengarry that has been his usual Parade dress.
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| A historical picture of Ron in a Balmoral |
The New South Wales Scottish Regimental Association is justifiably proud of its Pipes and Drums and very grateful to the members who play for our enjoyment at social activities and who peform so very well at some of the Parades in which the Association takes part. Frank Woodhams expressed our deep appreciation and thanks to Pipe Major Gordon Irving and presented him with a cheque to assist in the running of the Pipes and Drums.
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Then the raffle which pays such an important part in keeping the Association's financial head above water. The prizes on occasion were much greater in number and quality that they have been on occasions in the past and the Association is extremekly grateful to those who donate them. The stand out this time was our latest recruit, Private MacFido generously donated by Dulux Paints:
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| Private MacFido in his plastic kilt |
The other prizes were terrific also:
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Some of the winners were:
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| The Gemas Memorial at Pymble |
The 2014 Gemas Day service was yet another reminder that time has done to our predecessors what the Japanese could not do. The President of the 2/30 Association, Iain Huntley, said the whilst the Association is healthy enough with about 700 members, only 14 of those who fought at Gemas are still with us. We were fortunate to have one of those present at Gemas 2014.
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| 2/30 Bn Supporters |
The pictures tell the story:
As usual the Association Pipes and Drums magnificently supprted the service.
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The Catafalque Party was provided by Alpha Coy (Scottish), and was commanded by CPL Greg Smallwood, a member of the Association, and included PTE Scott Rickard, son of our ASM, WO2 Mark Rickard. Scott Rickard is now responsible for the issue of Scottish dress at Alpha Coy and he and Greg Smallwood must be given credit for the smart and correct turnout of the Party.
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Following the precedent set last year the marchers were not asked to stand in the sun but marched past the Memorial in tribute to their relatives who were at Gemas
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Wreaths were laid by many dignatories and relatives of Gemas veterans. The Association was represented by Frank Woodhams who laid a wreath on behalf of the Association and James McCann who laid a wreath privately.
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ANZAC Day 2014 was a wet one but as experienced infanteers this was no bar to the 52 members who marched. The day was brightened, however, by the attendance of the OC Alpha Coy (Scottish)(Scottish),Major Stepehen von Muenster and the CSM WO2 Russell Thomas who marched with us, the latter wearing an Association tie presented to him by Frank Woodhams before the march.
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The Reunion Lunch was held in the ISC Room at the Royal Automoble Club where we were served magificently by Katrin and her staff. Special guests were LTCOL John Moore RFDC Deputy Chairman and NSW Executive Officer, MAJ Stephen von Muenster, OC and WO2 Russell Thomas, CSM, Alpha Coy (Scottish). A special welcome was given to Alan Stevenson a member who now lives in Broken Hill sometimes and Victoria in others
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The haggis was addressed by Eric Maver
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And of course the glorious Pipes and Drums
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During the recital, Frank Woodhams announced the sad news that Alan McFarlane is to leave the Pipes nd Drums and presented him with a certificate in thanks and admiration for his contribution to the Association.
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As his final performance Frank asked Alan to play around the room leading the RACA staff and then promoted him to Temporary Pipe Major and then invited him to join himself and MAJ von Muenster in the Pipe Majors toast
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And then the Raffle where our guests won prizes prompting the question whether the raffle was rigged. It wasn't!
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There were other winners.
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As a further element in his very welcome programme of maintaining the Scottish regimental tradition in New South Wales the Alpha Coy (Scottish) OC MAJ Stephen von Muenster set aside a training night for the Company on Tuesday 3rd June at its headquarters in Dee Why and asked the Association and the 2/30 Battalion Association to make presentations about the history of the Scottish in New South Wales. Fourteen members and wives attended.
As the Army is now not supplying items of Scottish uniform to units with Scottish affiliations, the Association has undertaken to supplement the Company's supply by providing such items as necessary. We therefore took the opportunity to present Balmorals and a copy of the history booklet produced by the Association at the same time. Balmorals were presented to those members of Alpha Coy (Scottish) who had qualified as Infantry soldiers by attaining the qualification known as EIT. This revived the tradition in the Company where members were issued with Balmorals on their qualification, a practice that ceased when the Army stopped supplying items of Scottish uniforms.
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| MAJ von Muenster introduces the night | To the assembled company |
Frank Woodhams was first on the agenda to talk about the Scottish Regiments generally and the Duke of Edinburgh's Highlanders formed in 1868 and the New South Wales Scottish Rifles formed in 1885 specifically.
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| Frank Woodhams framed by the 30 Battalion colours |
Frank was followed by Harvey Baden who covered the 30th Battalion's history in World War 1
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| Harvey Baden |
He was followed by Iain Huntley , President of the 2/30 Battalion Association, who talked on the 2/30 in World War 2 and the Gemas action in Malaya.
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| Iain Huntley |
Don McNeice then completed the World War 2 History by detailing the role played battles fought by the 30th Battalion AIF 1939-45.
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| Don McNeice |
Frank Woodhams then completed the history of the 30th Battalion from 1948 to 1960.
To bring us up to date PTE Beaver from Alpha Coy (Scottish) told us about his experience with Operation Astute assisting the Navy and Customs with the interception of Irregular Maritime Arrivals in the Indian Ocean
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| PTE Beaver |
Association Sergeant-Major Mark Rickard gave a presentation on the correct way to wear the Balmoral assisted by his son Scott, a current member of Alpha Coy (Scottish)
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| Mark Rickard | Two generations of Scottish soldiers |
To start the presentation segment of the night, MAJ von Muenster presented Frank Woodhams on behalf of the Association and Scott Rickard on behalf of Alpha Coy (Scottish) with a montage of Operation Polygon Wood in which the Company recently participated.
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To reciprocate Frank Woodhams presented a mounted copy of the 30 Battalion Colours to the Company for display in the 28 Battery Gunners Club. He also introduced the Balmoral presentation segment of the night by informing Alpha Coy (Scottish) members that presentation of the Balmoral also makes them members of the Association. He extended an invitation to march with the Association on ANZAC Day and Reserve Forces Day in civilian dress wearing the Balmoral if they so chose. .
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The Company then paraded to receive their Balmorals
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| To MAJ von Muenster | To PTE Rickard |
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The proceedings were closed with a barbecue where the new recipients wore their Balmorals for the first time as members of the Association. This provided a great opportunity for other members of the Association to mix with the Company members
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Each year the Reserve Forces Day Council chooses a theme for the year's activities. In 2014 the theme chosen was in support of the Centenary of Anzac which is being celebrated thouhgout Australia but in particular the recognition of the first Australian force to take part in World War 1 - the Austalian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force which was despatched to New Guinea to secure German New Guinea. This force which left Australia with days of the War being declared was made up almost entirely of Reservists. At the RFD Parade in Sydney a Standard honouring the members of the AN&MEF was uncased and paraded.
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45 members of the Association marched in the Parade which was reviewed by the Administrator of New South Wales, the Hon Margaret Beazley AO, in the absence of the Governor who was overseas.
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Periodically there is discussion at the Reserve Forces Day Council about the place of Standards in RFD events as opposed to the use of Banners. Our Association was the first Association to acquire a Standard as it more appropriately recalled the Regimental Colour of an Infantry Battalion behind which we marched so proudly when we were serving. When our Standard was marched on Reserve Forces Day all other Associations soon followed suit and each Association is now represented by a colourful Standard and so differentiating RFD Parades from ANZAC Day Parades. At RFD 2014 When the AN&MEF Standard was uncased, all the Association Standards were paraded and made a stirring and colourful sight.
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Although the Standards now form the nucleus of RFD Parades and the Association Standard Bearers carry out their assignment with pride and the same efficiency we sought from our Colour Parties in the past, (this year an Honour Roll of Standard Bearers was distributed with the Parade Programme) the banners have not been forgotten, with the massed banners leading the Parade on to the Parade Ground and performing the historical task of "holding ground".
Following the Parade we held our traditional Formal Lunch which was attended by 90 members and guests.Our guests include the Hon Tim Fischer AC, the Chairman of the Reserve Forces Day Council, the Reverend Iain Barclay TD, The Minister of Scots Church and Mrs Carilon Barclay TD, who now are regular attenders at our events. Mrs Airlie Moore and Mr Ranald Moore and LTCOL John Moore OAM RFD ED Retd, the Deputy Chairman of the Reserve Forces Day Council and Mrs Virginia Moore.
Mrs Airlie Moore's grand uncle was LT William Chisholm who was the first Australian to be killed in the Great War. LT Chisholm was a memmber of the NSW Scottish Rifles before the War but went to England where he joined the British Army but was killed in one of the first days of the War.
Frank Woodhams, on behalf of the Association, is organising a Commemorative Service on 26 August next, the 100th Anniversary of LT Chisholm's death. This will be held at St Stephen's Church at 1000 and the Reverend Iain Barclay will officiate. All members and guests will be welcome on that occasion.
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The Address to the haggis at the Lunch was given by PTE Hugh McLeod, giving the Reveread Iain Barclay an opportunity to sit back and enjoy the ceremony. Hugh's address received much applause and it was great to see the tradition being carried on by a member of the present generation.
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The Principal Guest, The Hon Tim Fischer AC spoke about General John Monash. He has just completed a book about GEN Monash and is campaigning to have him promoted posthumously to Field Marshal as the most successful Australian soldier in WW1 and perhaps all time.
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And of course we were royally entertained by the Pipes and Drums
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Photos are courtesy of Andrew Murdoch and our thanks go to him
In accordance with the theme for 2014, the Reserve Forces Day Council has cast commemorative medallions for purchase by descendants of World War 1 veterans. Tim Fischer presented medallions to Bob Greathead, Beth King, Brenda McNeice, Brian and Ross Hilton and John Moore
The weather for the 30 Battalions' Church Parade 2014 was not the best but by clever maneuvering and forgoing the usual march around the Archibald Fountain our leader managed to spare us getting wet for the second year in succession. About 40 members and guests celebrated the occasion. If the attendance looks smaller than usual, Sydney Rail can take the blame for railway delays that prevented about another 10 members from reaching the "church on time".
Unfortunately. the thinning ranks of the 30th and 2/30th Associations meant only a few of their members attended - once again emphasising the role that our members are being called on to play in remembering the sacrifices of the 30th AIF and 2/30 Battalions.
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Following the Church service we repaired to the Cello Room of the Castlereagh Boutique Hotel following the long held tradition(which started last year) for our Christmas Lunch.
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The lunch this year was haggis free but instead we instituted the practice of piping in the Christmas Pudding.
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| Piping in the Pud |
The Pipes and Drums were magnificent as usual
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The traditional Pipe Major's toast was enjoyed by Frank Woodhams and Gordon Irving
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And then the raffle - again very well supplied with prizes from our members
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