ANZ Retired Officers' Club (Vic)

NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 12 2015

WELCOME

President Peter Pritchard welcomed 66 members and their partners who travelled to our first meeting of 2015 held at the Greensborough RSL, an impressive venue and a most enjoyable meeting followed. Peter covered the formal matters of the day and we were then treated to good food and were able to mix freely with members and their partners. Thanks must go to Dal Crocker who organised the venue for us and Joan Nathan for keeping the attendance records for the day.

Members not seen for some time included Robin Cates, Rino Frigo, Frank Hatfield, Stan Halbish, John Inglis and Robin Chase came from Clifton Springs to catch up with colleagues.

In future to make it easier for our senior members to attend our meetings carers accompanying members are welcome to attend any of the meetings of ANZROC and that includes the Christmas luncheon.

Photos taken at the luncheon by Eamon Veaney are posted on our Website and Facebook pages.

APOLOGIES

Graeme Ainscough, Clive Bayley, Noel Beanland, Jock Buntain, Diane Carew, Cedric Coxsedge, Wolf Damschitz, Don Davy, John Duke, Col Edwards, Nola Forsyth,, John Hawkins, Gary Mason, Fay and Gerry McPherson, Terry Parks, Neville Pearson, David Schunke, John Vanselow, Glenda White, Julie Wilkins, David Woods

NEW MEMBERS

Bloom J.P.(Jeff) ANZ 20 years

Deady Mrs Lesley ANZ 8 years

Frighetto R. (Reny) ANZ 30 years

Marlin A.(Allan) ANZ 26 years

Schnabl Jurgen ANZ 44 years

Yoon Y.S. (Karen) ANZ 16 years

We look forward to meeting Jeff, Lesley, Reny, Allan, Jurgen and Karen at one of our forthcoming meetings.

BEREAVEMENTS

Campbell B.R. (Bruce) 93 years 15/1/2015

Bruce enlisted in the Australian Army in March 1941 and at date of discharge in April 1946 was Sergeant 1 Australian Cipher Section. Honorary member Bruce was a keen correspondent writing articles for the newsletter for many years and a strong supporter of ANZROC. If members have any anecdotes of their time with Bruce let me know and I will include in future newsletters.

Collins R.B.F (Rae) 94 years 19/1/2015

Don Davy advised that our Honorary Member R.B.F (Rae) Collins passed away at Cabrini Hospital aged 94 years. Rae was a regular contributor to our Newsletter and a strong supporter of our Club until ill health prevented him from attending our events. Don visited Rae on a daily basis and was able to read our newsletters to Rae.

Brian Christensen said that in 1956, both Brian and Rae worked at the Olympic Village A N Z Branch, under the management of Charles Rennie. Brian was newly married, no motor car, in Digs at Oakleigh. Rae drove him to work daily to the Olympic Village and got to know him pretty well. In more recent times, he has seen a deal of Rae at East Malvern R S L Club, where they were both members. Rae was a regular at Anzac Day Dawn Services at the R S L until last year.

Kevin Mitchell reports that Rae was a close friend of the late Murray Wood who met regularly and attended Anzac Day Dawn Service at East Malvern RSL, when Kevin and Brian Christensen would catch up with them at the Gunfire Breakfast after the Dawn Service. Rae was always pleased to see you with stories to tell even though another year had passed since we last met.

Kevin, Brian and Wal McGillivray were ANZROC members noted at the well attended funeral service where our member Don Davy gave a heartfelt eulogy for his friend.

Renzow C.D. (Col) 98 years 7/1/2015

Colin served in the RAAF during WW2. He enlisted 10/8/1942 and was discharged 14/5/1946 with the rank of corporal from HQ Southern Area. Life Member David Knuckey said that our Honorary Member Col was the first banker he saw when he joined ES&A and they became firm friends and their association continued after Col’s retirement often at our quarterly Thursday night meetings. Col was a great supporter of the ANZROC night meetings which he rarely missed. If members have memories of their time with Col then let me know and I will include in future newsletters.

Trefz Hartmann (Harry) 85 years 6/11/2014

Honorary Member Harry passed away at the Wantirna Health Hospital after suffering a stroke a couple of days earlier and lost consciousness from which he never recovered. Harry was a regular contributor to our newsletter in later years and more recently was often in contact with our committee woman and Welfare committee member Joan Nathan.

Members and partners at the Greensborough meeting stood in remembrance of Bruce, Ray, Col and Harry and condolences from ANZROC members are extended to their families and friends.

Kevin Kelly and Trevor Cookson advised that T.C. (Neil ) Hamilton passed away in November 2014 at the age of 86.Corny as he was known worked in ES&A from 1949 to 1966.Neil was a keen footballer and cricketer playing in the Bank’s football team that had regrouped after WW11 and began in D grade but by 1958 elevated to B grade. Neil was better known as a cricketer however winning the Prahran and District Competition bowling average as a leg spinner. Resigning from the Bank in 1966 he went on the first of twenty overseas trips. While he did not return to the Bank he retained friendships with a number of contemporary personnel. He was a character and accordingly quite popular. Such would be his epitaph.

Lawrie Foord advised that Leonard S Dow with whom Lawrie had worked in Area Management passed away at the age of 79 in February in Adelaide. Leonard would be remembered by many ANZROC members.

Nola Forsyth advised that Robin Kent who was very helpful to her when she was organising the reunions for 94 Collins Street and 351 Collins street staff passed away in mid January and Robin would be remembered by many ANZROC members.

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members would be enjoying a birthday during JANUARY/FEBRUARY

and we pass on congratulations from our members for your birthdays: Murray Abraham (89),

Ron Breckenridge (85), Alan Briant (83), Jock Buntain (85), Alan Burt OAM (90), Reg Caudry

(83), Cedric Coxsedge (89), Max Fisher (84), Wyn Greenwood (94), Max Guest (81),

Dick Hellard (85), Mary Henley, Frank Hickey (90), David Hughes (83), Dennis Humphries (89),

Robert Hunter (97), Kevin Kelly (81), Gerry Kennedy (91), Bob Kirkland (92), Paul Kitchin

(92), Bill Luscombe (80), Jack Moyle (90), Laurie Redfearn, Dawn Routledge, Alan Rutzou (80), Mavis Ryan,

Bruce Scott (89), Graham Spruzen (84), Terry Talbot (86), Bruce Tickell (86), Roly Webster

(82), Keith Westaway (81), Barry Weston OAM (83), Norm Wheatley (84), Don Whitford (80),

Jim Wood (92), Henry Wynne (80).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/1/2015 1/2/2015

Less than $20,000 1.69% 1.68%

Greater than $20,000 2.16% 2.15%

Birdies Twitter

It is Neville’s wish that his latest poem be printed for members albeit the news has a serious impact on him personally and our thoughts are with him and wife Cheryl…

ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF LIFE

My dearest friends what can I say

I received my brain scan results today

The scans in question are called SPECT” and “PET”

It shows brain damage that makes one forget

My dilemma is do I keep the reports to myself

Whilst they gather dust upon the shelf

Or do I tell the world the news

And we can wash them away with lots of booze

Whilst one option is to keep it quite discreet

That for me, would be an impossible feat

So I accept the fact that I am an old timer

And will do my best to fight my Alzheimer

It was diagnosed by a Psychiatrist at an early stage

And I should have up to 7 years in which to rage

So please forgive me if I forget your name

Be assured that I love you all just the same

BEST WISHES AND LOVE FROM “THE BIRD”

LETTERS

Murray Abraham writes to thank members of ANZROC for the good wishes for his 89th birthday. Murray says 2014 was forgettable undergoing a spinal operation and suffering two minor strokes but with the assistance of “battery power” he is enjoying golf again. Instead of distilled water he tops up his battery with a scotch or two each evening. Murray is brought back to reality when he visits his GP who welcomes him with “Come in Lazarus”.

Dave Brookman writes from Dromana to express his appreciation for the Christmas card and the thoughts contained therein.

Geoff Christmas says thanks for the birthday wishes but they are coming too quickly. Another busy year started with a guided tour through Japan. Geoff and wife Heather started on the North Island and travelled by fast trains, subway trains, buses, planes, and taxis which was a good experience and allowed them to see the real Japan. They covered many places and had an enjoyable snap shot of Japan, and went down to Ishigaki Island, before finishing with a few days in Tokyo. The experience was wonderful and they would go again if the opportunity arose. They had the usual stint at Coolum Beach for the winter catching up with family and friends and doing a lot of walking for Heather’s adventure later in 2014. Heather was involved in a fund raising adventure for Breast Cancer Network Association, and raised in excess of $9k. The adventure was a journey to China to walk around 45 klm’s on the Great Wall which was a very uplifting experience. This year Geoff and Heather in April will ride in Italy around the lakes encompassing Venice, and finish with a trip to South America and cruise to Antarctica. Once again thanks for the birthday card and the newsletters that bring with them many memories.

Bill Collins emails his thanks for the birthday wishes which would have arrived on time (as usual) except that he had neglected to advise his change of address to ANZROC. Bill and wife Dearne finally faced the inevitable and downsized to an apartment. It was very traumatic for them. Imagine trying to fit the contents of a garage and two sheds in three shelves of a cupboard in an apartment.

John Conn emails his thanks to Kathy Trace and ANZROC for his birthday card.

On his birthday John and wife Linda were spending a fortnight in Gippsland just relaxing and enjoying a time away. Linda is still working 3 days a week so they are somewhat restricted to school holidays, except when she had LSL and they went to Europe for over three months. John and Linda went to Darwin in July to get a little heat, which is always a welcome change from the Melbourne chills.

Neil Franklin emails his thanks for the birthday card received as usual right on time, many thanks to the committee and fellow members of ANZROC. Neil hopes to get to meetings during 2015, as due to health problems work has passed him by and he will have time to spare.

Don Fraser writes to thank ANZROC for the Christmas card and good wishes that arrived recently. Don Misses the meetings very much but at age 90 is not fit enough to attend any more. Don is now a resident in an Aged Care facility in Sunbury.

John Gill emailing from Wodonga sends his thanks to Kathy Trace, President Peter Pritchard and Committee for the 79th Birthday Wishes. John appreciates the work that goes into recording and acknowledging members’ birthdays. He also looks forward to the newsletter which brings back many happy memories of fellow workers, auditors and others whom he had met during his career.

John is fortunate to know a number of ANZROC Retirees in Wodonga and Albury and comes across them regularly. Unfortunately he has been unable to attend the Annual Christmas Party for the past 3 or so years because of other commitments at that time.

Margaret Hall writing for husband Theo Hall said that Theo was delighted to receive his birthday card spot on time from Kathy Trace. Many thanks for all Kathy does as it gives a lot of people extra joy on their birthdays. Margaret was so pleased to meet Kathy and Sandra Joseph at the AGM and she and Theo especially enjoyed the Christmas luncheon.

Bill Halsall emailing from Benalla sends thank Kathy for his birthday card which, as usual, arrived on the due date. Bill sends his regards to all ANZROC members.

Bob Heinemann emails thanks for his birthday card and appreciates the good wishes. In June last Bob and wife Heather went to Europe for seven weeks and undertook a river trip from Budapest to Amsterdam. Then they took the train to Paris to stay with Bob’s daughter and family, did some sailing on the Mediterranean in their boat, and also visited D- Day 6th June sights in the north of France. On landing in Prague last July he discovered he had acquired deep vein thrombosis (dvt) which lay dormant for 6 months and then required treatment that is currently underway.

Brian Henderson emails his thanks to all for the Birthday Wishes. In March Brian and wife Chris flew down to Victoria for his sister’s 50th wedding anniversary and a stop over in Canberra to visit Chris’s son and family before they head off to India on a posting in Chennai. In May they went down to the Gold Coast for a change of pace and see what changes there are as it was some time since last being down there .Caught up with Terry Patton, whom some would know, in Tweed Heads. A most enjoyable week was spent with some friends on their 40 ft catamaran in the Whitsundays in July. They know the area pretty well so they spoilt themselves eating lots of oysters, mud crabs and fish as well as enjoying the beautiful scenery. As Chris’s daughter has moved down to Brisbane they have made a few trips down there including seeing “The King and I “stage show. After 10 years as chairman of their Body Corporate Brian resigned at the Annual Meeting in August He is playing bowls a couple of times a week ,a little bit of genealogy research ,a five km walk a couple of times a week and nothing else really apart from enjoying the climate at home in Hervey Bay.

Bruce Iddles wrote to thank the ANZROC Committee for the birthday wishes received on his special 70th birthday.

Bob Kirkland writes his thanks for the birthday wishes on his 92nd. Bob had just returned from a 6 week cruise with his family from Los Angeles to Miami via the Panama Canal. He thinks that at 92 that may be his last overseas cruise. The newsletters are very much appreciated and Bob looks forward to them even though he does not know many of the members but they are still of great interest.

Brian Knowles emails his thanks for the beautifully timed birthday greeting. Not so easy to achieve at this time of year. Brian, wife Jan, three sons and 4 grandchildren are all in good health and all living in Melbourne right now. Life is pretty good.

Bob Lyon emailing from his home in Fiji sends thanks for the birthday wishes. When Bob retired, he didn’t intend to be still working at this age, but you can’t play golf every day and the boards that he is on keep him on the ball, particularly their new solar company, Sunergise, now in five countries. Still, Bob and wife Helen managed to fit in a bit of travel and have just returned from three weeks in Hawaii. It has been a good summer in Fiji but very hot and while they have been lucky so far, a cyclone is predicted to be just off the coast in early February. Bob and Helen are off to the Ashes again this year, bookended with a trip to Ireland and a Danube river cruise. They get back to Australia three or four times a year, mainly to catch up with Bob’s father Gordon 93 who is also an ANZROC member. It was good to catch up with everyone at the Christmas lunch and he hopes to be there again this year.

Zelda Martin passes on to Kathy her grateful thanks for her Birthday card, received as usual right on the day. What surprises Zelda most is that the other cards manage to arrive a day early or a day late, but Kathy inevitably hits the right date. This year, Zelda’s mobility has been reduced

somewhat due to increasing problems with arthritis and lymph oedema to the extent that travel was confined to shorter trips around Victoria. Playing tourist in one's home state is an interesting experience; it is quite fun finding out what is actually available. She is very glad that, in previous years, she travelled widely both within Australia and overseas.

Noel Matthews emails that it is so good to receive these greetings after a year in which noticeable gaps started emerging in the ranks of friends and relatives. Personally Noel is going well health-wise and in various musical pursuits - writing and teaching, but not doing enough playing. He feels there is still lots to learn and is looking forward to a better 2015.

Kevin May emailing from Paradise Gardens Qsld sends his thanks to Kathy Trace, on cue as always for his birthday card .A fairly familiar year for Kevin and his wife in 2014, with autumn in Hawaii and Christmas in good old Melbourne. Still no place quite like home on the Gold Coast, except the humidity is stifling in February.

Wal McGillivray writes to thank President Peter and members for the kind birthday wishes for his 92nd and Kathy Trace excelled again with the card arriving on the day. Wal also thanks members for the Christmas Card and he has already thanked Neville Pearson in person for this kind gesture for the over 90’s.Wal smiled when he read John Hobbs’s mention of his father being required to guarantee him against defalcation. When Wal joined the Bank of Australasia in 1941 his father also signed as guarantor. Wal was on 3 years probation and had to pay 10 pounds for a Fidelity Insurance bond payable at 2pounds10shillings quarterly. Wal joined the armed forces after paying one instalment and 6 years later when he rejoined the bank after only 2 weeks he received a debit for the outstanding amount. Talking about how things change when Wal was transferred to Foster in 1948 there was an attractive redhead working on the ledgers. When they announce their engagement in 1948 his fiancée Lorna was immediately asked to resign. Wal enjoyed the Christmas luncheon again although there were many familiar faces missing. May it long continue that we can catch up with old friends?

Jock McGregor emails his thanks to ANZROC, with special thanks to Kathy for his Birthday Card. Another year has gone and it seems that in retirement he is getting busier!

Bruce Michell emails his many thanks to Kathy for the birthday greetings as he always appreciates being remembered.

Peter Nyga reports that his South Island, New Zealand trip last October / November was a resounding success. Peter and partner, June, hired a small campervan and toured all over the South Island for 21 days. Their route was anti-clockwise around the island from Christchurch to Christchurch. The campervan was perfect for their frequent stopping, taking yet another photo of a stunning vista, lifestyle. Peter has frequently been asked, "What was the highlight of the trip?" Peter's response is always, "Anywhere where I could see snow-capped mountains - which are in a lot of places on the South Island." Both Peter and June enjoy landscape photography. And what's next? North Island beckons.

John Quirk wishes to thank ANZROC for the birthday card for birthday number 66. As usual it demonstrates a sterling effort by Kathy Trace. On a sad note, John’s father ANZROC member Ray Quirk (92) has been assessed following his stroke and will be placed in Aged Care in the near future. He will continue to enjoy the best available medical support and that of his family. John said that after reading John Hobbs comments in the last Newsletter he asked Ray if he knew of any other surviving Bank of Australasia staff. His memory is obviously still good. Ray told him that both Ron Cashin and Norm Dibbin were “A’asia” staff members. Ray worked with Ron in the ANZ Staff Dept in the early 1950s and with Norm when he opened 594 St.Kilda Road in 1962. So that’s three that we know of with Ray being the oldest of them. Ray joined the Bank of Australasia in 1940 just prior to heading off to WW2. John would be interested to know if there are any other surviving members of the Bank of Australasia staff.

John Stevens Past President and Life member emails his thanks for the birthday greetings he received .John says if he was a cricketer with the score he is on he would be pretty well set.

Sandra Street emails thanks to the ANZROC committee and Kathy Trace in particular for the birthday good wishes. The card arrived right on the dot for her "significant" birthday which is no mean feat these days. Sandra is grateful to be remembered in this manner as she is sure everyone else is too. She was having a bit of a clean-out at home recently and came across some cards from significant birthdays past which brought back some fond memories of people and days gone by in the bank. It's a great family.

Neville Taylor sends his thanks to all at the ANZROC Club for the seasons greeting and for the birthday card for the occasion of his 94th birthday. The work and time involved by all is appreciated each year.

Athol Watkins writing from Clifton Springs on his 78th says thanks to Kathy Trace for reminding him another year has passed, luckily a healthy one. Athol enjoys reading about the travel exploits of familiar names and he and his wife drove to Cairns in 2014 to enjoy the warmth over winter. They have now booked a cruise from Singapore to Tokyo in April which will be nice after quite a busy bowls season.

Eric Williams writing from Warrnambool sends his thanks for the very welcome Christmas card he received from ANZROC Committee members Neville Pearson, Joan Nathan and Kathy Trace. Eric is 94 and says he is fortunately in good health.

Keith Winckles emailed to say thanks for the birthday wishes. The past year Keith has been fairly inactive getting over a knee replacement but is hoping to be a lot more active this year.

Theo Yardley emails his thanks to President Peter, the Committee and Members for birthday wishes from the Victorian Club. Theo’s wife Pat's inability to travel confines them to Sydney so the whole family gathered there for Christmas and most were able to stay on for the birthday - a happy coincidence of events. Best wishes to all.

Lloyd Zegenhagen emailed his thanks to Kathy for her special wishes for his 91st birthday.

The family all had a very good time, with their two daughters returning from overseas for the event, and also numerous family members and friends from interstate as well as Victoria.

A good venue was chosen at a winery in the Yarra Valley, and it was a perfect day. No overseas holidays this year, but they were content with several interstate and local holidays. It is time to do some planning of a more extensive nature which they hope to do in the near future.

AND Roger Brown, Bill and Judy Davies, Bob English, Max Fisher, Richard Ham, Neville Harvey, John Hawkins, Andy Herd, Geoff Horton, Bill Lanigan, Ian McRobinson, Ian Manley, Noelene Noonan, David Phelps, Ron Pidcock, Alex Pigdon, Bevyn Ranford, Julie O’Regan, Sudipto Pal, Dick Sanders, Ken Swan, Glenda White , Sheila Wylie, John York

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

RECOLLECTIONS OF FUN TIMES IN THE BANK

Gary Mason has been collecting humorous stories which happened over the years and will have a book published if sufficient entries can be obtained.

If anyone has a story or two they are prepared to share openly (with names included if no privacy concerns exist) would they please contact him direct on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (03) 9571 9575

Descriptive stories would enable other staff to appreciate the event.

If publication eventuates, the booklet will be made available at a nominal price.

WEBSITE

The ANZROC web-site has now had over 90,000 hits and the ANZROC Facebook page has attracted 145 'likes'.

For Members who are not on Facebook themselves you might want to mention the ANZ Retired Officers' Club page to family and friends who could be interested in seeing some of the posts there especially recent photos. The photos from this week's lunch at Greensborough have already reached over 450 people. If anyone wishes to add relevant photos or articles related to ANZ onto the Facebook page they are welcome to do so.

MANSFIELD TRIP 2015

ANZ RETIRED OFFICERS CLUB GETAWAY 23rd/24th FEBRUARY 2015 ALZBERG Resort

The annual get together is open to all members/ partners and singles.24 members and partners will be there in force so if you would like to join them contact Kevin Mitchell on 9807.6201 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

PROGRAM SCHEDULE FOR 2015….

We have changed the schedule for June and July to meet the requirements of members and the June meeting will now be held at 100 Queen Street and the July meeting switched to Mulgrave Country Club….

June Meeting: 11th June 100 Queen Street

July Meeting: 9th July Mulgrave Country Club

FAMILY RESEARCH…..

Roy Davenport has contacted Gary Mason to see if ANZROC can help him with his family history searches. He recently discovered links with family of the name of Westerman. Ironically he traced our late ANZROC member Trevor Arthur Westerman who passed away on 3/1/2013 2013 aged 92. . Trevor was an ES&A Manager from 1959 until retirement when he retired to Frankston in the late 70’s. Roy would like to get in touch with anyone that may have worked with Trevor or is aware of contact details of any of Trevor's family members.

Roy’s contact details are at his email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NEXT MEETING

Thursday 12th MARCH 2015 will be held in the MELBOURNE ROOM ON 34TH FLOOR ANZ 100 QUEEN STREET at 12 NOON

Our Guest Speaker will be Gerry Cross who is a Provider of Professional Services to the Forest Industry Trading as VDFC Van Diemen Forestry Consultants and has a wide knowledge of the issues in the industry including an insight on the Tasmanian industry. Gerry will also have some knowledge of the forestry investment schemes that have cost many Australian retirees a large part of their superannuation.

Carers accompanying members are welcome to attend this meetings of ANZROC .

If you intend to come to this meeting will you let Ron Adams know by Phone 98210444 /0408136100 , e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by mail on the attached acceptance notice to Ron Adams PO Box 579, Malvern, 3144 by Friday 6th March 2015 to meet ANZ catering requirements and so that a list of attendees can be provided to the ANZ Reception Desk.

A reminder that the luncheon fee of $10.00 will be collected at the door to partially cover the cost of catering

Ron Adams

Newsletter Editor.

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ACCEPTANCE THURSDAY LUNCHEON 12th MARCH 2015 FROM 12 NOON MELBOURNE ROOM 34TH FLOOR ANZ HEAD OFFICE 100 QUEEN STREET

To RON ADAMS

PO BOX 579, MALVERN, VIC 3144 Phone 9821 0444 / 0408136100 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I/we will be attending the Luncheon function

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