ANZ Retired Officers' Club (VIC)

NEWSLETTER 17th MARCH 2011

ST PATRICKS DAY LUNCHEON MEETING 17TH MARCH 2011

A CENTURY AT LAST

101 ANZROC Members and partners attended a most enjoyable St Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Maroondah Club on 17 March. This event is fast becoming a tradition and members and partners relished the opportunity to catch up with workmates and their partners from years gone by

The combination of members and partners created a great party atmosphere and the green serviettes and green attire worn by many in attendance, added to the Irish theme. The Club generously donated bottles of wine to the members to supplement the ROC wine contribution of $200

President Neville Pearson in green Guinness Irish hat warmly welcomed everyone and advised that apologies had been received from:

Graeme Ainscough, , John and Pat Bloom ,Geoff Burton, Geoff Christensen, Col and Ethel Edwards, Lawrie Foord, Norris Gale(in Cambodia),, Ray Gill, Frank and Joan Hatfield ,Keith Higgs, Bruce and Audrey Kells, Geoff Meggs, Joan Nathan, Leigh and Pat O’Neill, Don Taylor, Paul Tovey, Eamon Veaney, Bill Walker, Julie Wilkins,

Neville thanked Lyn and Les Stevens for the work they put into organizing the event with the Maroondah club and for our Social Subcommittee member David Knuckey and wife Glen for their help and support.  Special mention was also made of the support the Maroondah Club management and staff had given and for the catering staff in particular, who were so obliging and professional in ensuring the occasion was such a success

With the formal part of the luncheon over, our resident Leprechaun (Kevin Mitchell) entertained the assembly with a wide rendition of Irish stories (all true I am told) much to the merriment of all in attendance. When yours truly departed from the club, several of our members were endeavoring to empty the pokies, with some success I hope

Members not seen for a while included Wendy Bradley, Roger Brown, Jock Buntain, John Flyger, Barbara Gardiner, David Gibb, John Goodwin, Hedley Ham, Jack Helisma, Doug Imrie, Colin McNamara, Roy Peake, Tom Portelli, John Sanderson, Allen Thorp, David Schunke, Evon Whalen, Glenda White, Roy Willoughby and David Woods.

BEREAVEMENTS

Craddock        L.C. (Lindsay)                        24/2/2011                    87 years

Lindsay enlisted in the Australian Army in December 1941 at Geelong and was discharged in September 1942 as a Private in the 32nd Battalion. The very next day he enlisted I the RAAF where he served until April 1946 and had been promoted to Flight Lieutenant in the 34th Squadron. In his retirement Lindsay was very interested in choral singing and sang in several choirs. John Duke and Andy Herd represented ANZROC at the Remembrance Service.

Esdale             K.A. (Keith)                16/2/2011                    90 years

Keith enlisted in the Australian Army in June 1940 in Rockhampton and on discharge in October 1945 he had been promoted to Lieutenant 2/1 Motor Ambulance Convoy. A strong representation from ANZROC committee and members was at the Remembrance Service.

Members stood for a few moments in remembrance of Lindsay and Keith and our sympathies are extended to family and friends.

 

HONORARY BIRTHDAYS

The following Honorary members will be enjoying a birthday during March and we pass on congratulations from our members for your birthdays:

Lindsay Baglin (82), John Baird (86), Kevin Cleary (80), Bob Delahoy (82), John Duggan (104), John Holberton (88), Laurie Holland (91), Ron Horne (86), Bill Manning (80), Tony Middleton (80), Ray Perry (82), Ron Pitt (88), Charles Rennie (98), Jim Riddell (88), Kevin Sheather (86), Arthur Sheers (83), Reg Smith (88).

INTEREST RATES

From 1/3/2011                         less than $20,000         3.07%

greater than $20,000    3.94%

LETTERS

John Baird writing from Geelong on his 86th sends thanks for the birthday wishes and says he hopes to scratch up some news by next March but he enjoys reading the newsletter.

John Bloom and wife Pat report that their trip to Lyon for a family wedding and to Lubeck to catch up with their sons in-laws passed quickly and was most enjoyable. As well, they thought they would fly via Beijing and perhaps take a walk along the Great Wall. So with Visas organised off they went but the return to Europe of volcanic ash threw their travel plans into chaos and as they had landed in Beijing, due to the disruptions, the subsequent re- entry to Beijing was rejected and they were not allowed to stay. They feel they may have flown over the Wall and will now enjoy the views on Chinese documentaries. The family has grown with three new grandchildren born during the year making six granddaughters and one grandson all under six which keeps them very busy and another granddaughter is due in April.

Bob Delahoy writes from Inverloch on his 82nd that he greatly appreciated receiving the birthday card with a personal note from John Vanselow. Bob and wife Judy travelled on an organised tour along the west coast from Darwin to Perth with the highlight being a flight over and hiking through the Bungle Bungle Ranges. The gorges and rivers and many towns they visited made the trip a memorable experience. During September their fourth granddaughter arrived and is giving Bob and Judy a lot of enjoyment. Bob has also been busy travelling around South Gippsland playing bowls so in all they have had a busy and fruitful year.

Phil Dunstan emailing says it is always good to receive the Newsletter and he very much enjoys reading of the activities of the many former work colleagues. Phil is continuing to enjoy his retirement activities doing woodworking (Treasurer of the local Club), part time chauffeuring which keeps him in touch with people from around the world, and visits to Brisbane and Bendigo to keep in touch with children and grandchildren. Phil’s passion for classic sporting cars continues and active involvement in the Mercedes Benz Club of Vic. provides a good platform to satisfy this need.

Peter Harney emailing from Ballarat says he enjoys reading the monthly newsletter. He is currently home recovering from a bout of surgery but with wife Kay they continue to operate their carpet cleaning business which has been going for almost 18 years since leaving ANZ. Peter and Kay are off to Scotland in June for son Christopher's wedding and are looking forward to the break, including a tour of Ireland and a trip on the Glacial Express.

Graham Joseph reports that wife Lyn has recently arrived home after a long spell in hospital but she still has a fair way to go to get back to really good health.

Bob Kirkland writing on his 88th says he is now finding it hard to locate anyone mentioned in the Newsletter that he was associated with during his career. Bob lost his wife Mae who passed away in November after 61 years together and Bob feels that she would be remembered by many members as she had plenty of entertaining to do when he was a manager in Fiji. He had to smile when he saw in the last Newsletter that his old school mate Paul Kitchin was still following him in alphabetical order on the birthday list as he did at school in 1937.The late Ern Thomas sat in front of Bob at school with Paul sitting behind him. On leaving school Ern and Bob joined the Bank of Australasia and Paul the E.S. &A. They caught up again at merger and here they are again still together after 73 years.

Bob Lyon and wife Helen arrived home after two weeks in Hawaii followed by a business trip to Canberra and a week or so in Melbourne catching up on some medical issues to find his ANZROC birthday card signed by John Vanselow waiting. He bumped into Eamon Veaney in a pub while in Melbourne. Back in Fiji Bob is ready for a bit of work and hopefully a few rounds of golf. He has been appointed Chairman of the Fiji Development Bank, a fair challenge and has had Garry Tunstall, recently retired from ANZ, over to help out with a study of the bank. He was asked by the Reserve bank of Fiji to step down from the advisory board role with ANZ Fiji. Bob’s main interest is his role as Chairman with the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC) following former ANZ director Brian Scott .With offices in Brisbane, Singapore and Suva, it keeps him busy. Among many things that FDC does to help improve the lives of poor people throughout the region, is running  an organization called Banking with the Poor (BWTP) for the past  20 years and it serves about 50 million people mostly in South Asia. Perhaps if he can coordinate a visit to Melbourne at the same time as a Retired Officers function it might be a subject that members are interested in.

Bill Manning writing from Mount Martha on his 80th says he celebrated the big day with family at Manningham Golf Club and for the record he has been retired for 24 years.

Hugh Miles writes thanks for the birthday card on his 81st and John Vanselow’s personal note was greatly appreciated. Hugh says while his travelling days are now over he enjoys reading about the exploits of members who are travelling overseas. At times he feels he is the only one left in Australia.

Ron Pitt writes on his 88th that 2010 was a good year for him. Ron visited the UK for the ninth time since retiring and the highlights were visiting London, Derbyshire and Cambridge and his old Bomber Squadron 514 at Waterbeach.

David Robinson emails from Battery Point Tasmania that he received his 17th card since retirement.

Norm Ross writing on his 90th says this year he was treated to two celebrations. Firstly travelling with his wife and son to Hobart a few days before the big day to party with his younger daughter and family and then the travellers returned to Melbourne to celebrate with his elder daughter and family. Norm says he and his wife keep reasonably good health although the years certainly slow one up and it seems ages since they both worked at 394 Collins Street (1946/47).

Mavis Ryan writing from Belmont sends her thanks for the birthday card and particularly the kind message from John Vanselow.

Joan Sadler said the family appreciated the large number of ANZROC members that attended the late Alf Sadler’s funeral service.

Dick Sanders emails his thanks to the club for the birthday card. He was in Bright for three days but the greetings were at home awaiting his return. Bright was lovely, not many people this time of year. The Ovens River was flowing swiftly and notices about NO SWIMMING as there must be all sorts of debris in the river, evidenced by a largish tree trunk jammed under the weir.

Bruce Scott writes his appreciation for the kind wishes for his 85th which he celebrated in style with wife Mary. Bruce says a few creaks and groans but otherwise going along fairly well.

Athol Watkins writing from Clifton Springs says thanks for the birthday wishes. Athol and his wife were lucky enough to get away for the annual holiday break in winter, heading north through Bourke, Longreach, Normanton and called on friends at Karumba on the Gulf. They then travelled across to Cairns where they spent 3 weeks R&R. Then home to watch the AFL Grand Final which went the right way. It’s great to read in the newsletters about so many of his old workmates still enjoying life.

Brian Wrigley emailing thanks for the birthday card says he and wife Jan are keeping well with eight grandchildren keeping them on their toes. When Brian’s not in his role as "Pa" he’s busy with Legacy at the national level and walking “would be detector dogs” for the Dept of Customs and Border Protection.

 

And Tom Bloodworth, Len Donohue, Len Chitty, Jeff Clarkin,  Max Colwell, Ian Crothers, John Duguid, Joan Dusting, George Finniss, Stan Goulding, Doug Grant, Andy Herd, Bruce Iddles, Bill Jackson, Rodney Manser, Bob Maughan, Sudipto Pal,  Jill Paterson, Anthea Santos, Sandra Street, Warren Taylor, Wayne Taylor, Paul Tovey, John Turnbull, Maurice Wells.

ANZROC QSLD, NSW, SA, TAS, WA

MATTERS OF INTEREST

 

TWITTER FROM THE BIRD

Website: www.anzroc.com.au

Eamon Veaney has done a wonderful job in getting the ANZROC website up and running and in doing so, has provided us with a wonderful medium for obtaining information relative to our club. This includes information on future and recent events including photos, members’ illnesses, or sadly bereavements, the Newsletter, Constitution, Committee members and contact numbers, and the list goes on.

We encourage members with computer facilities to make use of it and I am sure any feedback to our secretary Ron Adams would be most welcome

ANZ Bank Football Club Past Players Day *   4th June 2011:

Whilst the name may have changed, the memory and tradition is preserved in the name of Albert Park Amateur Football Club. The Club has a sprinkling of present day staff playing and a happy band of retired officer supporters.  ANZ Premiership Flags, photos and trophies grace the clubrooms which are located at the Beaurepaire Pavilion Oval 20 Albert Park. Past Players, would be supporters, or anyone who would like to see how far amateur football has progressed over recent years is most welcome to attend. The Club is playing VAFA Grade 3 Division 3.

The Annual ANZ Bank Football Club Past Players Day will be held at Oval 20 Albert Park on Saturday 4th June when the team fronts up against old arch rivals Elsternwick. This game will be a high quality exciting match followed by drinks and nibbles after the game in the Beaurepaire Pavilion.  Hope to see you there, reserves midday and seniors around 2.00pm.

Note: Past ANZFC champion Rod Halcombe and wife Margie visited Melbourne on 9th Feb from WA to share his 70th Birthday celebration with past players at the RACV Club. Rod particularly asked to pass on his best wishes to all past players of the 60s. Rod was renowned for his fearless play and a habit of turning up to football in a dinner suit, following a night out on the town!!

Past ANZ banker and ANZFC player Bill “Black Harry” Hickford, who last December was attacked in his home by an assailant and stabbed 15 times, has written to me asking me to thank everyone for their support and concern and that he is on the improve and now back at work

ANZ ROC GETAWAY TO MANSFIELD FROM 21ST TO 23RD FEBRUARY

25 intrepid travelers arrived at Alzburg Lodge in sunny Mansfield for three days of merriment and golf.

The Monday night BBQ around the pool was a wonderful starter to the golfing tournament. The 12 golfing enthusiasts among the group arrived, in slightly second hand condition, at the beautifully lush green Mansfield course next morning, eagerly awaiting the days challenge. At the end of four hours of grueling golf in perfect weather, Pam Hocking and Lesley Cook emerged as winner and runner up respectively of the ladies event with scores Karrie Webb would be proud of. The men’s event saw Gordon Paulett hang on in a nail biting finish to win the coveted trophy (two golf balls) from Geoff Cook.  The shots described at the 19th hole over post match drinks would have had Tiger Woods drooling in disbelief.

The Tuesday night function is always a wonderful evening, with food and drink of a particularly high standard. (In the interests of professional journalism, yours truly tasted every item displayed in the buffet as well as the sweets)

Eating gave way to dancing and the presentation of best Australian Icon, dress up award. It was obvious to all, that Ginger Meggs (Kevin Mitchell), Sadie (Sonia Paulett) and Clown (John) Brown were the front runners, however I am embarrassed and ashamed, to say that a little bit of graft and corruption to the impartial and delightful waitress judges, (and luck as they were fanatical Lleyton Hewitt fans and even knew it was his birthday that week) saw our President Neville Pearson snatch the extravaganza award (bag of lollies)

The annual Trivia competition is always a highlight of the Tuesday function with John Brown’s table winning the competition for the second year in a row. Kevin “Ginger Meggs” Mitchell is to be congratulated for the fun and spirit generated in his running of this popular event

The holiday was nicely rounded off on the return journey, by a visit and lunch at Marysville, which is looking beautiful once more after such bush fire tragedy

A special thanks to Kevin Mitchell, John Brown and David Woods for organising such an enjoyable and highly recommended event to golfer and non golfer alike.

We eagerly look forward to next year.

A SELECTION OF PHOTOS HAVE BEEN LOADED ONTO THE ANZROC WEBSITE PHOTO GALLERY

Neville (Birdie) Pearson

NEW ZEALAND EARTHQUAKE

Following the horrific earthquake in Christchurch we sent a message of support to our New Zealand colleagues in Christchurch on behalf of the members of ANZROC Vic.

 

COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS REGARDING BUDGET……

Five members wrote and expressed their concern about the death notices only being printed in the Herald Sun and put on the ANZROC web site. The costs are quite expensive for these notices so we have subsequently organised an email list for those that read the Age and will send out a note automatically when advised of a bereavement. The members that wrote were satisfied with that arrangement so if you want to have your name added to the electronic list send the details of your email address to Ron Adams This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

 

HEALTH AND WELFARE

NIB HEALTHCARE:

NIB has extended the discount to widows/widowers of retired ANZ employees under the ANZROC plan.  This is applicable as long as they were ANZROC members at that point in time.  Should an ANZROC member be with another health fund and the widow/widower decides to transfer to nib, again as long as they are ANZROC members, nib will extend the same courtesy.

In summation, for all ANZROC members nib will extend the discount to widows/widowers;

  • For all current nib policy holders who are “paid” members of ANZROC
  • For all “paid” members of ANZROC who decide to transfer their cover to nib from another heath fund.

To get more information about the ANZROC Health Plan nib has provided us with the following points of contact:

 

  • Nib Customer Care – phone 1800 13 14 63 (and use option 3).
  • Email – you can email any questions you have to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Visit the nib website at www.anzroc nib.com.au .  Nib Customer Care consultants will give you a detailed quote on the cover that best suits you.

NOTE: Don’t forget to tell nib that you are an ANZROC member

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

 

2011 Autumn Golf Day will be held at the challenging Spring Valley sand belt course in Clayton on Monday 9 May 2011. Entry form attached to this newsletter.

 

Visit 833 Collins Street Thursday 9th June2011 for lunch and tour of building. Restricted to 80 members and advices will be in April newsletter…. we have 11 names already and let Ron Adams know if you are interested. Full details and costs will be included in the April Newsletter.

 

Peter Marriott CFO ANZ speaking Thursday  14th July2011 /34th Floor ANZ 100 Queen Street

 

Claire Hausler Head of Estate Planning ANZ Trustees speaking on Thursday 11th August/ 34th Floor ANZ 100 Queen Street

 

NEXT MEETING

THURSDAY 14th APRIL  ANZAC REMEMBRANCE MEETING IN MELBOURNE ROOM ON 34TH FLOOR ANZ HEAD OFFICE 100 QUEEN STREET at 12 NOON

This is the annual ANZAC Remembrance meeting and Kevin Mitchell has been able to arrange for Major General David J McLachlan, President of the Victorian Branch of RSL to speak to members . This meeting will be very interesting and who better than the Victorian President of RSL to talk to us on “The Spirit of ANZAC” and we look forward to seeing many of our people at the meeting.

Medals may be worn at this meeting.

Will you let Ron Adams   know by Friday 8th April 2011(morning)  by e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , phone ( 9821 0444) or return the attached notice to PO Box 579 Malvern, Vic 3144  so we can advise ANZ Catering and ANZ Security Desk the names  of members attending.

Ron Adams

Secretary

ACCEPTANCE THURSDAY LUNCHEON 14TH APRIL 2011  FROM 12 NOON   MELBOURNE ROOM    34TH FLOOR ANZ HEAD OFFICE 100 QUEEN STREET

To Ron Adams I/we will be attending the Luncheon function

PO Box 579 on 14th April 2011 commencing at 12 noon

Malvern, Vic 3144.

Phone 9821 0444        or       email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NAMES:……………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Autumn Golf Day

For members of ANZROC and their partners

Monday 9 May 2011

SPRING VALLEY GOLF CLUB

Entry from Heatherton Rd. Clayton South (Melways 79 E 10 )

 

THE HIDDEN JEWEL OF THE SANDBELT!

Spring Valley Golf Club is rated in the top ten courses in Victoria and hosted the 2011 Victorian Open Golf Championship

Men’s & Ladies Stableford Competitions

Players without a current registered or Social Club Handicap are most welcome and will be given a handicap for the day.

 

Entry Fee - $65.00 per person (Members of Spring Valley Golf Club $5.00)

(Covers Green Fees and Trophies)

 

Lunch and Drinks- Menu Lunch or standard bar food and drinks will be available at normal club prices.

 

Entries close - Monday 2 May 2011 (Early entry helps us with the arrangements)

 

Hit-off from 8.00am (Check in by 7.30 am to get card & draw)

Enquiries to:                         John Brown (03) 9802 1810

Cut off here

Spring Valley Golf Day– Monday 9 May 2011

 

ENTRY FORM (please copy/amend this form if you are entering more than two people)

 

Your Contact details: Name ……………………………

 

Entries Close – Monday 2 May 2011

Email address………………………………….and  Phone No………………..

 

Entrant 1                                                         Entrant 2

 

Name…………………………Hcp………….      Name…………………….……Hcp………….

 

Total number of entries. …………@ $65      =              $……………

 

Please forward entries and cheques payable to ANZROC for the total cost

 

To: -       John Brown Important

PO Box 4056 Please lodge entries as early as possible

BURWOOD EAST VIC 3151