Weekly News 2018

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 30 December 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Happy New Year everybody, hope you are all having fun and wish you all have a fabulous time with your families.

It is my great pleasure to tell you the 63 EXJR of the year for 2018 is Mike Hogan. Mike has been a major event co-ordinator when he organized the successful Sydney reunion in 2013. He has also been a staunch supporter of our group in general terms, additionally he has spoken as the lead in several of our Dedication Plaque ceremonies, on one occasion he was given 10 minutes notice. I thank Mike for all his past contributions. All past recipients of the award were asked to contribute in this vote.

It is my opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to our Weekly News in 2018. Without your contributions this little dit could not function, I appreciate all the encouragement and correspondence received from those within and without our group. I have a lot of fun publishing it and keeping in contact with you and your mates.

The anniversary of the MELBOURNE/VOYAGER collision occurs on 10 February in Huskisson. As you know we attend this memorial ceremony each year. Mike and Jean Shepherd have indicated they will be there. I will be also. Doug and Trish Wilson will not be able to make it this year.

Real happy with the interest in the pics, have had Schubes, Rob Cavanagh, Jane Mann and Larry Kent comment on a group photo.
Schubes has a better memory of faces than I. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Was in contact with a Naval Association sub-branch in Victoria during the week, they had drawn a cheque to pay for Greg Henderson-Smith’s Dedication Plaque at GI Chapel. Just goes to show what a genuine and popular bloke he was.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of Karl’s Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Spook has indicated he will run with the Eulogy. Nev Barry wishes to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

We have some more starters for Darwin next year’s ‘Wake”, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Nev Barry and hopefully Kathy Sheavils, Kathy wants to know if there are any other widow’s attending. The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. Looking at the names, it appears only the surnames commencing with A-H are only receiving my emails, there is an R then W’s. Is there something in a name. Please let me know if you are a starter.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Missy Miscamble is addressing the Hagus onboard the Sea Princess. Have a look and enjoy the memories. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Des Honess
Mal Ritchie
Ken Railton
Doug Wilson
Schubes on Pics
Larry Kent
Friday night dance pics
Mystery Boats
First World War – Beyond the Western Front
Joke

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 23 December 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rum, does it really go like that at this time of year!! Merry Christmas everybody, hope you all have a fabulous time with your families.

We name our ’63 JR of the year next week’. Watch this space. There have been several candidates who have contributed greatly over the years to keep our little group active. All previous recipients contribute to the vote.

Was in contact with a Naval Association sub-branch in Victoria during the week, they had drawn a cheque to pay for Greg Henderson-Smith’s Dedication Plaque at GI Chapel. Just goes to show what a genuine and popular bloke he was.

Roger Collins has helped with the pics. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of Karl’s Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Spook has indicated he will run with the Eulogy. Nev Barry wishes to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

We have some more starters for Darwin next year’s ‘Wake”, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Nev Barry and hopefully Kathy Sheavils, Kathy wants to know if there are any other widow’s attending. The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. Looking at the names, it appears only the surnames commencing with A-H are only receiving my emails, there is an R then W’s. Is there something in a name. Please let me know if you are a starter.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Missy Miscamble is addressing the Hagus onboard the Sea Princess. Have a look and enjoy the memories. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Tom Houldsworth
Chris Jamieson
Roger Collins
Who is going to Darwin 2019
Friday night dance pics
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 16 December 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. 9 days before Santa arrives and my wife Bev remarked this time last year we had 40 Christmas cards, this year 5, sign of the times, emails and social media make it so easy today to send personal messages quickly and cheaply. Makes sense.

Had an enjoyable yarn with Gordon Stringer during the week, he is living in Port Pirie attacking the bowling greens and doing pretty well. He gtells me he has also had a yarn with Peter McMillan who is one of our group who also lives in Port Pirie.

Back to being a ‘cricket tragic’ and lounge lizard, I admit I know very little about the game but it gets me in. Just hoping the Aussies can win this test in Perth and the series.

Jim Bush has responded with to the article on ‘widow’s entitlement to the gold card’. Jim worked with DVA for a lot years. Jeff Wake who has been an Advocate for many years, has responded to an article in the West Australian newspaper on a revamp of DVA. Both articles are interesting reading.

Greg Williams has filled in some names on the pics. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of Karl’s Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Spook has indicated he will run with the Eulogy. Nev Barry wishes to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. Kathy Sheavil’s wants to go but wants to know whether there are any other widow’s attending. Please let me know if you are a starter.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Luba and Missy Miscamble are afloat on the Sea Princess, dressing up for a dinner function. Have a look and enjoy the memories. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
David Lowe
Ross Muller
Jim Bush
Jeff Wake
Greg Williams
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 9 December 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Welcome to summer, we’ll it has happened in Sydney. School holidays less than two weeks away and Christmas just over a fortnight away. Life’s great. Hope you are all enjoying your Christmas parties.

Was reading an article today from “Camaraderie” about ‘widow’s entitlement to the gold card’. The information I read indicates the member needs to have a ‘TPI’ or and ‘EDA’ entitlement for the spouse to receive the gold card. The author encouraged all members to promote their case to become entitled to either of these categories to ensure your wife’s entitlement.

Have had no response to the EXJR ‘test piece’. Does anybody have any proposals where it could be displayed publicly. The Tingira Association perhaps? South Bank with the DIAMANTINA? CERBERUS or GI Museum’s?.........

Schubes helped me out last week on the pics. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of Karl’s Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Spook has indicated he will run with the Eulogy. Nev Barry wishes to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. Kathy Sheavil’s wants to go but wants to know whether there are any other widow’s attending. Please let me know if you are a starter.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Di Thomas presenting her quilt to the President of the Marion RSL Bowling Club and also a pic of the group who attended the Centenary Remembrance Day ceremony at the AMM at Darling Harbour. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
James Carroll
Mal Ritchie
Rocky Freir
DFRDB Petition
Call the Hands
Pics (Tell me who they are)
Naval Historical Society
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 2 December 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Hope all is well and you are preparing for the Festive season. I mean training for the festive season. Very pleasant activity.

Spoke to Sandy Powell this afternoon. He is travelling pretty well.

You are all aware that a group of EXJR’s led by Ken Dobbie provided a Memorial to all JR’s at Leeuwin Barracks in 2010. When the project wound down, Ken was given a granite ‘test piece’. Ken and I discussed it’s disposal and proposed it be given to the Command Chaplain for insertion into the GI Chapel. For lots of reasons this is not going to happen. We now have this test piece of granite with a LEEUWIN crest for disposal. Does anybody have any proposals where it could be displayed publicly. The Tingira Association perhaps? South Bank with the DIAMANTINA? CERBERUS or GI Museum’s?.........

Last week’s article asking you to provide a bio has had a sensational response. I am going to put out a template to assist me in publishing them. Watch this space.

No comments last week on the pics, thought somebody may have recognized somebody. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of Karl’s Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Spook has indicated he will run with the Eulogy. Nev Barry wishes to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. Kathy Sheavil’s wants to go but wants to know whether there are any other widow’s attending. Please let me know if you are a starter.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Di Thomas presenting her quilt to the President of the Marion RSL Bowling Club and also a pic of the group who attended the Centenary Remembrance Day ceremony at the AMM at Darling Harbour. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
DFRDB
Tinian Island
Pics (Tell me who they are)
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 25 November 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Did have one response for our lost souls, Nev Barry is trying to locate Selwyn Trott. Nobody has said anything about John Stephens or Bruce Oliver. As I mentioned last week they have recently dropped off the radar.

Ken Railton has commented on bio’s for our group. We have so many of our group, who have had interesting and rewarding lives whilst serving and after paying off. Put a bit of spice if you like, you have a licence, just put pen to paper and tell your mates what you did.

No comments last week on the pics, thought somebody may have recognized somebody. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of Karl’s Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Spook has indicated he will run with the Eulogy. Nev Barry wishes to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. Kathy Sheavil’s wants to go but wants to know whether there are any other widow’s attending. Please let me know if you are a starter.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Di Thomas presenting her quilt to the President of the Marion RSL Bowling Club and also a pic of the group who attended the Centenary Remembrance Day ceremony at the AMM at Darling Harbour. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Ken Railton
Des Honess
John Tant
Mal Ritchie
Kathy Sheavils
Surfie Richards
Slater and Gordon
Australian Grown Frozen vegetables
Darby Ashton on ‘The APRA “bail-in” law’
Pics (Tell me who they are)
Jokes


Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 18 November 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Has anybody been in contact with John Stephens, Selwyn Trott or Bruce Oliver. They have recently dropped off the radar.

Its been a quiet week. There are some really interesting articles in the Attachment. Beersheba and Remembrance Day are certainly worth visiting.

I mentioned in the Attachment about an email trail I had with Dick Dorham, I made a mistake with the name, it was Des Honess who I was in contact with and who was the injured party as a consequence of the explosion.

I intend to continue with the pics from LEEUWIN on the Friday night bashes and sporting events. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s and Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Does anybody wish to speak on behalf of Hyphen. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Di Thomas presenting her quilt to the President of the Marion RSL Bowling Club and also a pic of the group who attended the Centenary Remembrance Day ceremony at the AMM at Darling Harbour. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
James Carroll
The Charge of the Light Horse at Beersheba
Remembrance Day
VAMPIRE final reunion
Jokes


Cheers

Ron















Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 11 November 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. Wally and Robyn Gawne, Tom and Val Houldsworth with their two sons, Trevor and David, Spook Cairns, Mike Hogan and myself attended the centenary Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum. The restored Krait to its 1943 configuration was berthed at the wharf where the ceremony was held. All the wreaths were placed in Krait. Was a great ceremony, on completion we had a morning tea in the AMM, then those of our group who wanted to were, were given a free tour of the museum by a volunteer guide who attended the service. Spook is aware there was a pic of Karl Slotboom on display. We couldn’t find it today as the displays have been altered.


On completion of the tour we moved over the road to the Pyrmont Bridge pub to have lunch and a drink.


When we were in the AMM I showed Tom and Spook a pic of Gordon Stringer and myself on MELBOURNE’s flightdeck when the ship returned to Sydney after the VOYAGER collision. We also were allowed onboard Kay Cottee’s yacht. The significance of this to me was I was on CANBERRA in 88 when we rendezvoused with Kay in the Tasman Sea during her solo circumnavigation of the world. Great to see inside the boat and check the configuration.


These are the words from Nev Thomas on FB in respect of his wife. ‘Di Thomas skills with quilting on show for all. Dianne Thomas (VP, Marion RSL Bowling Club) presented her Centenary of Armistice quilt today to the Marion RSL & Marion RSL Bowling Club. This beautiful quilt was accepted by the Marion RSL President, Trevor Chapman and greeted with much acclamation and bagpipe fanfare on this wonderful day of commemoration. Thank you Dianne for your exceptional efforts and wonderful artwork. It took many, many hours of work to achieve this art piece; long may it hang in our club rooms as a permanent reminder of this very significant, Centenary occasion.’


Des Honess mentioned the big flash fire we had in December 1963 at LEEUWIN. Who remembers it and who recalls the details. I think the majority of JR’s had proceeded on leave by train and only a handful who were flying were part of the cleanup party. Emails relating to the incident are in the Attachment.


I intend to continue with the pics from LEEUWIN on the Friday night bashes and sporting events. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.


Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service. I have made an application for a dedication plaque for Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith.


The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. A list of all who have contacted me re their status is attached.


Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.


If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Di Thomas presenting her quilt to the President of the Marion RSL Bowling Club and also a pic of the group who attended the Centenary Remembrance Day ceremony at the AMM at Darling Harbour. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.


Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays

Darwin Attendance 2019

Jokes



Cheers


Ron



Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 4 November 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Kev (Smouch) Smith is running with the Brisbane get together for the Centenary Armistice Day commemoration. If you intend going to the DIAMANTINA or the QPAC event contact Smouch on kevsemail@telstra.com or 0418 764 444. I spoke to Russ Loane, he indicated the Brisbane City Council have organized activities in place, which he believes the Navy Association people may be attending.

I intend to be at the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour with the NSW contingent meeting alongside VAMPIRE at approximately 1030 and sharing the service with the Commando Unit. Wally and Robyn Gawne, Tom and Val Houldsworth have indicated they will also be there.

Nev Thomas has also informed me there is a service being conducted at the Marion RSL Bowling Club on the day for those who are in Adelaide and wish to participate.

I caught up with Fred Howes during the week, initially with his yacht in Adelaide on Wednesday and then with his wife Sue, in Waneroo on Thursday. Fred’s mate Dave Scarce joined us as he was in the area and we did a tour and then had lunch. Great day.

There is a lot of reading in the Attachment this week. A win for all of us as the government is going to establish an Australian Veterans Covenant, a great poem, a pic of the ANZAC Bell plus heaps including the centenary celebrations and commemoration of the end of the First War as it comes to its conclusion.

I intend to continue with the pics from LEEUWIN on the Friday night bashes however, this week I have to miss out as the attachment is just under 3MB which is the limit for successful distribution. Thanks to all who are responding helping to put names to the pics. When I get the names sorted and some time I intend to send all the pics to those identified.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service. I have made an application for a dedication plaque for Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. A list of all who have contacted me re their status is attached. Apologise if I have missed someone, please let me know.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Nev and Di Thomas with their son Russ were with me at the Marion RSL Bowls Tuesday last. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Darwin Attendance 2019
DFRDB Petition
Recognising and Respecting our Veterans
The ANZAC Bell
Call the Hands
Christmas Lunch
HMAS ARMIDALE Reunion
HMAS GOORANGAI
Poem
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 28 October 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Kev (Smouch) Smith is running with the Brisbane get together for the Centenary Armistice Day commemoration. If you intend going to the DIAMINTINA or the QPAC event contact Smouch on kevsemail@telstra.com or 0418 764 444. I spoke to Russ Loane, he indicated the Brisbane City Council have organized activities in place, which he believes the Navy Association people may be attending. See attachment.

I intend to be at the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour hopefully with the NSW contingent meeting alongside VAMPIRE at approximately 1030 and sharing the service with the Commando Unit.

Nev Thomas has also informed me there is a service being conducted at the Marion Bowling Club on the day for those who are in Adelaide and wish to participate.

Had a call during the week from a bloke whose parents sponsored Jesse James and Les Barclay during their time at LEEUWIN. Have sent him Les’ and Jesse’s widow email address. I will be continuing with the pics from LEEUWIN on the Friday night bashes. Please let me know if you know the names.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service. I have made an application for a dedication plaque for Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. A list of all who have contacted me re their status is attached. Apologise if I have missed someone, please let me know.
Quite sad to see an end to an era of VAMPIRE Association reunions.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated. Nev and Di Thomas with their son Russ were with me at the Marion RSL Bowls Tuesday last. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
James Carroll is OS
Darwin Attendance 2019
ADF today
Pics of ‘Friday night dances at LEEUWIN in 63’
DFRDB
VAMPIRE Association final function
DUCHESS Reunion
Jokes

Cheers

Ron














Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 21 October 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. Kev (Smouch) Smith is running with the Brisbane get together for the Centenary Armistice Day commemoration. Will forward details as they come to hand. I spoke to Russ Loane, he indicated the Brisbane City Council have organized activities in place, which he believes the Navy Association people may be attending. See attachment.


I intend to be at the Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour alongside VAMPIRE sharing the service with those who want to turn up and the Commando Unit.


Nev Thomas has also informed me there is a service being conducted at the Marion Bowling Club on the day for those who are in Adelaide and wish to participate.


For those that know Marty Grogan, many of us do, he wasn’t an EXJR and I don’t think he wanted to be. He joined in 63 and leaves the Navy on 31 October when he turns 72. He has been the Curator of the CERBERUS Museum for the past 15 years or so. A bloody legend to all. He pays off as a WO, his son is a Captain, driving a warship. His best mate is Brent Balchin.


Going through some of the pics during the week of the ‘Friday night dances in LEEUWN in 63’, made me realize I do not recognize a lot of the faces. I intend putting a few pics up each Sunday to see whether you recognize the faces. When I went over to Perth in 2004 to meet up with Bill Mudd, the official LEEUWIN photographer the pics were not catalogued, in fact they were in boxes in his garage. Bill gave me permission to go through all his pics, I tried to collect all for 1963, so there are some from the 5th, 6th and 7th intakes. So if you recognize somebody please let me know.


Have received feedback on the mystery ship and the mystery sailors at the Friday night dances. They are in the Attachment with a few more pics of the dance nights.


Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service. I have made an application for a dedication plaque for Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith.


The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. We have 17 potential starters and 5 probables to date.


Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.


Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.


If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of the group attending the Dedication Ceremony for Mike Haining. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.


Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays

Ross Muller on the road

Results of pics from last week

James Carroll sharing an article on the Federation Guard

Armistice Day Brisbane

Riverfront Campsites Free For Veterans on Roper River

Mefloquine and Tafenoquine Consultation Forums being held in Queensland

Pics of ‘Friday night dances at LEEUWIN in 63’

Jokes


Cheers


Ron


Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 14 October 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. The Centenary of the cessation of the First World War will be celebrated on Sunday 11 November. We have two assemblies both at 1030ish one in Brisbane at DIAMINTINA and also in Sydney at the Maritime Museum alongside VAMPIRE. The service in Sydney is shared with a Commando unit, (last year conducted by a Naval Chaplain from Fleet), a possible morning tea on completion and then we can head over the road for a refreshment and lunch. For those who want to meet in Brisbane to observe the occasion could you please let me know so I can tell you who else will be there and identify where you would like to meet. Please let me know if you wish to attend.

Nev Thomas has also informed me there is a service being conducted at the Marion Bowling Club on the day for those who are in Adelaide and wish to participate.

My plea to find out if anybody remembers Peter Craker was successful, it has established that Peter is alive, it is his wife who has deceased. Peter has been in contact with me confirming this. My apologies for the confusion.

The Dedication Service for Mike Haining was successful. Mike’s family were there. Schubes and I were there, unfortunately Spook Cairns despite dressed and ready to go was left on the railway station as there were track upgrades, Mick Gallagher and Mike Hogan also forwarded their apologies. The Eulogy I presented and pics of the event are included in our website www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page7.htm and the pics are also included in the attachment and on our FB Page.

Going through some of the pics during the week of the ‘Friday night dances in LEEUWN in 63’, made me realize I do not recognize a lot of the faces. I intend putting a few pics up each Sunday to see whether you recognize the faces. When I went over to Perth in 2004 to meet up with Bill Mudd, the official LEEUWIN photographer the pics were not catalogued, in fact they were in boxes in his garage. Bill gave me permission to go through all his pics, I tried to collect all for 1963, so there are some from the 5th, 6th and 7th intakes. So if you recognize somebody please let me know.

Have received some emails this week one from Stan Church who has been trying to catchup with Dizzy Gillespie; another from Bob Cavanagh would like to know if anybody knows what ship is in the attachment, another from Mike Hogan who is not well and another from Peter Craker verifying he is alive.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service. I have made an application for a dedication plaque for Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. We have 17 potential starters and 5 probables to date.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of the group attending the Dedication Ceremony for Mike Haining. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Rob Cavanagh – can you identify this ship
Pics of ‘Friday night dances at LEEUWIN in 63’
Pics of Mike Haining’s Dedication
Jokes

Cheers

Ron




Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 7 October 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. If you intend turning up to Mike Haining’s dedication you need to let me know by return mail. I need to forward the list of those attending to the Command Chaplain on Monday. Schubes and Mick are attending. I am happy to include your name if you are ‘a possible’.

I have received advice that Peter Craker is deceased. I have tried to confirm the details and date of his death by email but have been unsuccessful. Does anybody remember Pete and has anybody been in contact with him in recent years. I am happy to forward the email address of the informant to anybody interested.

The Centenary Anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in Europe occur on 11 November 2018. We as a group have planned two assemblies, one in Sydney at the Maritime Museum (read VAMPIRE area) and the other in Brisbane in the vicinity of the DIAMINTINA. I intend arriving around 1030ish. There is a service in Sydney shared with a Commando unit, (last year conducted by a Naval Chaplain from Fleet), a morning tea on completion and then we can head over the road for a refreshment and lunch. For those who want to meet in Brisbane to observe Remembrance Day could you please let me know so I can tell you who else will be there and identify where you would like to meet.

Nev Thomas has also informed me there is a service being conducted at the Marion Bowling Club on the day for those who are in Adelaide and wish to participate.

We had a pretty good turn out at ‘The Strand’ Glenelg on Thursday for lunch. Bob and Pat Stupple, Terry and Helen Dack, Dave and Helen Ferguson, Fred Howes, Nev Thomas, Wally Cook, Glen Butler and myself. Apologies were received from Schubes, Peewee, Ron Pope, Jim Harris, James Carroll and Brian Goringe. Still interesting to hear what is happening. Wally Cook has recently retired from Alpaca shearing, he still farm’s alpacas. Fergie only retired involuntarily just over 12 months ago and is now enjoying retirement, Glen Butler was at his vineyard working when we contacted him, Nev Thomas has had some bad luck this year with health which he is slowly overcoming, Terry and Helen are the leading farmers/gardeners at Mannum on the Murray, Bob and Pat are keeping themselves busy touring and writing books, Fred is still sailing his yacht, enjoying the ocean blue. Great to see everybody is busy and living full lives.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service. We will also be applying for a dedication plaque for Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. We have 17 potential starters and 5 probables to date.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pic of the group enjoying lunch at Glenelg in Adelaide. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Pic of Luncheon group in Glenelg
Dolly Gray
Harry’s
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 30 September 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. For those who are in Adelaide we are having a luncheon around midday this Thursday in Glenelg. Please let me know if you haven’t confirmed yet.

The following have indicated they will be there. Pat and Bob Stupple, Fred Howes, Dave Ferguson, Helen and Terry Dack, Nev Thomas and me. Have received apologies from PeeWee Petherick, James Carroll, Carole and Ron Pope, Brian Gorringe, Jim Harris and Schubes.

Mike Haining’s Dedication Service is definitely on October 14 at 1200, there has been a time change. Please let me know if you are attending. Schubes and Mick Gallagher have indicated they are starters.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and I have a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The dates for our major function in Darwin have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2019. We have 17 potential starters and 5 probables to date.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of Roger and Dee and a pic of the three of us at Dubbo Bowls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Boong Bartlett - 1800 MEFLOQUINE
Call the Hands
VENDETTA Christmas Function QLD
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 23 September 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Have spent the week in Adelaide enjoying my grand children; been top weather conditions, but haven’t caught up with any of our group as yet. I intend trying to have a get together before returning to Sydney.

Put this in your calendar. Further to the advice I received last week from the Command Chaplain’s Office, have received further advice indicating Mike Haining’s Dedication Service is definitely on October 14 at 1000. Please let me know if you are attending. Schubes has indicated he is a starter.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and Sandy Michels has sent me a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The Darwin dates have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2018. We have 16 potential starters and 4 probables to date.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend (stand fast Ron) or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of Roger and Dee and a pic of the three of us at Dubbo Bowls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Surfie Richards on Greg Peers
Moot Sutton on Greg Peers
DFRDB
DFWA
Dick Smith
Where do you stand politically
CAPT J.P. Stevenson RAN – a good dit
Joke

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 16 September 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. You are all aware of Greg Peers passing over the bar. Another sad loss for a great bloke who had a really rough trot in life. There are some tributes to Greg in the Attachment.

Dubbo bowls or AIF bowls is over for another year. We came home strongly in the last two days. We finished 9th in the Consolation final. Spike and I drove to Adelaide after the games. Unfortunately for me I contacted Shingles again so am not a very happy little jack tar, however I stopped in Hay and saw a Doctor to get the pills.

My email address is now rugbyron1@gmail.com

Put this in your calendar. Further to the advice I received last week from the Command Chaplain’s Office, have received further advice indicating Mike Haining’s Dedication Service is definitely on October 14 at 1000. Please let me know if you are attending. Scubes has indicated he is a starter.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and Sandy Michels has sent me a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The Darwin dates have been settled as 14 and 15 September 2018. We have 14 potential starters to date.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend (stand fast Ron) or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of Roger and Dee and a pic of the three of us at Dubbo Bowls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Vale Greg Peers, emails from James Carroll, Ted Hase, Ward Hack and Jeff Wake
Rick and Lea Avery
Roger Collins
Dolly on Immunisation
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 9 September 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Spike Jones, Barry Andrew and I are in Dubbo for the AIF bowls. Spike and I played today in a competition and copped a flogging. I am hoping I have got rid of my bad bowls today before the main comp starts on Tuesday.

My email address is now rugbyron1@gmail.com

Put this in your calendar. Further to the advice I received last week from the Command Chaplain’s Office, have received further advice indicating Mike Haining’s Dedication Service is definitely on October 14 at 1000. Please let me know if you are attending. Scubes has indicated he is a starter.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and Sandy Michels has sent me a dit on Karl. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The Darwin dates have been settled on. Everybody had enough time to forward their view. The majority wish was for the 14th and 15th September 2019, so we will run with that.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend (stand fast Ron) or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Wally Gawne and Nev Barry enjoying the waterfall at Murray Falls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Barry Andrew
James Carroll
Battlefield behavior of Australian troops
Dick Smith
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 2 September 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Happy Fathers Day.

We are in Merritt BC, the Canadian Country Music Capital and although no music festival we did visit the site ad also enjoyed two days of ‘pro’ rodeo over the weekend.. We did Whistler during the week and had a bit of fun zip lining, Aussie’s everywhere. What a great place. Will be returning to OZ on Thursday, we will miss out on Wednesday. Canada will be an easy place to return to. So many good times. My email address is now rugbyron1@gmail.com

Put this in your calendar. Further to the advice I received last week from the Command Chaplain’s Office, have received further advice indicating Mike Haining’s Dedication Service is definitely on October 14 at 1000. Please let me know if you are attending.

Karl Slotboom’s Dedication Ceremony will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and Sandy Michels has sent me a dit on Karl and he when they were on SUPPLY in 64 -65. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

The Darwin dates have been settled on. Everybody had enough time to forward their view. The majority wish was for the 14th and 15th September 2019, so we will run with that.

Please let me know if you intend to attend, don’t want to attend (stand fast Ron) or not sure whether you wish to attend. There is a message on our website indicating Perry Whitehouse is a starter, you don’t need to go through the website, (though you can) just email or contact me anyway you wish. Prices have not been determined as yet. There will be a cut off date for accepting. I will contact Jeff to ascertain the time constraints in the next few months.

My thanks to Norm Friebe for responding to the incorrect advice I forwarded last week on Defence Asbestos and Hazardous Chemical Exposure.

There is some real important information in the Attachment this week, articles on Veteran Payments in relation to mental health and bereavement; warnings for those who worked on Sea King helicopters plus changes to processes for allied health referrals.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence next Sunday 9th, Spike and I will be travelling from Sydney to Dubbo on Saturday when he arrives from the West. Barry joins us after just finishing his Far East holiday on Monday. We play the main event from 11th-13th September. Am keen to ‘show off’ my new set of bowls with the LEEUWIN Larikan logo.

Is your email address correct on our Members Page www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm
Check it out, if it is not correct please let me know, I can fix it.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Wally Gawne and Nev Barry enjoying the waterfall at Murray Falls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Barry Andrew in Honkos
Warning for those who worked on Sea King helos
DVA advice on Veterans payments for mental health and bereavement payments
Changes to processes for allied health referrals
Naval Engineering Reunion 2018
HMAS ARMIDALE – Crew recognition
Four ways to keep your phone from spying on you
HMS QE - Pub
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 26 August 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Have been touring Vancouver Island, I find it reminiscent of Tasmania, just a beautiful place. Been doing a bit of hiking, kayaking and sight seeing. Beer and food are pretty good. In at least every second house in British Columbia in areas where we have been, there is a boat and a caravan or similar. Just like home. My email address is now rugbyron1@gmail.com

Have received advice from the Command Chaplain that the Dedication Ceremony for both Mike Haining and Karl Slotboom will be held in 2019. Kaye Slotboom has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate and Sandy Michels has sent me a dit on Karl and he when they were on SUPPLY in 64 -65. Would any body like to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about the Dedication Service.

We are now on the way to Darwin for our next major function in September 2019. Jeff has selected some dates in early and mid September. There has been 23 responses to date, 12 indicate no preference, 5 prefer the 7th and 8th and 6 would like the 14th and 15th. One of our group has responded indicating he and his wife will not be attending. Send me your preference. This is not a commitment, we will need that soon but not yet.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th (nearly there) and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters. For those that are interested I now have a set of bowls with the LEEUWIN Larikan logo.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Wally Gawne and Nev Barry enjoying the waterfall at Murray Falls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Dolly on Maritime Quotes
Bob Stupple
Nev Thomas – Marion RSL
BRISBANE III – Commissioning
Defence Asbestos and Hazardous Chemicals Exposure Scheme
DFWA Survey
WRANS Qld Luncheon
More info on Herbicides in Vietnam
North Vietnamese accepting South Vietnamese surrender
Joke

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 19 August 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Have arrived in sunny Vancouver. Yes, I know we are in yesterday right now. We have met up with our daughter Debbie who is in Canada with her husband Fredrik to celebrate their 40th birthdays. My email address is now rugbyron1@gmail.com

An application has been made for a Dedication plaque for Karl Slotboom. Kaye has sent me a copy of his Service Certificate. Sandy Michels has sent me a dit on Karl and he when they were on SUPPLY. Would any body like to contact me to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake. Will keep you informed about Karl’s and Mike Haining’s Dedication Service.

Does anybody have any info on Mesothelioma statistics, particularly in respect of sailors in our age group.

We are now on the way to Darwin for our next major function in September 2019. Jeff has selected some dates in early and mid September. There has been 17 responses to date, 7 indicate no preference, 3 prefer the 7th and 8th and 6 would like the 14th and 15th. One of our group has responded indicating he and his wife will not be attending. Send me your preference. This is not a commitment, we will need that soon but not yet.

‘Guess what ship’ was the most interactive topic we have had stand aside reunions and functions. Thanks to all who responded, from the responses I have learnt the following:

the ship was WHYALLA,
it had two pennant numbers J153 and B252,
commissioned 8 Jan 1942 decommissioned in 1946,

The ship was sold to the Victorian Public Works Department at the end of the war, who renamed her Rip and used her as a Lighthouse Maintenance Vessel from 1947 to 1984,
it is currently on the hard stand in Whyalla Maritime Museum.

There are articles in the Attachment from Schubes X 2 and Fred Howes in relation to the WHYALLA. Kev (Smouch) Smith has had a response to his complaint about Anthony Mundine, Barry Andrew is on the move plus some service related news and some good jokes

Brent Balchin is home after 12 months in hospitals in Tasmania and Victoria. An amazing feat.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters. For those that are interested I now have a set of bowls with the LEEUWIN Larikan logo.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney. Please contact me if you have ordered and not received.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Wally Gawne and Nev Barry enjoying the waterfall at Murray Falls. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Schubes,
Fred Howes
Kev Smith
Barry Andrew
DFWA – Letter to PM re Superannuation
Remembrance Day 2018 - Brisbane
Poem
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 12 August 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Back in sunny Sydney, on the way south I caught up with Danny Tiley, he is well, still modeling and expanding his train set plus doing more than a touch of gardening, he may take on Terry Dack or Rocky Freier as the group’s best green finger also spoke to Mike Hogan during the week.

Kaye Slotboom has responded and would like a Dedication Plaque for Karl. Would any body like to contact me to run with the Eulogy. Karl was from the 7th intake.

We will be travelling OS this week to celebrate one of our daughter’s 40th birthday in Vancouver, please email me via the gmail address of this email as bigpond does not work OS.

We are now on the way to Darwin for our next major function in September 2019. Jeff has selected some dates in early and mid September. There has been 17 responses to date, 7 indicate no preference, 3 prefer the 7th and 8th and 6 would like the 14th and 15th. One of our group has responded indicating he and his wife will not be attending. Send me your preference. This is not a commitment, we will need that soon but not yet.

Boong on DVA, the RAN on ‘100 days of change’, the response from the Minister’s Office and some jokes are in the Attachment this week.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes S, XL and XXL these sizes are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply when I return to Sydney.

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A sitrep on Rob Cavanagh’s travels out west when he was at Broken Hill. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Ross Muller
Schubes,
Shep
Ben Roberts-Smith VC Allegations
DFRDB
Does anybody know this ship
Gannet of 1954 to our time on the MELBOURNE
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 5 August 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith has left us, he will be sadly missed by all that know him as a bloke who had a brilliant sense of humour, a positive outlook and an all round good bloke. It just seems like yesterday we were having coffee together, sharing a joke and telling lies. There will be a private cremation in Cairns on Wednesday with Kerri and their two sons Nathan and Aaron the only attendees. This is in accordance with Hypen’s wishes as he didn’t want to make a fuss and hoped all that knew him would remember the good times and have a quite moment of reflection wherever they are and think about those who have passed.

We have now lost three of our group since June. Pete Pagett, Karl Slotboom and now Hyphen. Sombre reading. I have sent email’s to the widows of Pete and Karl advising them of the availability of the Dedication Plaques. Will talk to Kerri, Hypen’s better half at a later date.

We are now on the way to Darwin for our next major function in September 2019. Jeff has selected some dates in early and mid September. There has been 17 responses to date, 7 indicate no preference, 3 prefer the 7th and 8th and 6 would like the 14th and 15th. One of our group has responded indicating he and his wife will not be attending. Send me your preference. This is not a commitment, we will need that soon but not yet.

Boong on DVA, the RAN on ‘100 days of change’, the response from the Minister’s Office and some jokes are in the Attachment this week.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A sitrep on Rob Cavanagh’s travels out west when he was at Broken Hill. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Boong on DVA
100 days of Change
Response from Minister’s Office
Medical ID alerts – DVA
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 29 July 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Hope you all had a good week. Very sad news about Karl, from the short time I spent with him, he was a champion bloke, a sad loss. Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith is in Cairns Hospital, Nev Barrie rang to say he was not in a good way.

The weather and fishing are improving in Kurrimine Beach, hopefully it remains that way as I only have one week left here. Will be glad when the Tour is finished also as the race has been keeping me awake.

The National RSL and DVA are the leading articles this week. Some jokes to help you all lighten up are there also.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A sitrep on Rob Cavanagh’s travels out west when he was at Broken Hill. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
DFWA Media Release
RSL President resigns
DVA
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 22 July 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Another quiet week at Kurrimine Beach.

Spoke to Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith during the week, he is not travelling too well, he has been readmitted to Cairns Hospital.

It might be quiet in Kurrimine but there are some really good articles in the Attachment, Rick Avey’s wife Lea has been pretty crook, she has forwarded some words, DVA appears to be in the spotlight this week as there are articles on an Ombudsman report and Media Releases by the Minister. I found the articles on the Yank Collision and especially the report on the Leading Aircrewman in Vietnam in 1968 pretty compelling reading. Some jokes to help you all lighten up are there also.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A sitrep on Rob Cavanagh’s travels out west when he was at Broken Hill. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Rick and Lea Avey
Australian Navy to accompany UK's 'show of strength' in South China Sea
Ombudsman Report into a Case determined by DVA
Media Releases by DVA X 3
From Paul Nicholson (ex WORP), Paul served time aboard USS Hasley in the 90's as a WO.
This is an email chain from an EX LEEUWIN JR who served in Vietnam – His personal number was R93385 so he was 12 or 18 months in front of us. A must see
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 15 July 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Another quiet week at Kurrimine Beach. Windy and too much rain about to put the boat in the water, good for looking after Grand children, Queensland; windy one day, raining the next and then perfect the next. (I hope)

Did you try the ‘Intelligence’ questionnaire last week, how did you go. I received one email from Ken indicating the answers didn’t come through.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A sitrep on Rob Cavanagh’s travels out west when he was at Broken Hill. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Neil (Toby) Turner’s article on Laurie Menadue
Rob Cavanagh in Broken Hill
Cave rescue in Thailand
Military Police – new look
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 8 July 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. You now know about the passing over the bar of Peter Pagett. I passed on your condolence messages to his wife. Had an email conversation with Schubes re the passing of Peter. I am not sure anybody in our group knew of his illness as he kept his condition to himself, however, I do know some would have liked to have known as they would have liked to have contacted him. I imagine a lot of us are like that, we keep our illnesses to ourselves, not interested or inclined in sharing the info of our health. There are others who like to share this type of info to get it off their chest as they get relief by sharing. Where do you stand?

Remember there are a lot of your mates that would like to contact you. They don’t get off their bums to say G’day until something significant happens as we are an apathetic lot. It is the Australian way. Happy to provide contact details of people you would like to share and particularly happy to publish in our weekly rag. People do care.

Stevan Coll’s pic on DUCHESS which included Peter and Stevan plus another 15 or so of the 7th intakes was a winner. What surprised me was the number of 7th intake people who did not recognize their mates of 64. Have a look and see how many you recognise.

I mentioned Face book on Thursday, there are a lot of people not seeing our pics. As stated below you do not have to belong to FB to view the pics. Just tap the contact below and you can see them if you wish, your account will not be contaminated. You can see the pic of our group last Thursday and the pics of the scuttling of TOBRUK.

Had an update of Brent Balchin today, he was allowed out of hospital for the first time since last August, only for an hour or so, but that is a start. Have published the pics and a narrative from his wife Sue on our Face Book page.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; a pic of Peter Pagett and his messmates on DUCHESS in 64; are you there? Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 1 July 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. We had our little get together in Cairns on Thursday, Annie and Jerry Oakley, their son Sean and daughter in law Lucy plus Sandy and Rhonda Michels, James Carroll, Charlie Wright and myself turned up. Two of these blokes do a lot of work for the RSL, Annie works twice a week in fund raising activities by selling raffle tickets and sausage sizzles at Bunnings, while James is the Vice President of the Atherton sub branch and Vice President of North Queensland RSL. Both to be commended for their good work. Charlie had some pics of LEEUWIN. I was particularly interested as we spent the twelve months in the same Divisions, Yagan 2 and then Mokare 1. There is a pic in our Face Book page.

I mentioned Face book on Thursday, there are a lot of people not seeing our pics. As stated below you do not have to belong to FB to view the pics. Just tap the contact below and you can see them if you wish, your account will not be contaminated. You can see the pic of our group last Thursday and the pics of the scuttling of TOBRUK.

Driving up to Cairns on Saturday afternoon I heard Nev Barry on the radio advertising to sell some gear. Haven’t caught up with him yet.

Tried to catch up with Greg (Hyphen) Henderson-Smith last week but as you know he is pretty crook. Spoke to Kerry his wife today, he is now on permanent home oxygen, has to go back to Cairns tomorrow for further treatment; hoping to catch up soon when he is well enough.

Spoke to Spook Cairns during the week on his birthday; he was being operated on last Friday to sort out an ongoing heart problem. All the best Mate.

During our luncheon on Thursday the topic turned to the recent email from Gay about Tony Zajer’s health. We were all so surprised to read it as when we last saw him, he was 10 foot tall and bulletpooof. In this week’s Attachment Ross Muller makes an inquiry about Tony. There is an article also from Mal Ritchie on his return from visiting his son in France and UK, plus further correspondence on DFRDB commutation and a few jokes.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of our get together in Cairns and the ‘scuttling of TOBRUK’. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Ross Muller
Mal Ritchie
DFRDB
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 24 June 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Feeling quite exhausted flipping between the State of Origin and the cricket. Not going that well in the cricket and behind at half time in the League. I believe in miracles.

Caught up with Annie and Jerry Oakley during the week, the are still enjoying living in Cairns and appear well. We are going to have a get together lunch here in Cairns on Thursday 28 June at the Balaclava Hotel. At this stage Annie and Jerry Oakley plus Sandy and Rhonda Michels, James Carroll and myself are starters. Who else want to be there?

In this week’s Attachment, DFRDB commutation and Defence Superannuation are topics quite near and dear to a lot of us. Schubes and Marion are on the move and Ken Dobbie comments on the disposal of Leeuwin Barracks. A few jokes.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commence on Sunday 9th and then the main feature is from 11th-13th September. We now have a team from our group entered. Barry Andrew, Spike (Ron) Jones and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; there are new pics of Ron and Carole Pope, Russ Loane, Rocky Freier and myself. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Schubes
Ken Dobbie on the disposal of Leeuwin Barracks
Ted Hase on ‘RAN shore visits’
DFRDB Commutation – class action
Veterans Home Care - opinion
Royal Commision into super – petition x 2
Jokes

Cheers

Ron






Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 17 June 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. 28 degrees at midday today in Kurrimine Beach and its also a nicer place to be as the fish are bighting.

We are going to have a get together lunch here in Cairns on Thursday 28 June at the Balaclava Hotel. At this stage Annie and Jerry Oakley plus Sandy and Rhonda Michels and myself are starters. Who else want to be there?

In this week’s Attachment, there are some comments on articles from last week, also Rocky on fishing at Bribie Island (lucky bugger). You may think I am ADF bashing in this issue, I am, there needs to be a shake up. Some of you have seen the articles and made comment. Additionally, there is a copy of an article ‘Give me back my DFRDB’. This is a FB article by one of our contemporaries asking for our participation to make a class action to recover our DFRDB under the terms of the current Royal Commission. If you are receiving a DFRDB pension and interested in promoting your own wealth you may like to follow it up. There are some good jokes this week.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commences from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Barry Andrew and I are definite starters.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. I have received advice confirming the plaque application, but not the date of the ceremony.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15. Can only supply from August 2018 when I return to Sydney.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; there are new pics of Ron and Carole Pope, Russ Loane, Rocky Freier andf myself. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Shep
Roger Collins
Rocky
Give me back my DFRDB
SAS Soldier on Afghanistan
CMDR Jeff Booker – RAN Liberty Plan
Jokes

Cheers

Ron




























Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 10 June 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. Hope all is well and those that could, are enjoying the Queen’s Birthday weekend. Us in Queensland are missing out on a holiday! Just to make sure the banana benders don’t get offened I am going to try and organize a get together lunch here in Cairns on Thursday 28 June.


Have been contacted by email by Mike Hogan and Gay Zajer (wife of Tony), both Mike and Tony are not travelling too well, Mike has indicated he is improving. Have spoken to Hyphen Henderson-Smith in Cairns Hospital and Sandy Michels who is currently holidaying in Mareeba. Hypen is hoping to leave the hospital tomorrow after being there for three weeks; Sandy is awaiting results on some tests. On your behalf we wish them all the best. Gay’s email to me is contained in the Enclosure.


Gary Angel tells a story about about when he was on VAMPIRE in HK in 1964 where he was involved in a rugby incident. Dolly has his say for the 45th time, something I really enjoy is Dolly’s contribution. There is an article there about not paying GST for TPI veterans. If it applies to you, you may save a few quid. Read these articles in the Attachment. If you would like the full attachment for the exemption of GST please let me know, I will forward to you.


AIF Bowls in Dubbo commences from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Barry Andrew and I are definite starters.


I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know when it’s confirmed.


If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.


Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; there are new pics of Ron and Carole Pope, Russ Loane, Rocky Freier andf myself. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up and you can wish him Happy Birthday this week.


Articles in the attachment:


Birthdays

Tony Zajer

ORDVAR (RP) G.J. Angel

Dolly – tales from Tasmania XLV

Call the Hands – June edition

Exemption of GST on car or car parts - TPI

The Monachy – copy of a Sun Herald article

Jokes


Cheers


Ron




Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 3 June 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. Went fishing with Rocky Freier in his flash boat on Monday and caught a few fish then met up with Peewee and Christine Petherick on Tuesday in Caloundra. It was great to catch up as I hadn’t met Christine previously. Peewee was guilty of climbing a ladder painting on Monday. Morning tea was marvelous. I have now moved to Kurrimine Beach for two months. Will try and get together with our group in Cairns.


Fred Howes has supported Speedy Hannant’s article on Shingles and Dolly has his say. There is another article on drugs you may be using. Super is still topical and I reckon will be for some time and there are a few jokes. Read these articles in the Attachment.


AIF Bowls in Dubbo commences from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Could you please confirm whether you are a starter as we have to nominate teams now.


I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know when it’s confirmed.


If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.


Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; there are new pics of Ron and Carole Pope, Russ Loane, Rocky Freier andf myself. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up and you can wish him Happy Birthday this week.


Articles in the attachment:


Birthdays

Fred Howes

Dolly

Newsletter Navy Association Victoria

Newsletter Navy Association Queensland

Ban of antibacterial agent

Superannuation X 2

Jokes


Cheers


Ron











Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 27 May 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. I have been playing Matelots Bowls in Forster over the past week, have now moved into the Sunshine Coast, spent Friday night with Russ Loane at the Mudjimba RSL then his home, then caught up with Ken Fielding in Brisbane , then later on Rocky and Linda Freier close to Bribie Island on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, intend moving on to FNQ on Tuesday. Hoping to catch up with PeeWee Petherick tomorrow, Monday after fishing.

Toby Turner is not as well as could be, however, he is up and about and enjoying his Grandkids.

There has been a lot of talk over the last week about the liberty granted in Singapore. Effectively, the Singaporean Government is now not worried about foreign tourism. They have at last settled on some hard and fast rules. Jack Tar can now longer go out on the town on a bar run without a chaperone. This person is not permitted to consume alcohol. Despite the RAN’s inability to influence International Policy, particularly Singaporean, I don’t think this ideology will help us, unfortunately, it will further lead us down the Yank Track and have booze free ships that are full of drugs. What do you think?

Kev Smith is making inroads into his complaint about racial discrimination comments by Anthony Mundine. Speedy Hannant has had Shingles and wants to make sure you do not contract this disease. Read these articles in the Attachment.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commences from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Could you please confirm whether you are a starter as we have to nominate teams now.

Brent Balchin had taken a turn for the worse after all these months of progress, the pics on our FB page during the week do not support this as he now looks pretty good. Have a look.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know when it’s confirmed.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; there are new pics of Ron and Carole Pope, Russ Loane, Rocky Freier andf myself. Want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up and you can wish him Happy Birthday this week.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Speedie Hannant - Shingles
Hector Hart – Heart Attack
Kev Smith – complaint against Anthony Mundine
RAN Personnel going on a run in Singapore
DVA
DFWA – Raffle
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 20 May 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. I have been playing Matelots Bowls in Forster over the weekend, have met up with Ron and Carole Pope. Ron has given me a touch up (I mean he thrashed me, no sure I am allowed to say that in today’s PC world at bowls) on two occasions this weekend. Forster is a beautiful part of the world, if you are into bowls and would like a social week, this is the place for you.

I am on my way to FNQ for a few months fishing and catching up with lations on the Atherton Tablelands. On the way there, I expect to catch up with Russ Loane, Ken Fielding and Rocky and Linda Freier.

AIF Bowls in Dubbo commences from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Could you please confirm whether you are a starter as we have to nominate teams now.

Brent Balchin has taken a turn for the worse after all these months of progress he has ‘golden staph’ and been readmitted to hospital (Launceston General Hospital) for up to 5-6 weeks.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know when it’s confirm.

If you want a polo shirt, sizes between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) they are available. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; there is a pic of Mal Ritchie and his son Matthew in France doing it tough. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up and you can wish him Happy Birthday this week.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Nifty Nev Thomas on TORRENS X 2
Dolly – Olongapo decal
Vietnam Veterans Museum
Ken Scarisbrick
EMU’s
China – comment
VENDETTA
Jokes

Cheers

Ron

Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 13 May 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers in our lives. Most of our wives and daughters have kids, nieces have kids it goes on, they are all absolute legends and deserve the best. What would the world do without them?


A pretty quiet week. There is an article in the Attachment about leadership, or in my opinion lack of leadership in the three services and at the ADF level that is worth a read. Dolly is alive and well. A joke you should be able to enjoy. All the above in this weeks attachment.


Matelots Bowls in Forster from starts this Friday for a week and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo commences from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Ron Pope and I are starters for Forster. Put the AIF at Dubbo in your diary.


Brent Balchin has taken a turn for the worse after all these months of progress he has ‘golden staph’ and been readmitted to hospital (Launeston General Hospital) for up to 5-6 weeks.


I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know the details after I receive confirmation from his family.


Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.


Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; There is a pic of Nifty Nev Thomas in Japan doing it tough. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.


Articles in the attachment:


Birthdays

Tom Houldsworth

Barry Quigley

Dolly

ADF Leadership

DVA – Budget

The reason QE2 is not nuclear powered

Jokes


Cheers


Ron


Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 6 May 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. The Writer’s reunion has come and gone, great functions, great to catch up with other warrior Writers. Of our group four others attended, the three J’s from the 7th intake, Jim Harris, Jeff Wake and James Carroll, Brian Gorringe and I represented the 6th. In our combined intakes there were Wayne Butterfield, James Carroll, me, Brian Gorringe, Jim Harris, Ted Hase, Noel Kropp*, Alan Mackinnon*, David Macfarlane, Russ Nelson, Barry Parker, Pie Pieda, Bruce Pollock, Mal Ritchie, Lew Smith, Peter Sutton, Jeff Wake and Pete Walsh*. A couple of these we inherited when the Data Operator category was disbanded. The * indicates deceased.

Navy played RAAF last Wednesday winning 66-12. They backed up on Saturday against Army and were defeated 18-6. Very difficult to back up with only a three day break. Next year the game is scheduled to be played in Sydney and we play RAAF on the Monday. Hopefully we can turn the result around.

I have been in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know the details after I contact his family.

Good to see you are taking advantage of stopping over at Molong and catching up with Jim Clegg at the Molong Motel. John Hume did. Schubes will be in the next few weeks. Dolly has sent two dits this week, Rob Cavanagh forwarded an article fraud in the RAN but predominantly in the USN. Good read. A few jokes you should be able to relate to. All the above in this weeks attachment.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Ron Pope and I are starters for Forster. Put the AIF at Dubbo in your diary.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; There is a pic of Nifty Nev Thomas in Japan doing it tough. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
John Hume
Dolly X 2
Rob Cavanagh forwarded an article on honest Supply Officers
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 29 April 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Have arrived in Adelaide (looking for a dodgy red wine) for the National Writers reunion held over next weekend. Just to let the girls know that blokes came be multiskilled and can/do two or more things at once, I intend to go to my daughters birthday party and have a wedding anniversary with somebody close during our stay. Unfortunately cannot be in Brisbane for the Navy V Army rugby game on Saturday. Go Navy.

Went to watch a Ice Hockey tournament game tonight between Sydney and Adelaide. In the Adelaide team were two blokes with surnames I recognized; names of two of our group who live in SA, Pope and Stringer, wonder whether they are lations of Ron and Gordon. For the record the Sydney Dogs beat the Adelaide Adrenalians. We were barracking for Adelaide.

I will be in contact with the Command Chaplain to organize Mike Haining’s Dedication Plaque and ceremony. Will let you know the details.

Spoke to Fred Howes (he and Scarcey were getting Fred’s boat victualled for a few days at sea), Hyphen Henderson-Smith (not travelling too well, blood tranfusions….but still bright), Rod Hazell (about uniformed personnel not being allowed to drink in the rig in a public house on ANZAC Day) and Ray Sandiford (RAN Rugby in Brisbane). Makes me feel wanted.

Jeff Wake did a radio interview, John Nicholson would like to catch up with anybody who was in Mokare 1 from the 7th intake, Dolly is at his best and Warwick (Farms) Burns is spreading the word on free travel from the Melbourne Airport to the city for Gold Card holders.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Ron Pope and I are starters for Forster. Put the AIF at Dubbo in your diary.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; There is a pic of Nifty Nev Thomas in Japan doing it tough. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Warwick (Farms) Burns
Dolly
Jeff Wake
Jokes

Cheers

Ron



Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 22 April 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. ANZAC Day. In Dee Why, Sydney we have an pre ANZAC Day march on the Sunday preceding the day. We assemble at Dee Why RSL, march to the beach then march back to the clubhouse after the service. This year the address was done by the new NSW RSL President James Brown. For the record he did a good job. The sub branch then puts on a Smoko for a nominal fee.


The Dawn Service at Dee Why on ANZAC Day is brilliant, the scenario is; hundreds of birds screeching through the trees during the pre dawn period of the service combined with the surf breaking on the beach as the sun gradually rises over the sea, it doesn’t take much imagination to relocate from Dee Why to Gallipoli. About 5000+ usually turn up


Thanks to Shirley Rowlands, Kev Smith, Rob Cavanagh, Doug Wilson, Barry Quigley, Ken Dobbie and Russ Nelson (sorry if I have missed somebody’s name) for the response on identifying the blokes in Winjan 2 in the 2nd half of 63. The pic and all their names are in the Attachment.


This is the final week I will ask for volunteers to do a eulogy for Mike Haining for a Dedication Ceremony. If no one would like to take it up, I will. Mike has forwarded me his service details. We need someone to take charge and may have a little on him from his time in. Please let me know if you are happy to run with this and I will assist with the logistics.


Mentioned last week about Steve (Henry) Hinch. Quigs has mentioned that they both served in PERTH, I imagine commissioning crew and returning to OZ in1966. He then came across Henry in Perth working at Boans in 1969. Long time between drinks.


Spoke to a few blokes during the week, KI Ken Fielding, KI talked about Buck (Barry) Rogers, he was a Rugby player of our time, he was before us – he served on WARRAMUNGA but a great footballer and a great bloke. Spoke to Rod Hazell, he was returning from checking his lobster pots. Life is tough in the West.


Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Ron Pope and I are starters for Forster. Put the AIF at Deubbo in your diary.


Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.


Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; There is a pic of Nifty Nev Thomas in Japan doing it tough. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.


Articles in the attachment:


Birthdays

Rob Cavanagh

Winjan 2 – all the names complete

ANZAC Day speech

Jeff Wake – Chester Media Release

VENDETTA QLD – ANZAC Day

Jokes


Cheers


Ron




Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 15 April 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Hope everybody is enjoying the Comm Games. I certainly am. The Aussies did real good, what a week of top sports, I loved it. The girls were unhappy losing the Netball and Hockey as they were hot favourites, they were both great games to watch. The swimmers were superb. Now we have a time to recover as School Holidays are on us...

Does anybody remember any of the names of the blokes who were in Winjan 2 in the 2nd half of 63. Rob Cavanagh and Kev Smith have helped but maybe you can fill some names in. If you can help please forward the names to me.

The pic Mal Chatfield sent me of Ken Railton carrying the baton of the Commonwealth Games was a hit on our FB page. It resonates with me. I think Ken is the only bloke I know who represented Australia in the Comms or Empire Games. A bloody legend.

We are now looking for someone to take the lead to do a eulogy for Mike Haining for a Dedication Ceremony. Mike has forwarded me his service details. We need someone to take charge and may have a little on him from his time in. Please let me know if you are happy to run with this and I will assist with the logistics.

In today’s attachment, Kev Uttley recognizes he is in his 70’s and not 20’s; Speedie Hannant and Robyn Downes comment on a date at LEEUWIN in 63; (what a rage-just brilliant), Phil Longdon and who can identify these blokes from Winjan 2. Articles on the RSL in NSW and a brilliant article from the Brigadier plus of course a few pretty good jokes to start your week off.

Spoke to a few blokes during the week, Rocky Freier is recovering from a knee operation (hoping to catch up with Rocky and Linda late May) and Gordon Stringer relates he is a Bowls tragic, also (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith told me he has left hospital but still has to visit The Cairns Private fairly regularly for medication. Brent Balchin is still in Launceston (LGH John L Grove Rehabilitation Centre) to complete his recovery process. Hope Glen Summerhayes is overcoming his issues. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo from Sunday 9th and then the main feature from 11th-13th September. Ron Pope and I are starters for Forster, Barry Andrew may be there. Put these events in your diary.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; There is a pic of Nifty Nev Thomas in Japan doing it tough. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Kev Uttley
Speedie Hannant
Phil Longdon
NSW RSL
Australia today – The Brigadier

Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 8 April 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Hope everybody is enjoying the Comm Games. I certainly am. Forget about the Opening Ceremony which was a shambles, the athletes are doing themselves proud. Great to see the Aussies doing well. The pool though is still a problem it has no cover and during the two big carnivals that have been held there, it has rained. Read below for the LEEUWIN participation.

Received an email during the week from Steve Hinch, he was in the 6th intake, in Kaiber 2 and then Winjan 2. I don’t know of anybody who has been in contact with him. I bet you remember him. Welcome Steve.

Mal Chatfield sent me an email with a pic of a dodgy old bloke running on the Gold Coast. Hellalua, it was Ken Railton carrying the baton of the Commonwealth Games. Dressed like an athlete, looking very sprightly, with a smile as big as Sydney Heads. Look at the FB page to see if you can count the hairs on his head. What a legend. We all knew he represented Australia in 62 in the Perth Empire Games in sculling. Then transferred all this corporate knowledge to coach a bunch of grungy kids at LEEUWIN. Who may I say, have never forgotten him for his dedication and good work. As I said, what a legend.

Had some difficulty in sending the emails last weekend. If you didn’t receive a copy and want it please let me know.

We are now looking for someone to take the lead to do a eulogy for Mike Haining for a Dedication Ceremony. Mike has forwarded me his service details. We need someone to take charge and may have a little on him from his time in. Please let me know if you are happy to run with this and I will assist with the logistics.

In today’s attachment, Dolly wants to make you a millionaire, Ken Railton responds, Speedie Hannant comments an article on the BRISBANE, ANZAC Day parking in Brisbane and an article on DVA. Of course a pretty good joke to make you smile.

(Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith is not travelling too well, he is back in ICU at Cairns Private, I have his contact details. I think Annie Oakley is going to contact him. Brent Balchin is still in Launceston (LGH John L Grove Rehabilitation Centre) to complete his recovery process. Hope Glen Summerhayes is overcoming his issues. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Ron Pope and I are starters for Forster, Barry Andrew may be there. Put these events tentatively in your diary.

Mons Cup was held last Friday at Randwick Barracks, only 7 mens teams and two girls teams. Funding did not allow the interstate teams to attend which was a real shame. Even RAAF transport let us down. The standard was really good, so there is a future there. The teams had a round robin format. At the end of the playoff, 1st and 2nd positions were picked on points for and against. Was really close. ADFA defeated PENGUIN/WATERHEN 5-0 in the final. Great to see the young kids do well.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; There is a pic of dodgy old bugger who represented Australia in 1962 in the Empire Games at sculling in Perth, went on to coach LEEUWIN sculling for years, Ken Railton of course, legend. Speedie Hannant, then and now. Not sure who looks the youngest Kev Utterley or Speedie. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Ken Railton
Dolly – tales from Tasmania and how to become a millionaire
Speedie Hannant
Lost medals
HMAS BRISBANE
ANZAC Day parking in Brisbane
DVA
Joke

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 1 April 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Happy Easter to all, hope you all had a safe and happy weekend. We have been spending the weekend with friends, doing a bit of fishing, partying and just catching up.

Made a mistake last weekend. I stated Barry Andrew’s comments were on the State RSL Conference, it wasn’t, it was the State Naval Association. Apologies, hope it didn’t cause too much controversy.

We are now looking for someone to take the lead to do a eulogy for Mike Haining for a Dedication Ceremony. Mike has forwarded me his service details. We need someone to take charge and may have a little on him from his time in. Please let me know if you are happy to run with this and I will assist with the logistics.

In today’s attachment, there are two ‘Tales from Tasmania’, Dolly is on fire. If you were on escort duty during the Vietnam era, you may find the article on Agent Orange interesting to say the least. Sad to say Rocky has had similar problems to others with DVA sponsored transport and Sandy and Rhonda Michels are on the move for a few months. A few jokes to keep the mood friendly.

(Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith is not travelling too well, he is back in ICU at Cairns Private, I have his contact details. Brent Balchin is still in Launceston (LGH John L Grove Rehabilitation Centre) to complete his recovery process. Marty Grogan has forwarded me some pics, he appears to be picking up. Hope Glen Summerhayes is overcoming his issues. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Put these events tentatively in your diary.

Mons Cup is being held in Sydney on Friday 6 April.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; an article and pics of the Dedication Plaque and family of Dick Lewin plus an article and pics from Mick Gallagher in respect of VOYAGER’s Navigator. The only body recovered from the VOYAGER tragedy on 10 Feb 1964. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Dolly – tales from Tasmania X 2
Sandy Michels on travel
Rocky on DVA sponsored transport
DVA – 2018 ANZAC Day Mailout
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 25 March 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Have received an email from Kev (Smouch) Smith, he has indicated he will act as the Point of Contact for the November 11 Remembrance Day gettogether in Brisbane. I will advertise later in the year for starters, however, put it in your diary. All you do is turn up on the day participate in the ceremony and say G’day.

We are now looking for someone to take the lead to do a eulogy for Mike Haining for a Dedication Ceremony. Mike has forwarded me his service details. We need someone to take charge and may have a little on him from his time in. Please let me know if you are happy to run with this and I will assist with the logistics.

There is a heap of stuff in today’s Attachment. Two ‘Tales from Tasmania’ Dolly has absolutely excelled himself. The eulogies Dick by Rob Cavanagh and Checkers by Buck Rogers are included. Great reading and a credit to the authors. (both eulogies are in our ‘Dedication Page’ of our website) Heaps of other interesting items and a few jokes.

Brent Balchin is back in Launceston (LGH John L Grove Rehabilitation Centre) to complete his recovery process. Have had notice he is having some hurdles to overcome. An up to date report of Glen Summerhayes is contained in the Enclosure. Have not had any updates from (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Put these events tentatively in your diary.

Mons Cup is being held in Sydney on Friday 6 April.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; an article and pics of the Dedication Plaque and family of Dick Lewin plus an article and pics from Mick Gallagher in respect of VOYAGER’s Navigator. The only body recovered from the VOYAGER tragedy on 10 Feb 1964. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Andy Anderson Travelling
Dolly – Tales from Tasmania X 2
Dick Lewin – Eulogy
Checkers Aldridge - Eulogy
Spithead 1954
DVA - Transport
Barry Andrews on QLD State RSL Conference
Barnaby Joyce
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 18 March 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Very sad to hear that Mike Haining passed over the bar. Mike achieved something that nobody else in our group did, he was CO of a major warship. Mike was the boss of FFG ADELAIDE for a period. He did let us know that he had been crook for a while, however, it appeared that not out of the woods, he was in the rehabilitation stage. (See note previous WN) He also indicated he would appreciate a plaque in the GI Chapel when he passed away. Mike was a Winjan 2 man, I know there are quite of few of them sjolly tars around the traps who would have a tale to tell. Mike has forwarded me his service details. We need someone to take charge of the eulogy. Please let me know if you are happy to run with this and I will assist with the logistics.

Hope you enjoyed St Pat’s Day; the Irish celebrated it by winning the 6 nation rugby grand slam. Arrived back in Sydney this morning. Have had a few to several problems with email issues over the 3 weeks in Europe, I couldn’t send or receive for 14 days, anyone sending emails to me during this period had their email returned.

Still need a volunteer to take the lead on the Brisbane Remembrance Day get together. As mentioned earlier, all it really involves is nominating a pub, taking a pic of the group and enjoying yourself. I will advertise those attending. Poolie has already suggested a pub.

There are some interesting articles in today’s Attachment. I found them all really good reading. Refreshing to read Shep’s take on Australia Day, Smouch’s perseverance and patience in chasing the Australian Human Rights Commission and Di Lewin’s article on the Dedication Ceremony for Dick. The RSL of State and National persuasion appear to be blithering from one post to another. Sad to see from the leading ESO.

Brent Balchin is back in Launceston (LGH John L Grove Rehabilitation Centre) to complete his recovery process. Have not had any updates from (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith or Glen Summerhayes. Spook Cairns is a little happier. His news from the doctor may not have been good but it was better than he expected. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative and was very succesful. You would be aware this is the centenary year. Gary has now proposed:

‘There is The Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day "Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier). Poolie has forwarded a couple of pubs to consider – The Plough Inn or the Ships Inn

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster from 18-25 May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Put these events tentatively in your diary.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; an article and pics of the Dedication Plaque and family of Dick Lewin plus an article and pics from Mick Gallagher in respect of VOYAGER’s Navigator. The only body recovered from the VOYAGER tragedy on 10 Feb 1964. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Dick Lewin - Dedication
Mike Shephard – Australia Day
Kev Smith – Australian Human Rights Commission
RSL X 2 – not a good look from the leading ESO’s
RAN – Its different today
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 18 February 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Hope you had a pleasant week. Know there are a lot of Aussies out there feeling the pinch with the extreme heat and the cyclones.

Would anyone like to take the lead on the Brisbane Remembrance Day get together. As mentioned earlier, all it really involves is nominating a pub, taking a pic of the group and enjoying yourself. I will advertise those attending. Poolie has already suggested a pub.

There is a stack of reading in today’s Attachment about the general ex service community from different angles and takes. If you can make the time have a look as it is very interesting.

Brent Balchin has been moved back to Launceston (LGH John L Grove Rehabilitation Centre) to complete his recovery process. Have not had any updates from (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith, Mike Haining or Glen Summerhayes. I know Spook Cairns goes to see the doctor this week. All the best Mate. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

The Dedication Ceremony for Dick Lewin and Checkers Aldridge is scheduled for 25 February. The list has been forwarded to the Command Chaplain of those attending. The ceremony commences at 1000 at Garden Island Chapel, it is followed by pics of our group, then morning tea provided by the Small Ships Association and the Comms Association.

As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative and was very succesful. You would be aware this is the centenary year. Gary has now proposed:

‘There is The Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day "Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier). Poolie has forwarded a couple of pubs to consider – The Plough Inn or the Ships Inn

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster in May (received advice during the week confirming they are on but no dates as yet) and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Put these events in your diary.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of the VOYAGER weekend are included. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and Liz have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up.

I am away from this Friday until 18 March with the Navy Rugby team who are competing against the Commonwealth Navies plus the US Marines and the US Navy in Plymouth. They have a trial game against the French Navy at Toulon next week. I intend to continue with Weekly News if possible.
Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays
Glen Butler
Dolly on Tasmania
Huck Elliot
NSW RSL –A lot
YARRA function
DVA Service
DFWA – response to criticism on Senator Major General Jim Molan
Delivering better services for Veterans and their families
ADF –Operational Update
Joke

Cheers

Ron















Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 11 February 2018

www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm


G’day All. 22 of us met at Huskisson for the Ceremony at Huskisson to honour those lost on VOYAGER was held on Saturday night. Am happy to say the number of attendees is increasing. The ceremony was conducted by the CRESWELL Padre, the President of the SS Mess and Comittee man Dave was also there. The names of those of our group are included below.


We had a lunch meeting at the Husky Bowls club. Two major items were discussed, the 2019 Wake. It will be held in Darwin. Have contacted Jeff Dunn and he has indicated for planning purposes the functions will be held in September. The other item was a 2-3 day wine tour of the Hunter Valley. Bongo is investigating and will get back to us soon.


Who attended the VOYAGER Commemoration. Ian and Marian Schubert, Spook Cairns, John Tant, Sandy and Rhonda Michel, Tom and Val Houldsworth, John and Lynn Hatchman, Wally and Robyn Gawne, Sandy Powell, Stan and Margaret Church, Bongo and Jo Dibetta, Ken and Myra Scarisbrick, Ken and Marrilyn Fielding and me. Received apologies from Mick Gallagher, Mike and Jean Shephard, Mike and Jill Hogan, Barry and Margaret Parker, Doug Brown, Doug and Trish Wilson, Hector Hart, Russ and Georgina Nelson and Barry and KayMaree Andrew. Tom Houldsworth laid the wreath on our behalf. He also purchased it.


Tom Houldsworth has been in contact with Bob Johnston, he was playing cards. A good sign. (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith, Brent Balchin, Mike Haining and Glen Summerhayes have a long way to go yet before they are fully recovered. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.


The Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for 25 February. If you wish to attend the ceremony to honour Dick Lewin and Checkers Aldridge please let me know. If you require parking for your car please forward the registration details. The ceremony commences at 1000 at Garden Island Chapel, it is followed by pics of our group, then morning tea provided by the Small Ships Association and the Comms Association.


As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative and was very succesful. You would be aware this is the centenary year. Gary has now proposed:


‘There is The Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day "Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier). Poolie has forwarded a couple of pubs to consider – The Plough Inn or the Ships Inn


Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster in May (received advice during the week confirming they are on but no dates as yet) and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Put these events in your diary.


Who can swim 50 metres freestyle and be at Nelson’s Bay for the AIF Swimming on 10 March. We ‘Manly Leagues swimming’ which includes Mick Gallagher’ are short a service swimmer. If you are available please let me know, if you can’t make it, do you know anybody who can.


Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.


Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm


Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Pics of the VOYAGER weekend are included. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.


If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and his Missus have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up with Jim.


Articles in the attachment:

Birthdays

Gary Angel

Davo

Barry Andrew

Stoney Bourke

Public Transport Queensland

Kev (Smouch) Smith x3 in chronological order

Winged Warriors

The Power of Google – must read

HMAS TOBRUK

Jokes


Cheers


Ron


Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 4 February 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Watching the Final of the Big Bash. What a great final series. What a great series. Adelaide have won well.

Intend to meet this Saturday at the Husky Bowls Club for lunch at 1200ish. Everybody is more than welcome. I intend having a meeting there to determine the order of events for this year and the major ‘Wake’ destination for next year. If you cannot make it and want to make a contribution, please respond before Saturday.

Have received advice of those attending the Saturday night memorial service. The Schubert’s, Moot, Spook, John Tant, the Hogan’s, the Michels’, the Houldsworth’s, the Hatchman’s, the Nelson’s, the Gawne’s, Sandy Brennan, the Church’s and the Dibetta’s are starters. Mick Gallagher is a potential starter. Have had apologies from the Shepard’s, the Parker’s, Doug Brown and the Wilson’s.

Have been having trouble keeping in contact with Bob Johnston, John Hatchman has advised Bob is not travelling too well, his memory is fading. (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith, Brent Balchin, Mike Haining and Glen Summerhayes have a long way to go yet before they are fully recovered. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

The Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for 25 February. If you wish to attend the ceremony to honour Dick Lewin and Checkers Aldridge please let me know. If you require parking for your car please forward the registration details. The ceremony commences at 1000 at Garden Island Chapel, it is followed by pics of our group, then morning tea provided by the Small Ships Association and the Comms Association.

As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative and was very succesful. You would be aware this is the centenary year. Gary has now proposed:

‘There is The Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day "Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier)

Our next reunion is 2019. Thanks for the response. To date we have received 5 suggestions on venues. For those venues, have received support for -12 for Darwin, 3 for the Sea Cruise, 6 for Hobart, 2 for the Gold Coast and 3 for Bribie Island. Will keep the door open until 10 February. Flick me an email with your choice. Am not looking for starters at this time, just opinions on what would suit you.

Don’t forget the ‘Matelots Bowls’ in Forster in May and the AIF Bowls in Dubbo in September. Put these events in your diary.

Who can swim 50 metres freestyle and be at Nelson’s Bay for the AIF Swimming on 10 March. We ‘Manly Leagues swimming which includes Mick Gallagher’ are short a service swimmer. If you are available please let me know, if you can’t make it, do you know anybody who can.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. No more pen and pencil sets, they have all been sold. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Noel Kropp’s coffin at his funeral service. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and his Missus have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up with Jim.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Dolly
Farmer Terry Dack
Shirley Rowland,
HMAS ARMIDALE
Navy Badges
Military Bias
Australia Day – the law
Jokes

Cheers

Ron





Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 28 January 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Watching the ODI at the new stadium in Perth on the tele. We look OK after a horror start. Looking a little shakier right now……. 8/208 needing 259

There are some of us who were in MELBOURNE when EVANS collided in 1969. We did temporary repairs in Singapore. During our time in Singapore the US Navy conducted a BOI in Subic Bay. The CO of MELBOURNE Captain J.P. Stevenson was held partially responsible for the collision. The BOI was a farce, the Yanks wanted a scapegoat, our Government did not support him, nor did the RAN. All onboard MELBOURNE had the greatest respect for the CO and were aware of the comments he had made to all the CO’s of the participating ships in Manila prior to proceeding on Exercise. He emphasized what had occurred in 64 with VOYAGER and they were to ensure it did not happen again. It is a long time since then, his wife supported him all the way, wrote two books protesting on how he was victimized, however, unfortunately she passed away before he was exonerated. On Australia Day this year he was awarded the Australia Medal. What a great result.

Our sick bay list does not appear to be diminishing. (Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith, Brent Balchin, Mike Haining and Glen Summerhayes have a long way to go yet before they are fully recovered. I am also aware of quite a few wives who are really crook. We wish all our group which includes wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

The Dedication Ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 25 February. This info (Rob Cavanagh) was received indirectly from the Small Ships Association. If you wish to attend the ceremony to honour Dick Lewin and Checkers Aldridge please let me know. If you require parking for your car please forward the registration details. The ceremony commences at 1000 at Garden Island Chapel.

Our next get together is planned for Husky on the 10 February to commemorate the loss of the people on VOYAGER. Start making plans if you intend to go. It is less than a month away. The Schubert’s, Moot, Spook, John Tant, the Hogan’s, the Michels’, the Houldsworth, the Hatchman’s, the Nelson’s, the Gawne’s and the Brennan’s are potential starters. Have had apologies from Mick Gallagher, the Shepard’s, the Parker’s, Doug Brown and the Wilson’s.

As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative. You would be aware this is the centenary year. Gary has now proposed:

‘There is The Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day "Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier)

Stan Church forwarded a utube link on DIAMANTINA which is included in the Attachment.

Our next reunion is 2019. Thanks for the response. To date we have received 5 suggestions on venues. For those venues, have received support for -11 for Darwin, 3 for the Sea Cruise, 6 for Hobart, 2 for the Gold Coast and 3 for Bribie Island. Will keep it open until February. Flick me an email with your choice. Am not looking for starters at this time, just opinions on what would suit you.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. No more pen and pencil sets, they have all been sold. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Noel Kropp’s coffin at his funeral service. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and his Missus have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up with Jim.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Doug Brown
Kev Smith
Captain J.P. Stevenson AM
HMAS DIAMANTINA Utube
Jokes

Cheers

Ron



Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 21 January 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Imagine you are all getting ready for Australia Day. We go down to Dee Why beach every year, great morning’s entertainment and show of Australiana. Yeah, I wear a ‘true blue’ shirt.

(Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith is not travelling too well. He is not responding to treatment and is currently in the Cairns Hospital. Know that Brent Balchin and Mike Haining have a long way to go yet. An update for Mike is in the Attachment. We wish Mike, Brent and Hyphen plus all our group and wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

The Dedication Ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 25 February. This info (Rob Cavanagh) was received indirectly from the Small Ships Association. They determine the date.

Rob Cavanagh, who is going to speak on behalf of Dick at the Dedication ceremony in February would like to know if anybody has any stories they can add when Dick was serving in VAMPIRE or WATSON or really anywhere. Please respond to
cav-17@bigpond.com

Our next get together is planned for Husky on the 10 February to commemorate the loss of the people on VOYAGER. Start making plans if you intend to go. It is less than a month away. The Schubert’s, Moot, Spook, John Tant, the Hogan’s, the Michels’ and the Brennan’s are potential starters. I expect the Houldsworth’s and the Hatchman’s to be there. Have had apologies from the Shepard’s, the Parker’s and the Wilson’s.

As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative. You would be aware this is the centenary year. Gary has now proposed:

‘There is The Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day "Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier)

Our next reunion is 2019. Thanks for the response. To date we have received 5 suggestions on venues. For those venues, have received support for -11 for Darwin, 3 for the Sea Cruise, 6 for Hobart, 2 for the Gold Coast and 3 for Bribie Island. Will keep it open until February. Flick me an email with your choice. Am not looking for starters at this time, just opinions on what would suit you.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. No more pen and pencil sets, they have all been sold. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Noel Kropp’s coffin at his funeral service. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and his Missus have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up with Jim.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Mike Haining
Ray Cattermole
Di Lewin
Boong Bartlett
James Carroll
Pooley of DIAMANTINA
Boong Bartlett on DVA
VOYAGER Memorial Service
Battle of the River Plate
Jokes

Cheers

Ron




Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 14 January 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. Noel Kropp passed away due to cancer on 1 Jan. His funeral was held at Pinaroo Queensland on 9 Jan. Bongo Dibetta and Rob Cavanagh attended. Unfortunately I cannot pass on the comments and condolences forwarded to me on his behalf, as I have no contacts for his immediate family. A pic from the funeral service is on our FB page.

(Hyphen) Greg Henderson-Smith is not travelling too well. He is not responding to treatment and is currently in the Cairns Hospital. Know that Brent Balchin and Mike Haining have a long way to go yet. We wish Mike, Brent and Hyphen plus all our group and wives who are in Sick Bay a speedy recovery.

Still no definite date in February for the Dedication Service for Checkers and Dick. As soon as the details comes to hand, I will let you know.

Rob Cavanagh, who is going to speak on behalf of Dick at the Dedication ceremony in February would like to know if anybody has any stories they can add when Dick was serving in VAMPIRE or WATSON or really anywhere. Please respond to
cav-17@bigpond.com

Our next get together is planned for Husky on the 10 February to commemorate the loss of the people on VOYAGER. Start making plans if you intend to go. It is less than a month away. The Schuberts, Moot, Spook, John Tant and the Hogans are starters. Have had apologies from the Shepard’s and the Parker’s.

As you are aware last year we held our first Remembrance Day ceremony at the Australian Maritime Museum (VAMPIRE); this was a Gary Angel initiative. This is the centenary anniversary year. He has now proposed:

‘There is a Queensland Maritime Museum on South Bank near Cilento Childrens Hospital. The main Naval feature is HMAS DIAMANTINA. Fifty percent of 6th Intake did operational seatime in VAMPIRE. One hundred percent of us did our first naval training seatime in DIAMANTINA. For all the reasons we have discussed before I propose we "float" the idea of a Qld Remembrance Day ""Wake". Our friends in Qld and Northern NSW might take up the idea. The theme is turn up if you can, participate in a service, have a yarn, feed and a drink and depart. No organization needed (just a local watering hole to be nominated earlier)

Our next reunion is 2019. Thanks for the response. To date we have received 5 suggestions on venues. For those venues, have received support for -10 for Darwin, 3 for the Sea Cruise, 6 for Hobart, 2 for the Gold Coast and 3 for Bribie Island. Will keep it open until February. Flick me an email with your choice. Am not looking for starters at this time, just opinions on what would suit you.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. No more pen and pencil sets, they have all been sold. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; A pic of Noel Kropp’s coffin at his funeral service. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and his Missus have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up with Jim.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Dolly
DVA
Malayan Emergency
Think your bank deposits are guaranteed
Not all thieves are stupid
Jokes

Cheers

Ron



Weekly News 1963 LEEUWIN of 7 January 2018
www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page2.htm

G’day All. What a hot day in Sydney, 43 degrees at my place, beer tastes better and appreciate the AC a lot more. Been a good day to watch cricket where it was around 50 degrees at the SCG.

Rob Cavanagh, who is going to speak on behalf of Dick at the Dedication ceremony in February would like to know if anybody has any stories they can add when Dick was serving in VAMPIRE or WATSON or really anywhere. Please respond to
cav-17@bigpond.com

Our next get together is planned for Husky on the 10 February to commemorate the loss of the people on VOYAGER. Start making plans if you intend to go. It is less than 2 months away. The Schuberts, Moot, Spook, John Tant and the Hogans are starters. Have had apologies from the Shepard’s and the Parker’s.

Our next reunion in 2019. Thanks for the response on venues. To date we have received quite a few suggestions. 8 for Darwin, 3 for the Sea Cruise, 6 for Hobart, 2 for the Gold Coast and 3 for Bribie Island. Will keep it open until February. Flick me an email with your choice. Am not looking for starters at this time, just opinions on what would suit you.

Have received the polo shirts from the new supplier, if you want one and need a size between S, L and XXXL (no Mediums) I bought spare ones. We also have more caps with the LEEUWIN larikan design. No more pen and pencil sets, they have all been sold. All the gear is at cost price and our group is paying the postage and packaging. Shirts are $30, caps are $15.

Have received an update from Mike Haining, am still receiving updates on Brent (he is improving). We wish Mike, Brent and all our group and wives who are in Sick Bay, a speedy recovery.

Have you changed your postal address and not let me know. If you have, please let me update our database. I keep it safe and it will not be put on any website. Concurrently, please have a look at our website in the members page and check whether your correct email address is listed. The website address is www.hmas-leeuwin-1963.com/page3.htm

Face Book – Our FB Page has been updated; Darby Ashton’s pics of the reunion and Santa Surfie Richards. If you want to include your pics on this site please send them to me rugbyron@bigpond.com or Nev Thomas on unicom05@bigpond.net.au the site address is https://www.facebook.com/LEEUWIN1963 The easiest way for the non Facebook people to look at our pics and posts (if you do not have or do not want a FB account) is to go to our website and click on the link.

Have been in contact with the Command Chaplain organization again. The dedication for Dick Lewin and Checkers Aldridge is expected to be in February 2018. The exact date is still not known as of today (31 Dec 17). They are also going to discuss the granite piece Ken Dobbie forwarded from the JR Memorial at Leeuwin Barracks offering it for placement in the GI Chapel.

If anyone is travelling through Molong NSW, remember Jim Clegg and his Missus have the only motel in that town. Good way to catch up with Jim.

Articles in the attachment:
Birthdays
Brent Balchin
Knobby Clark
Rocky Stone
Thin Striped Line – English Army
Jokes

Cheers

Ron