|
A very friendly gathering of 43 people, 26 of whom were members, plus their partners, at the Coniston Hotel in Coniston today. We were fortunate to have Graeme and Judith Bool, and Peter and Jean Maber visit from afar, with all others attending having a history of working and living in the Illawarra District.
Laurie Sainsbury (my voice) graciously welcomed everyone on my behalf (my voice is very poor, so need a substitute) and tendered apologies and remembrance of our members that died since our last meeting. He then introduced Graeme Bool who gave a brief precis on where the ANZROC (NSW) club currently sits and its vision for the short- to medium-term. He also thanked the CEO of the ANZ Bank , Shane Elliott, for his financial support and active interest in the well-being of ANZROC clubs throughout the country. Apologies were received from Michael and Dolores Dajcic, Earl Cochrane, Tony and Jenny Hunt, and Gail Rutledge. We also took the time to remember John Smith and Ray Ball, both of whom were Illawarra members, that passed away since our last meeting. The food was said to be good by all those that were asked, and the chatter was long and loud, so it has to be assumed that a good time was had by all with the venue lending itself to a good deal of mingling. The photographer apologises to those omitted from the attached photographs (Mark Nightingale, Del Pratt, John Turnbull and his companion Aggie, and Reg Smeaton; I guess I am no longer as fast on his feet as I used to be!) It is hoped that a gathering can be arranged for mid-2023, and every effort will be made to do so. May I take this opportunity to wish all readers a Happy and Holy Christmas and a great New Year ahead.
Regards |
Phil and Helen Newsome
