Author: David

Norm Goldspink

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From the 1 YLI (Class of 1971) FB page:

“Happy 96th Birthday Uncle Norm!

We have been sitting on this for some weeks, but it is now in the public domain.

This email today, Norm’s 96th birthday, from Roger Wainwright (via Uncle Max) says it all.

Hello everyone,

Many of you will know Norm well, so I advise you that he is in hospital in Canberra after a fall at home in late November. Since then, he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in multiple places so the prognosis is not good.

His daughter Louise told me this morning that he will not be able to return home and they are looking at transferring him to an aged care facility in Calwell ACT. She says he is doing as well as can be expected but his memory is failing him, probably due to the cancer diagnosis and alzheimer’s/dementia disease. I had a long chat to Norm about two months ago and I thought his memory was fine at that stage. He lost Lois, his wife of 66 years a few years ago and that has also impacted him.

Norm was a drilly at RMC for many of us in the early 1960’s and was also at OTU Scheyville. He served with 1 RAR in Korea and was CSM of Charlie Coy 5 RAR in Vietnam in 1966-67. Norm returned to RMC as RSM from late 1967 to 1971 so has had an impact on generations of officers.

Today (20 Dec) is Norm’s 96th birthday so let’s raise a glass to this fine old soldier. I’ll let you know of any further developments.

Regards and season’s greetings to all.

Roger (Wainwright)”

Canberra Pre-Xmas, last of the year catchup

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Two photos of the group as in one the photographer is missing and the second some faces are obscured. You get the picture?

Left to Right: Debra Jones, Marina Houston, David Cran (at rear), Geoff McPherson, Bill Houston (at rear), Mike Swan, Trish Cran (rear) Elizabeth McPherson, Dave Urquhart (hidden at rear in this one!) Brenda Elliott, Warwick Elliott, Trish Thomas, Kym McMillan, Steve Jones, Paulette Rigter, Eric Rigter, Darryl Poole, Alison Kelly, Garry Kelly, Michelle White, Nev White.

Canberra Lunch – 27 November

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Latest from Kym:

“Christmas greetings to all – I hope you have your Xmas trees and lights up by now!

As per my previous message, the final class (Christmas lunch) is on next week on  Monday 27 Nov at 1200 midday. 

But due to popular demand (ie, 2 of you), the venue has been changed to the Kingston Hotel (I’m sure you can all still remember where that is!) in the ‘Maddies Dining’ area.

As always, partners are more than welcome, as well as any other classmates who might be in town.

I’ve booked a table, but could you please let me know numbers by Thursday evening so I can confirm them with the hotel.

Looking forward to our final gathering of the year,

Kym

Kym MacMillan

36 Wallangara St, O’Malley ACT 2606

M:  0418 295511”

Last Canberra Catch up Lunch for 2023

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Message from Kym McMillan:

“As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to organise a final Class lunch before your diaries fill up! 

At the last one (back in August), there was some discussion about a date and I believe we settled on Monday 27 November.

Please pencil it in – I’ll send out a final call and ask for numbers in the week before that. As always, partners are more than welcome, as well as any other classmates who might be in town.

And finally, the Duxton always seems a popular choice, but if anyone feels the need for a change and has a suggestion, please let me know asap.”

Paris catchup

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From John Elphinston and Sandra Davies:

“Currently in Siena Italy but Sandy and I caught up with Reg Hardman and his wife Rejane in Paris – I think it was the inaugural meeting of the Paris chapter of the Class of 72 alumni.

A couple of photos attached – pick which classmate is the cool sophisticated urbane Parisian?”

WA Catchup

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Crans caught up with Pam and Frank Edwards in Margaret River a week or so ago. Three days and two nights wonderfully hosted by Pam and Frank in their lovely home, and capped off by a farewell lunch in beautiful surroundings at the Hamelin Bay Winery.

Legs for Legacy

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Peter Jenke has sent an email thank you to all who have contributed to his upcoming marathon in support of the Legs for Legacy event. He’s worried that it may not have got through to all recipients, so it is reproduced below:

“Good evening, all.

The Legacy Torch Relay is now approaching its final leg here in Melbourne, where it will arrive on Thursday the 12th October when I will amble along my allotted leg to which so many of you have contributed.  What follows is a quote from my Editorial in the attached copy of Melbourne Legacy’s Bulletin magazine.

“Afterall, it’s not every charity in Australia which can boast the active support of HRH the King himself, an assortment of French, British and Australian politicians and ex-politicians, high profile individuals from all walks of life, as well as His Excellency, the Governor General and his wife who have both been extremely active in promoting the Relay, as well as personally participating in the Relay in the Governor General’s home town of Wollongong. Also of note and in the same vein, the GG will be receiving the Torch in Melbourne at the Relay’s conclusion.”

I’m still just short of $5k, so if anyone wishes to tip me over that benchmark, go for it. Legs for Legacy : Torch Bearer Fundraisers

Regardless, for those who have contributed to the Relay – either to me or to someone else you may have chosen to support, thank you. And Legacy thanks you. For those who haven’t, it’s not too late.

I’m attaching for your info a copy of the October edition of Melbourne Legacy’s Bulletin magazine which I produce.

Thankyou everyone

Peter Jenke”

bulletin-no-3439-oct-2023Download

Canberra Catchup

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Catchup yesterday at, as usual, the Duxton. Started at 1200 – apart from one classmate who arrived for a 1230 start!

Left to right sitting: Darryl Poole, Michele White, New White, Dave Urquhart, Garry Kelly. Standing: Kym MacMillan, Bill Houston, Marina Houston, David Cran, Pat Cullinan, Trish Cran, Eric Rigter.

Our next planned (pre Xmas) lunch will be on Mon 27 Nov – everyone welcome.