Just last week one of our Class mates passed through Canberra on a private mission – missing our occasional lunch get together by a couple of hours. He would have arranged to arrive earlier if he’d known we were meeting.

Could I suggest that the coordinators/arrangers of local gatherings advise the Class generally, so that if anyone is passing through or nearby they could attend as well? I’m not sure how it operates outside Canberra (it is apparently in a bubble) but in our case Steve Jones has been our long suffering organiser, which makes at least one locale simple (and I’m usually on the invitee list).

If you are organising something that is appropriate for any member of the Class, please pass it on – either by using the website email – yes, it is monitored – or directly to me at david.cran1950@gmail.com.

And afterwards – please send some photos!

Advice just to hand that Stew Snell died this morning at 0830 hrs. RIP.

A film in the Mini British Film Festival 2019, which starts tonight, might (emphasis on that word!) be of some interest (I’ve not seen it, so can’t comment). The full program of dates and times is at  https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/films/military-wives

The blurb says that:

The Full Monty director Peter Cattaneo recruits A-listers Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan to lead this inspiring drama about the bravery of the women of war, and the power of the music that saved them.

The life of a military wife can be thankless. Separated from loved ones, their suffering and sacrifice go unnoticed while they live with the dread of a fateful knock on the door. But Kate (Scott Thomas), finds freedom in song and persuades a ragtag group of women on the base to form the Military Wives Choir. Finding their voice together, the misfit choir put two fingers up to stuffy military tradition, anti-war protestors and their own personal differences. As friendships flourish, even the sceptical rebel and rocker Lisa (Horgan), is transformed by the choir’s friendship, humour and courage.

Inspired by a true-life global phenomenon, Military Wivesportrays ordinary women in unbelievably testing circumstances, who find courage in the cathartic power of singing together. The luminous cast belts out pop hits and rock anthems, empowering everyone to overcome their fears together.

Hereunder an update from Ross Eastgate received last Sunday. I have been on the road and unable to post earlier.

“Dear Old Mates,

I had a long telecon with Kathy Snell this afternoon.  Kathy is remarkably stoic and together.

Stew’s condition has deteriorated rapidly since his return home.  The nature of the pancreatic cancer is such that his ability to speak is very limited, his bowels are ceasing to function, he can only concentrate for very short periods, and he has hiccups that cannot be controlled and leave him exhausted.  Despite his protests, he is heavily sedated.  The oncologist has advised the children to be around this weekend.  Understandably, the children are keen to have maximum time with Stew and have asked Kathy to refuse any further visitors.

Stew, and his family, is very much aware and appreciative of the concern of his RMC colleagues.  Similar concerns have been evident from his business contacts and his Rotary friends.

I have offered Kathy any assistance I might be able to provide.  She remembers many of us and is comforted by the messages conveyed.

Very sad,

Gerry”

Latest from Ross Eastgate:

”News tonight from Perth is Stu is back in St John of God Hospice.

Kathy has asked for no contact from anyone except immediate family.

I understand Skip is sending a message from us all for her to read to him if it is possible.

I suspect it is now a matter of just “wait, out”.

Rossco”

A further update on Stew Snell – not good news.

Kathy reports that Stewart’s condition has deteriorated rapidly. He is currently receiving palliative care at SJOG Murdoch, she expects him to be ‘discharged home’ with Silver Chain support today or tomorrow.
Stewart will receive no more cancer treatment. The children have been summoned home ASAP.

I understand that all serving and past members of the ADF can receive a DVA White Card (renamed as Veteran Card – see this link) which provides for care for some ailments/conditions without needing to apply: cancer and PTSD are in this category.

A veteran is defined as “(those) who have served in the ADF with one day of Continuous Full-Time Service (CFTS) are eligible to apply for all components of the Covenant including the Veteran Card, lapel pin and oath.” There is an automatic mail out underway for those who hold a White or Gold Card already, but I understand that if you don’t hold either one you do need to apply. Notwithstanding the above, I’m passing on some advice (with thanks) from Ross Eastgate on this matter, and a note on Stew Snell.

“A few of you have mentioned in your responses you are also being treated for various cancers.

Whether you believe you qualify for DVA eligibilty or not, even if you did not graduate, I am reliably advised you can apply for a DVA white card.

This is the fact sheet: https://www.dva.gov.au/factsheet-hsv109-non-liability-health-care

There are contact details in the latter part of the sheet.

Call and ask.

If you are dissatisfied with the result, see a veterans’ advocate.

Past expenses should also be covered, if you have receipts.

We were able to get both Greg Park and Mick Braithwaite covered.

My initial enquiries re Stew Snell this morning have been very positive, and the WA RSL organisation is already moving to assist.”

An email from Mike Smith (Class of 1971) has been passed to me via Ross Eastgate and Ian Callan – many thanks to all three. It passes on some sad news about the health – and outlook – for Stew Snell. I remember Stew – a founding member of the Little Ford Club – as one of the most innately nice people I met at RMC. Let’s keep Stew and his family in our thoughts at this time.

Most of the text of the email from Mike is as follows:

“Over the years Marg and I have kept in touch with Stew and Kathy Snell. We had dinner with Stew earlier this year on one of his visits to Canberra. He was in great form, very fit and still working his successful company, Atamo. Stew and Kathy had decided to sell their acreage to the north of Perth and move to Secret Harbour to the south of Perth – closer to some of their three children and a more manageable property.

Yesterday, Stew advised me that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and that it was inoperable. He has given me approval to advise Old Mates, but I don’t have current addresses for many in the classes of 71 and 72 who would probably like to know. Grateful if you could forward through your network. I have cc’d the Canberra Old Mates coterie and a few of the Gallipoli Company crew.

Stew’s email is stewart.snell@atamo.com.au, and his mobile is 0414 628 941. I also have Kathy’s contact details and Marg and I will check with her over the coming weeks.

Below are extracts from Stew’s recent emails. He is brave and stoic, and a true inspiration. His last sentence (highlighted) is a mark of the man.

“There has been a big change in our affairs since we met up earlier this year.

In early August I visited the doctor with an uncomfortable feeling in the upper abdomen.  Several visits to hospital and a range of tests later I have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that appears to have spread to the liver, making it inoperable.  We had already planned to move from our acreage into something more manageable for people getting older.  I got the diagnosis in the week we were to move.  We managed the move with various dramas in matching settlement dates etc.

We moved into 62 Secret Harbour Boulevard, Secret Harbour on Tuesday 24th, I saw the oncologist on Wednesday and had a liver biopsy on Thursday.  I start Chemo next Wednesday.  The general prognosis is 6-12 months and I have asked to oncologist to help me be as functional as possible for as long as possible.  There is an outside chance we may be able to stretch it out to a couple of years.”

And: “Thanks for the kind words.  It is a difficult situation but I’m determined not to waste any time thinking about what might have been.  The doctors spent some time looking for an underlying cause but weren’t able to find one.  So we just accept that there is no reason and we are simply grateful for what we have.

I’m happy for you to pass the news on to RMC colleagues.  I know several of them have health issues and I would be pleased if you would also pass on my best wishes to those who are dealing with problems of their own.”

Thanks to Rowan Tracey for pointing to the biography of another very well known Duntroon graduate – ACM Sir Frederick Scherger, KBE CB DSO AFC, former Chairman of the Australian Chiefs of Staff.

See Rayner, Harry, Scherger, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, 1984.

Listening to Canberra radio station 2CA today in the car, I was transported back: Eric Burdon and the Animals – We’ve got to get out of this place

And that led to 100 Days To Go, and the RMC Band on parade (I think set up by Kevin Hindle) – The Campbells are coming