TRACK TALK & GENERAL INFORMATION

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                  Track Talk Updated:  17:03:2008

TRACK TALK

Webmasters Note. Those state representatives that are organising after march events on ANZAC day, please send in the details for "TRACK TALK" to the Webmaster ASAP, thanks

Geoff Howard has recently married, and has now gone to the US of A to live with his new bride, an American school teacher. Geoff had formerly been travelling in the States, and recently met up with Lyn Herron, of Texas, who also permanently resides there. It was a great reunion, as Lyn had served with Geoff, prior to Roger Tingley coming over (to SVN) to take over that position. Geoff will reside in the US of A for a couple of years, and return to Australia when his wife retires.

George Wood goes to Indonesia in a teaching capacity, with his wife Chris, since they have “retired” from that profession in Australia, and have returned safely. Unfortunately, Chris went a gutser at home and fell and broke her hip, which made her use crutches for 4 1/2 months, whilst she was bucketing water to save it from the shower! Obviously safer overseas than home.

CONGRATULATIONS to Adrian ROBERTS, and John (Tubby) BROOKER on them being awarded the Medal in the Order of Australia awards, announced on Australia Day this year. Both have obviously worked tirelessly to assist veterans and members within their respective associations. Well done to both. [Webmasters note]: It has been pointed out to the editor that he omitted to place John (Tubby) BROOKER's name in the newsletter re his OAM. The editor informed me that he had been away and was not informed of John's award until last week, by then the newsletter was at the printers.  As he said, he is not a mind reader and if he is not informed of an event, it wont go into the newsletter.

On Monday,4^th February, Greg Smith was invited, and had lunch with Dulcie HAACK and Gayna KOPP, mother and sister of our late comrade Vivian FRENCH. Greg advises that Dulcie has just turned 92, and is keeping well. Both of the family enjoyed the visit, and would welcome contact from anyone who knew Viv. It is suggested that contact be made through Greg (ph:07 3264 5249) so that she does not become inundated with callers. Flowers were sent to Dulcie also, on her recent birthday, and were very much appreciated. Mrs Haack asked that the following be inserted into our newsletter: “My 92^nd birthday was made extra special by receiving a lovely bouquet of flowers from the Association. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.” It is our pleasure, Mrs Haack.

On the Presidents instigation, Christmas cards were sent to all the known next of kin, and to affiliated Units still serving. There was a massive groundswell of replies, thanking us for our thoughts and wishes, with many personal notes included. Obviously, we will continue with this practice, albeit that we are many years late in re establishing this contact.

There are some 49 couples attending the Coral/Balmoral celebrations in Canberra in May this year. Whilst it is a bit late, anyone who believes they may be missed out on, contact can be made through Gerry McCormack on 02 9873 6881.

On the sick list recently was Zac TINSON. Had a bit of trouble walking, balancing etc. Seems he had a bleed in the skull. A quick op., drain the area, and he is OK again. Zac is also busy moving house.

John FLOOD, after further major surgery late in the year is slowly progressing back to some semblance of normality.

Charlie HARDY also has had major surgery, similar in a way with John Flood. He was released from hospital, but returned where further testing was carried out.