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President David Larsen opened the meeting at 9.30am with a welcome to
our members and their Ladies. There was one guest, Alan Sloane
Apologies:
were received from: Allan Prott. Anold Parrott. Geoff
Webb, David Siarr, Allen Cox, Allan Baldwin, Bob Mann, Bert Hawke, Colin
Andrews. Gilbert Beek, Don Scurr, Murray Sweetapple. Colin Gale, Alan
Bird, Fred Warbrook. Ian Mangelsdorf, Hugh McLean and Bill Traynor.
Minutes:
In the absence of Bob Mann. Past President David Bonnett
read the minutes of the meeting held on 7th July, these were accepted as
a true and accurate record.
Treasurers Report:
Les Lindsay-Park told us that we started 1st July
with a reconciled cash book balance of $6736, and taking into
consideration our receipts and payments the cash book balance at 31st
July was $5,454. From this we deduct our committed funds (forthcoming
trips etc) of $900, leaving available funds at 31st July 2008 of
$4.554, a very healthy state of affairs.
Caring Officers Report:
Norm Tilbrook gave a comprehensive report on the
welfare of members and their partners who are not too well at present.
Mentioned were; Judy Abernethy, Beryl Dermond, Gilbert Beek, Allan Prott,
Geoff Spencer, Murray Sweetapple, Ken Grimes, Bruce Grimison, Joanna
Payne. Bob Mann, Dale McLaughlan, and Tony Lahood.
Coming Speakers:
Next month there will be no Club or Main Speakers as we
shall be at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, and after morning tea
($2.00) per person we will be given a conducted tour of the complex.
Profile:
Past President Norm Tilbrook, A second
generation Australian born in Leichhardt. His Grandparents
emigrated in the late 19th century from Sheffield in the English
Midlands. His father was a Piano Tuner by trade, hence his love of music
and his ability on the keyboard. Norm told us of growing up in
Leichhardt and Carlton. and of his education where he took his final
exams at Sydney Technical High School. He obtained an apprenticeship as
a Sign Writer with a large high class firm in Sydney, however WW2 put an
end to this when he was called up for National Service in 1941.
Following the Japanese Bombing of Darwin in 1942 he was posted to Head
Quarters Northern Territory Forces stationed just outside that City. He
was put in charge of records for Ammunition storage facilities, quite a
responsible job. Norm told us some of the safety methods used to time
fuses, most of which were "Not to be near the Primary Explosive!" and
"Light the blue touch paper and run like hell!" After the War his
demobilization was at Albury in August 1946, he had met Sylvia the month
prior, and romance flourished. They were married in December of that
year.
(Time then ran out for Norm, his 10 minutes were up, but he will
complete his talk at the October Meeting)
Guest Speaker Paula Smith. "MERCY SHIPS of LIBERIA"
Paula Smith, gave us a graphic presentation concerning the role
that Mercy Ships play in the world today. Not only photographs but also
a seven minute video. Since 1978, Mercy Ships have used hospital ships
to deliver free, world-class health care to the forgotten poor.
Commissioned in 2006 the "Africa Mercy" effectively doubled Mercy Ships
capacity to provide free health care and community development services.
The ship's surgical work and health care projects are carried out by a
400 plus member crew of medical and development volunteers. The
projected surgical capacity onboard the Africa Mercy is approximately
7,000 operations per year including. cataract removal/lens implant,
tumor removal. cleft lip and palate reconstruction, orthopedics and
obstetric fistula repair. The purchase and conversion of this former
rail ferry into a state-of-the-art hospital ship with an expected
working life of approximately 30 years, cost about $62 million and was
funded by donations and gifts-in-kind. The crew consisting of some 400
volunteer professionals from 30 nations around the world, include
doctors, dentists, nurses, community developers, teachers, builders,
cooks, seamen, engineers, and many others. In addition to donating their
time, volunteers pay their own airfare and on board cost of $140.00 per
week. Mercy Ships have treated more than 200,000 people in village
medical clinics, taught nearly 100,000 local people in primary health
care, performed over 32,500 surgeries, 180,000 dental treatments and are
completing over 900 construction and agriculture projects, including
schools, clinics, orphanages and water wells. Each year more than 1,600
short-term volunteers serve with Mercy Ships. To date, more than 550
ports in 70 nations have been visited by a Mercy Ship.
Paula Smith was thanked for her very thought provoking talk by member
Owen Quinn.
Tea Roster for September at the Entertainment Centre. Keith Dale
David Burton, Newton Chandler,
and Les Chittick. Remember if you cannot take your turn it is your
responsibility to arrange a stand in and advise John Goodger.
Coming Activities:
Wed. 20th August. Visit to the Historic Aviation Restoration
Society at Albion Park Airport. $10pp Car pool transport 09.45am meet at
Bomaderry R.S.L. 10.00am depart Must pay on/ before August meeting
Thurs 4th Sept. Nowra Players $15 pp "Mr Baileys Minder" Must pay
on/before August meeting. Pre-show Dinner 6.OOpm at Bomaderry RSL. (own
expense).
Wed 10th Sept. The "lllawarra Fly" postponed from 29th July. The
$25pp you have paid covers treetop walk and light lunch. Car pool
transport 09.45am meet at Bomaderry R.S.L. 10.00am depart, 11.15am
Treetop Walk. Light lunch at 12.30pm Note: The owner/driver who takes
his car will receive $10 to compensate for fuel.
Wed 24th Sept Mystery Trip (full day) $58 pp includes Morning
Tea, Lunch. Coach Transport and a Guide Must pay on/before September
meeting.
Fri l0th Oct. Regular BBQ. $l0.pp Must pay on/before October
meeting. Venue to be advised
Tues 4th Nov. Melbourne Cup. $10pp venue to be advised, but
payment will be required at the November Meeting.
Wed 12th Nov. Tour of Council Depots, $10 pp Includes morning tea
and lunch. Start 8.30 am at the Tourist Centre and will conclude about
4pm. Must pay on/before November meeting.
Notes for your Diary: The Christmas Dinner will be held at Nowra Golf
Club 6.30pm for 7.00 on Tuesday 9th December 2008.
Also Late Nov/December Nowra Players and Thurs 30th April 2009. 6 Day 5
Nights Tour "Bright" and "Victoria High Country" Itinerary to follow,
$789 pp.
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