Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
ACT Division
President
Geoff Ledger
PO Box 817
Mawson ACT 2607
Phone: (02) 6286 1140
Email:
Secretary
Bruce Tunnah
PO Box 84
Civic Square ACT 2608
Phone: 0414 308 852
Email:
Social Functions
2009 Anzac Day Report
ACT Golf and Lunch Event
Re-establishment of ACT Division
Social Functions
The ACT Committee has endorsed committing to a social activity on the last Friday of every second month, commencing in February 2010. The social calendar is as follows:
11 Dec 2009 - Christmas function, Southern Cross Yacht Club
26 Feb 2010 - Social function, Canberra Services Club
25 Apr 2010 - Anzac Day, Canberra Services Club
25 Jun 2010 - Social function, Canberra Services Club
27 Aug 2010 - Social function, Canberra Services Club
29 Oct 2010 - Social function, Canberra Services Club
Dec 2010 - Christmas function, details to be confirmed
2009 Anzac Day Report
Anzac Day in the National Capital saw a solid turn out once again with a good mix of ACT Division Members along with some welcome Canberra-based (uniformed) personnel and a number of ex-birdies visiting the ACT.
We had about 40 in this year's contingent with an expected slightly lower number than last year with inclement weather (cold/windy) and threatening rain.
I stand to be corrected but I'm reliably informed that no one can recall rain during the Dawn Service here in Canberra.
This held true this year with a slight drizzle settling in just at the service was finishing.
As always it was a great opportunity to catch up with fellow shipmates with Rod Coles seen here sharing a humorous moment with Rob Ray.
Special thanks must be made here for the photographs which were supplied by photographer Brian Rope who, in attendance at the march, was gracious enough to take a number of photos and pass them through to the Division Secretary.
The contingent this year was led by the Deputy Pres, John Schonberger, with the Pres Geoff Ledger (representing the National President) seated on the Australian War Memorial forecourt with the other dignitaries. This created some merriment as, while the change in leadership was advised to the organisers, John was promoted to the Rank of "Commodore" by the announcer as our contingent passed the saluting dais.
A good number retired to the Canberra (City) Labor Club after the march for the customary cleansing ale or two and the opportunity to, yet again, spin a few 'warries' and talk about times past and present.
Please remember that if your visiting the ACT, don't hesitate to get in touch with your Canberra shipmates - Bruce Tunnah.
ACT Golf and Lunch Event
With thanks to Jak Goudman for his background organisation, a number of the ACT Division participated in a 'Golf and Lunch' event on Saturday, September 27th, at the Goolabri course just over the (north eastern) ACT border.
The weather and food were great, along with the camaraderie. There were ten starters on the day, and pictured from left to right they are John Schonberger, Pete Davis, Terry Giddings (an ex-comms rate visiting Canberra), Dave Masters, Bruce Tunnah, Steve Cottam, Jak Goudman and Michael Sandberg. Not shown, behind the camera, were Bruce Tunnah's son Brian and one of Brian's mates, Kristijan.
The course presented its own particular challenges and one of the great shots can be seen here (below, left) with John Schonberger blasting his way out of the 'rough' on the way to the green.
It was also good to see Steve Cottam (seen below, right, knocking a straight drive off the tee) firmly back on his feet following a lengthy stay in hospital earlier this year. Those who know Steve will recall that he's an avid golfer and this was his first time back on the course in some months.
Noticeable by his absence was our Div President Geoff Ledger and the 'swain' was asked to look into the questionable excuse that he was otherwise engaged - something about participating in the Fitzroy Falls marathon.
Terry Giddings, visiting Canberra and hosted by Pete Davis, was made welcome and dubbed a cuff-rate Birdie for the day. Michael Sandberg received a special mention for his 'Bertha' driver and Bruce Tunnah explained that his short drives were simply to ensure that he stayed on the fairway!! Dave Masters was also most welcome, having recently joined the reformed Division.
Without exception, the consensus was that it was a great day and something that should be repeated soon.
Re-establishment of ACT Division
The ACT Division of the Fleet Air Arm Association was formally re-established at the AGM convened on Friday, 28th March, in the Canberra (City) Labour Club in Petrie Plaza.
Well attended, there were well over 30 people present with a good number of apologies - final numbers remain to be ratified as some apologies were able to make the AGM in the latter stages.
The (now confirmed) Division President, Geoff Ledger, welcomed all those attending with a special thanks extended to the National Executive and NSW Division for their support and guidance throughout our re-establishment preparations.
It was great to see a good number of the previous membership in attendance and that we were 'all of one Division' on the day.
Peter Welsh, the National Vice President, attended and presided over the election of the Committee. The confirmed Committee consists of:
President - Geoff Ledger
Vice President - John Schonberger
Treasurer - Peter (PJ) Fleming
Secretary - Bruce Tunnah
Assistant Sec - Michael Sandberg
Membership Officer - José Bascunan
Functions Coordinator - Jak Goudman
Welfare Officer - Steve Cottam