In this Issue Page Conference Report 1 & 2 Conference Photos 2 & 3 Tree 3 Ballarat Schools visits 4 Over ninety delegates have Leonard Cheshire Rose 4 made their way back to their homes in Timor-Leste, India, New Volunteers Stories 5 Zealand and across Australia. We have been informed, challenged, Contacts List 6 inspired, refreshed, renewed and entertained. Raphael goes Solar 6 Vale Sr Mary Myers 7 Ryder-Cheshire is an inclusive family and an important function of the Con- Vale Danny Standish 7 ference is that of family reunion and a welcome to new supporters. Those Bendigo Anecdote 7 who normally communicate by email and telephone have been together for How you Can Share 8 hugs and handshakes, and in-depth discussion not possible by other means.

We were fortunate indeed to have a beautiful venue, Hillsley, a former Photo left Delegates at the Conference church which is part of the Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School campus, on the Photo above - Joaquim Soares outskirts of Melbourne. Our heartfelt thanks to the School for making it with Students of Damascus College, available to us. See Ballarat Schools visit on page 4

In conjunction with the Conference Ryder-Cheshire Australia also held its

Annual General Meeting, and a General Meeting of the Board, with all members present plus valuable input from Klibur Domin Managing Director, Ryder-Cheshire Australia Sr Joaquim Soares and Raphael Chief Executive Officer, Brig Anil Sinha gratefully acknowledges (Retd). The Board welcomed observers Carolyn Tapley, RCF New Zea- David and Neil Coath, land, and John Kirby RCF SA. of PROMPT DISTRIBUTION Some highlights of the conference: PTY LTD, In the opening address ‘ Never Too Young for Philanthropy ’, Dr Heather West Heidelberg, Victoria, Schnagl AM, immediate Past Principal of Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, described the openness of young people to becoming engaged in who most generously arrange philanthropy if approached in the right way, and the success she has and pay for the distribution of this Newsletter. achieved with her students in this respect. There were lots of ideas for Ryder-Cheshire to pursue! Thank you David and Neil, we so much appreciate your generosity. Continued on page 2

NEWSLETTER OF RYDER-CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA ISSUE NUMBER 91 MAY 2018

Continued from Page 1 The success of the Conference was the result of much planning and a great deal of work by many We watched informative Power Point and video people. They know who they are, and we thank updates from Anil and Joaquim about progress and them greatly for it. developments at Raphael and Klibur Domin respectively. These are very important, as the over- Just a few need special mention: seas homes are the primary focus of the work and Rory McEwen, President of Ryder-Cheshire Aus- fundraising of Ryder-Cheshire Australia. tralia, for his energy, wisdom and

Carolyn Tapley briefed us on developments in New leadership. Zealand. Mike Moignard, Convenor of the Victorian Conference Working Group, Master of Several overseas volunteers - Robyn Leeder, Ceremonies and moderator for the Christian Hiss, and Patricia McDonell, described their Conference, and his team. experiences at Raphael and Klibur Domin Terry Warr, computer and electronics whizz who respectively. It is clear that for most volunteers these managed the audio-visual aspects with such placements are life transforming, and for some calm competence. become a long-term commitment. Sr Jane Gorey and committee members, staff and volunteers at the Victorian Homes for Saturday afternoon was spent engaged in a Workshop their warm welcome and ‘nothing is too much “Vision 2025”, with facilitator Robert Gardiner. trouble’ support. President Rory introduced his own vision which was Our best wishes go to Mount Gambier who will host followed by 3-minute presentations from all the next Biennial Conference in 2020. Foundations defining the challenges they see ahead. The delegates broke into small groups to explore ways The Victorian Conference Working Group: to meet the challenges. The outcomes from the group Mike Moignard, Don Hamilton, Peter McConnell, work will provide a platform for the Ryder-Cheshire Australia Board and all R-C Committees to plan the way forwards.

The afternoon finished with a live interview with Tessa West, author of “Lady of : Single- minded Philanthropist.”, who joined us by interactive Skype from the United Kingdom. She shared many interesting observations and insights about Sue Ryder.

The Guest speaker at the Saturday night Conference Dinner was The Hon Tim Fischer AC, and what a treat that was !

From his perspective as an observer at the 1999 election when the people of Timor Leste chose independence, Tim talked about Timor Leste’s journey to statehood. He drew parallels with the Western Front of WWI, and went on to describe the role of Sir John Monash in the final months of the war. He finished by donating his book of railway adventures, “Trains Unlimited” for auction in support of Klibur Domin. It raised $250 on the spot! The audience showed its appreciation for Tim’s excellent speech and generous gesture.

A beautiful quilt made and donated by Carole McLennan, was the object of a silent auction which raised a wonderful $800 !

Sunday morning held another treat with the showing of precious historical film footage from the early days of Raphael, tracked down by Hugh Elphinstone and Anne and Phillip Boyd. Picture above - the lovely Conference room at Hillsley, which was formerly a Presbyterian Church and has been restored by the School. Proceedings wrapped up with a Q & A session which provoked interesting discussion and moved us further Picture below -Tony and Carole McLennan and their daughter Melanie along the path of renewal. Williams (centre), RCA supporters from Traralgon, Gippsland. with Carole’s Tokodede Hotel Inspired Quilt.

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MORE CONFERENCE PHOTOS REMEMBERING LEONARD CHESHIRE

The Leonard Cheshire Tree at Singleton By Anne Boyd, Singleton Support Association

In April 2018, an Anzac service at St Catherine's College, Singleton, centred around a gum tree planted in 1979. There is a plaque at the foot of the tree denoting that Leonard Cheshire planted the tree in February of that year.

Phillip Boyd had drawn this tree planting to the attention of a teacher, who then researched the facts and produced a beautiful ceremony in order that the students will appreci- ate the history and importance of Leonard Cheshire's visit and talk to their school. The tree planting was held on 13th Terry Warr (RCA Website and Comms Co-ordinator) February, 1979. Way back then, Anne Boyd accompanied and Leonard to speak at the school - so nearly 40 years later, it Mike Moignard (President RCF Victoria) was indeed very special for Anne to be standing there again at this impressive event.

Terry Holstein (teacher responsible for the ceremony), Brig Anil Sinha and his wife Gouri Sinha with students Anne Boyd and Maryanna Finder (Principal) at Mt Blowhard Primary School Ballarat (see story page 4)

The plaque which survives at the foot of the tree

Evelyn Petters (left) and Anthea Swann (RCF National Secretary). Evelyn has edited the Red Feather for the past sixteen years and after 36 issues she has resigned from the post. At the Conference, guest speaker The Hon Tim Fischer AC presented Evelyn Sr Julie Rees (Principal), Leonard Cheshire, Kathy Thomas with a Certificate of Appreciation from RCA. (Vice-Captain) and Kerrie Adler (School Captain) at the plant- Terry Warr and Dianne McGrath ing of the gum tree “Lenten Project “ ceremony are taking over as joint Editors in February 1979.

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Ballarat Ryder-Cheshire Schools’ Visit The Leonard Cheshire On the Monday after the RCA Biennial Conference concluded, the Rose Raphael Northern India and Klibur Domin Timor-Leste visitors continued their journey to Ballarat to visit the Ryder-Cheshire schools. This beautiful har- As 2019 will be Raphael’s 60th birthday this visit provided a wonderful dy bush rose, with opportunity to thank each school for their long time commitment ‘for gorgeous red the relief of suffering.’ blooms and a light Our special guests, who visited Ballarat Grammar School, Ballarat fragrance, has been Clarendon College and Mt Blowhard Primary School, included: re-struck to celebrate Raphael’s • Brig Anil Sinha (Retd), Chief Executive Officer at Raphael, and 60th birthday. his wife Gouri Sinha

• The Hon Rory McEwen, National President of Ryder-Cheshire The Leonard Cheshire Rose was originally Australia and his wife Diane McEwen grown as a commemorative rose in memory of • Susie Mackerras, RCA National Project Officer (India) Leonard Cheshire who died on July 31 1992 at and Overseas Volunteers’ Coordinator the Sue Ryder Home in Cavendish, Suffolk, UK. They were accompanied by Trish Twaits, RCFV Ballarat Support Group Secretary, and Dawn Manning the School Liaison Officer. On the original pamphlet for The Leonard Cheshire Rose, Sue Ryder wrote -

‘Dear Friends, Each school was presented with a May I take this opportunity of expressing Certificate of appreciation and thanks to each of you who Appreciation plus continue to support the work of the Ryder- the gift of the Cheshire Foundation. Leonard Cheshire Rose which will I am delighted that this special rose is in arrive in late July memory of my late beloved husband and that it for planting. will give great pleasure to those who buy it.

With prayers and gratitude. May God bless each of you.

Sue Ryder’ A second group visited Damascus College (photo above of Fabiola with students), and Loreto College. This group included : Details of the rose: Style: Hybrid Tea (Var. Meimouslin) • Sr Joaquim Soares, Managing Director, Klibur Domin Height: 1.5m (approx.) • Sra Fabiola dos Santos, General Manager Klibur Domin Width: 900m (approx.) Features: rich bronze green foliage, free flow- • Mike Moignard President RCF Victoria and his wife Kathy ering, beautiful cut flower. Moignard, Thank you to Maureen and Andrew Ross from • Lucy Xavier who is from Ainaro in Timor-Leste and is having a Ross Roses in Willunga SA and to Trish Frith Gap Year at Ballarat Grammar School also from Willunga for their enthusiastic energy to have “The Leonard Cheshire Rose” ready • The group were accompanied by Dianne McGrath RCFV for purchase and delivery in July 2018 so that it Ballarat SG President and Andy Naus, RCFV Ballarat SG will be in full bloom for Raphael’s 60th birthday School Liaison Officer. next year.

• Patricia Prendergast, Honorary Life Member and her son Maurice Please consider purchasing this special re-released rose as per the order form in this joined the group at Loreto College. edition of The Red Feather. Both groups came together for lunch at the Ballarat Specialist School Café at their FARM. Sam Sheppard, Assistant Principal, hosted the NOTE: The rose is not available to be purchased lunch with help from the students from the Specialist School. by WA and TAS residents due to their States’ quarantine laws. Ballarat put on a wet, windy, cold day, but this did not dampen the enthusiastic welcome by the schools given to the overseas and national visitors. It was a day of great joy hearing about how each school You may stop receiving this newsletter at supports RCA ‘for the relief of suffering.’ any time by emailing [email protected], or telephone 03 9877 7084

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STORIES FROM OUR VALUED VOLUNTEERS

“MY RAPHAEL EXPERIENCE” by Marta, from USA “MY ROLE AT KLIBUR DOMIN” by Meryl I arrived to India on the second week of January, 2017 ready to make true one of my dearest dreams - to serve In October 2017, I flew from Brisbane to Timor-Leste, others as a volunteer. arriving at Dili Airport via Darwin to volunteer at Klibur Domin. On arrival at Dili airport, Fabiola, the Manager of I was so excited after receiving acceptance from Ryder- Klibur Domin, welcomed me. That first day Fabiola and Cheshire Australia of my offer to collaborate in Raphael other staff answered my many questions about potential Centre in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. There were a few work, the sense of place, culture and expectations for a months of expectation waiting for the day to take a plane volunteer. I had become both extremely nervous and from Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA to fly to the other side excited at the same time. I absorbed everything like a of the world. sponge. During the next couple of weeks, I was able to After four days in New Delhi sightseeing, trying delicious meet all the staff and residents. The staff were extremely food and adjusting to a cold weather, I took the train to respectful and it seems that it has become natural for them Dehradun and reached Raphael after a seven hour trip. to engage with volunteers in every aspect.

I had a warm welcome from the staff on duty as well as the Whilst there, I was Volunteers’ Coordinator which made me feel at home right encouraged to learn away. During the follow- Tetum, which I ing fourteen weeks I was found challenging able to enjoy attending but I was able to the morning assembly develop an under- for prayers, learning the standing of simple National Anthem and words and phrases. other songs, helping The staff and I found teachers in the class- ways to work around rooms, especially the language barrier and it was fortunate that many of the Primary II Class, sharing staff could speak English. with the most lovely students, participating in On Sunday mornings the Respite Centre holds a church music and sport classes, service and it was here that I was able to engage with engaging with children in many of the long-term residents. One long-term resident, the playground and Fatima, who was 92 years of age, would shake my hand as learning the daily routine she often walked past our volunteers’ house. in the Day Centre. I also had the opportunity to collaborate within the Psychology Department, the Rehabilitation After meeting with the Director, Joaquim, and Fabiola, my Workshop and complete recreational activities with Ava roles and responsibilities were established. My role would Vihar residents in the afternoons. be to deliver a beginners English class to staff, deliver sew- ing /crocheting classes, support Fabiola and Carmen and the administrative staff with their many responsibilities. The special activities were also an amazing Other important events included: attending a Rotary meet- experience: The Re- ing with Joaquim at the Timor Plaza, and assisting with the public Day design of a crocodile warning poster to advise the commu- Ceremony, the nity of the danger. Also some security suggestions as I colourful Holi have experience in both the military and security work; celebration and all the practices to Working with another volunteer, we were able to bounce participate in two ideas back and forth. She reminded me not to worry so programs during the much about not having all the tools for preparing a les- Founders Day Event, son. “Just be creative, otherwise we miss out on the things as well as helping the that are important”. She taught me a lot, mostly to work children and staff in a day Health Check Camp and the within the parameters you already have. Be creative and three day camp for Free Artificial Limbs and Polio innovative. I have taken this thought back home with me Calipers. and it truly is the best souvenir. We all have something to give. We all have different skills to impart. My biggest frus- After the weekday activities were completed, there was tration was not knowing enough Tetum. time for sightseeing at the weekends and I visited many significant places including Clement Town, Rishikesh, Next time I will take the time to learn more before I depart, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Chandigarh and Amritsar. in order to assist with lessons and show a greater level of respect to the people of Timor-Leste. I left in December This was the best experience in my life! And forever 2017.

Raphael and India is in my heart! I thank Ryder-Cheshire for giving me this Thanks Raphael and opportunity, also staff and residents at Ryder-Cheshire Australia Klibur Domin for their kindness, for the opportunity. hospitality and support.

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RYDER-CHESHIRE AUSTRALIA Patron: His Excellency, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Ret). Governor General of the By installing solar panels, Raphael is working towards more Commonwealth of Australia sustainable ways of living and cutting down on energy costs. Founders: Group Captain Lord Cheshire of Woodhall Three Solar Water Heating Systems have already been installed at VC OM DSO DFC the TB Hospital, in the Kitchen cum Ava Vihar and in the Little and Lady Ryder of Warsaw CMG OBE White House. The installation of these was supported by the Oil CONTACTS and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), a Government venture. National President The Solar Power Plant was installed in October 2017 and comprises Rory McEwen 0417 803 627 two 25 kw projects located on rooftops of the Day School and Dining [email protected] Hall and Ava Vihar. National Treasurer and Public Officer To encourage the use of solar/alternative energy, the Government of Peter Colliver India offered a subsidy of up to 70% on the bench mark price to Trusts [email protected] and Societies on a "first come, first served" basis. Raphael availed National Secretary itself of this government subsidy. As reported in the November 2017 Anthea Swann 03 9877 7084 Red Feather, the balance of $30,000 - which was to be the Raphael [email protected] share - was met from the generous financial assistance provided by the Singleton Support Association, Australia. Ballarat Support Group Dianne McGrath 0411 874 756 The on-grid Solar Power Plant, set up by M/s XPANZ Energy [email protected] Solutions, is expected to have a life of twenty-five years. It will supply Bendigo Support Group power to the Raphael campus between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm each Hugh Elphinstone 03 5443 1163 day and will operate all the electrical appliances, thus reducing our [email protected] electricity costs. Mount Gambier Home It is a significant forward looking initiative that goes to fulfill our Neville Gilbertson objective of making Raphael a green campus. [email protected]

Raphael appreciates the good offices of New South Wales Christine Hannan 02 9416 7569 Ryder-Cheshire Australia in making this grant possible. [email protected] We are indeed beholden to the Singleton Support Association, Australia and a plaque at the site of the Solar Power plant commemorates South Australia the kindness of the donors. Rory McEwen 0417 803 627 [email protected]

Victoria Michael Moignard 03 9459 8040 [email protected]

Victorian Homes Ivanhoe Barrie Williams 03 9459 7905 $13 FROM EACH BOOK SOLD GOES TO RCA [email protected] Books available include: Ivanhoe Home 03 9254 2400 Adelaide, Ballarat, Canberra, Darwin, Overseas Volunteers Co-ordinator Susie Mackerras 02 9880 8094 Melbourne, Sydney, [email protected] Christchurch NZ and many more …... Website & Comms Co-ordinator Prices vary in different cities Terry Warr [email protected]

Website www.ryder-cheshire.org To browse the books to see prices and order the books Red Feather Editors go to: Terry Warr [email protected] www.entertainmentbook.com.au/ Dianne McGrath [email protected] orderbooks/204q328 or email Susie Mackerras The Red Feather [email protected] is edited and produced by Terry Warr and Dianne McGrath Email [email protected]

[email protected] ENEWALS OF PONSORSHIPS AND OTHER DONATIONS and published in May and November each year. R S .

The back page of this Newsletter provides information on how to make pay- Contributions for the next issue in NOVEMBER 2018 should be submitted ments and donations to Ryder-Cheshire Australia. There are new options by e-mail to the editors no later than available to pay by credit card online or by direct deposit via the internet. 15th October 2018

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Vale Sr Mary Myers CSB Vale Danny Standish of RCF Victoria Sr Mary Myers passed away suddenly and quietly Danny died on 30 July 2017. suddenly Sr Mary was Houseparent and (Resident Carer) at the peacefully Ryder-Cheshire Victorian on Homes and is well Wednesday remembered by past residents 14th March as a compassionate, yet 2018. strong and decisive person.

Her first period at the home was from January 1990 to August 1995. This was fol- Danny joined Ryder-Cheshire when the new home was lowed by a period of sabbatical leave during which she started in East Timor in late 2000. Initially she helped visited Raphael and spent time in the UK at Cavendish, with sorting and packing donated goods ready for working with Sue Ryder and serving at other homes in the despatch to Klibur Domin. Subsequently she spent six UK. Mary returned to Ivanhoe from January 1997 – April weeks there as a volunteer, arriving a few days after 2002 when she retired. Christmas 2000. Her nursing skills were put to good use Soon after retiring she went to Klibur Domin as a volun- setting up medical procedures and records and she is teer. Unfortunately, a broken leg meant a trip back to pictured here admitting the first patients to Klibur Domin Australia to recover, then she returned to Klibur Domin on 31 January 2001. for a further short period in 2003. Danny was an important member of the Ryder-Cheshire In 2004 Mary assisted for a short time in WA as House- Foundation Victoria team, always positive, cheerful and mother at the Perth Barbara Seabrook House. Her very capable, and was active right up until her death. Her assistance being greatly appreciated by the RCF WA contribution involved support for many fund-raising Foundation. endeavours, including her special project, organising visits to The Costume Collection. She also took on being the Mary subsequently provided continuing support to Ryder- official archivist and spent many hours sorting, Cheshire on the Op Shop roster at Mount conserving and cataloguing a jumble of archival material – Waverley, was an asset to the Ryder-Cheshire team at now in apple pie order! fund-raising trivia nights, and maintained her connection with the Victorian Homes. Of great importance in her life were her beloved daughters and grand-children. Mary’s life epitomised the spirit of Ryder-Cheshire and we miss her presence and staunch support. RIP. Danny was loved and is sadly missed. Rest in Peace

ANECDOTE from Hugh Elphinstone, Bendigo Support Group

It happened at 1.48 pm on Tuesday the 27th March 2018 in the Rising Sun Hotel in Bendigo.

I called in to speak to a Klibur Domin sponsor, Pat Sheehan, the publican at the Rising Sun, and show him the new biography of Sue Ryder. I walked into the bistro and was confronted by a gathering of at least 30 priests.

I started chatting to those I knew, including Father Andrew Fewings from St Therese’s. I showed them the book and asked them if they had heard of Leonard and Sue. Father Andrew astounded me by saying “Oh yes, I remember Leonard Cheshire. I blessed him.” This was not a conversation I expected to have in Bendigo about forty years after the event. After my jaw had dropped I asked for details.

Father Andrew’s Aunt and Uncle, John and Phyll Gaskell, were two of the founders of the Ryder Cheshire Support Group in Bendigo. They invited him to a fund-raising luncheon in Bendigo in the 1980s to meet Leonard Cheshire VC. At the luncheon, to Father Andrew’s great surprise, Leonard Cheshire walked over, knelt down before him and said “Your blessing Father”. Father Andrew obliged.

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HOW YOU CAN SHARE IN RYDER-CHESHIRE’S HUMANITARIAN WORK

Sponsorships and donations are URGENTLY NEEDED and essential to allow us to maintain, support and develop much needed programs at Raphael in India and Klibur Domin in Timor-Leste ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS The usual cost is $1 per day, or $365 per year, but sponsors may contribute less or more, if preferred. Raphael Sponsor an individual resident. Regular updates about the sponsored resident’s progress are provided from Raphael. Or choose a program to sponsor from the following: * TB program. There are 26 beds in the ward, together with an out-patient program treating over 2000 cases annually. * Community Based Rehabilitation Program. An outreach team supports children with disabilities in their villages. * Day Care Centre Program. Provides education and therapy to 160 children and adults with disabilities

Klibur Domin You can sponsor any of the following three programs: * Inpatient Services Program. Provides care for patients recovering from illnesses and injuries. * TB Program. Includes in-patient and out-patient services, a mobile TB Team, and a Multi Drug Resistant TB Ward * Community Based Rehabilitation Program. An outreach team supports children with disabilities in their villages.

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CHOOSE HOW YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP

The Ryder-Cheshire Overseas Aid Fund is a Tax Deductible Gift Recipient (ABN 15 362 991 732) and all donations and sponsorship payments of $2 and over are tax deductible. A receipt will be posted to you.

Please complete this form and post to: Ryder-Cheshire Australia, PO Box 51, Glen Iris, Victoria 3146.

I would like to make a donation of $ ...... - to be used where most needed ( )

- to Klibur Domin in Timor-Leste ( ) Tick one - to Raphael in Northern India ( )

I am interested in becoming a Sponsor for $365 or $ ...... (other amount) at - Raphael ( ) Tick one - Klibur Domin ( )

If you tick this box, a Sponsorship Secretary will be in touch to arrange details

I would like information on how to make a Bequest to support the work of Ryder-Cheshire.

Name ...... Address ......

Telephone (. . . .) ...... Email Address ......

PAYMENT OPTIONS

My cheque for $ ...... is enclosed

My credit card details are:

Visa/MasterCard No - - - - / - - - - / - - - - / - - - - Expiry Date - - / - - Amount $ . . . . .

Name on Card ...... Signature ......

Credit card online - go to the internet website of GiveNow, enter Ryder-Cheshire in Search, then follow the prompts and pay by your credit card.

A tax deductible receipt will be sent directly from GiveNow.

Direct deposit - go to our website - ryder-cheshire.org. Click on ‘Donate’, then click on ‘Direct Deposit’. Complete the details and click ‘Send’. Then go to your internet banking site and transfer your donation to Ryder-Cheshire using the BSB and account number provided on the RCA website.

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