THE MINISTER OF VETERANS AFFAIRS:
When addressing the delegates at the 2002 National Conference the Honorable Mark Burton stated quite clearly and I quote “As a point of clarification, full pension coverage means that veterans do not have to prove that a disability is the result of service – only that it may have been”.
WHO MAY APPLY FOR A WAR DISABLEMENT PENSION?
Every ex- Service Personnel including Merchant Seamen who have served overseas in a War or an Emergency have a right to apply for a Disablement Pension in accordance with the War Pension Act 1954. This includes Service and Home Service Personnel who during the 2nd World War served in New Zealand. Those Personnel who were conscripted into the CMT prior to 31st March 1974 are also included.
NAPIER RSA WAR PENSIONS SUPPORT UNIT:
MISSION STATEMENT: “We will always strive to provide a professional and caring service to all applicants who qualify for a War Disability Pension or a Surviving Spouses Pension in accordance with the War Pensions Act 1954.”
WHAT WE CAN AND WILL DO:
We promise to do the following:
(i) Be a good listener (ii) Share information (iii) Give advice where necessary (iv) Give support (v) Assist you in making your application (vi) Keep in contact (vii) Ensure your privacy (viii) Pursue your application to a conclusion (ix) Respect your wishes (x) Assist you throughout the entire process Phone; John Purcell QSM J.P. or Tony Fraser for advice and assistance or ring reception (835-7629) for an appointment
Presidents Report
The ODE is never taken lightly, the haunting bugle resounds through the Club every Friday night heralding 6.00pm to an audience of members, guests and visitors who are standing rigidly to attention.
Children are silenced by the deep emotion of the moment as the solitary voice recites the ODE over the sound system in a monotone yet meaningful manner:
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them."
The bugle sounding ‘The Last Post and Reveille’ adds spiritual window dressing to the moment that shakes the glaze from the eyes from those that are transported to another place in history during the 3 minute remembrance ceremony.
Anzac Day, as we know it, began to take shape almost as soon as news reached New Zealand of the landing of soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 25 April. Within a few years core elements of the day were set and the Anzac story and sacredness of the commemoration enshrined.
The first public recognition of the landings at Gallipoli occurred on 30 April 1915, after news of the dramatic event had reached New Zealand. A half-day holiday was declared for government offices, flags were flown, and patriotic meetings were held.
People eagerly read descriptions of the landings and casualty lists – even if the latter made for grim news. Newspapers gushed about the heroism of the New Zealand soldiers.
From the outset, public perceptions of the landings evoked national pride. The eventual failure of the Gallipoli operation enhanced its sanctity for many, there may have been no military victory, but there was victory of the spirit as New Zealand soldiers showed courage in the face of adversity and sacrifice.
The Napier RSA proudly acknowledge they have marginally over 150 Returned and Service Members who are the sons and daughters of the founding fathers of this Association on December 4th 1916. The baton has now been passed on in the relay of life to 3500 plus other members within this organization, they are now the generation going forward, they are the protectors, preservers, celebrators and commemorators of our history.
We are 100 years young, and we have a duty of care to ensure our history, heritage and place within the community is preserved for the next 100 years.
Lest We Forget J Purcell QSM J.P. President Historical references relating to my Report has been sourced from the internet. booked
RSA Welcomes 36 New Members
David Anniss Wendy Russell Lathem Emery Joan Duthie Karen Leslie Sarah Lavender John Collard Chris Collard Trevor Pellew Flora Browell-Hook Wanda Pari Rosie Malone
Bruce Campbell Robin Holdaway Margaret Taylor Timothy Sweeney
Trevor Riding Anaru Tagataese Phillip Gotty Brenda Anderson- Coley Colyn MacKinlay Clarisse Gregory George Crawley Christopher Roser
Sandy Clapham John Sealey Avinesh Kumar Judith Stephens
Ni Keefe Toia Pratt Brent Stringer Angela Stringer
Kerry Scholes Grace Brown Api Cooper Lesley Upfold
Transfer In Joseph Davison Brian Haswell Pamela Haswell
Michael Gregory Ni Keefe Toia Pratt
Transfer Out Merle Piper Robyn Coyle
Last Post Sandi Anderson Ronald White Edna Sneddon
Bernard Harding Derek Simpson Mary Morris
Richard Frechtling Betty Harding Leonard Wyllie
Sir Russell Pettigrew William O’Donnell
Have you thought about our Classic Home Style Dinners RSA Restaurant quality meals that you simply heat and eat Delivered to your home every Wednesday or can be collected from the Restaurant during operating hours or from the Main Lounge Bar Fresh or Frozen daily Classic Home Style Dinners a perfect solution for cost effective in-house dining, Lunch or Dinner for two or just someone living alone Phone Bev, Denise or Kat on 835-1351 or email your order directly to; [email protected] or order on line: www.rsanapier.co.nz at Restaurant - Home Deliveries
Sporting Events are shown on our Big Screen or are available on request
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Pension Day Veterans All Day every 2nd Pension Tuesday Napier Ladies Sit and National Party Raffles $4.00 Morning Probus Keep Fit, 3rd Friday in Sunday Every 3rd 9.30am month from lunch Tuesday 10am
Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren 10.00am Napier HOUSIE Mega Spoofing Afternoon Inner 1.00pm- Draw Wheel 1st 4pm Monday in (Conference Month Room or Al Western Fresco area) Napier 2nd Monday Indoor Bowls in Month from 1.30pm
Women’s Pension Section 3rd Tuesday Monday in MEGA Month from DRAW 1.30pm
Line Rock n Roll Napier Host Snooker Raffles Rock N Evening Dancing from 7pm Lions 1st and Dash every Roll from 7pm every 3rd Thursday Social Tuesday Wednesday Future in Month Line Or Gospel Darts Dancing Brothers Trivial Beginners Line 2nd Monday Spirit of Pursuit welcome Dancing in the Napier Lions 7.00 pm to Month 1st and 3rd 9.30 pm Texas Simply Tuesday in All Holdem Ballroom Wine Club the Month Welcome Poker 1st 1st Monday Sunday in the Kiwian’s of the Month 2nd & 4th month Conference Wednesday Room in 6.00pm to the month 7,00pm
‘Provisional Membership’ now available at the Club One months ‘Free Membership’ now available, why not ask your mate to come on in and look us over, they won’t be disappointed See the Bar Staff or Reception for more details
At 45 minutes: The musician played THE SITUATION continuously. Only 6 people stopped and In Washington, DC, at a Metro Station, listened for a short while. About 20 gave on a cold January morning in 2007, this money but continued to walk at their man with a violin played six Bach normal pace. The man collected a total of pieces for about 45 minutes. $32.
During that time, approximately 2,000 After 1 hour: He finished playing and people went through the station, most silence took over. No one noticed and no of them on their way to work. After one applauded. There was no recognition about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man at all. noticed that there was a musician playing. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest He slowed his pace and stopped for a musicians in the world. He played one of few seconds, and then he hurried on to the most intricate pieces ever written, with meet his schedule. a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theatre in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several
questions: About 4 minutes later: The violinist * In a common-place environment, at an received his first dollar. A woman threw inappropriate hour, do we perceive money in the hat and, without stopping, beauty? continued to walk. * If so, do we stop to appreciate it? * Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context? At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then One possible conclusion reached from looked at his watch and started to walk this experiment could be this: If we do again. not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped, world, playing some of the finest music but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. ever written, with one of the most The kid stopped to look at the violinist beautiful instruments ever made . . again, but the mother pushed hard and how many other things are we missing the child continued to walk, turning his as we rush through life? head the whole time. What other beauties are we This action was repeated by several other inattentively passing by each day? children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move Enjoy life NOW . . . it has an expiration on quickly. date!
Crossing Borders! Fi ve blokes in an Audi Quattro arrived at the ferry checkpoint in Harwich, Essex.
Tracey, in her brand new uniform, stops them and tells them: "I can't let you on the ferry.
It is illegal to have 5 people in a Quattro. Quattro means four. One of you will have to get out and stay behind." "Quattro is just the name of the car," the driver replies disbelievingly. "Look at the papers, this car is designed to carry five people." "You cannot pull that one on me. This is Tracey you're talking to here" she replies with Napier RSA a smile. "Quattro means four. Events Committee You have five people in your car and you are therefore breaking the law. So I can't let you onto the ferry. It's more than my job's worth Acknowledge the to let you all on." The driver is now very cross and replies generous support angrily, "I've had enough of you. Call your towards the supervisor over. I want to speak to someone with more intelligence!" 2015 ANZAC "Sorry," responds Tracey, "but Sharon is 100 year busy with those two blokes in the Fiat Uno."
Commemorations A WEE IRISH LASS IN DISGUISE
Endeavour Trust $2000 Spirit of Napier Lions Club $500 Sports Council $500 Travel Club $200 Senior Snooker $100 Over 60’s Adjunct $400
Don Fraser - Chairman Events Committee
ANZAC POEM
The 25th. April dawned shrouded with mist The sun yet to rise – its rays to kiss On the Parade Ground where they gathered to be As it was only 0500 hours you see
As the sun’s rays pierced the ground at their feet They marched slowly to the drum’s somber beat Comrades in arms they once again are Gathered from near and from far
They marched with their heads held up high As the flags that flew whispered with a sigh Emotions run high – cheeks wet with tears that creep As memories of fallen ones caused them to weep
This is a special day for us all To remember all of those that did fall To take stock of past wars gone And the outcome of their deeds to remember long
The Last Post is sounded and Reveille played For those returned a waiting time – delayed The flag is lowered at the bugles behest In memory of those people – Lest We Forget
Lest We Forget
A Gunners Daughter
Minutes of the Napier RSA Executive Committee Monthly Meeting held in their Clubrooms, 34 Vautier Street, Napier at 10.00am on Saturday 28th February 2015
Welcome: The President welcomed all the Committee to the last meeting of the financial year. Attendees: J Purcell (President) J Miller (Vice President) R Rowe, D Fraser (Patron) J Shipman, B Williams, J Hamer, H Hilton, B Strong, N Thompson (Women’s Section) C Williams (CE) Apologies: B Jordon Previous Minutes: Moved as a True and Written record. Unanimous Matters Arising: 1. RSA to follow up on Sepia Photos for electronic photo boards being created by Mr Newport of behalf of RSA and NCC 2. Over 60’s Adjunct dissolved – surplus funds distributed. RSA to acknowledge their appreciation for the great work done in the Adjunct over many years Correspondence As tabled with the following comments. 1. RSA appointed new cleaning contractors 2. Letter of complaint from RSL Visitor discussed 3. Moved that a Welfare Collection Box be left on the Bar to generate funds for Associated members in need Unanimous
CEO’s Report: As tabled with the following comments 1. Provisional Membership very successful 2. Stories to Tell, publication well received Financial Report As tabled Moved the Creditors be approved for payment Unanimous
Committee Reports
Legal & Charter: Auditor documents for procedures tabled Entertainment: As discussed – change in format Raffles/Housie: Going well Support: Evolving under new act, pre 1972 still working on payment system. Post 1972, focused on rehabilitation Vets Affairs: Change of management results in change of attitude, not so adversarial Hons & Awards: Moved into Committee – Two member names forwarded for Life Membership. Approved unanimously. Moved out of Committee Memorabilia: ANZAC display request by NCC Library – President and Vice President to approved artifacts loaned for display. Sports Council: As tabled Premises: New LEDs to replace fluorescent bulbs, controlled change over, cost effective & low maintenance with greater light New Members Moved that 42 new Members be approved Clubs NZ As tabled RNZRSA: As tabled Events Committee As tabled – next meeting April 1st 12.00am RSA redevelopment: On hold due to lower than expected trading Moved that the proposed RSA Trust be presented at the AGM and Dr. Russell Wills be invited to address members Unanimous Disciplinary: Moved into committee, Confirmed that an appeal was handled by the Appeals Tribunal was handled in the proper manner, defendant to be advised - matter is now closed General Business
1. Possible/potential solar power be considered for RSA. CE suggest to wait for a few years until new light pans are in and we can assess savings
Meeting concluded 11.10am Next Meeting Saturday 25th April 2015
‘Populating our Fields of Remembrance’
What is the significance of the Lone Pine?
The lone pine in our Field of Remembrance represents the lone pine of Gallipoli – a poignant symbol of WW1.
The original lone pine, a Pinus brutia, was the last tree left standing on a field where Turkish troops cut wood to frame and cover their trenches.
The site became a battlefield and the tree was subsequently destroyed, but a pine cone was brought back home by a soldier and its seeds planted in Australia.
Descendants of these trees, from other seeds brought back from the Gallipoli campaign, and pines planted in memorial of the ANZAC soldiers who fought in Gallipoli generally, have become known as “lone pines”.
There are two lone pines in Auckland: one at the Auckland War memorial planted on Anzac day in 1950, and another in Waikumete cemetery which was planted in 1961. “The Anzac Pine” on Te Mata Peak is a replacement for the earlier, original pine descended from Gallipoli stock.
The Lone Pine Memorial cemetery in Taradale has two trees, planted in 1951 and there are trees in parks in Wanganui and Stratford. There is a lone pine at the ladies’ tee on the Paeroa golf course. This may be the only tree in New Zealand descendent from the tree at the Battle of Lone Pine.
A symbolic solitary pine, planted in the 1920s, stands over the cemetery in Gallipoli.
The Napier RSA offer members of the RSA and the wider community an opportunity to purchase a Poppy either On Line or at Reception to pay a tribute to a loved family member or friend.
The poppies come in 3 sizes and prices range from $3.00 to $10.00, once the ‘Poppy’ is planted in the ‘Field of Remembrance’ (which takes about 24 hours) a grid reference is sent out to the buyer so they can identify it in the ‘Field’.
Planted Poppies can be specific or generalized, it is the buyers choice, however every Poppy purchased is scrutinized before planting to ensure harmful or obscene messages do not appear in the field.
Once you have filled out this form you can drop it at Reception during office hours and the RSA will plant it on your behalf.
Please note: The funds from all ‘Poppies’ sold will go to the Welfare of Returned and Service Members and their families in need
Your ‘Field of Remembrance’ Information
Purchase your Poppy here $3.00, $5.00, $10.00, other
Name of the person this Poppy is dedicated to or the unknown Warrior
Example: Lt. Earl Robert Jones / Unknown Warrior/other
DOB if known 1st July 1900 Deceased or Undisclosed Deceased
Service Number if known NZ 547 522 Serving Forces Navy or other
Theatre of War France & Italy, other Service WWI, WWII, other
Medals/Awards Victoria Cross, Service Medal, George Cross, other
Your personal message:
Sample: I wish to dedicate this ‘Poppy’ to my ………..
Please note; Spaces left blank will NOT be shown in the ‘Fields of Remembrance’. When finished, hand this and your donation to Reception during Office Hours. On behalf of the RSA we thank you for your generous support
RSA Opposes Timing of Flag Referendum
The Royal New Zealand RSA considers the timing of the referendum to change this country’s flag is unacceptable.
RSA National President, BJ Clark, says just as New Zealand approaches the significance of the Anzac centenary, it is being undermined by the establishment of a committee to decide whether the present flag should be cast out.
He says, at an excessive cost of $26 million, the newly appointed committee will choose the design of four alternative flags from which New Zealanders, in a two-part referendum, will select one of them. That preference will then be pitted against the existing New Zealand flag in a second referendum.
“A hundred years ago our forces served and sacrificed under the same flag that flies today. It is inappropriate that this debate occurs as we commemorate the centenary of the First World War,” he says.
“For many who’ve served, our current flag is symbolic of the sacred oath they made to protect the peace and security of New Zealand. Our men and women have made terrible personal sacrifices and we honour their courage and commitment every time the current New Zealand flag is flown.”
The RSA believes that the current New Zealand flag is just as relevant now as it was when our Anzacs landed on the shores of Gallipoli.
“Our flag represents the history that makes us uniquely Kiwi today. It unites us with the colonial past that forged the pioneering and innovative people that we are today, while celebrating the special connection we have to the sea and the sky,” BJ comments.
He asks where are the loud New Zealand voices demanding a new flag? “Where are the people marching on parliament wanting a change? They don’t exist because we’ve never been told why change is necessary,” he says.
“If we are to have a referendum at all, it should be a simple yes or no to our existing flag.”
The RSA is preparing a strategy to fight for New Zealand’s existing flag, which will be unveiled after Anzac Day.
“It’s our responsibility to lead the charge both on behalf of the RSA and also the hundreds of Kiwis who’ve contacted us to say they don’t want the flag to be changed and do not understand why it has become such a priority,” BJ says.
“It is important that people hear the argument in favour of retaining the flag as well as the publicity given to those who want to consider an alternative.”
BJ (Barry) Clark - RSA National President
RSA Trade Suppliers adding Value to your Just Membership Card ‘ADD TO CART’
Your turn to cook
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ANZAC Day Services
Fields of Remembrance Tuesday 14th April
Laying of Crosses Time Place Short Service 12.00pm Memorial Square
Poppy Day
Friday 17th April – RSA Clubrooms
ANZAC DAY Saturday 25th April
Dawn Parade Time Place Assemble 5.50am Memorial (Clive) Square Step off: 6.00am
Civic Ceremony Time Place Assemble 10.50am Memorial (Clive) Square Step off 11.00am
Entertainment Time Place Over The Top (Drama) 9.45 RSA Clubrooms Andrew Sisters 12.00am RSA Clubrooms Big Beat 7.30pm RSA Clubrooms
Members, their Guest, and the Citizens of Napier are invited back to the Associations Clubrooms after each ceremony for a light snack
A tidy dress standard in the Clubrooms will be enforced
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE NAPIER RSA SPORTS COUNCIL HELD ON SATURDAY 14th. MARCH 2015 AT 10:30am
PRESENT: Don Fraser (Chairman), Brian Williams (Executive Member) & Delegates from Women’s Section, Travel, Senior Snooker, Cue Sports Rock n’ Roll, Darts, Spoofing, Naval Assn & Indoor Bowls OPENING: The Chairman opened the meeting at 10:30am & welcomed all Delegates to the first meeting of 2015. APOLOGIES: Bob Jordan & Outdoor Bowls. MINUTES: The minutes of the previous meeting, dated 13th December 2014 were confirmed as a true record . Unanimous MATTERS ARISING: Nil FINANCE: As Tabled ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Nil CORRESPONDENCE: Nil REPORTS:
Travel: April Cruise all paid and set to go. Trips planned for 2015 include Mystery Trip May/June, Rotorua overnighter early Spring & Rail Trip in October all subject to member approval.
Cue Sports: As tabled with emphasis on an active and enthusiastic Committee. RNZRSA to be contacted over Labour Weekend Tournament.
Rock “n’ Roll Adjunct also has a new and active Committee for 2015
Naval Assn As tabled. Sunday Lunch plate counts to be monitored
Senior Snooker 30 members are currently registered with an average of 20 playing each Wednesday. This year’s Round Robin could include as many as 7 Clubs
Women’s Section As tabled. June Willis appointed as new Patroness
Indoor Bowls As tabled with increased membership
Darts League Team now playing on Monday nights and plans afoot to host three major Tournaments in 2015 GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. All Adjuncts urged to read and abide by Raffle Policy. Any deviations must be approved by Management 2. Over 60’s Special General Meeting to be held on Monday 23rd. March at 1:00pm 3. Adjuncts need to advise Management of changes to Committee & contacts as soon as possible 4. It was moved & seconded “That $500.00 be donated to the Events Committee “ Unanimous 5. Senior Snooker tabled a cheque for $ 100.00 towards Events Committee funding 6. Common sense must always prevail between Snooker & Darts players as the Sports Room is for use by all members at all times unless prior arrangements have been made. 7. A cordial round of information sharing concluded a lively and enjoyable meeting The meeting closed at 11:35am.with a vote of thanks to the Chair. The next meeting will be held on Saturday 11th. April 2015 at 10:30am
Tea-d off Bubba was fixing a door and he found that he needed a new hinge, so he sent Mary Louise to the hardware store.
At the hardware store Mary Louise saw a beautiful teapot on a top shelf while she was waiting for Joe Bob to finish waiting on a customer.
When Joe Bob was finished, Mary Louise asked how much for the teapot? Joe Bob replied "That's silver and it costs $100!".
"My goodness, that sure is a lotta money!" Mary Louise exclaimed. She then proceeded to describe the hinge that Bubba had sent her to buy, and Jo Bob went to the backroom to find a hinge.
From the backroom Joe Bob yelled "Mary Louise, you wanna screw for that hinge?' To which Mary Louise replied,
"No, but I will for the teapot." Nice Home A Chinese man rings his boss, “Me no work I sick.”
Boss says, “When I’m sick, I make love with my wife. Try that.”
Two hours later the Chinese man rings back, “Me better, you got nice house.”
Oops Little Johnny and Jane are playing in a sandbox. Little Johnny has to go to take a pee but he was told by his mother to always be polite and don't talk about private matters in public.
At first he holds it in for a little while because he does not know what to say Jane to excuse himself. Then he remembers what his Mom had said at the restaurant to excuse herself from the table. So he turns to Jane and says "Will you excuse me I have to go powder my nose." And saying that he leaps out of the sandbox and runs to the washroom.
When he comes back Jane looks up at him and asks, "Did you powder your nose?"
"Yes" said Little Johnny stepping back into the sandbox.
"Well then" says Jane, "You'd better close your compact because your lipstick is hanging out!"
Oops again Two elderly gentlemen were having coffee in the resort hotel the morning after their double wedding to their respective elderly wives.
Jim said, with concern, "I'll have to see a doctor when I get home, I couldn't consummate my marriage last night."
"Well, really," says Bob. "I better see a therapist then - I didn't even think of it!"
Celebrating and Commemorating our Centenary
A once in 100 year event – Centenary of Napier RSA 1916 - 2016
This article is to let members know of the work now underway to celebrate and commemorate our RSA’s centenary in 2016. The centenary committee is a subcommittee of the Events Committee of the Club chaired by Patron Don Fraser.
The work of the centenary committee is to scope and develop a range of suitable events and projects that will fully recognise and celebrate what is a unique time in the life of our RSA.
We wish to recognise the legacy of all those who have given so much to our club over the now 99 years of its service to our community of Napier, to Hawke’s Bay and Nationally too.
The years 2014 – 2018 have taken on a special focus as New Zealand, Australia and indeed the World recognizes, and commemorates this period in remembrance of World War 1.
The legacy of all those who did not return, those who did and who went on to further the value and betterment of our communities here in Napier and Hawke’s Bay is an important part of the Heritage, the life, the values and social capital, of our city and region..
The primary celebratory event (now in the scoping stages) will be an outstanding once in 100 years “Evening of Celebration” to be held at the Pettigrew Green Area, Taradale on Saturday 3rd December 2016.
This will be a formal, black tie, dinner and entertainment with guests being the Leaders of our country, members of the Diplomatic Corps with the possibility of a special international dignitary.
The Executive and all associated with the centenary want to ensure that you and all our members have the opportunity to be part of this unique “Time of Celebration,” and the events that are being planned.
Of all the thousands of community organisations who have done, and still carry out amazing good works for the betterment of their communities, there is one organisation who, it can arguably be said, to be closest to and imbedded in every community – the RSA.
RSA’s evolved from their communities as a direct result of people, men and women from all walks of life, backgrounds and ethnicities, putting community first through ‘service’ in war and conflict and in a myriad of other, non conflict, ways. When we think of community we think of the RSA. It stands as a beacon for community.
The RSA name and brand has an authenticity, and credibility that is known and trusted through New Zealand and worldwide.
Please do not hesitate to contact any of the Executive Committee (names on the board in the foyer) about any aspect of this 100 year event…
Looking to our future Sincerely
Ron Rowe JP for Centenary subcommittee.
The Real ANZAC Biscuit Story
“Biscuits! Army Biscuits! Consider the hardness of them. Remember the cracking of your dental plate, the breaking of this tooth, the splintering of that.” From Army Biscuits by Ormond Burton.
Does this bring to mind images of our troops at Gallipoli eating the ANZAC biscuits we know and love today? Staff at the National Army Museum did some research and found that contrary to popular belief there were no ANZAC biscuits at Gallipoli.
The standard Army biscuit at this time was a rock hard tooth breaker also called the ship’s biscuit.
Although it’s a myth that ANZAC biscuits were sent and eaten by troops in Gallipoli, some evidence suggests a rolled oats biscuit was sent to troops on the Western Front, although this was not widespread.
The majority of rolled oats based biscuits were in fact sold and consumed at fetes, galas, parades and other public events at home, to raise funds for the war effort. This connection to the troops serving overseas led to them being referred to as ‘soldier’s biscuits’.
Fundraising was co-ordinated by local Patriotic Funds, raising 6.5 million pounds for the New Zealand war effort.
The basic ingredients for a rolled oat biscuit were: rolled oats, sugar, flour, butter with golden syrup used as a binding agent (no eggs). This made them not only nutritious and full of energy but also long lasting.
After Gallipoli, New Zealand and Australian troops were universally known as ANZACs.
The term ANZAC soon became of great national significance, so much so that in 1916 to save the ANZAC legend from exploitation, the name became protected by law.
It is fitting then, that after WWI, the most popular rolled oat biscuit had the name and association of ANZAC applied to it and thus the legend of the ANZAC biscuit began. The first mention in a cookbook of ANZAC biscuits was in 1921.
Discover the stories behind other fascinating NZ army memorabilia and military artefacts on display and in the archives at the National Army Museum.
Information sourced from the Internet
Bathroom Call
A drunk gets up from the bar and heads for the bathroom. A few minutes later, a loud, blood curdling scream is heard from the bathroom. A few minutes after that, another loud scream reverberates through the bar.
The bartender goes into the bathroom to investigate why the drunk is screaming. "What's all the screaming about in there? You're scaring the customers!"
"I'm just sitting here on the toilet and every time I try to flush, something comes up and squeezes the hell out of my testicles."
With that, the bartender opens the door, looks in and says... "You idiot!" "You're sitting on the mop bucket! Power of prayer
Reminds me of the preacher who gave a sermon on the 10 Commandments, hoping that when he got to "Thou Shall Not Steal" whoever stole his bike would confess.
No one confessed but when he got to the part about "Thou shall not commit adultery" he remembered where he left his bike. Forgiveness
A Catholic couple is about to get married, and the woman sits the man down for a heart- to-heart the day before the wedding. She says, "Honey, before we do this, I have something I need to get off my chest. You see, a few years back, my family was very poor, and for a while I had to work as a prostitute." The man leaps out of his chair and shouts, "Oh no, absolutely not! I can't get married to you!" The woman starts crying, and begs him to forgive her, "Please don't leave me - surely you can live with a woman who used to be a bit of a whore..." The man sits down and says, "Oh, that's fine. For a minute I thought you said Protestant."
A day at the office A man is at work one day, when he notices that his co-worker is wearing an earring. The man knows his co-worker to be a conservative guy, and is curious about his sudden change in fashion sense.
The man walks up and says, “I didn’t know you were into earrings.” The co-worker responds sheepishly, “Don’t make such a big deal out of this, it’s only an earring.” The man falls silent for a few minutes, but then his curiosity prods him to say, “So how long have you been wearing one?”
The co-worker responds, “Ever since my wife found it in my truck.”
APRIL 2015 Friday 3rd Big Beat 7.00pm Saturday 4th Big Beat 7.30pm Friday 10th Big Screen Rugby 7.35pm Blues Vs Brumbies Saturday 11th Bac and Blue 7.30pm Sunday 12th Rock N Roll Social 6.30pm Friday 17th Big Screen Rugby 7.35pm Crusaders Vs Chiefs Saturday 18th No Wurez 7.30pm Friday 24th Big Screen Rugby 7.30pm Chief’s Vs Force Saturday 25th ANZAC Day Over the Top 9.45am Andrew Sister (Day) 12.00pm Big Beat (Night) 7.30pm
Booze to Rise?
We have been notified by our major provider that Tap Beer will increase in April approximately 3% at the in store price.
Historically the RSA has absorbed price increases over the last few years and will also absorb this one for the first 3 months of the financial year, being April 1st to June 30th – beyond that is uncertain, however members will be notified of any pending increases in advance. C. L. Williams Chief Executive