The BULLETIN The Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller THE GRAND PRIORY OF AUSTRALASIA Under the Royal Charter of HM King Peter II of Yugoslavia

THE PRIORY OF QUEENSLAND and Commanderies: Warm hospitality Brisbane, Gold Coast, begins a busy Sunshine Coast and Western program for

THE PRIORY OF THE Sunshine DARLING DOWNS Coast in 2017 THE PRIORY OF VICTORIA

FEBRUARY 2017

Sovereign Order explained 3

Australia Day awards 5

Okanagan Commander visit 6

News from Victoria 7

Brisbane’s Christmas lunch 8

Notes from the West 10

Sunshine Coast hospitality 12

David Rees Memoirs 13

Visit to Vancouver 14

Christmas on the Downs 15 The bulletin EDITORIAL

The Editor’s desk Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ

By the time this accompanied by promise of new Therein lies the overarching edition comes out, the New Year activity and challenge for us will be well under way. The of four years given to us in the in 2017. As well, we have the passing of the old year gives us a Memorandumbeginnings. 2017 of Understanding is the first continuing challenges in the to develop our relationships with Priories and Commanderies to New Year heralds in new starts. the Sovereign Order of St John of exercise our roles as a Christian, feelingLast ofyear finality, certainly of endings. gave us The Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, ecumenical, and charitable some endings but they were headquartered in Vancouver.

effectiveorganisation. in our Are charitable we sufficiently works? The Commander of the Brisbane Commandery, Christian?I was given Are awe short sufficiently statement Chevalier Commander Ric Barton KCSJ, some time ago, anonymous, so I Invites you and your friends to the cannot give credits. In part it said: “Membership of the Order requires that aspirants, when invested, must be comfortable with the fact BrisbaneCommandery that they come into a Christian organisation ...The Order of Saint John can only justify its continuing Formal Dinner existence and status as an Order in the modern community if in To raise funds for the 2017 Commandery charity its charitable works it supports Date Saturday 25 March 2017 the Christian Church. This Time 6-30 pm for 7-00 pm will distinguish it from other Venue The Moreton Club charitable organisations, worthy 72 Moray Street New Farm though they may be”. Subscription $130 per person The New Year gives the Dress Business Suit + Neck Jewel opportunity to assess the old and to plan and enhance the new. The programme includes a musical recital by the celebrated To quote T. S. Eliot: Ayesha Gough, winner of the 2015 Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition, and third in the 2014 Kerikeri International Piano Competition. “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language Please put the date in your diary. Your Invitation And next year’s words await with RSVP facility will be posted shortly. another voice And to make an end is to make a beginning”. @ ‘The Bulletin’ is the official magazine of the Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, Grand Priory of Australasia: ACN 147 338 501 Correspondence printed by Erratum Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ Heaneys: PerfORMERS in Print email: [email protected] 07 5539 4911 www.hpip.com.au In The Bulletin, November 2016, it was stated that Dame Rhoda, editorial group Lady McQuarrie GCSJ had joined Chevaliers Charles Clark, Reverend the Scottish Branch of the Dr David Pitman, the Reverend Canon Sovereign Order of St John. Emeritus Bruce Maughan (Prelate), This is not correct and we Robin Kleinschmidt, Garry Page, apologise to Lady McQuarrie for Dames Dawn Goodall and Donna Fraser, and Serving Sister Leith Robinson. the error.

2 THE BULLETIN Grand priory Sovereign order

editor by HM King Peter to the Order in 1964, just as we do in Australia. In Australia, we adhere to the view that the Constitution What is the Sovereign Order of of King Peter was most recently repudiated by others from whom St John Knights Hospitaller? we are now separated and that, throughout, we remain, and The Grand Priory of the Grand Priory Council has been have retained our legitimacy Australasia (OSJ) has a well-documented both in letters as, the Order of Saint John of Memorandum of from the Grand Prior and in the Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller, Bulletins of the latter half of 2016. having amended, as required by Understanding with the The SOSJ has its roots in the Australian Law, our Constitution Sovereign Order of St John same Order founded by Blessed and accompanying Regulations. of Jerusalem Knights Gerard in the 11th Century and We continue, lawfully, ethically, Hospitaller (SOSJ) whose like the OSJ in Australia traces its and morally as the autonomous headquarters are in history through the movements of Grand Priory of Australasia, the Vancouver, Canada. the Order from Jerusalem through Order of Saint John of Jerusalem the Mediterranean, the Siege of The Memorandum paves the way Malta, the expulsion from Malta with the Sovereign Order of for the Grand Priory of Australasia by Napoleon, and the move to the SaintKnights John Hospitaller, of Jerusalem now Knights affiliated to become a part of the SOSJ and Protection of the Russian Royal Hospitaller, also known as the thereby regain internationality. It Family and to the Patronage of the “Vancouver Order”. @ provides for a period of four years Yugoslavian Royal Family following during which both parties may the Russian Revolution in 1917. The article below is made up of determine mutually acceptable The SOSJ was formalised in extracts from the SOSJ website: outcomes. North America under the auspices sosjvancouver.org/ The way in which this has been of HRH Prince Andrej, brother of The reader will note the strong achieved by the superb efforts of King Peter II and acknowledges, and similarities between the SOSJ and the Grand Prior of Australasia and is guided, by the Constitution given the OSJ in Australia.

The Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller

The Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller monks and Knights of the Order is a Christian, chivalric, ecumenical, and international vowed to do 900 years ago. Through goodwill and devotion to community of members, who continue more than 900 a just cause, the Sovereign Order years’ tradition of helping the sick and the poor of all has been in the forefront of some of nationalities, races, and creeds with the motto Pro Fide, Pro history’s greatest moments. Today’s Sovereign Order, Utilitate Hominum – For Faith, For Service to Humanity. headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is based on the 1964 The modern day Order is divided located at Vancouver, Canada. Constitution of King Peter II of into 27 Commanderies (chapters) The Sovereign Order is Yugoslavia. in 14 countries in Europe and Christian. It was founded on In 1998, the King Peter II North and Central America, chivalric principles of putting Constitution was amended to consisting of approximately 850 others before self. Members of remove all restrictions on women members worldwide. the Sovereign Order serve their members (Dames). They have since community, just as the original continued following page

The International office is FEBRUARY 2017 3 Grand priory Sovereign order

continued from page 3 the organisation. filledThe many Sovereign of the seniorOrder hasroles in and the Americas and is working hardreunified to re-unite Grand Priorieswith others in Europe over time. It has also returned to its roots from the 11th century of helping our lords the sick and our lords the poor. Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum The traditions of the Sovereign Order are strongly rooted in the

Order’s chivalric background and PrIory of THE DarLINg DowNs InvestIture its charitable work. Most of the activities that members organise and take part in today are part of the Order’s 900-year history. SOSJ Investiture in London, England, in November 2016 Internationally, the structure of the Sovereign Order is much the same as it would have been after it Sovereign Order of St John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller became a Chivalric Order in 1113. Beginning with the Grand Leadership Structure Master and through the ranks SOVERIGN COUNCIL SUPREME COURT GRAND MASTER Grand Master, Bailiffs within each Commandery, our Grand Priors and Priors ECLESIASTICAL COUNCIL members strive to maintain our LE PETIT COUNSEIL LIEUTENANTS OFFICERS traditional values. Within all of Conventual Bailiffs the Order’s 27 Commanderies GRAND PRIORS there are three basic ranks: PRIORS – THE AMERICAS PRIORS – EUROPE Knight or Dame of Honour, Grace, and Justice. COMMANDERS Operations Chart

Organisation Structure GRAND PRIORY OF THE AMERICAS Every year Priories and PRIORY OF CANADA PRIORY OF THE EASTERN USA PRIORY OF THE WESTERN USA Commanderies within the COMMANDERIES COMMANDERIES COMMANDERIES Vancouver Cleveland St Joseph Sovereign Order hold Investiture Ontario Costa Rica San Francisco Services where new Knights and Okanagan Nicaragua - in Formation The Sierras Victoria The Palm Beaches The Western Military Dames are welcomed to the Order Washington DC with a moving and unique service. European Operations History and tradition are a large GRAND PRIORY OF GRAND PRIORY OF GRAND PRIORY OF GRAND PRIORY OF GRAND PRIORY OF INDEPENDENT part of this ceremony and give the ST HENRIX, DACIA GERMANY THE UK AND FRANCE COMMANDERIES PRIORY OF ST COMMANDERIES IRELAND PRIORY OF Report to Grand opportunity to learn about how the COMMANDERIES ANSGAR, IN FORMATION PRIORY OF AUVERGNE Commander Order came to be and why. DENMARK South Germany ENGLAND PRIORY OF COMMANDERY Pori COMMANDERIES North Germany Commandery of BRETAGNE Members of the Sovereign Order Tampere Absalon Monaco London COMMANDERIES St Knud Hertug PRIORY OF Leon-Cornouaille are active in their community, and St Kjeld SCOTLAND Gelo-Penthievre PRIORY OF ST Commandery of Nantes Pays de Retz contribute to helping those in need, JOHANNES Glasgow NORWAY usually in their Commandery’s PRIORY OF region. ST ESKIL SWEDEN The Order began with a single hospice, operated by Brother continued following page Structure chart adapted from SOSJ website

4 THE BULLETIN

8 THE BULLETIN continued from page 4 Gerard and through his actions and Two members of the Order ideas the Order’s practice began of helping the Lord’s sick and the poor. From the beginning of serving of St John honoured pilgrims and others in need in Jerusalem, the Sovereign Order has been looking past current practices He is passionate about telling Australiansflag at many thecitizenship proud and ceremonies. unique With his advanced ideas regardingto find better patient ways care, of doing Brother things. Gerard was able to slow the spread storyAmong of our his flag other – the charitable only flag to of disease by separating patients involvements,fly over an entire Allan continent. Pidgeon sits in his hospice, serving them on on the Board of the Mater Hospital separate dishes, and insisting on Foundation and is a Trustee of the through ventilation. The hospice Lord Mayor’s Charitable Trust. He would be found by Crusaders on is a member of the Queensland their arrival in Jerusalem. They Commemorative Events and noted the superior survival rate of Celebrations Committee, and has patients of the Sovereign Order’s had a long association with the hospice. Chevalier Allan Pidgeon AM KSJ Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. After 900 years, the Sovereign was made a Member of the Order of Congratulations also go to Order stands by its foundation Dame Roberta (Bobbie) Brazil of Christian charity and chivalry the community through a range of AO DSJ for being named in the through actions and our motto: roles,Australia particularly “for significant to the promotionservice to “Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum” of the Order of Australia (AO). —For Faith, For Service to Chevalier Allan Pidgeon, who AustraliaShe received Day Awards the honour as an Officer Humanity. wasof the invested Australian into national the Order flag.” of St for ”distinguished service to The roots of the Sovereign John in 1994, has been President tertiary education governance, Order are in the Christian faith, of the Australian National Flag to agricultural, environmental but there is also a deep history of Association of Queensland (Inc) and resource management Chivalry. since he succeeded founding organisations and to women in Starting with the hospice President Dr Rupert Goodman AM rural and regional areas”. helping pilgrims, the Sovereign eight years ago. Chevalier Allan For her it was a bright spot in Order developed a spiritual group joined the Association when it a time of hardship on the land. and, in the 1100s, a military arm as was formed 25 years ago, and as She said: “We’re out on a farm on outlined in our history. President has addressed schools, Condamine River, and my gosh, it’s Today, we have returned to community groups and service been a dry old time. (This) was a our origins in helping the sick and clubs; as well as speaking about the real bit of good news”. the poor while maintaining our Dame Bobbie, former Chancellor traditions. of the University of Southern These traditions include: Queensland, has always found We are a Christian, chivalric, inspiration from rural Queensland. ecumenical, and international Armed with her law degree, she • organisation developed a deep understanding We use the Sovereign Order’s of the issues in rural Queensland, traditional robes at Investiture especially water management. • services Her philosophy: “You’ve got only The Allocution is read at each one life and you’ve got to see what Investiture. It summarizes our you can do with it”. • history and motivating spirit On 4th September 2016 she and our values received the honorary degree of We help people based on need, Doctor of the University at a USQ not faith or nationality. @ Graduation Ceremony. @ •

FEBRUARY 2017 5 Brisbane commandery Commandery of Okanagen visit

Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ Dame Commander of Okanagan, Canada, SOSJ visits Brisbane OSJ

Dame Commander Because of the holiday period, some were unable to be present, Lynda-May O’Brien, Dame Lynda-May O’Brien made Commander of Okanagan, but it was a happy party of Sovereign Order of St John a Christmastide visit to fourteen. Queensland The evening began with The Commanderies, she said, conversation at 5.15 pm and dinner were on the whole larger and During her stay, some members at 6.00 pm during which we greatly more self-governing than ours in of the Priory of Queensland were increased our understanding Australia; her Commandery has fortunate to be able to meet with of the SOSJ, into which Order 150 members. She told us of fund her for dinner on the evening of the Grand Priory of Australasia raising for charity of up to $1.5 28th December. is seeking to enter through the million and of the building of a The gathering was organised recently produced Memorandum of hostel in Vancouver. by the Prior of Queensland and Understanding. In return, she took away with Chancellor of the Grand Priory, Dame Lynda-May told us of the her a greater knowledge and Chevalier Professor Emeritus organisational structure of the understanding of the Australian George Kearney AM GCSJ. It SOSJ, of its worldwide membership scene with which they are to be was intended that Commanders of over 800, in the USA, Canada, associated. The conversation was of the Queensland Priory and and many countries of Europe, very enlightening for us and we representatives of the Grand Priory including Finland where a large hope conversely for Dame Lynda- should attend. Investiture was held in 2016. May also. @

Above: Ric Barton KCSJ, Lynda-May O’Brien DCJSJ, George Kearney AM GCSJ At left: George Kearney AM GCSJ, Bruce Maugham OAM GCSJ MMSJ, Frances Clark, Jacqui Kearney, David Rees KCSJ, Ric Barton KCSJ, Lynda- May O’Brien DCJSJ

6 THE BULLETIN Priory of VICTORIA NEWS

Chevalier Vincent Gatt KCSJ East Malvern with the Celebratory Dinner just 100 metres away at the beautiful Gable’s Reception. We are pleased that up to six new News from Victoria members will be Invested. The next day, June 24th, the Prior will chair our Chapter Meeting / Bettoni Garden Party Merridee Gee DCSJ, and Dame AGM and formal introduction of Dame Elisabeth Bettoni and Anna Papahristos DSJ who have our newly-Invested, and this will be Chevalier Enrico Bettoni once been doing it a bit tough of late, followed by light refreshments. again, on 11th February, opened and they have shown us just how That evening the St. John the their home to all members of the strong and wonderful they are. We Baptist Association will hold a Priory of Victoria and friends in an are so proud of them and all those dinner dance (European Style) effort to raise funds for our worthy in our Victorian Priory who for one and all members of the Order are Charities. The Priory of Victoria is reason or another have found the especially welcome. greatly indebted to them for their going a bit tough of late. Naturally, On Sunday 25th June we will generosity and hospitality. It is that includes their partners as well. celebrate with the St. John the Baptist Association the feast of always a relaxing function in their Our Calendar for 2017 beautiful garden; we hope to see as our Patron Saint, with Mass and many members there as possible. Our Council is scheduled to Procession at the Holy Eucharist Catholic Church in St. Albans, Our wonderful Dames month at the CWA HQ in Toorak. Victoria. This will be the 22nd The Victorian Priory is blessed meetAfter on the firstBettoni Saturday Garden of each year the Priory has been invited to to have some incredible ladies as Party we are now in full swing participate. Members. I wish to acknowledge for our June 23rd Investiture and As close to September 8th three of them today, they are, Dame Dinner to be held at St. John’s the as possible we plan to have our Mary Tanner OBE OAM DSJ, Dame Evangelist Anglican Church in annual Great Siege of Malta celebration starting with a Eucharistic Service at St Paul’s CHRISTMAS PARTY AT Anglican Cathedral in the heart ASCOT HOUSE of Melbourne, to be followed with Top, from left: Russell Male KCSJ, Dianne Male, a buffet Lunch at the RACV Club. Bill McAuley KSJ. Much thanks to His Excellency Below from left: Bailiff Martin Bailiff Anthony Bailey GCSJ CMSJ Conlon GCSJ, Lois Whiteoak DSJ, for organising this event. Lloyd Byrne KSJ, Rev. John Baldock, The OSJ Gala Dinner is also Andrea Westh, Roger Westh KSJ, planned for around October, this Anthony Bailey GCSJ CMSJ, being our major fund raiser; and Graham Michalanney KCSJ. our last event for 2017 will be our Christmas Lunch in December. @

FEBRUARY 2017 7 Brisbane commandery CHRISTMAS FUNCTION

LEITH ROBINSON SSSJ referring to the Grand Priory’s movement towards internationality that has been achieved during 2016. The Brisbane Commandery Brisbane Commandery Chaplain, Chevalier the Reverend Bishop Emeritus Noel Noack GCHSJ, said the Grace. The guest speaker Christmas Lunch was the Reverend Dr Steven Ogden, newly appointed Rector of Holy Once again the historic Held on Thursday, 1st December, Trinity Anglican Parish, Fortitude Queensland Club was last year, the lunch was attended Valley, who spoke of the work done by approximately 60 Members and by the Trinity Pantry, providing the venue for the their guests, and was preceded by a food and paying for other essentials Brisbane Commandery Queensland Priory Administrative for disadvantaged people, many Christmas lunch Council meeting, so some of the guests living on the streets. The Parish were from other Commanderies and Pantry continues to be the major the Priory of the Darling Downs. charity supported by the Brisbane Members and guests were Commandery in 2017. welcomed by the Brisbane The convivial Christmas Commander, Chevalier Commander function was a wonderful venue for Ric Barton KCSJ, and the Grand Prior, Members and friends to meet and HE Bailiff Adjunct Professor Victor to give everyone Christmas Best Feros, gave a short speech of welcome, Wishes. @ Image at left: John Lawrence AM KSJ Centre, from left: Frances Clark, Judeen Airey, Dr Elaine Katte GCSJ, Janet Lawrence, Reverend Bishop Noel Noack GCHSJ, Dai Mason KSJ. Bottom, from left: Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ, Dr Kay Lane DCSJ, Dr Ian Airey KCSJ, Sandra Griffiths SSSJ, George Kearney AM GCSJ, Peter Gilmour, John Barton KSJ, Susan Mason.

L-R: Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ, L-R: George Kearney AM, GCSJ, Name please’ Judeen Airey, name please, John Barton KSJ, name please Sandra Griffiths sssj

8 THE BULLETIN Brisbane commandery Major charity introduction

Trinity Pantry Chevalier Charles Clark KCSJ MMSJ Afternoon Tea

A pleasant afternoon tea was hosted by Serving Sister to the Brisbane River, on Friday, 18th November. The purposeSandra Griffiths was to introduce SSSJ at her the home Reverend in Teneriffe, Dr Steven close Ogden, the newly appointed Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Fortitude Valley, to some members of Brisbane Commandery, some of whom are or have been parishioners of Holy Trinity. The Trinity Pantry, mentioned in previous editions of the Bulletin, is the primary charity for support assistance to the poor and needy. He remarked as to by the Brisbane Commandery in 2017 and the how closely his own mission to help the disadvantaged Commander for Brisbane, Chevalier Commander Ric resembled the Order’s support of our lords the sick and Barton KCSJ, and Priory Almoner, Dame Dr Kay Lane our lords the poor. DCSJ, outlined to Fr Ogden the way in which funds are The afternoon was relaxed and very useful. Thank raised for this purpose . Fr Ogden, in turn, expressed you, Serving Sister Sandra. Fr Steven Ogden is second his wish for the Pantry to continue and to expand its from left. @ Chevalier to be Vale Chevalier Jüergen (George) ordained Bishop Alfred Prillwitz KSJ. It is with regret that we Chevalier the Venerable Jeremy announce the passing of Greaves KSJ has accepted the Jüergen Prillwitz. He joined Archbishop’s invitation to be an the Order in Melbourne in 2002 and was elevated Assistant Bishop in the Diocese to Knight of Grace in 2013. of Brisbane. Jürgen passed away after He will succeed Bishop Jonathan Holland as Bishop of the Northern Region. a protracted illness in Jeremy’s Episcopal Ordination will be on Friday, 24th February 2O17, at 7pm December. Our sincere in St John’s Cathedral. Chevalier Jeremy is presently the Rector of St Mark’s condolences go to his family Anglican Church, Buderim. He was invested into the Order of Saint John and friends. @ of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller in the Queensland Priory Ceremony on Friday, 10th June 2016, in St John’s Cathedral and became the Chaplain of the Sunshine Coast Commandery. Chevalier Jeremy gained his Bachelor of Theology (BTh) from Flinders University (Adelaide) in 1997 and after serving in churches in North Adelaide, Ceduna, and Katherine, was appointed Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Darwin in 2007. During that time he was Chaplain to the Police, Fire, and Emergency Services. He came to St Mark’s Church, Buderim, as Priest in Charge in 2013, elevated to Rector in 2014. His new appointment means that he will leave the Buderim Parish, but he will continue to live on the Sunshine Coast and to be the Chaplain to the Sunshine Coast Commandery. We pray for Chevalier Jeremy, his wife, Josie, and their family. @

FEBRUARY 2017 9 commandery OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Chevalier Anthony Howes KCSJ Notes from the West

A charitable activity with a before returning to continue her difference work in that country. Nola is a when Dames and Knights of the WA gifted singer and instrumentalist Commandery was and able their to benefitguests met who gave up her career with the for the Annual Christmas Lunch on WA Opera, some two years ago, to December 4th last year. Chevalier work with the children of Malawi. Ray Gianoli and his wife Lianne She told us of the poverty she hosted the Commandery at their encountered, the frustrations Guildford home. from bureaucracy and, in striking We sat down to dine in a large, contrast, the joy and optimism of elegant poolside room of their the children as they responded to An Invitation ... home, and, yet again, ‘master chef’ the music-making she was able to Chevalier Bill Munro, provided a develop. At the first Chapter meeting sumptious meal, despite having to Commander Chevalier Jamie of 2017, Commander Jamie mount a rescue mission due to a Edwards, in praising Nola for her Edwards announced that the WA runaway turkey! creativity and stamina in the work Commandery had been invited to Special guest at the luncheon she was doing, presented her with Malta as guests of the Grand Prior was Nola Formentin, who had just a cheque $1,500 for the purchase of of the Order of St Lazarus and to arrived in Perth from Malawi to attend their annual Investiture on spend Christmas with her family, much-needed ukulele! @ 7th October of this year. musical instruments – including a In fact, while the Investiture provides the pivot of the visit, a “Pauline Pilgrimage” will be a special feature of the time spent. Details are still in the planning stage, but the programme will follow in St Paul’s footsteps in Malta, beginning with a visit to “Tal Hgejjeg Chapel” at Bugibba where traditionally St Paul landed and was bitten by the snake. Then to “San Pawl Milqi” archaeological site at Burmarrad where St Paul cured the governor’s father from dysentery. Included in the schedule would be time at “St. Paul’s Grotto” at Rabat where St Paul was held during his incarceration in Malta; a tour of Wignacourt’s Museum and Catacombs which houses a collection of artefacts related to Maltese folklore; a lecture given Above: Lunch attendees by the Order of St Lazarus Grand Left: Nola Formentin with Prior Chevalier Professor Charles Commander Jamie Edwards

10 THE BULLETIN Notes from the west

From left: - Jenny Davies, Oliver (child) nad Stuart Ha- lusz,“A BernieDickens Davies, Anthony of a Howes Christmas” (seated), Rebecca (back), Saskia, Molly Jones

Savona-Ventura on the history of For the past four years one of the year, 38 of the professional music the Knights in Malta (apart from most popular fund-raising events and acting fraternity gave of their for the WA Commandery, made services to aid the homeless of Order, the Grand Prior is Professor its transfer from the City (where Perth and Fremantle. ofbeing Obstetrics the official and historianGynaecology of the at parking is becoming increasingly In this way, ticket prices were Malta University and known to be kept low, yet some $5,000 was a talented and impressive man); suburb of Claremont and the raised, with capacity audiences. also, making himself available, heritagemore difficult) and picturesque to the close-by Christ Playwright and actress Jenny Davis wrote a new adaptation of built by the Knights, the Sacra season. Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ which to speak to us – in the hospital ChurchWith parish two performances, church, for its (one fifth a gave opportunity for the director internationally-renowned Maltese matinee and the other an evening (yours truly) to involve more historian,Infermeria Professor in Valletta Frendo. – will be the staging) on December 11th of last thespians and musicians. @ Other ‘touristy’ events are also in the planning! It is envisaged Above, from left: Jenny Davies, Oliver and Stuart Haluz, Bernie Davies, that the tour will encompass three Anthony Howes (seated), Rebecca (at back), Saskia and Molly Jones to four days, with the Investiture Images: Raymond Gianoli and Gina Church.

(October 7). Costs are also still beingand Gala investigated Dinner on and the willfinal be day Congratulations from us all to known shortly. Chevalier Ken Wyatt AM KSJ on his Commander Jamie extends appointment as Federal Minister for the Aged an invitation from the WA and Minister for Indigenous Health. Commandery for any Knight or Chevalier Ken was invested into the Dame from the Grand Priory of Order in 2012, then a member of the House Australasia and their guests to join us on the Pilgrimage. Expressions member of that House. He is of Aboriginal ofAustralian Representatives, (Noongar, the Yamatji first indigenous and Wongi), Indian, English and Irish descent. He served toof Interestthe Commander – not binding at: at this as the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged [email protected], of course – should be directed Care between September 2015 and January The Pilgrimage should be a 2017, when he was appointed as the Minister wonderful experience. @ for the Aged and Indigenous Health. @

FEBRUARY 2017 11 Sunshine Coast Commandery news

Chevalier Robin Kleinschmidt OAM KSJ

A social start to the year on the Sunshine Coast

Members of the Sunshine Coast of Chevalier the Venerable Jeremy Commandery came together on Greaves, the Commandery Chaplain, Saturday 4th February to initiate provided an occasion for their year’s activity with an congratulations and presentation of enjoyable informal evening. gifts from the Commandery in recognition of his contribution to it. members met in the high-rise home Commander Chevalier Mel of CommanderFrom 6.00 p.m. Chevalier about thirtyMel Tipper five Tipper presented him with two and his wife Bette, who proved once mitres, one of which was richly again to be most hospitable and embroidered with gold thread on welcoming hosts. They were joined a background of red, the colour of by Chevalier Charles Clark and his the Order. (It was jokingly referred wife Frances, and Chevalier Robin by one of the Knights as “cardinal Kleinschmidt from the Brisbane red.”) Many of the guests intend to Commandery. be present at the consecration in The supply of drinks and an Brisbane at St John’s Cathedral on apparently unending array of Friday, 24th February, at 7.00pm. Top from left: The evening concluded with The Venerable Jeremy Greaves KSJ, bodily needs and oiled the cogs of well-deserved thanks to the hosts Mel Tipper KCSJ. delicious finger food catered for the and to those who had assisted them. Centre from left: Four Commanders: sent four winners home happy, and The Commandery has planned conversation. A fund-raising raffle Tom Ledwidge KCSJ, David Woodrow an extensive programme for 2017, AM KCSJ, Robin Hart AM KCSJ, supported a good cause. and the evening of warm fellowship Mel Tipper KCSJ. theAlthough remainder it wassatisfied by design at having an was a most encouraging and Bottom from left: Victoria Stewart informal event, one important enjoyable way to introduce the DSJ, Jan Leake Jones DSJ, Jenny Cant formality was included. The members to it and to motivate them DSJ. impending consecration as Bishop for the tasks ahead. @ Images courtesy of Charles Clark

12 THE BULLETIN Brisbane commandery David rees’ Memoirs

Dame Helen gregory DCSJ (Archivist) Around the world in eighty years: David Rees’ memoirs In 2016 Chevalier David After a very few years, David Rees KCSJ published a was promoted and, in 1954, was book of his life as his post in The Gold Coast in West career took him to many Africa.appointed The to company his first was overseas very parts of the world – busy as independent Ghana emerged from the colonial places where you and I Gold Coast. have not been and may David’s marriage to Kay in never go. 1959 and his transfer to Lagos in Nigeria occurred almost for operations in a The Queensland Priory Archives simultaneously. Next came growing number of Committee prepared a potted life Singapore. By the early 1960s, East African countries and later in story of Chevalier David which computerisation had reached Cyprus with several North African makes interesting reading and Singapore, and in 1967, the Rees and Middle Eastern nations. David’s would prompt the reader to obtain family moved to at last posting was a return to Nigeria. a copy of the book: a time of the Company’s transition Through all these perambul- Encountering the wide diversity from cash registers and accounting ations, David managed to keep of life experiences among the OSJ machines to computers. in touch with his stage career, membership is one of the great joys In 1970, David was promoted reaching one highlight in 1990 in of belonging. David Rees, our yet again and began work at the Cyprus, where he played an ugly Treasurer, has lived in many parts sister in the Cinderella pantomime, of the world and is, perhaps, the before transferring to Nassau in the and another in Portugal in the only member of the Priory of Bahamashead office to in set the up United the Company’s States 1990s where he demonstrated his Queensland invested in Cyprus. The title David has chosen for to Africa, to Kenya where David We are indeed fortunate that his memoirs of an extraordinary wasnewest Managing office before Director returning of NCR thisGilbert intrepid and Sullivan traveller proficiency. has chosen life, ‘Around the world in eighty East Africa with responsibilities Brisbane as his permanent home. @ years’, suggests that his world is wide indeed. In 2016, the Olympic year, David doubtless will have remembered the excitement of In the Footsteps of Luther carrying the placard proclaiming ‘Great Britain’ into Wembley Chevalier Stan Kan KSJ, well known his wife, Dr Meg Noack. On the tour, Stadium at the opening ceremony of for his “Great Trains of Europe” most stops are for three nights, the 1948 Olympic Games. tours, has organised a tour through in quality hotels, with luggage David was born in pretty sent on from hotel to hotel. There Buckinghamshire, near the village mark the 500th anniversary of the is a full sightseeing program and of Cowley and close to the Colne Reformation,significant areas from of 24thEurope April to to 7th many meals are included. For each River. Bombing, food shortages, and May 2017. Starting in Rome, the 14 booking by a member of the Order day tour travels by 1st Class rail to of Saint John, $200 is donated to Munich, Erfurt, Leipzig, to end in the Toowoomba Hospice. Further David’schanges wartime of school experiences. – and his growing His Berlin. Chevalier Stan will be the details and bookings can be made workinglove of Mathematics life began after – peppered the War, in Tour Director, and the Tour Leaders by contacting Chevalier Stan Klan 1949, when he joined the National will be Chevalier the Reverend on 0488 423 848 or emailing Cash Register Company, NCR. Bishop Emeritus Noel Noack and [email protected]

FEBRUARY 2017 13 Sunshine Coast Commandery news

Chevalier Mel tipper KCSJ Visit to the Vancouver Commandery

Report on visit to the necessary infrastructure support Sovereign Order of for caregivers. The hospice is very different from a hospital or long St John of Jerusalem term care facility; it is designed Knights Hospitaller to be a big home, not a small Priory of Canada – by institution. For a short time at the end of life (usually around 10-14 Chevalier Commander days) the hospice functions as Prior of Canada, HE Bailiff Mel Tipper KCSJ an extension of a dying person’s Richard Earthy GCSJ and the own-home offering family- Commander of Vancouver, Wednesday 30th Dame Anne Rowland DCSJ MMSJ centred, multi-disciplinary care November 2016 emphasising individual choice, annually only for Annual General identity, and dignity. Meeting. My visit to Vancouver in November The Hospice was built on The Board consists of the last year was occasioned by University land, with the cost of the Commander, Almoner, Events a family Baptism. I took the building and furnishings raised by and Social, Finance, Foundation opportunity to visit the Prior of the Commandery through public (Hospice), Herald, Hospitaller, Canada, HE Bailiff Richard Earthy subscription, charitable trusts, Marshall, Member Engagement, GCSJ and the Commander of Membership. Apart from the Vancouver, Dame Anne Rowland Commandery Members, totalling Commander, each member chairs DCSJ MMSJ. and significant donations from a sub-committee of Commandery The Vancouver Commandery acknowledged on a large Honour members, and submits a report is the largest numerically in the Boardsome $5.5M. in the Vestibule.Their benefice The day-to-is to the Board Meeting. The world-wide Vancouver Group. Both day running costs are met through Commandery is serviced by a the Prior and the Commander the local government health budget full-time Administrator whose could not have made me more which employs the staff. The welcome. The Prior had been Commandery takes responsibility of the professional members of the the Commander of Vancouver for capital maintenance and moral Commandery,Office and Salary and are in whosemet by Board one Commandery, prior to Dame Anne. support. Room we met. I spent the entire day and evening After an extensive meeting with After being introduced to the in their company. key staff, we lunched together at Board by the Commander, and With my wife, Bette, we visited the Shaunessy Golf Club. A general warmly welcomed, I was asked to the St John Hospice, built by the overview of the workings of the address the Board, and to speak of Vancouver Commandery, of which Grand Priory of Australasia was the Grand Priory of Australasia, and they are justly proud. St John given them by me. of events which have led us to the Hospice is a freestanding residence At 1600 hrs, I was invited to current state of mutual recognition nestled in the wooded grounds of attend a meeting of the Board the University of British Columbia (the Executive) of the Vancouver that this was very new news to campus, welcoming people from Commandery. This was their alland around affiliation. the table, It was and obvious I suspect all backgrounds, faiths and income scheduled bi-monthly meeting. the Commander herself had only levels. The Vancouver Commandery is The building includes 14 fully about the size of the Brisbane I brought greetings from the furnished bedrooms, training, Commandery. It does not meet Grandrecently Prior been of filled Australasia, in by the the Prior. and research facilities, and the as a Commandery as we do, but continued following page

14 THE BULLETIN Priory of the Darling Downs Festivities and news

Chevalier Mel tipper KCSJ Dame Donna Fraser DSJ Carols began Christmas on the Downs

Choristers from St Anthony’s primary school

Christmas came early for the Priory Primary School regaled an attentive audience and of the Darling Downs last year with a encouraged participation in Christmas Carolling. More than 50 Knights, Dames, and guests Nativity pantomime, the highlight of attended, ensuring a healthy donation of $1000 to the November Dinner at the Downs St Anthony’s to be contributed to the Toowoomba Club in Toowoomba. Hospice. As the festivities continued, Chevalier Mark Osborne was kept busy making a memorable Organised by Chevalier Dr Rob Rimmer and Mrs Katherine Rimmer, the children of St Anthony’s following page. @ visual record of the occasion – see photos on the

continued from page 14 potential members too late in their Prior of Queensland, and my own professional lives, thus creating an and maintaining their own Commandery. The Prior of Canada “old men’s and old women’s group” Commanderywith first-rate web printed site. material, No doubt rather than one with a vital middle the full-time Administrator age thrust and balance. thisspoke meant regarding to the the Vancouver significance Group They were intrigued with Passage Fees are more expensive, asof thea whole. present One affiliation Board Member and what our Vigil arrangements for new thoughinfluences includes this to investee a major anddegree. expressed great surprise, believing Knights and Dames, and I have spouse at the Banquet. The Annual that Australia was already part of already sent them a copy of our Oblation was much the same as them! Order of Service. The term “Donat” ours. Later that evening, at dinner, we caused much mirth. Apart from There is no doubt in my mind informally covered a wide range of minor variations around the edges, that the Sovereign Order of St OSJ activity, with special emphasis there was not a huge difference John was the correct and wisest on membership, and the choosing of operational and administrative choice for our international family, and vetting of candidates. Both difference. and the Grand Prior should be expressed concern that our present They certainly seemed much encouraged to continue working to methodology was often bringing in more organised than we are, a more formal association. @

FEBRUARY 2017 15 Priory of the Darling Downs Festivities and news

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Batting for Lifeline The Priory of the Darling Downs Order of St John of Jerusalem have come together with Lifeline Darling Downs to assist in reducing death by suicide throughout the region. We invite your business to become a sponsor of the “Batting for Lifeline” dinner. This 18+ event Images, left to right: includes a three course meal, beer and wine DD1: Mrs Carolyn Kretchmann, Prior Robert Kretchmann, Date Saturday 15 July 2017 Grand Prior Victor Feros and Dame Marion Feros. DD2: Mrs June Ladner, Chevalier Rod Maclean, Mrs Pamela Bligh, Venue Empire Theatre Main Stage Chevalier Kent Bligh. Neil Street Toowoomba DD3: Mrs Fran Osborne and Mrs Beverley Bond. Subscription Tickets $190 each, DD4: Chevalier Chris Tait, Dame Dr Jane Tait, Rob Gillespie and Tables of 10 recommended. Trish Gillespie. DD5: Chevalier Noel Strohfeldt, Prior Robert Kretchmann, Dress Black tie Mrs Clare McHugh-von Stieglitz and Chevalier Lewis von Stieglitz Enquiries Chevalier Robert Kretchmann DD6: Mrs Fay Hertle and Chevalier Karl Hertle. Images courtesy of Chevalier Mark Osborne

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