Newsletter No 47 July 2005 Guess How Many AGMs The 21st AGM – goodness me, is it that many already? – of the Association was duly held at the Public Services Club in April. Attendance, I regret to report, was somewhat disappointing with only some 20 members and spouses attending. Is it fear of being nominated for office that keeps people away? The risk is small and the opportunities for reunion – which is what the members have told the Committee they want – are obvious. As usual, those attending enjoyed each other’s company. Elections were duly held. Jim Uhlmann stood down as President after two years in office and automatically moved to the position of Past President. The meeting carried a vote of thanks to Jim for his contibution. In consequence of this change, Vice President Gordon Wilson retired from office after long and distinguished service to WRRA. Jim Program for the Year thanked Gordon, on behalf of the Association, for his efforts over the years. Once again, the Committee has From the Editor’s Chair The incoming President is Eric Davis who drawn up a program for the next year. is no doubt known to many of our members Country members may have some No doubt you have all seen the sign on (see page 3 for biographical information). difficulty in availing themselves of the back of buses and trucks that says “If Col Hazel has returned to the Committee the opportunities, but the offer for you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you.” by accepting the position of Vice President. assistance with local activities is still I received a lovely letter from Roy Welcome back, Col! open. Just contact John Connolly. MacArthur (see also in Out and About) in The remainder of the Committee was June 17– mid year luncheon at which he told me he enjoys my Newsletters, unchanged, with the retiring members being COTAH (too late if you missed it) particularly the news of his old work elected unopposed (see listing on page 8). August – Annual Bowls Day at colleagues. This view is shared by many See, there is little risk of being dragooned into Aspley Bowls Club (see enclosed other members. Well, like the bus drivers, if office if you attend the AGM. We hope to see notice) you don’t let me know, I can’t possibly tell more of you there next year. September – lunchtime social at anyone else what you are doing. In his report, Jim outlined the year’s Public Services Club (date to be So please, please, let me know what you activities, which were moderately well advised) or other members are up to. It really is of supported. It is gratifying to recruit new November – Christmas luncheon interest. members, but it would be even better if we at COTAH (date to be advised) By far my least preferred way of saw more of our former colleagues at the January/February – tour of catching up on members’ news is attending activities. Membership now stands at 193, a Ipswich Railway Workshops members’ funerals. net increase of 11 over last year. (thoroughly recommended) On a much happier note, it is gratifying During the year the activities organised March – a cruise or a tour of that we are managing to recruit quite a few by the Committee comprised the mid year and Parliament House (to be determined) new members. But don’t forget to remind end of year luncheons at COTAH, the annual April – AGM at Public Services any of your former colleagues of the Bowls Day, a boat trip through Pumicestone Club (date to be advised. We hope benefits of joining. Not only will they Passage, a lunchtime social and a tour and to see lots of you there.) receive a copy of the Newsletter, they’ll get picnic at Government House – not to mention These events are a great all the news of members’ actvities that you the AGM which is a social occasion in itself. opportunity to catch up as well as are going to send me! Jim wished the incoming committee the an easy opportunity to see Until next time, au reservoir. best of luck for the next year. something new. Ian Pullar Editor People, like thumbtacks, are useful if they have good heads and are pointed in the right direction. Bundy Wasn’t Rum At All Government House In fact, the Bundy reunion was a great success enjoyed by all On 7 March, the Association took advantage of the open who attended. invitation of the Office of the Governor of Queensland to inspect At its peak (dinner on the Saturday night) there were about 120 Government House and to enjoy the surrounding grounds. Eighteen enthusiastic reunionees competing vocally with the entertainer at members and friends gathered on the well-manicured lawns and the League’s Club where SunWater generously sponsored our meal. were served morning tea by white-gloved valets. The site is secluded Of these, just over half were locals, with about 50 coming from among a large variety of mature trees and shrubs that minimise the elsewhere (about a score from Brisbane). intrusion of the noise of the city and provide an atmosphere of The WRRA bus from Brisbane unfortunately only had 11 on peace and tranquillity. A feature of the gardens was an extensive board, including the driver and his wife. But all of you city members bed of rose bushes, all with their name plaques. Unfortunately, we who didn’t make it missed out on a good time. were left to imagine the sight and perfume of the array when they On the Friday evening SunWater hosted a barbecue at their come into bloom. depot. On Saturday morning the multitudes assembled for a breakfast Two members of the volunteer guide service conducted us in the park at Bargara. We foreigners didn’t expect to be waited through the public rooms of Government House. The tour, which upon hand and foot so we made Eric Davis help Warren Hutton takes just over an hour, includes the Investiture Room, Reception cook while we enjoyed ourselves. Room, formal Dining Room, and the Governor’s office. While we marvelled at the table in the dining room with its beeswax polish, the guide assured us that it looks even better when laid for a formal meal. All the while, portraits of monarchs and governors observed our passing. The impression given is very much one of vice-regal elegance. Following the inspection, we were conducted to the recently refurbished pavilion in the garden for our BYO picnic lunch that brought to a conclusion a very pleasant excursion. - Jim Uhlmann Out and About Roy and June MacArthur have been living happily at Palm Beach for just over 14 years. Roy has been a member of the Gold Coast Water Advisory Committee (and a very valuable one according to Shaun Cox, Gold Coast Water’s boss). Roy has written a very Cooks Eric Davis and Warren Hutton hard interesting book Enoggera Creek and Me about his exploits in the at work - they know their onions! area. It has been published by the Gap Pioneer and History Group. The highlight of the trip for dam-building scoundrels like me Congratulations, Roy. I hope to bring readers extracts next edition. was the visit to Burnett River Dam under construction. Although Lee and Denise Rogers have returned unscathed from their we couldn’t get out of the bus, we were given an excellent tour by overseas trip to Britain, Ireland and France. They must have crossed the Project Engineer. Roller Compacted Concrete is a relatively new in transit with John and Margaret Ward who were going the other technology and each project brings new developments. The way to similar destinations. They (J & M) will be catching up with conveyor system (dismantled just before we arrived) was massive. acquaintances made in France where they lived for a time many The upstream face comprises precast concrete panels with plastic moons ago. seals. The RCC spillway section was having its conventional ogee John and Laurel Connolly will be heading off to China in crest cast over it while we were there. November. On Sunday morning, the locals provided tea and toast (or By the time this newsletter hits the post, Warren Hutton, Hein bunloaf) in the park before we set off on our leisurely journey home. van der Heide and Mike Barry will have retired and joined WRRA. The locals are to be congratulated and heartily thanked for their Best wishes to all and thanks for all their efforts. efforts. In particular, Warren Hutton, Trevor Tuesley and Lois and On the other hand, Ben Russo is still working (albeit part time) Dave Pollard toiled mightily to please us all. Thanks to all for a great even though his eightieth birthday is drawing nigh. reunion. Eric Davis’s shoulder is mending well and he looks like getting back to tennis. Unfortunately, Judy Morwood’s back gave out and Mid-Year Luncheon she and Dave had to miss both the Bundy trip and the midyear Once again, this popular event was held at COTAH where the luncheon while she had surgery. students are always keen to serve us, though not always as I regret that I have to record the passing of Dorothy Fawcett. professionally as they will on graduation. Our condolences to past president Barrie and family. A pleasant gathering was savoured by the 43 attendees on 17 Roy Mincher, erstwhile doyen of hydrographers also died aged June. We will be back at the same venue to celebrate Christmas.