Veterans Wives Group

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Newsletter on the Net - No. 26 – November/December 2004 What a wonderful year we have had in the group. Our numbers are steadily growing. Although as we tend to be ‘wanderers’, it is unusual to get more than twenty per group. Which is probably just as well, as it would be too hard to get around to talk to one another. We have an ever-changing mix of girls, as we are often busy with family, travel, illness etc. We had thirty ladies for our Christmas Celebration. Lorraine arranged beautiful decorations, which were raffled off (free) at the end of the night; so three ladies had some table decorations to take home. Our Santa surprised us all, by having an apprentice with an L-plate on him. We thank both Bill and Gary for making our night a tremendous success. Santa and his apprentice handed out the presents, and we all sat on their knees and whispered in their ears. (Heaven knows what!) The Knox Christmas Carols were a great success again, with our VVAA (outer Eastern) supplying the security. This is a major money earner for them and it is good to see such a large number of them come together to help. Let’s face it who would like to tangle with a Vet? The wives had it easy, we just sat around and listened to the carols and watched the fireworks. VVAA Outer Eastern had their Christmas lunch at Boronia RSL last Sunday. It was well attended. (A whole, very large long table of our ladies!) Great company, a good meal and enjoyable day for all. Over the year we have had a few activities. An impromptu picture night was good fun, and about six girls went along. VVCS ran a course for the wives of Veterans at the RSL Ringwood, and the girls feel that they have gained some insight as to handle situations. Hopefully we can arrange some more. The week at the TPI units at Rye in October was successful, and those who attended had a good time. I was unable to go as I was babysitting my grand daughter, while her mum was in hospital with my new grand daughter. However we went down on the Sunday for the family Bar B Q that was a fun day. Remember to keep up your PVA membership, as it is important we stand together, so that many issues can be dealt with in Canberra by this strong group of ladies. We must continue to support them in this, as it is, after all our struggle! We now have a group that meets on the last Monday of every month in the daytime, for those who find it easier to get there. This group still meets in the Bistro of the Ringwood RSL, but at lunch time. If you are a pensioner they have a great meal deal you can avail yourself of. This is not a ‘breakaway’ group, it is for the convenience of you ladies, and is becoming quite successful as well. I am organizing a lunch, probably at Dandenong RSL for as many wives/partners from all areas that would like to come along. It will be in Feb, and I will advise the date next month. Our last lunch with Frankston was good, and there are many other areas we can invite. Although informal, we are now looking to what we can do for one another, and will be having a meeting in February to discuss where we are going, and how to utilize the many skills our ladies have. We would like to support each other more, and do something in the way of organizing some activities. The opportunities are boundless, but as we have grown so much, and are not funded, and many of us are now on limited incomes, we need to discuss how we can ‘share the load’. This may mean some formal structure in place. Although we have fought against this, I believe it is now unavoidable. However I hope this only succeeds in making things easier, and not produce any ‘big egos’ to spoil the atmosphere, and remain much as we are now, just sharing more things together. If you are interested in discussing your ideas, please call Sylvia 9726 8554, Agnes 9870 6183 or Lorraine 9758 1830 Personally I have had a magical year. Three and a half months traveling around Australia, in our ‘little palace’ then coming home to the birth of our second grand daughter. Who could ask for more? After all; babies are Gods way of saying our lives must go on! They make it more exciting and surround us with love! Hope you all have a Healthy, Happy and Loving Christmas, and a Peaceful 2005. Keep Smiling Sylvia Condon Newsletter archives Click here for recent newsletters.