Veterans Wives Group |
Newsletter on the Net - No. 8 - 9 April 2003What a wonderful night! Everyone contributed in some way to make our 'birthday' night a great success. The table was set by the staff at the club, with a white linen tablecloth, and Lorraine had been to the club earlier in the day with her 'goodies' of mini Easter eggs, happy birthday sparkles for the tables (which somehow ended up in/on our name badges), beautiful bud vases with a red rose in each one (to match the rose in our badges which signifies love). I arrived not knowing that Lorraine had been, carrying a small flower tablepiece (yes! Roses) and after dinner mints, along with my other normal paraphenalia of badges, our sign to put on the table to show who we were, book for records etc. and received a great surprise to see it all set up. A cake with sparklers had also been arranged by Lorraine for later. What a great job by her, and she would not let us pay her, but says that's her contribution. Thankyou, not only for that, but for all the other little things you do Lorraine! We appreciate it! We had seventeen ladies to help us to celebrate, and it was a fun night. The club have a special meal deal on Wednesdays, which is our meeting night, which is, to buy a meal and get the second one for $5.00, so most of us teamed up to get the benefits. The menu and the chef have changed and we all agreed that even though we all had different choices the meals were great. For desert we shared the birthday cake, which was a type of cheesecake. The left overs were sent into the members bar to anyone there to enjoy. As the girls decided last month to arrange a gift for Michael McMillan, to thank him for his support while he was President of Ringwood RSL at the time of our beginnings, there was a presentation to Mike. Chris M's husband John made a beautiful stained glass oval hanging of a red rose, and around the edge, finely engraved with our thanks. Chris presented it to Mike from us all, and hopefully we may have some photos available for the web, both of the presentation and the group on the night. Pat and Joy then presented both myself (Sylvia) and Agnes with flowers from everyone. Thankyou girls! It seems amazing that my dream from 4 or 5 years ago has developed in this way. When I think of the first attempt at having a meeting, and how I sat waiting for people to come, and went home disappointed. I then realised that we needed publicity and a special place to meet, and preferably a couple of like-minded people. At our first meeting at the Ringwood RSL we had six girls and were happy from then on. I realise how lucky I was to get the support of so many great people who have made it the success it is. We now have around 40 people who have signed our book. We get emails from others who are unable to come, and our web site is going very well (thanks to Tim, our web master) I hope everyone saw our publicity in the Herald Sun on 2nd April, we were very excited to find it. Because it was our anniversary, we really didn't discuss much, but had lots of laughs. The club put on a couple of bottles of Champagne and jugs of lemon squash, and I'm sure that helped to make the evening a success. Thanks Ron (new president) and the staff for their support for the night. We did discuss Partners of Veterans Australia, but all decided they like the format of our Veterans Wives Group, and although we support the PVA and a number of us have joined as individuals, we do not wish to become a branch of PVA. Their aims and politics are very good, but we prefer to remain a "social" group to support our girls first, and then enjoy each others company. The girls do not want a formal structure and enjoy being able to come and go without needing to send apologies. Already some very strong friendships have developed, particularly among our widows. We see this as our most important function. This is always open for further discussion. As Chris 'let the cat out of the bag' about me being nominated for the Barnados Mother of the Year, I report that I am now one of three finalists in Victoria, and am going to a function on 22nd April to find out what's next. At least, like in the Olympics, I can say I have actually got that far, and I am honoured that my daughter nominated me, that's enough of a prize for me! Barnados Australia (in case you don't know) is a children's charity and has been around for 120 years in Australia, doing good stuff for kids and families in all situations that need extra support, another of these quiet achievers, doings lots of work we don't know about. Anyway I'll keep you informed, at least I can come third, and that would be an honour. Hope to see as many as possible next month, as every month is special and we love to see everyone who comes. Keep Well and Keep Smiling Sylvia Condon |
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