The New Plymouth & Districts’
Returned and Services Association (Inc)
P.O. Box 3057, Fitzroy, New Plymouth 4341
Email: newplymouthrsa@xtra.co.nz
Telephone: 06 758 3538
Welcome to the May 2015 newsletter.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT – POPPY DAY
On behalf of the NPRSA Executive I would like to thank the organisers, Peter Kendrick and Lillian Hall, the people who helped with the pinning of the poppies, the delivery and collection of the poppies and buckets to various outlets, and all involved with the collecting on the day, especially the New Plymouth Cadet Corps and No. 8 Squadron ACT, for their strong turnout, the ladies in the kitchen, June Yearbury and Denise Wood, the bean counters, and a big thank you to the Defence Force Office for the use of their premises as the Poppy Day headquarters.
ANZAC DAY – DAWN SERVICE
WOW – WHAT DO WE SAY!!
What a tremendous turnout by the veterans, servicemen and members of the public. The number was estimated at 20,000 persons. A moving service taken by Revd. Albie Martin QSM. I would like to thank everybody who took part in the parade.
ANZAC DAY – CIVIC SERVICE
This service was notable for the number of young people who paraded and attended. Thank you to Brigadier (Rtd.) Justice Tim Brewer for his personalised speech. In the afternoon, I attended the service at Warea with Denise Wood and Jess Burrows, the two nurses in uniform. This service was the last that the longstanding President of Okato, Mr. Ivor Ellis officiated after 20 years as President, for which we say a very big thank you and WELL DONE.
WHAT IS ON WITHIN THE RSA
RSA CLUB NIGHTS
RSA Club nights are held at the Tasman Club rooms, Octavius Place, on Friday nights in conjunction with the Tasman Club. We have raffles, the bar is open and delicious affordable meals are available.
RSA DAY (formerly Vets’ Day)
This is usually held monthly, from 1.30pm – 4pm and is held at the Tasman Club. This is a great opportunity for fellowship. Afternoon tea is provided.
Transport is available; please contact Tony Kivell, The next RSA Day will be 25th May on 755-2813 if you need a ride.
WOMEN’S SECTION
Coffee morning
Third Wednesday of the month, (excepting August and December, when the group have a luncheon). Coffee morning starts at 10am at Tasman Club, for fellowship and guest speaker.
RNZ NAVAL ASSOCIATION (TARANAKI BRANCH)
Meet third Monday of the month at Cobb & Co. for lunch.
Contact Trevor Wylde for info 751-5595
NORTH TARANAKI KING EMPIRE VETERANS
Contact: President Trevor Wylde 751-5595 or Secretary Wink
Burgess 758-0541
NPRSA POPPY TRUST & SUPPORT TRUST
Funds from both Trusts are available for distribution, by the trustees to Returned & Service persons and their dependants who require financial assistance with costs relating to health issues and independent living. Application forms for assistance are available from the Office or phone 758-3538 for one to be posted out to you.
BATTLE OF CRETE
There will be a short commemorative service held at the Olive tree in the New Plymouth District Court grounds at 11am on 20th May. Followed by lunch at the Tasman Club.
OTO Melara Mondello 56 – 105mm pack Howitzer Gun
This gun was taken to Trentham by Tex Schwass and Graeme Lowe, last week to be refurbished by the NZ Defence Force. On its return to New Plymouth in a few months, it will be placed opposite the Cenotaph.
RSA DAY
Today is the last day the New Plymouth RSA Women’s Section will be preparing and serving the afternoon tea. They have been doing this for many years and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Many thanks also go to them for the help with placing the poppies on the graves and for making of the coffee & rum on ANZAC Day. They will be greatly missed. A huge thank you and Well Done to them all.
MEDAL MOUNTING
Anyone wanting to have medals mounted are asked to be prepared for a delay of up to 10 weeks because of supply problems due to the huge demands before ANZAC Day this year. We are still accepting them at the Office, but please be aware of the delay of their return to you.
BADGES, PINS, CALENDARS, TIES & MEDAL HOLDERS
We have the following available for purchase or order (as some of the stock has been depleted) from the Office. (ph. 758-3538)
1. Pins with the poppy on the silver fern with 100 in the centre of the poppy. $6.00
2. Poppy lapel pin $5.00
3. 2015 calendar commemorating the Centennial of ANZAC’s landing at Gallipoli. $15.00
4. Pocket medal holders. $15.00
5. RSA membership pins. $ 5.00
These badges can be worn by all members of the RSA.
6. RSA Ties $25 each
SUPPORT or HOSPITAL VISITORS
If you know of someone that requires a visit, or if someone is in hospital, please contact the Office. Thank you to those who call in with people’s name when they are in hospital.
LAST POST: WE WILL REMEMBER THEM
Frank Grange 623871 and Gloria Bryant, Associate member.
We extend our sympathy to our members who have lost their loved ones over the last month.
NP RSA Office
Ground Floor Tasman Club, 35 Octavius Place.
Hours: Monday–Friday 9am – 12pm
Phone: 758-3538
e-mail: newplymouthrsa@xtra.co.nz
If you require anything but are unable to call in please ring me on 758-3538 and I can arrange for a visitor to come to you.
Lillian Hall
Administrator