JUL / AUG / SEP 2015 VOLUME 38 No 3

Australian Broadcasting Corporation Reunion Club – Victoria – Inc.

Patron: Randal Mathieson (ABC State Director, Vic)

T HIRTY SIX members took advantage of our or-

ganised tour of the Desalination Plant in

Wonthaggi on Friday 17th April. The weather was kind

and the coach trip was relaxed and enjoyable.

The first thing that struck us was that, seen from a

distance, the plant, although extensive, is almost invisi-

ble on the landscape. This is deliberate and created by

its special design—vegetation on the roof, low profile

buildings, “camouflage”, etc.

We were met by our guide, Rosemary, who gave us

an extended illustrated talk covering the plant’s history

and the various processes used in the fresh water pro-

duction such as special filtering and reverse osmosis.

Although currently in maintenance mode, the plant

can be put on line when requested, yet even when pro-

ducing maximum capacity only a handful of staff is

required to run it. We discovered that the whole

scheme is very eco-friendly.

The fresh water produced, every bit as pure as Mel-

bourne’s water, is connected via various pumping and

substations to the Cardinia Reservoir. From there, wa-

ter can be supplied to as far afield as Hamilton in the

Western District. With proper maintenance, the plant

has a very long-term lifetime.

Full details of the plant with lots of colour photos

can be found at www.aquasure.com.au

We were then driven around the site, the various

buildings and structures being explained. Altogether it

was an interesting and educational visit.

The coach then took us to the pleasant Wonthaggi

Workmen's Club for a lunch of our own choosing. The

choice was extensive and both the quality and quantity

was excellent.

Afterwards there was still time for a short wander

around town. On the trip back to Melbourne it started

to rain but that didn’t affect us—our timing had been

perfect. We thank Helen Hiscock for providing crack-

ers and cheese on the bus on the up journey and for

lollies on the return journey. We also thank Johnnie

Walker for donating a bottle of fine wine which was

raffled on the bus (won by Danni O’Connor).

* * * *

Our elegant French luncheon at Le Gaulois restaurant

on Thursday 21st May was attended by 25 members.

All arrived punctually at midday, most armed with bot-

tles of fine wine. Our Chairman had brought a magnum

of Château Neuf de Pape whom those fortunate enough

to get a taste (and most did) felt quite privileged. The

restaurant itself was atmospheric and quaint in the

French provincial manner.

A bowl of tasty French onion soup soon arrived and

was followed shortly after by the main course of which

we had been given a choice: veal with a rich mustard

sauce, grilled barramundi fillet (also with a rich creamy

sauce) and chicken-champignon (more sauce in the

French style) all served with plentiful vegetables.

Much socialising took place and many of the group

enjoyed a sip of John Backman’s very old vintage port.

The time seemed to fly, the meal finishing with a deli-

cious crème brŭlèe and espresso coffee. Soon it was

time to leave, all agreeing that they had enjoyed a fine

meal with good company.

The Ned Kelly Exhibition

Only fourteen members attended the Ned Kelly exhibi-

tion at the Bendigo Art gallery on the 18th June which

is a pity because the exhibition was truly outstanding.

Items on display included Ned’s armour, his death

mask, and a large display of original documents and

items of Kelly memorabilia.

But it was the paintings alone which made it all

worthwhile. It was amazing to see, all in one place, the

almost complete Ned Kelly output of artist Sidney

Nolan, sourced from museums and private collections

from all over Australia. Also represented were items by

Arthur Boyd, Norman Lindsay and other well-known

artists. Nolan’s almost unknown tapestries were an-

other outstanding exhibit.

Afterwards our group lunched in a private area of

the Rifle Brigade Hotel just across the road. The com-

fortable train trip also helped make the day a success.

Paul Cleveland with daughter Virginia at Le Gaulois

2

� � � � COMCOMCOMCOMIIIINGNGNGNG EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS EVENTS ����

TOUR OF THE JOHNSTON TOUR OF THE JOHNSTON TOUR OF THE JOHNSTON TOUR OF THE JOHNSTON COLLECTION COLLECTION COLLECTION COLLECTION (TJC)

Thursday 15 OctoberThursday 15 OctoberThursday 15 OctoberThursday 15 October

THE Johnston collection is a

trust which houses rare antique paintings, silver, furn-

iture, ceramics, etc. all displayed in an East Mel-

bourne home as though it was still lived in.

The late Mr. Johnston was determined that his collect-

ion not be broken up and in

his memory the display is reg-ularly changed by curators who

use a vault of stored items. A small shuttle bus (cost

included) will take us to and from the nearby unpublished

address in three two-minute trips.

You will be impressed by

the opulence and beauty of the exhibits. An elegant

Morning Tea is included. We meet at 9.50 sharp

in the spacious foyer of the Pullman on the Park

Hotel (formerly the Hilton), corner of Wellington

Parade and Clarendon

Street, East Melbourne. It is opposite the Jolimont

station (not all trains stop at this station). Best to catch

the Flinders Street tram No 75 and alight at stop 11.

We will be returned to the Hotel at 11.30 after which

we can do our own thing or

arrange to lunch nearby. We are limited to 22

places so book early.

COST: Members $23.COST: Members $23.COST: Members $23.COST: Members $23. Guests $25. Guests $25. Guests $25. Guests $25.

HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: Please see Please see Please see Please see page 4.page 4.page 4.page 4.

LUNCHEON AT THE RACVLUNCHEON AT THE RACVLUNCHEON AT THE RACVLUNCHEON AT THE RACV Code (RAC) Tuesday, 21 July. Tuesday, 21 July. Tuesday, 21 July. Tuesday, 21 July.

BECAUSE our available numbers are limited to 70 for this event

you’ve just got time to book in if you act now!

We return to the RACV for another sumptuous smorgasbord

meal. It’s at 501 Bourke Street (between William Street and Queen). Trams stop almost outside the door. Mention at the

entrance that you are with the ABC party and you will be directed

to the 17th floor. We meet at 12.00 noon just outside the restaurant on the

17th floor. There will be soup, antipasto, a large selection of fresh seafood, constantly replenished hot and cold dishes with roasts

carved onto your plate, and the desserts are spectacular. The restaurant is fully licensed.

Please note that the RACV has a recommended dress code, namely: “Minimum

smart casual, which for gentlemen means a collared shirt, tailored trousers and dress

shoes. For ladies, a smart shirt, skirt, dress or trousers and dress shoes.”

COST: Members $46 . Guests $55. COST: Members $46 . Guests $55. COST: Members $46 . Guests $55. COST: Members $46 . Guests $55. HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: Please see page 4.Please see page 4.Please see page 4.Please see page 4.

TOUR OF PARLIAMENT HOUSETOUR OF PARLIAMENT HOUSETOUR OF PARLIAMENT HOUSETOUR OF PARLIAMENT HOUSE with LUNCH with LUNCH with LUNCH with LUNCH (TPH) Friday, 21 AugustFriday, 21 AugustFriday, 21 AugustFriday, 21 August

WE HAVE organised a guided tour of the Victorian Parliament

House. In addition we have also been able to exclusively arrange a two-course lunch included in the price in the

parliamentarians’ dining room. Wines and other drinks can bought at your own expense.

We meet at 10.35am on the steps just outside the entrance to Parliament House at the top of Bourke Street.

COST: Members $35. Guests $38. HOW TO BOOK:COST: Members $35. Guests $38. HOW TO BOOK:COST: Members $35. Guests $38. HOW TO BOOK:COST: Members $35. Guests $38. HOW TO BOOK: See page 4 See page 4 See page 4 See page 4

SPRING LUNCHEON AT THE GLASS HOUSE SPRING LUNCHEON AT THE GLASS HOUSE SPRING LUNCHEON AT THE GLASS HOUSE SPRING LUNCHEON AT THE GLASS HOUSE (SLG) Thur 17 SeptemberThur 17 SeptemberThur 17 SeptemberThur 17 September

IT’S lunchtime again, and the venue is the Glass House restaurant

at the Caulfield Race Course (where we had our AGM). The entrance is in Station Street (near the Caulfield railway station)

almost opposite Smith Street (refer Melways p.68, E 1). Enter at the “Glass House Tabaret” .

A Car park is available (opposite) on the corner of Smith and Station Streets and is marked “Glass House Parking”.

We meet at 12.00 noon and we will have a special area. Once you are ready to eat all you have to do is order your meal from an

interesting menu (including Seniors’ Meals), pay for it, choose a

drink of your choice from the bar and sit back and relax. There is a $5 booking fee refunded on the day. So, time once again for a

traditional ABC long lunch, and the beauty is that you don't have to go back to work.

COSTCOSTCOSTCOST:::: $5 Booking Fee Refundable $5 Booking Fee Refundable $5 Booking Fee Refundable $5 Booking Fee Refundable HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: HOW TO BOOK: See page 4 See page 4 See page 4 See page 4

BBQ AT THE BRYANTS BBQ AT THE BRYANTS BBQ AT THE BRYANTS BBQ AT THE BRYANTS (BBQ) Sunday 15 NovemberSunday 15 NovemberSunday 15 NovemberSunday 15 November Cost: Members $15. Guests $20. Full details in the October issue.

3

HOW many remember the official opening of the per-

manent Ripponlea studio complex on Wednesday, 21

May, 1958? (Of course ABV2 had been on the air for

nearly two years by this time.) The ABC Chairman

Richard Boyer and the Postmaster General C. W.

Davidson spoke at the official opening telecast.

But when the final studio, 32, officially opened soon

after, only top management were invited to celebrate the

occasion. Moral outrage from the “troops” prompted a

poem to appear on the official notice board. We reprint

the poem (including reference to those named) from

Doug Grant’s book “Alright Leaving Here”.

At last, it's done in 32. Now a well-earned rest for quite a few. It's left me though in quite a plight, I'm a dolly man on opening night. Push in, pull out, we sweats and strains,

While Bill up there holds tight the reins. (Bill Eldridge)

But at night’s end an effort to please,

They're throwing a turn for the VIPs.

Not for me an also-ran, Perhaps our Senior Cameraman.

Of fiery eye and towering mien, To perch up on his lofty crane.

But Irish Roy he says to me, (Roy Hammond)

I wish I were a VIP

It must be the Control Room crew,

Like Jim upon his CCU, (Jim Davern) And Les and Pete and John and Bob, (Les Bail,

And also the Production mob. Peter Simondson, But the Master Will he says to me, John Carhill,

I wish I were a VIP. Bob Forster, Will Sterling)

Well who else then, oh now I see,

Thommo's mob it has to be. (Gavin Thompson)

The blokes who slaved and sweated and swore,

And work 100 hours or more.

But Gavin wistful says to me,

I wish I were a VIP.

It must be those Production coots,

Of beards and arts and desert boots.

It poses now a small problem,

To give up my parking spot for them.

But Cecil B he says to me, (Chris Muir)

I wish I were a VIP.

I give up now, you have a think,

Who will enjoy that buckshee drink?

Please help me solve the mystery,

Just who is a VIP?

Our Our Our Our

YESTERDAYSYESTERDAYSYESTERDAYSYESTERDAYS

Three “pioneers”, John Lewis, Alf Thompson, Buck Rodgers.

At Le Gaulois: Monty Maizels, Cliff Peel, Alan Soloman, Syah

and John Goldrich. Below: John Swannie and Maureen Scott.

Le Gaulois

Restaurant:

Above: Linton and Tiffany

Bryant. Bill and Cheryl Andrews and

John Back-man.

Left: Carol Simpson-Bull, Johnnie

Walker and Beth Wilson.

4

HOW TO BOOK FOR AN EVENT

For those members sending cheques or Money Orders by post, the procedure is this:

1. Make cheques payable to the ABC Reunion Club

2. On the back of your cheque (or on a slip of paper attached to your cheque) please write the following:

Your member number* (or your name), the event code, and the number of people attending.

E.g. 153TPH2 means Member No 153, Tour of the Parliament House, 2 people attending.

If you are paying for two or more events, repeat the coded information for each event.

If you propose to bring a guest please let us know their name for insurance purposes.

3. Post the cheque to PO Box 272, Glen Waverley, Vic. 3150 (Put your return address on the envelope)

* Your Member Number is on the address label of posted Newsletters and on your Membership Card. Make a note of it for

future reference. If you’ve forgotten it ring the Secretary.

Members making bank transfers must initially contact the Secretary for procedure details. Reminder: In the Transaction Description: 999AGM2 means your Member Number, Event Code, 2 people attending.

We do not automatically confirm receipt of your booking.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Write, telephone the appropriate Committee Member, or email: abcreunionclub@outlook.com

Postal Address: ABC Reunion Club, PO Box 272, Glen Waverley, Vic. 3150 (Please put your return address on the back of any mail)

For Telephone numbers refer to “The Committee” listing.

THE COMMITTEETHE COMMITTEETHE COMMITTEETHE COMMITTEE Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Chairman: Johnnie Walker 9696 2442

or mobile 0418 323 051

Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: Vice Chairman: John Backman Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Carol Simpson-Bull 9561 4124

or mobile 0403 393 746

Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Treasurer: Barbara Mathiesen 8502 0918 or mobile 0413 892 877

Newsletter Editor: Newsletter Editor: Newsletter Editor: Newsletter Editor: Ken Simpson-Bull Auditor: Auditor: Auditor: Auditor: Tiffany Bryant. General Committee: General Committee: General Committee: General Committee:

Syah Goldrich, Allan and Helen Hiscock, Lyn Innes-Irons, Ross Smith, Mike Vance

Committee Meetings

THE Committee meets on the

first Friday of each month at Rip-

ponlea. Members are invited to

join them for lunch at 12.30 at the

Caulfield Race course Glass

House Restaurant. Seniors’ meals

are available.

Would You Like to Win a Bottle of Fine Wine?

WE thank all those members who opted out of receiving a posted

hardcopy Newsletter in favour of accessing it on line. This has saved

the Committee considerable work in printing, folding, enveloping,

addressing and posting Newsletters.

However, we would like to reduce still further the number of

posted Newsletters. To those remaining members who have access to

the internet and are prepared to forgo their posted copy we offer the

chance to go in a raffle for a bottle of fine wine donated by our

Chairman, Johnnie Walker.

Simply notify the Secretary by post, phone or email by the 31st

August that you wish to relinquish your posted Newsletter and are

prepared to access it via the www.abv2.net.au web site.

The advantages of the On-line Newsletter

1. You can’t lose it. 2. You can access it when you’re on holidays, even

overseas. 3. It’s in glorious high-definition colour. 4. You can copy

individual photos. 4. You save the Committee much work and

cost. 5. We may occasionally publish a fifth page of photos which

can’t be fitted into the hardcopy edition. 6. Special announcements or

corrections can be made on the Reunion Club web site.

Bereavement

WE were saddened to hear of the death of Stan Gale, former Film

Librarian, who passed away on 27th April. Also former Technician Rod

Corrigan who passed away in Canberra about a year ago. Also Sandra

Burgess who passed away in December. And Technical Officer Dennis

Morey who passed away aged 88 in June. Dennis began in ABC Radio in

the early 1950s and then to moved to Television in 1956. Our

condolences to families and friends.

New Members

We welcome John Hartley

formerly from TV Presentation.

Hope to catch up at a forth-

coming function.