Darwin Defenders 1942-45 Inc.
Minutes of Annual General Meeting held at the RSL Geelong at
11 a.m. on Thursday 2 October 2008
Present :
President Brigadier Douglas Ball, Neil Webb, Stan Grimmer, Tom Stevens, Rex Ruwoldt, Pat Ruwoldt, Florence Grimmer, Monty Mills, Val Mills, John Skurrie, Archie Burton, Doreen Morrison, Bon Jackson FCA, Ray Kennedy, Ken Kemp, Alec Hilliard, Joy Palmer, Jenny Wright, Rex Howard, Frank Betts, Phyllis Betts, Len Osborne, Audrey Osborne, Ken Davison, Pat Leydon, Bob Andrew, Lesley McQuinn, James F Smith, Geoff Wisbey, Jack Power, Keith Martin, Peter Hill, Clarrie Nankervis, Fred Trebilcock, Robin Bell, Bruce Hyett, David Cowling, Joe Walker, Guest Speaker Bob Appleton.
Apologies :
Major General Frank Poke, Dorothy Poke, George Woodward, Gwen Woodward, Ken Picot, Peter Webb, Alan Proven, Syd Cook, Ellen Niewand, Ray Buttery, Tim Toleman, Dick Clayton, Lionel King, Frances Bedford MP, Rex Pullen, Max Spencer, Peter Lang, George Knight, Con Wilson, Kath Wilson, Aubrey Dans, Ron Forbes.
Welcome:
The President, on declaring the meeting open, extended a welcome to members, visitors and guest speaker Mr Bob Appleton. He thanked the RSL Geelong Sub Branch for their support, and the RSL Ladies’ Auxiliary for providing morning tea.
A minute’s silence was observed in memory of fallen comrades, and the President recited the Ode.
Minutes: (previously circulated):
Confirmed on the motion of Bob Andrew, seconded Lesley McQuinn that the minutes as circulated be approved.
Business arising from the minutes :
Ken Davison, chairman of the Melbourne committee, raised the question of the Darwin memorabilia, at present on loan to the Broadmeadows museum. The Secretary replied that the items were on loan only, and would be available in the event the authorities at the Shrine of Remembrance decided to stage another ‘Darwin Exhibition’.
Previously the Secretary had reported on a telephone conversation with Mr Doug Berghart, President of the Darwin Mobile Forces Association who had been informed that there was not an exhibit for the bombing of Darwin. Enquiries were made which disclosed that there is such an exhibition but the attendant at the time of Mr Burghart’s enquiry did not know about it.
Reports :
The President and Secretary delivered their reports which were received on the motion of Tom Stevens, seconded Jenny Wright.
Financial Report (previously circulated) :
Moved Pat Ruwoldt, seconded Ken Kemp that the audited accounts be adopted, and appreciation recorded of the Honorary Auditor who has given generously of his time and expertise.. Carried.
Election of Officers & Committee:
The previous officers and committee members have signified their willingness to continue and as there were no further nominations received, the committee for 2008 – 2009 is :
President – Brigadier Douglas Ball
Vice-President – Neil Webb
Secretary – Rex Ruwoldt
Treasurer – Pat Ruwoldt
Web Manager – Margaret Ruwoldt
Ordinary members – Major General Frank Poke, Stan Grimmer, Tom Stevens.
Appointment of Honorary Auditor :
Moved Rex Ruwoldt, seconded Nail Webb that Mr Bon Jackson FCA be appointed Honorary Auditor. Carried.
Guest Speaker :
Neil Webb introduced the Guest Speaker, Mr Bob Appleton who served during World War II on His Majesty’s submarine Tempest, and was taken Prisoner of War by the Italians when his submarine was destroyed in enemy action. Mr Appleton’s address, illustrated by slides, was warmly received and greatly appreciated by his listeners.
The President presented the speaker with a copy of the book “Darwin’s Battle for Australia” as a memento of the occasion, and thanked him for his terrific presentation of the valuable role of submarines in the conflict.
Closing the meting at 12.30 p.m. the President thanked those attending.
