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Kindred Organisations & Unit Associations Committee
At the meeting held on 11 August, Anne Marie Fabri from Bundoora Extended Care Centre addressed the meeting on a programme set up to plan for the future of elderly veteran patients with emphasis on:
(a) Respecting Patient Choices;
(b) Ensuring that an Enduring Power of Attorney (Medical Treatment) exists; and
(c) Prior decision is made as to veterans' wishes to have medical treatment or no, or limited teratment.
Ms. Fabri recommended strongly that these matters be considered by veterans' families.
CEO of RSL (Victoria) Michael Annett spoke on the subject of Medals & Wills. He encouraged veterans to ensure they bequeath their medals in Wills as this will reduce angst caused to members of deceased veterans' families.
President Tom Rossiter has had some serious health problems since before Anzac Day and recently underwent major surgery to repair a leaking valve at the rear of his heart.
I feel that we have reached the end of an era with the sudden passing of Co-Founder, original Secretary, long time newsletter Editor and Life Member Charles Bruce (Tich) Marshall. He and I worked together on many matters over the years, sometimes agreeing and sometimes not but we were always able to work things out by talking openly to each other. "Tich" was a big-hearted man and very well-read; how many of you sought his assistance over the years in researching a matter of interest to you and were greeted with his ever ready keenness to help. It would be impossible to measure the value of his contribution to the association over the 54 years of its existence and before.
Our sincere condolences go to Owen Medley on the passing of his wife Bette in July.
My old 2nd TAF, B25 friend, Nevin Filby had a very bad fall and spent quite some time in hospital etc. The recovery is pretty slow but "keep on keeping on" Nevin and best wishes.
Wally Searle, ex-POW and amputee, has been dealt a severe blow recently with the loss of his remaining leg.
Doreen Carswell reported that Laurie has been in and out of hospital quite a bit in recent times; unfortunately the latest news is that Laurie died on 10 September, age 84.
Frank Dimmick had a long stretch in hospital recently after infection complications following some repair work on his hip. Our very best wishes to you Frank.
Michael Veitch, author of the book "FLAK", which included stories about a number of our members, has produced a further volume of those stories, including more Odd Bods; the title of the book is “FLY” and it is available in most book stores. (ED: See review in this issue). To all of our members who are having health battles at present we send our very best wishes.
A lapel-type enamel badge has been designed and produced for you to wear. It will attach easily and securely to male or female clothing, and costs $15 post-paid. It is available from our Committee member, Frank Sheenan, 11 Banbury Street, East Burwood Vic 3151. Make cheques payable to Odd Bods Association Inc., please. We hope you will wear your badge with pride. It is nicely coloured in blue, red, white & gold, and looks like this:-
G.V.Smith