RAAFA NW Tasmania in Ulverstone, Tasmania | Community organisation

RAAFA NW Tasmania

Locality: Ulverstone, Tasmania

Phone: +61 407 400 726

Address: Tasma St 7315 Ulverstone, TAS, Australia

Website: http://www.raafatas.com

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24.01.2022 You will all be aware that we had to make a last minute change to our July social event due to the poor weather and road conditions in the highlands. Thanks to the efforts of our Secretary Sandra, we were able to bring forward our trip to Stanley. The gods smiled on us for our trip, as the sun came out of the first time in days. As is the norm, we gather at Air Force Ulverstone to await the arrival of the coach. You can always tell when we have a trip on, as the flags wil...l be flying in the park. We were join by Peter and Deb Emery. Peter is an ex-framie, and he and Deb have a property at Gunns Plains (welcome to the association Peter and Deb). We were surprised to see that we were to travel in a new (newish anyway) coach with large viewing windows and comfortable seats. Everyone settle in for the trip, chatting and catching up on the events of the past month. Once we arrived at Stanley, we took a detour to enable a few happy snaps from a nearby hill. Then into Stanley for lunch, which was to be at the Chocolate Caf. Meal varied from all day breakfasts, pies and chips, to roasts. The sweets on offer were accepted by many. Tom Perkins made up for not being able to get his normal milk shake at Ashgrove, by having the biggest slice of black frost cake known to man (it was easy to see that Libby was not with this trip!). Also, Lois Smith again surprise every again with her sweet tooth. With a little help, she go We are reliably informed that there was a bit of a contest between the human seagulls on one table for the chips on the plates of their spouses. Lunch over, we loaded up the bus for the return trip, which was via Wynyard to view the RSL Club murals that we reported on in the last edition. From all reports, the day was a successful and enjoyable one. Well done to all involved.

23.01.2022 On a crisp but bright Wednesday morning (5th June) members of the NW Branch gathered at Air Force Park ready to board our coach and head to Mole Creek for the branch annual Christmas in Winter Lunch. This year, for the first time, we were joined by members of the Launceston Branch and some guest from Hobart. After quick stop in Devonport to pick up some extra travellers, we rolled down the highway (through all the roadworks) to Deloraine were we stop for morning tea. This... was taken at the 50s Dinner, which was enjoyed by all, not just for the good coffee, but for the caf itself and all the motor head memorabilia. On arrival, we were meet by the Launceston and Hobart guess. After a quick catch up and drink, lunch was serviced. Over the course of the meal, the presidents of both branches spoke about wishing to make the lunch an annual event. We there heard from Alan Roberson who was representing the state president on some national issues, Deb Colson the State Secretary spoke about the state office and the RAAFA Centre. And we closed with an update on the RAAFA Museum from Peter Scully, the chairman of the Museum Committee. After an enjoyable meal and fellowship, it was time to head home, but not before halting at Ashgrove for Tom to get his milkshake, and other to buy some cheese!

22.01.2022 What a great day. Our little band of regulars visited the Robotic Milking farm at Gunns Plains before heading to Kaydal Lodge for lunch and a wonder around the gardens.

21.01.2022 A must watch youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9NrLYgVoU0

20.01.2022 Just back from the Ulverstone Christmas Parade. This year the NW Branch of the RAAFA and the cadets from 504 & 507SQNs of the AAFC entered a float. Check out the attached photos. Many thanks to Michael Dykstra and John Gibbs from the NW Branch and to the cadets and staff of 504 & 507SQNs.

20.01.2022 Lobby Perkins is travelling on the mainland and sent the follow: Arriving in Toowoomba yesterday ahead of some terrible fires that engulfed 5 houses in Tenterfield, NSW, we were in time to attend the 79th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. It was held in the Toowoomba Mothers Memorial Gardens, and we accompanied my cousin Felix Parker OAM , a Vietnam Veteran whod served as a Flt Sgt with 9th SQN in Vietnam. He completed 27.5 years in the RAAF and many postings later, wa...s promoted to Wing Commander, in charge of all airman postings, before rejoining Civi Street. He laid a wreath on behalf of the Harlaxton RSL. Mr Graham Thomas, Vice President of the RAAF Assoc. S.W. QLD gave an excellent address and synopsis of the incredible feats of the Australian pilots over England during the Battle of Britain and the Battle for Australia, predominantly at Milne Bay during WWII. A good crowd attended, including the local branch of the 210 SQN Air Force Cadets who provided a catafalque party and flag bearers. One of the cadets dressed in kilt played the lament, Flowers of the Forest , flawlessly on his bagpipes. It was a warm but windy day with plenty of dust flying about due to the fires and the desperate need for rain in these parts. See more

20.01.2022 BUS SAFETY Our coach company has provided us with a portable step to use when entering or exiting their buses. However, they will not take responsibility of anyone using it. To ensure that our members are as safe as possible when using the buses, we ask that everyone waits until we have a couple of safety officers positioned at the foot of the steps before attempting to leave the bus.

20.01.2022 Celebrating VP day at Anzac Park in Ulverstone. A small gathering including hero Jack Eaton. Gavin Pearce MP and Casey Hiscutt was with me.

19.01.2022 Another great day at lunch at the Penguin Hotel

19.01.2022 You must watch this: https://www.youtube.com/embed/0px9HFIVYjY

19.01.2022 SOCIAL CALENDAR The weather has impacted on our social calendar over the winter months and we have had to amend the social calendar. Our trip to the Wall has been pushed back to the 4th September. It was simply too dangerous to travel through the Great Lakes at this time of the year.... For August, we have arranged a lunch and social get together at the Neptune Hotel in Penguin. They have a nice la cate menu with prices ranging from $15 to $35 for mains. Timings will be 12 noon for 12.30pm sit down. There will not be a bus, members will need to make their own way there. However, any member unable to drive should contact the Secretary (Sandra) and we will arrange / co-ordinate a lift / transport. As we need to book in advance, please RSVP to the Secretary by the 1st August as [email protected] or 6435 4126. DATE EVENT LOCATION 7 Aug 19 Lunch The Neptune Hotel Penguin 19 Aug 19 Committee Meeting Penguin RSL Club 4 Sep 19 The Wall Derwent Bridge 2 Oct 19 Kaydale Lodge Nietta 14 Oct 19 Committee Meeting Penguin RSL Club 10 Nov 19 BBQ Air Force Park Ulverstone 8 Dec 19 Christmas Lunch The Argosy Hotel Devonport

18.01.2022 Anyone that is free on Thursday, the 23rd May at 2 pm, the Branch will be presenting a cheque for $200 to Wings Wildlife Park to sponsor their two Wedge Tailed Eagles. Everyone is welcome to come along.

18.01.2022 What a great day yesterday. We had a bus trip over the highlands and Great Lake to Derwent Park to visit The Wall. Cant take photos inside The Wall, but here are some from the bus and at lunch.

18.01.2022 BRANCH POLO SHIRTS The NW Branch Polo Shirts are now available at Maveric Clothing in Ulverstone. You simply need to drop in and order them in your size. There are both mens and womens style / cuts available. Just ask for the Air Force Association Polo Shirt.

17.01.2022 DID I ORDER THIS!!

16.01.2022 Dont forget that our association BBQ will be held on the 10 Nov 19 from 12 noon at Air Force Park West Ulverstone. For catering proposes please let Sandra know by the 7th Nov. ,

13.01.2022 Spitfire (TE308), based at Biggin Hill, has been unveiled in its colours of No. 457 'Grey Nurse' Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. Find out more about this #aircraft at https://flyaspitfire.com/the-story-of-te308

13.01.2022 Spitfire (TE308), based at Biggin Hill, has been unveiled in its colours of No. 457 Grey Nurse Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. Find out more about this #aircraft at https://flyaspitfire.com/the-story-of-te308

13.01.2022 Today we had a visit from our local Royal Australian Air Force - North West Branch. We would like to recognise & thank them for their continuous sponsorship of... our wedge-tailed eagles and their enclosure. For those that remember Wilbur (our very old WTE), he was the branchs mascot, which signifies the connection to the RAAF logo.

10.01.2022 For those that have noticed the plaque at Air Force Park has the wrong aircraft type for the propeller, we have order a replacement with the correct (C130A Hercules) details. We should have it in a month or so.

08.01.2022 The weather gods smiled on us yesterday for our BBQ. Numbers were down due the poor weather in the days leading up to the BBQ but those who were able to make it had a great time. A big thank you to our two cooks - Mick and Tom, both of whom calmed they cant cook! Also a big thank you the Sandra and Judy for the catering and raffle. As part of the day we had a presentation from Justine Keay from UTAS re the ISLAND Project. I recommend you check out their web site: https://islandproject.utas.edu.au/

07.01.2022 Remember, we are planning on having a lunch function at the Neptune Hotel in Penguin on 7th August. RSVP to Sandra by 3 August.

07.01.2022 You can sleep safe in bed knowing these guys are around!

07.01.2022 We are pleased to announce that as a result of todays AGM, we were able to form a committee and thus continue the strong tradition of the NW Branch for some years to come. The new committee is: President: Stew Freeman... V/President Dereck Ballard Secretary: Sandra Gibbs Treasurer: Greg Brydon Property Officer: Michael Coleman AAFC Liaison Officer: Michael Dykstra Welfare Officer: John Gibbs Committee Members: Judy Freeman, Ralph Brinkmann, and Archie Oates Congratulations to you all. I would like to thank former committee members - Gerry Howard, Maureen Ballard, Derek Padgett and Judy Freeman (as Treasurer) for their efforts over many years. We owe you a many thanks. A copy of the minutes of the AGM will be included in the next edition of the Contact Newsletter, which will be on the streets very soon.

06.01.2022 Some Happy snaps from our Christmas Lunch last Sunday. A good time, with good food and good friends. Well done to all involved. Great to see so many members attending.

05.01.2022 Off to the Wall tomorrow, the forecast is for a nice day. As it is also the Battle for Australia Day, the flags at Air Force Park will be flying at half mast.

04.01.2022 This is really good, much of his flying technique, is used in sail planes. Such as beach sailing, you have an onshore movement of air called a sea breeze. If you have a bluff it will move that breeze operating give you lift! The same thing with the mountain range. If you are over a lake or any other body of water you look for wave direction, because this will tell you which way the wind is blowing and if you have a bluff or a hill or a mountain you can generate lift from the ...winter rising those critical contours. Without any doubt these guys are extremely good, hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Come fly with me!!! The photography is fantastic and the skill of the participant is amazing. Watch until the end and you will learn where the scenes are filmed. Just awesome !! https://www.youtube.com/embed/ft5aY1I22j4

04.01.2022 The NW Branch is in recess until the COVID-19 virus concerns have been removed. The committee will continue to maintain contact with all our members via our newsletter.

04.01.2022 Air Force Association - Victoria: "We honour those brave men and women who served and who gave their lives so selflessly during the Second World War. And we remember our RAAF servicemen and women on VP Day."

03.01.2022 Take a look at the new RAAFA NW Branch trophies for the Air Training Corp squadrons (504 SQN and 507 SQN).

02.01.2022 On the 4th of March the branch was invited to Soup and Sandwiches at Libby’s and Toms property on the Leven River at Gunns Plains. It was a great opportunity to get together in a relaxed environment and enjoy each other’s company. Libby and her team put on a wonderful spread and judging by the number of times people went back for more, it was enjoyed by all. The also mark the 80th birthday for Barbara Edwards, so the mandated cake appeared, and the Happy Birthday sang! Congr...atulations Barbara. Tom took the guys out to his ‘man cave’ to relax and shoot a few games of 8 ball. It soon became clear that some of us had lost (if we ever had it) our touch. Many a shot missed everything and all those aches and pains that come with age started to appear!

02.01.2022 We are off to Kaydal Lodge on Wednesday. The bus departs from Air Force Park at 10.45am. Hope to see you all there.

01.01.2022 BRANCH UPDATE The Committee has received a couple of comments re our decision not to hold Bomber Command and Battle of Britain Lunches this year. We understand and acknowledge the effort of the RAF (which included members for across the Commonwealth and other nations), and that there are still members of the Branch that lived through these events. However, there are also any number of equally import battles and actions that warrant remembrance and commemoration. Not just fr...om the Second World War, but from all those conflicts since. Our branch has veterans from the Vietnam War, Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts should we not acknowledge their efforts too. The intent for our annual dinners (or possibly lunches) is to get together to enjoy each other company, and to commemoration and remember the service and sacrifice of all the Australian men and women who served in defence of our nation not to single out one group over another.

01.01.2022 Spot the NW Branch member!