by Andy Maskell | 10 Apr 2023 | E-News, News
THE SCRIBBLER # 88
E NEWS
President’s Message
On behalf of myself and the Committee of the RAN Writers Association we hope you all had an enjoyable Easter.
The Committee have settled on a date and location for the 2023 Reunion – we are currently establishing the organising committee so standby for more information.
Andrew (‘Andy’) Beales
President
President’s Message 1
Webpage Content and Update 2
Reunion 2023 – Save the Date 2
Vale 3
Sponsors 4
Follow us on social media… 6
Webpage Content and Update
In the Christmas Edition we advised that the new and enhanced webpage (https://ranwriters.com) had been launched.
Content is being progressive added to the new webpage and more past content will be loaded in the coming months – to access all the information and to interact with other members you will need to be a financial member. All financial members were sent an email with a link to the new webpage and a temporary password – if you didn’t receive an email please check your ‘junk’ box in your email. Any issues please email scribes@ranwriters.com for assistance.
The ability to join the Association via the webpage has gone live. If personnel wishing to join up and prefer not to use the webpage membership functionality to do so, please contact the Secretary, Andy Maskell, via email secretary@ranwriters.com for more information.
Reunion 2023 – Save the Date
The Association will host a formal Reunion event in October in the Sydney CBD area over the period Friday 13 to Sunday 15 October 2023. Watch this space for more details.
Vale
Lieutenant Commander Karin Leepere
The President and Committee were saddened to learn of Karin Leepere (nee Radig – ex WOWTR) crossing the bar. Condolences are extended to her husband Grant and Karin’s family.
Karin’s funeral will be held on Fri 14 Apr 23 in Tweed Heads. Further details can be found here: https://deathsandfunerals.com.au/notice/karin-julie-leepere/574680
Sponsors
Our thanks to our Sponsors of this eNews:
NMM is a one-stop-shop for organisations seeking a specialist provider of services including; product design and development, warehousing, mail fulfilment, local and national distribution, and innovative support services.
Their experienced, professional and friendly staff will ensure the services they provide meet and exceed your needs and enhance your organisation’s reputation.
Proudly servicing the public sector and private businesses in the Canberra region since 1993, NMM has grown to become one of the industry’s largest and most respected providers of warehousing and mail fulfilment, both nationally and internationally.
NMM are proud of the many long-standing working relationships we have developed in that time. With over 200 public and private sector clients, we have the experience to deliver your warehousing, distribution and direct mail services.
NMM is a member of the Canberra Business Chamber and an approved supplier on the Logistics & Letters and Print Production supplies panel for Services Australia.
11 Tralee Street Hume ACT 2620 (ABN 37 058 249 495)
PO Box 7077 Canberra ACT 2610
Phone: 02 6269 1000 Fax: 02 6260 2770
Email: nmm@nationalmailing.com.au
Web: www.nationalmailing.com.au
Warrack Motel
“You’re staying with Friends”
2 Lyle St, Warracknabeal VIC 3393
03 5398 1633
http://www.warrackmotel.com.au
The Warrack Motel is the perfect location for tourists and work crews alike which is located in lovely Warracknabeal, Victoria. It is situated on the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek, allowing guests to go fishing a mere 20m from their room, or to just relax in the pure ambience of the creekside setting. The main street is only 500m from the Warrack, so pubs, supermarkets, and food options are well within walking distance, whilst the recreation centre is only 2 blocks away. The presence of an on-site camp kitchen allows guests the ability to cook their own dinner, anything from a simple BBQ to a full-scale roast dinner, rather than having to eat out if they choose. Similarly, bacon and eggs on the BBQ is a great way to start the day.
The motel is owned and operated by Steve & Michelle, who are committed to providing you with the good old fashioned friendly service as our Motto is “You’re staying with Friends”.
Follow us on social media…
On behalf of the President and Association Committee we would like to wish you a safe and happy Easter!
by Andy Maskell | 22 Dec 2022 | E-News, News
THE SCRIBBLER # 87
E NEWS – Christmas 2022 Edition
President’s Message
On behalf of myself and the Committee of the RAN Writers Association, I would like to take this opportunity to wish every member of the Association and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe, bright and prosperous New Year. Bring on 2023!
2022 has been a good year for the Association despite the challenges that COVID-19 brought us, we have a new look Committee and again I’d like to thank Blue and his team for their sterling work during their tenure. The Association remains in a solid financial position.
We are looking forward to another successful year for the Association in 2023 with the hope of another Reunion which will be open to all members. We will keep members informed with the progress of this event throughout 2023 as it unfolds but, in the meantime, both myself and the committee hope you enjoy the new look website which as I write this Christmas message has gone ‘live’.
Have a fabulous Christmas/New Year period.
Andrew (‘Andy’) Beales
President
President’s Message 1
New (and improved!) Webpage Goes Live 2
Reunion 2023 Survey 2
Vale 3
Photo Corner…! 4
Follow us on social media… 4
Sponsors 5
New (and improved!) Webpage Goes Live
We are pleased to advise that the new and enhanced webpage (https://ranwriters.com) has been launched and is now available for members to access, and update their profile.
Content will be added to the new webpage in the coming months – to access all the information and to interact with other members you will need to be a financial member. The ability to join the Association via the webpage will be commissioned shortly – in the interim to join please contact the Secretary, Andy Maskell, via email secretary@ranwriters.com for more information.
To access the new webpage financial members will be sent an email with a link to the new webpage and a temporary password.
Any issues please email scribes@ranwriters.com for assistance.
Reunion 2023 Survey
Many thanks to the members who responded to the recent survey regarding interest and ideas for a reunion event in 2023. Your feedback is very welcomed. The President and the Committee are reviewing the feedback and plan to share more information in the new year – and we look forward to seeing you all in person again!
Vale
Chief Petty Officer Gavin Locke
A deeply valued and well-loved member of the Maritime Personnel Community and RAN Writers Association, Chief Petty Officer Maritime Personnel Manager Gavin Locke, sadly passed away on 24 July 22 after a long battle with cancer. One of Gavin’s sincerest wishes was to be able to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. He achieved his wish and the photo below shows a clearly delighted Gavin with his daughter, Jamie, the bride-to-be.
CPO Locke made an enormous contribution to Navy over nearly 40 years’ service, most notably in people administration and information systems. CPO Locke joined Navy as a Recruit Writer on 20 September 1982. On completion of training at HMAS Cerberus, Gavin posted to Fleet Headquarters and then proceeded to sea in HMA Ships Tobruk and Perth (II). He served ashore in a variety of units including HMA Ships Albatross, Harman and Kuttabul along with Navy Systems Command, the Fleet Commander’s Office and multiple postings in Navy Headquarters and Navy People Branch primarily in the Directorate of Navy Personnel Information System Management (DNPISM).
After 20 years in the Permanent Navy, Gavin transferred to the Navy Reserve, where he began working on the then-new Human Resources ICT System—PMKeyS. He developed deep technical mastery in PMKeyS, completing over 17 years of Continuous Full Time Service, predominately focussed on using and training in PMKeyS. He was widely known as a deep specialist in the personnel administration and leave functionality of the system. Notably, CPO Locke’s dedication to imparting his knowledge to others earned the trust and respect of many. He achieved this through presentations to training courses, small groups and one-on-one sessions. His efforts established him as the ‘go-to’ person for many Sailors and Officers in the Maritime Personnel and Navy Police workgroups over the last 20 years.
Gavin was a committed family man who had the love, support and strength of his devoted wife Deb, son Braydon and daughter Jamie.
Over four decades of loyal service, CPO Locke provided an invaluable contribution to the Personnel Community and to the Royal Australian Navy.
Fair winds and ‘BZ’, Gav!
CPO Gavin Locke walking his daughter Jamie down the aisle at her wedding.
The young ABWTR Gav Locke and POWTR Chris Bales in the Pay Office on board HMAS Vampire in 1984.
Photo Corner…!
You spot ‘em, we’ll share ‘em!
Our last President, Warrant Officer, long term Association member and all-round good guy Blue Worrall was spotted in the Deputy Chief of Navy’s end of year message… Or was it actually Santa?!
Check out the full message here… https://youtu.be/67qVGThFOEY
The Chief of Navy’s message can be viewed here… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmY6NPaf1kc
Follow us on social media…
Sponsors
Our thanks to our Sponsors of this eNews:
NMM is a one-stop-shop for organisations seeking a specialist provider of services including; product design and development, warehousing, mail fulfilment, local and national distribution, and innovative support services.
Their experienced, professional and friendly staff will ensure the services they provide meet and exceed your needs and enhance your organisation’s reputation.
Proudly servicing the public sector and private businesses in the Canberra region since 1993, NMM has grown to become one of the industry’s largest and most respected providers of warehousing and mail fulfilment, both nationally and internationally.
NMM are proud of the many long-standing working relationships we have developed in that time. With over 200 public and private sector clients, we have the experience to deliver your warehousing, distribution and direct mail services.
NMM is a member of the Canberra Business Chamber and an approved supplier on the Logistics & Letters and Print Production supplies panel for Services Australia.
11 Tralee Street Hume ACT 2620 (ABN 37 058 249 495)
PO Box 7077 Canberra ACT 2610
Phone: 02 6269 1000 Fax: 02 6260 2770
Email: nmm@nationalmailing.com.au
Web: www.nationalmailing.com.au
Warrack Motel
“You’re staying with Friends”
2 Lyle St, Warracknabeal VIC 3393
03 5398 1633
http://www.warrackmotel.com.au
The Warrack Motel is the perfect location for tourists and work crews alike which is located in lovely Warracknabeal, Victoria. It is situated on the banks of the Yarriambiack Creek, allowing guests to go fishing a mere 20m from their room, or to just relax in the pure ambience of the creekside setting. The main street is only 500m from the Warrack, so pubs, supermarkets, and food options are well within walking distance, whilst the recreation centre is only 2 blocks away. The presence of an on-site camp kitchen allows guests the ability to cook their own dinner, anything from a simple BBQ to a full-scale roast dinner, rather than having to eat out if they choose. Similarly, bacon and eggs on the BBQ is a great way to start the day.
The motel is owned and operated by Steve & Michelle, who are committed to providing you with the good old fashioned friendly service as our Motto is “You’re staying with Friends”.
The President and Committee wish all members and their families a safe and festive season.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
by MattAdmin | 09 Dec 2022 | Deceased, News
Gubby passed away in the late 1970s, at Frankston, Victoria. Ex LCDR. The
following are recollections by ex Writers:
John Kindness “The Chief (Gubby) and I joined Platypus in August 1954. He came
from HMAS Commonwealth (Japan). He soon let us know he did not like the term
‘kippers’ in reference to RNER’s. He told us he was a proud Englishman.
Unfortunately, his baggage went adrift for a while. He only had what he ‘stood up
in’, so he wore the same clothes till he could go ashore and buy some kit to tide him
over till his gear turned up. Mick Randell called him by his nickname, I thought he
was saying ‘Grubby’ because of his appearance, due to lack of clean clothes. He put
us straight of the difference!
One night on a run ashore he ended up at Andre’s night club. He asked to see the
manager and tell him his neon sign was not working properly. He told him the ‘W’
was out. His reply was in in best Darlinghurst French was ‘Monsieur, the name of
the club is Andre’s NOT Andrews! The S&S Divisional Officer called the Chief to his
cabin and proceeded to give him a lecture on his behaviour and his drinking habits.
He did not present a very good image to the Division. At the end of the lecture, he
told the SBLT (Fresh from the college) when he had seen a bit of life had a few
experiences and dried out between the ears he would be able to advise him, till then
keep your opinions to yourself!
In spite of his social habits, he was always able to carry out his duties. Always
available to answer any questions put to him. Many times he was asked to appear as
the ‘accused’s friend’. I found him a model to which I could follow (Work wise). I
can’t remember when he left Platypus. He was relieved by CPO Lewin, another
Chief to follow by example.
Alex Goodieson “When I joined Navy Office DSP in June 1960 “Gubby” Allen
( Frank) was a CPOWTR in charge of one of the posting sections.”
Terry Young “Gubby was Captain’s Secretary at Harman having recently been
promoted to SBLT SDSU W when I was posted there as a WTR2 in April 63. Dave
Keig was the LWTR and Ron Dalgleish the PO. I really liked Gubby and was old
school i.e. knew his stuff. Recall he was married to Sandy and was always in strife
with her as he loved his drink “whisky” I think and was always late home. He was
tough but fair. I remember going through the signals one day and was tearing up
the unclassified’s and throwing them in the bin, by mistake I tore up a Secret one.
After realising my mistake I attempted to recover it and stick it back together with
Sellotape, was not popular but apart from a dressing down escaped unscathed.
Ironically I was later to take the same job as Gubby in the same building in 1974.
Yep he was definitely ex-RN, a gentleman with a great sense of humour and to hear
of the circumstances of his demise is very sad, there but for the grace of god go all of
us.
Les Roberts “I was Secretary to NOICVIC from Mar 1971 to mid 1974 and, from
memory, Frank was Secretary to CST and then when NOICVIC split from
CERBERUS, he remained as Secretary to CO CERBERUS.”
Lindsay Lake “LCDR Allen was the Base Supply Officer HMAS Tarangau in 1973.
Frank told me over a beer that he was a Acting CPOWTR when he was only 22
years old. He also served as part of the allied occupational forces unit in Japan at
the end of World War 2. Frank was called BSO Eye glass by the PNG personnel at
Tarangau. He was a great man and very easy to talk to.”
Arthur Skene “Frank Allen was a keen walker and frequently took part in walks for
fund raisers around his home area in Victoria. While he was the BSO at
TARANGAU and I was the CPOWTR in charge of the Pay and Accounts Office, he
and I, as the two oldest members of the Writers Branch took part together in a fun
run/walk to raise money for the local Manus Island Scouts participation in a
forthcoming Jamboree.
The run/walk was from the Naval Base at Lombrum to Lorengau the Manus District
(now Province) Administrative Centre, a distance of about fifteen and a half miles.
Sandy, Frank’s good wife, drove the BSO’s vehicle and at every mile provided Frank
with a “refresher” beer and me with a lemonade.
The result was that while one of the PNG Division sailors came in first as a runner,
Frank and I had the distinction of being the first two walkers to finish the course.
From memory, I think we did the walk in just under three and a half hours, which
was pretty good considering our ages and not being particularly fit as neither of us
were active sportsmen, and even with the help of the fluids incentive, the road was
not flat, nor sealed, being a crushed coral base and went up and down many hills
along the way.”
Marty Grogan “At the time of his death he was separated from his wife Sandy which
I assume was Sandra. He lived in a Navy married quarter in Frankston. As a 2 and
a half, he was Secretary to CDRE Dace Smyth (CST of Cerberus) in approximately 1969
He did a couple of stints at Tarangau. As a LCDR he paid off as PSO
Melbourne (St. Kilda Road) in approximately mid 1979. He was to take over from
Retired SD CMDR Alf Calder as Secretary of the RAN Relief Trust Fund and
actually did a couple of weeks there as Resettlement Training.
Gubby was heavily in the grip of the Grape and used to do massive lunch time
sessions at the Casa De Manyarna Hotel (Case of Bananas) on the corner of St.
Kilda Road and Sturt Street opposite the Melbourne Shrine. He did not return to
the RANRTF one friday after lunch and was discovered by the police at about 1800
that night asleep on the Frankston Beach in full rig. His aspiring job as Secretary of
the RANRTF was cancelled.
He was eventually found dead in his home at Frankston a couple of years later. He
been dead for at least two months. He used to drink at Corvettes Corner at the Pier
Hotel in Frankston with such luminaries as ex LEUT SDSU S Stan (The Man)
Heywood, ex CPOPT Bill Lunnie, ex CPOME Jimmy McKenzie, ex POUW Rasher
Bacon all of whom are now breasting the bar across the bar.”
