Sunday, October 24, 2021

Our Reconditioned Cannon!

You may or may not have noticed that the Ordnance 25 Pounder Cannon that usually sits along the left side of The Hut has been absent for a while. 

No, it wasn't stolen. It was sent for reconditioning - sand-blasting, repainting, and new tyres.

Now it looks like it's just come off the production lines, but you won't be able to see it for a while yet because the Tanunda Sports Complex is going to undergo some construction and redevelopment activity and we aren't sure where we will position the cannon to obtain the best view for passers-by.

Not only that, wherever we place it, it will need to be on a concrete base and have a cover over the top and perhaps wind-breakers around one or more sides to protect it from the environment. We are currently seeking funds to help with that project.

History

The Ordnance QF 25-pounder, or more simply, 25-pounder was introduced into service just before World War II, during which it served as the major British field gun/howitzer. Combining high rates of fire with a reasonably lethal shell in a highly mobile piece, it was the British Army's primary artillery field piece well into the 1960s, with smaller numbers serving in training units until the 1980s. 

Many Commonwealth of Nations countries used theirs, including Australia, in active or reserve service until about the 1970s. Our Army used a 25 pounder with a shorter barrel than the original British version.

While the Australian Army now uses the M777 155mm lightweight, towed howitzer, as its main artillery firepower, the 25 pounder served us well in the past. 

It's interesting to know that shells for the 25 pounders are still produced by Pakistan Ordnance but most remaining cannon are used for ceremonial purposes.

We'll keep you posted when we bring the cannon out of storage.

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Veterans' Health Week Event - 18 October 2021

We are pleased to announce a Veterans Wellbeing Workshop in partnership with the Plympton Veterans Centre which is a centre for voluntary Qualified Military Advocates offering advocacy services to veterans and their families free of charge.

We have used this year’s DVA theme of "Get Moving" to focus on:
  1. Get moving on Veteran Advocacy
  2. Get moving on Veteran Aged Care
  3. Get moving on Veteran Planning
The Workshop will increase participants' awareness of the pathways of support and assistance that are available when considering a claim or service from DVA, moving into an aged care facility, or considering a will, power of attorney, or an advanced care directive.

Veterans, service members, their families, and RSL affiliates are invited to attend.

The workshop will be presented by Nathan Klinge, the CEO of RSL CareSA, Tich, and Bill Hignett and a light lunch will be provided. Further details are:

When:    12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Where:   RSL Tanunda "Hut" in the Tanunda Recreation Park, 18 Bilyara Road,
              Tanunda

RSVP:    By close of business Friday, 15 October 21 to
               President Trevor Klose by email to tanunda@rslsa.org.au or mobile
               0418 632 508

This activity is being funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Management Committee

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Fund Raising Sausage Sizzle - Saturday, 25 Sep 21

Our volunteers at a Mitre 10 Sausage Sizzle
This coming Saturday we are running another sausage sizzle at Mitre 10, Nuriootpa. It's strictly speaking not just a sausage sizzle as we will have bacon and egg sandwiches as well as sausages.

These tend to be very popular, so if you are planning a trip to Mitre 10 or simply want to drop in for breakfast, be early so as not to be disappointed.

Last sausage sizzle, we had several people from nearby offices call in for a feed as they said they could smell the cooking and it was too good to miss.

We'll also have a range of soft drinks.

We look forward to seeing you at our Sausage Sizzle and as always, greatly appreciate Mitre 10 for supporting our fund-raising efforts.

Saturday, September 11, 2021

The Hut Closed Friday, 17 SEP 21

As there will be numerous regular attendees absent, including anyone to open the Hut or authorised to serve behind the bar, it’s unfortunate that we will not be able to open The Hut next Friday evening.

The following Friday will be a meal night and is expected to go ahead as scheduled.

As always, we will look forward to seeing you when next we open.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

Saluting their Service Exhibition

The Barossa Regional Gallery will be hosting an exhibition of photographs and oral history stories from military veterans who served in all theatres of war from and including WWII and their widows/widowers.

This exhibition arranged by The Emu Tree's, Christian Teusner appeared during SALA last year and this year and was highly popular. Apart from a huge collection of photographs of those who served, the oral histories may be listened to on-site or at any other time online here.

The exhibition will be held from Saturday, 18 September 2021 daily until Sunday, 26 September 2021 between 11 am and 3 pm on all days.

Funding for the exhibition was provided to our Sub-Branch by the Department of Veteran's Affairs and your committee partnered with The Emu Tree to undertake the project on our behalf. 

It's been very successful with dozens of oral histories recorded and hundreds of original photographs provided by veterans and their families.

It's a must-see, so tell your friends and family and visit during the above times.