From Graeme Ready

I know that David Weston has already sent you an email on behalf of the Kiwi Gunners that attended the recent 9 RAR Reunion in Adelaide.

However I would like to add my personal thanks for what was a great Reunion at Adelaide at which we were made to feel very welcome by both the C Company Group and the wider Battalion. It was a real pleasure to have the chance to catch up with so many 9 Battalion Veterans that I had not seen for many years.

My thanks to you too for allowing me to pay cash for the Reunion, once I arrived there.

Finally, I have really enjoyed the humour in your emails!

From Doug McGrath

As I said on the phone, Bob, I would like you to convey to the committee my congratulations for the remarkable reunion you presented to mark our 50th anniversary.
I am in no doubt that our family members enjoyed the experience, most of all, being together to share friendships forged long ago.

To cram over 500 into the dinner took some doing but the Hilton staff are to be congratulated for their role also.
Schuey’s thought provoking musical journey through years of conflict was amazing and “I was only 19” brought the house down.
Peter’s speech in support of Col’s book was a highlight of the event as he connected so effortlessly with his family and old mates.
Our memorial march and service was given extra weight by the presence of such a string of dignitaries and in itself was memorable.

I thank you.

I have also received a letter from our patron asking me on behalf of Lynn and himself to thank and congratulate you and the committee in much the same tone as I have written.
They really enjoyed themselves. So many of their engagements are stiff, formal affairs. They love being able to relax and enjoy the events among so many friends.

So huge congratulations from the Patron and the Pres.

No doubt you are all pleased it is over.

From Lyn & Jim Fisher

This is to be taken as feedback only,  not criticism, and reflects on what we were told by attendees in the bus on the way home from the picnic:
 9RAR picnic was very pleasant and successful.  The winery family had removed a heap of stuff from the large warehouse attached to the massive roofed veranda and there was more than enough room and seating for all under shelter.  Food vans kept everyone happy.  A Goolwa band was there – very good, playing mostly 60’s.  Downside was fewer numbers, probably the weather put them off.  One bus was not used at all.
However we did have time to catch up with folk we did not see or have time to talk to after the noise of the Dinner, and the heat of the parade.  Saw Rudi Meddens who only came to the picnic, I believe.
Got feedback on the bus on the way home.  This was along the lines of –
don’t need a dinner – would prefer a long lunch with no ‘concert’;
don’t need or want the full ‘service’;
want more time to talk and catch up;
want more casual time;
Picnic would have been better without the band, though they were very good.

From Bert & Alison Hoebee

You and your team did an excellent job in herding the Rams and their partners for a once in a lifetime 50th Anniversary Reunion.  While none of us are privy to all the detailed work you all did, the effectiveness of it was clearly evident in the way it all came together on the days of Reunion.

Well done all!!