Nhill Anson Newsletter

019 Nhill Anson Newsletter 18-12-2012

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 23:22:00 GMT

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018 Nhill Anson Newsletter 6-11-2012

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 02:30:00 GMT

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017 Nhill Anson Newsletter 26-09-1012

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:57:00 GMT

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016 Nhill Anson Newsletter 16-07-2012

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 03:23:00 GMT

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015 Nhill Anson Newsletter 28-02-2012

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:08:00 GMT

<table border="1" width="95%"> <tr> <td width="100%"> The Nhill Anson A newsletter from the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc. 28-02-2012  </td> </tr> </table> Previous editions of the Nhill Anson can be viewed in the Archives section of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre web-site by following this link:  <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/nhillanson">http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/nhillanson</a> Nhill Aerodrome Master Plan.  Two years ago a committee was convened by the Hindmarsh Shire Council in partnership with the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre (NAHC) for the specific purpose of looking at the past and present usage of the Nhill Aerodrome and  developing a plan for the future of this important community asset. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre has been represented on this committee and has been vitally interested in the project. At the last Board meeting of the NAHC a motion recommending our support of the most recent Master Plan document was sent to the Master Plan Committee. It is anticipated that the document will be presented to Council for approval and should then become available to the public. The Master Plan is designed to be a �living document� that will be regularly assessed and revised according to the need to preserve existing assets and to develop the Aerodrome for the future. Nhill Aeradio Building. The NAHC has been offered suitable radio equipment similar to that used in the Nhill Aeradio Facility. The building is reputed to be one of the last remaining intact buildings with traces of the towers and power stations still visible. The building that housed the Lorenz transmitter is still intact. It is hoped that this facility will be restored for the public exhibition of an important Aviation Radio Communication and Guidance system that was in use between 1937 and the mid 1960s.  More information about the Nhill Aeradio Station can be viewed in the Nhill Anson archives, issues 013 and 014.  <a href="http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/nhillanson">http://www.westprint.com.au/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi/list/nhillanson</a> Feature: Fergus Cloran Story. A Year In Nhill By Fergus Cloran Introduced by his daughter Genevieve Hetherington My father, Fergus Cloran, was born in Sydney on February 25, 1913. My mother, Margaret Hay, was born in Donald, Victoria on April 10, 1923.  Margaret was posted to Sandsmere, 15 kilometres north of Kaniva, in 1943 at the age of 19, having completed Teacher College training in Melbourne. Sandsmere was a one teacher school and the children were aged from 4 to 14 years. She also recalls her first meeting with my father at the Catholic Church at Kaniva.  For her, unlike Dad, it was not love at first sight and she thought his name Fergus Cloran was 'very odd'!  However, soon after their first meeting when my father was posted nearer to Melbourne, he apparently took up her suggestion to contact her parents who would show him what a great place Melbourne was (even in war time!). Father was from Sydney!  When Margaret returned to Melbourne from Sandsmere she found this 'airman' had practically taken up residence at her home!  He was obviously getting on very well with the parents!  Fergus Cloran�s story about Nhill starts at the end of his rookie course in Tocumwal. Four weeks after the start of the rookie course, there was the official passing-out parade, and we certainly looked a much smarter lot than when we first arrived. When postings came through a week later, I found that I had been posted to No.2 Air Navigation School at Nhill in Victoria. This was the second time in seven years that I had been sent to a place that I'd never heard of. I learnt that it was a town in the Wimmera, in western Victoria, about forty miles from the South Australian border. Next day at 4 pm I left Tocumwal by train for Melbourne and stayed the night at Air Force House. Next evening at 7 o'clock I caught the Adelaide Express for Nhill and arrived at Nhill railway station at 2 o'clock next morning. I was driven to the RAAF Station (2ANS) in an Air Force tender and directed by torchlight to an empty bunk in a long tin hut with about 30 beds. I was up a few hours later for morning parade at 8 o'clock and after breakfast began work in the Pay Office. This small section of half a dozen or so was presided over by a genial former bank officer, Flight-Sergeant Davey, correctly addressed as "Flight", but more commonly "Doc". When things were quiet in the office and nothing could be heard but the scratching of pens or the shuffling of papers, Doc would ask earnestly: "Ever slept with a blonde, Ferg?" "No, Doc." "Neither could I. Not a blooming wink." And we'd all laugh, including Doc himself, as if we'd just heard it for the first time instead of the twenty-first. Or when the war news was particularly bad, he'd ask one of us, "Where are you going for Christmas?" and we'd reply "I thought I might go to the islands", or "Darwin might be nice, or Townsville", or "I haven't been to France for some time."  Ten days, or rather nights, after arriving at Nhill I was given my first guard duty, from 6 pm to 9 pm and from midnight to 3 am with a sleep in the watch-house in between shifts. I was briefed by the Orderly Officer and issued with side-arms (a revolver) which I was to hand over to the relieving guard after being given the password - the usual procedure. By the end of the second stint, at 3 o'clock in the morning, I was glad to hear the approach of the relieving guard. Naturally I challenged him in the approved manner, as taught in training: "Halt! Hands up! Who goes there?" But the reply came in a most unsoldierly voice: "O.K. mate, you can go and have a sleep now.   I'm taking over from you." I said, "Stay where you are and give the password." "I've forgotten the bloody password. Just hand over your revolver and go to bed." "I will when you say the password." "But I've forgotten it. Where do you think I can get it. at this time of the morning?" "From the Orderly Officer." "But he'll be asleep." "Then wake him up." At this stage my opposite number put on the old soldier role. "How long have you been in the Air Force, mate?" "Long enough to know you don't hand over your weapon to the first one that asks for it. Go and find out the password."  A long quarter of an hour later he was back, this time with the password. The revolver was duly handed over and I retired to my bed, where I was allowed to sleep in till 9.30. I never learnt whether the Orderly Officer had to be awakened or not, but word of the incident seemed to have got around the Station. I discussed it with the Paymaster and Doc Davey, saying, " If I'd given it up the first time I'd have been in bed half an hour earlier." They replied, "And you might have been placed on a charge for breach of security regulations. You did the right thing. Don't forget there's a war on!" As if we ever could. Sometimes, after a particularly strong rumour - and rumours abounded - of a secret Japanese landing on a quiet part of the coastline, we had to carry our rifles with us everywhere for the whole day: to the office, to the mess, to the canteen. And then there was the gas-mask drill, gas identification, the frequent postings to Darwin and Townsville, which were now theatres of war (Darwin had suffered over fifty bombing raids), and to the islands. These were all constant reminders that there was a war on. We had a day off (or a stand-down day in service language) each week-end. Half the station were "stood down" on the Saturday and half on the Sunday, and once a month we had a long week-end which included Saturday and Sunday. I seldom remained on the station on a stand-down day. On a single day off I would walk into Nhill after 5 o'clock stand-down, book in at the Commercial Hotel, and indulge in the luxury of a bed with sheets and a pillowcase and the welcome solitude of a room to myself. On "long" week-ends I would go to a neighbouring town. On the first of these I went to Horsham and had my photo taken in RAAF uniform to send home. Another time I went to Hamilton in an old-fashioned charabanc, and for Easter I went to Stawell, staying overnight at the Bull and Mouth and going by bus next day to the Grampians. Not that life on the RAAF station was all that bad. There was a cinema, a dance-floor, a canteen where you could buy almost anything except a beer (it was a dry canteen), and I could always use the pay office in the evenings to write letters or have a quiet read. And the company in the unit, especially in the Pay Section, was quite good. The Paymaster and the Flight-Sergeant would often forsake the Officers' Mess and the Sergeants' Mess for a quiet drink with us other ranks at a hotel in town. But it was always good to get away from the restrictions of barracks life and I soon acquired friends in Nhill, visiting the homes of some of the married RAAF personnel who lived in town, the district school inspector, Mr Walker, and Kath Flynn, a teacher who taught locally. I got to know the parish priest, Fr McGrath, who was also chaplain at the Station. Nearer my own age was his assistant, Fr Tom Linane, whom I used to accompany to nearby towns for Mass when I had the Sunday stand-down. One Sunday when I was on duty at the Station, Geoff  Dinsmore, whom I used to teach at Cootamundra, and who was now a pilot attached to the unit, came into the office and asked, "Would you like to go for a flip, sir?" (He still called me Sir - old habits die hard!) I hadn't been up in a plane yet and I wasn't altogether sure that I wanted to make my flying debut with Geoff Dinsmore at the controls because I regarded him as being, well - just a bit wild. But I hesitated only for a moment: he seemed so keen and friendly that I couldn't refuse. And what an experience it was, that first flight! The plane was an Avro-Anson, an observation and trainer plane, fairly large but with seating for three or four only. Geoff was on a conversion course, getting to know Ansons, and he seemed bent on finding out what this old "Aggie" (as he called it) could do. He probably also had it in mind to give his old teacher a few thrills. Anyway, he went through the whole gamut of stunts from hedge-hopping to something that seemed to me to be pretty close to dive-bombing. I must say I was very relieved when he levelled out after one particularly acute descent. Then he said: "See that mob of sheep over there! We'll part them!" And he skimmed along over the paddocks towards them so that half of them ran one way and half the other. He had a friend sitting beside him at the dual controls and they were obviously enjoying every moment of it. He gave his companion - who was not aircrew - a turn at the controls and I was afraid that he was going to invite me to "have a go". Altogether, it was an exhilarating experience, and every flight since has seemed tame by comparison. Some time later his name cropped up in conversation and someone said, "Dinsmore? Is he still alive?" But he was, and I'm pleased to say that he still is, nearly fifty years later. No sooner was I settled in at Nhill than I received word to report to Works Training Unit which was located in the grounds of Flemington Racecourse. I was to be "attached" (i.e. posted for a limited period) to WTU for a month, which was later extended to two. I was dismayed to find that I was once more reduced to sleeping in a conventional Army tent that slept twelve persons, and this in the middle of a Melbourne winter. But there was a saving grace: it was possible to get leave from 5 o'clock stand-down each night till 8 o'clock next morning. After a few nights of tent-life I decided to move into the Federal Hotel near Spencer Street Station at five shillings and sixpence (55 cents) a night. With Sundays off, I proceeded to explore Melbourne, though it was not at its best because of the brownout. After only two nights of the luxury of a proper bed dressed with linen, I was to discover that every Tuesday night was "closed camp", and there was no way anyone could leave. My diary contains the impassioned entry, "The longest, coldest, wettest night of the year". But I still kept my room at the Federal booked for the whole week. During my two months in Melbourne I did quite a variety of things. I spent a lot of time in the Public Library and the bookshops, visited the Yarra Bank on Sunday afternoons to hear the speakers, attended the races at Flemington, strolled around Toorak and the gardens, and saw a lot of films. By 9th August I had completed six months service and was due for my first home leave. You can imagine how much I was looking forward to this, as it was the longest time that I had been away from home. My application for ten days' leave was approved, and I was reporting to the Medical Officer for his clearance when he drew my attention to spots on my face. He then asked to see my chest. "German measles", he announced. "It's off to hospital for you."  So leave was cancelled, my kitbag was unpacked, and, instead of spending the next ten days at home I spent them in the RAAF hospital at Ascot Vale. The day after I was discharged from hospital I was transferred back to 2ANS Nhill where I was to remain till the end of the year. The promised home leave eventuated a couple of weeks later and it was well worth while in spite of the rigours of the train journeys each way. I was by this time fairly used to the packed trains, with the few civilians looking up guiltily at the accusing signs, "Is your journey really necessary?" and servicemen stretched out everywhere -on the floor, in luggage racks, in the corridors and, only if you were very lucky, on the seats. I found that a luggage rack was very satisfactory, so much better than the floor, where there was always the danger of a heavy service boot landing somewhere on your person as troops made their way to the toilet and back. Changing trains at Albury wasn't much fun either but good humour generally prevailed, especially if you were going home on leave rather than returning to camp. I spent the greater part of this first home leave in Sydney, after meeting Mum at Sydenham Station on her way from Nowra. Ray and Connie were living at a place of Mum's in Denison Road, Lewisham, awaiting the arrival of their first child (Mary) in September. For the last week-end of the leave I went down to Nowra with Mum to see Uncle Austin and the rest of the family there. Though Mum was not really happy about my being in the armed services and, like most mothers, was dreading that I would be posted overseas, she insisted that I wear my uniform to Mass and even to the pictures in order to impress her friends. All too soon it was time to go back through the long business of getting back to Nhill by a variety of trains, and then it was back to the routine of life in the pay section, relieved only by visits to Nhill and trips to neighbouring towns with Fr Linane. I had the pleasure of my second home leave early in November but after this there were weeks in my diary consisting of blanks or comments on the weather, or how much I�d won or lost on the races - all indications of complete boredom. And then, in the midst of all this banality came the apparently innocent entry for Sunday 28th November: "Went to Kaniva with Fr Linane, played poker." Now if ever there was a poker-faced expression in my diary it was this one, for it failed to record what was uppermost in my mind, and what was in fact the most important event of my life: I met Margaret! As the priest's car pulled up near the church door, there she was in a group of girls of her own age and looking towards us as we alighted from the car. For me it was a clear case of love at first sight! I can still picture her as she was that November morning, twenty years old, with dazzling smile and large sparkling eyes, and wearing a wide-brimmed picture hat from which tumbled masses of shiny black hair. When I picked myself up, so to speak, I suppose Fr Linane would have introduced us, and I learnt that she was Margaret Hay and she taught at a one-teacher school at Sandsmere, not far out of Kaniva. After Mass I was whisked away by Fr Linane to Loy Hennessy's hotel for lunch, after which we played poker with the publican. Hence the cryptic entry in my diary: "Went to Mass with Fr Linane, played poker." The next Sunday it was closed camp at 2ANS, but a fortnight later I was back at Kaniva and met Margaret again. She told me she was organising a dance at Sandsmere for the following Wednesday night. Of course I went, travelling by train to Kaniva and then by bus to Sandsmere. It was a marvellous opportunity for getting to know each other - truly an enchanted evening. I don't know by what conveyance I got back to camp: probably by walking on air! That was the end of the Nhill-Kaniva phase of the courtship, because just a few days later school broke up for the Christmas holidays and Margaret returned home to Melbourne. As for me, 2ANS Nhill was shut down as a unit on 9th December and was replaced by an Armaments School. I was attached to this new unit till the end of the year before being posted to RAAF Station Laverton, one of the Air Force's largest establishments. And where did I go for Christmas? After Christmas Mass at a little town named Goroke, I accompanied Fr Linane to a really tiny place called Lillimur. We had Christmas dinner at the local pub, which was called "The First and Last", because it provided thirsty travellers with the first drink in Victoria if you were driving from South Australia and the last one if you were travelling the other way. We were guests of the publican and his wife, the Collinses and, after a traditional Christmas dinner, we sang "Little Town in the Old County Down" around the piano while the chooks wandered unhindered through the homely lounge. In the hotel yard the family cow was at a trough enjoying the beer left over from the slop tray - and thriving on it. Altogether it was a warm and memorable experience, that Christmas Day at "The First and Last". The day after Christmas was a Sunday and, after another Christmas Dinner in camp, I went through the process of being cleared from RAAF Station Nhill and left for three days leave in Adelaide before taking up my new posting at Laverton. It was my first trip to Adelaide. I arrived there by the Adelaide Express at 9 o'clock in the morning and booked in at the Richmond Hotel in Rundle Street. I went to Jim Scholefield's place for lunch - Jim was an airman friend from Nhill - and went out to Glenelg to see the old Proclamation Tree. I travelled to Melbourne on the Overland Express and took up my new posting at RAAF Station Laverton, halfway between Melbourne and Geelong. On New Year's Eve after stand-down I went into Melbourne, had a look at St Kilda in the evening and slept at Toc H, a servicemen's centre in the city. And that was the end of 1943. <table border="1" width="80%"> <tr> <td width="43%">Mrs Margaret Cloran</td> <td width="57%">Fergus Cloran. 1943</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="43%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Mrs%20Margaret%20Cloran%2072.jpg" width="287" height="428"></td> <td width="57%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Fergus%20Cloran%201%2072.jpg" width="287" height="427"></td> </tr> </table> COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE The first week of the new year was a dull one for me. On New Year's Day I went to the races at Flemington, a sure sign that there was nothing much else for me to do. The truth is that Margaret was out of town on a holiday with a former Teachers' College group. However, the courtship was resumed with vigour on her return. In the three weeks of January before her return to Sandsmere we went out and saw and did everything we could in wartime Melbourne. We went walking and cycling together and we swam at Elwood and Brighton Beach. One Saturday night we went to a dance at Coconut Grove accompanied by my friend Kevin Murray and Margaret's friend Joan Feiss, now Brennan. After taking the girls home, Kevin and I got back to the Federal Hotel, where we were staying, at 4.15 in the morning. Nevertheless I was out to Caulfield only a few hours later to go off cycling to Elwood where we had a swim. I capped off  the week-end with tea at Margaret's place. The next Saturday night, after taking Margaret to the races at Moonee Valley, I stayed the night at Hays, probably for the first time. Then followed a bleak period of six weeks when I didn't see Margaret at all because she had returned "to the bush" - as we used to describe country service in little places like Sandsmere. I had to console myself in the week-ends with such activities as swimming in the Melbourne Baths or attending Sunday afternoon concerts in the park. I even accompanied some friends from Laverton, an engaged couple (Ted Schurmann and Vicky Riddles) on a hike to St Helena, where there is an historic church with strong associations with Napoleon's island of exile. The story concludes with this information from Genevieve Hetherington, the daughter of Fergus and Margaret. Gradually their relationship flourished and they were married in Melbourne in November 1944.  After five years living in Corowa NSW after the war, (Dad had requested Albury to teach, so as Margaret was not too far from her parents in Melbourne) they moved permanently to Sydney where they had another 50 happily married years and produced five children. We are scattered from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, to Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.  We have heard stories of their early courtship in Nhill and environs throughout our childhood. Three of us have been to Nhill on two separate occasions and were interested to see the remains of the RAAF Base, the Commercial Hotel where Dad would sometimes seek refuge from the camp 'to sleep in sheets', and seeing the church where they met in Kaniva which looks very unromantic!!  The exact whereabouts of the Sandsmere school totally eluded us, as not surprisingly Sandsmere was more a district than an actual place, as it is still?   Mum talks about how she was also Postmistress at the school and that across the road from the school there was an old wooden hall where dances were held regularly with airman coming from Nhill, including Fergus!  She said these were big family outings - cars from everywhere, the girls would be dressed up in their finery and even young children were included.  It doesn't look as if any dances would be held in Sandsmere today!!! <table border="1" width="95%"> <tr> <td width="50%">Sandsmere School about 1948</td> <td width="50%">Sandsmere School was removed in 1951</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Sandsmere%20school%2072.jpg" width="380" height="256"></td> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Sandsmere%20Marker%2072.jpg" width="347" height="255"></td> </tr> </table> Acknowledgement. John Deckert, on behalf of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre, would like to thank Genevieve and Catherine, daughters of Fergus and Margaret Cloran, for this great story relating to Nhill, for the photographs of their parents and for their patience while waiting for photos of the Sandsmere School to be found.  Web Site. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre web-site has been in limbo for several months. Two skilled volunteers have made several recommendations for the development and improvement of the site and it is hoped that visitors will notice changes in the near future. <a href="http://www.nhillavaitionheritagecentre.com.au/">www.nhillavaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> Keep watching. It is hoped that more information will appear soon. Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member. Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to the treasurer: <a href="mailto:treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au">treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au</a> <h3 align="left" style="text-align:left">A message to our supporters</h3> Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published. New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> and make your request known. Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au.</a> Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate. Westprint.   John Deckert uses the resources of Westprint to produce this newsletter. This not only includes computers and the internet but also associated software. Some of this software is licensed to Westprint and is the reason for the information below. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Board wish to thank Westprint for the use of their facilities, equipment and expertise.

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014 Nhill Anson Newsletter 20-12-2011

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:23:00 GMT

<head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <meta name="GENERATOR" content="Microsoft FrontPage 4.0"> <meta name="ProgId" content="FrontPage.Editor.Document"> <title>The Nhill Anson</title> </head> <body> <table border="1" width="95%"> <tr> <td width="100%"> The Nhill Anson A newsletter from the<o:p> </o:p> Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.<o:p> </o:p> 20-12-2011  </td> </tr> </table> Annual General Meeting<o:p> </o:p>  The Annual General Meeting of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre was held on Thursday 17th November 2011 at the Soldiers� Lounge.  President Rob Lynch presented the following report. (Edited). <o:p> </o:p> President's Report<o:p> </o:p> 2010 - 2011 <o:p> </o:p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 15.6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%">My report this year will update you on the activities of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre for the last twelve months as well as the progress of the restoration of the Avro Anson aircraft. <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 15.6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%">Nhill�s aviation history is very diverse.  Beginning in 1919 it spans early flight into Nhill, the growth of the aerodrome as a half-way refueling point between Melbourne and Adelaide, the development of civil aviation equipment and Aeradio structures, and the Second World War air base and school.  After the war the Wimmera Aero Club provided pilot training, and at various times ANA and Ansett serviced passenger needs to the big cities. Everywhere we turn we discover another aspect of Nhill�s aviation history. Sometimes it becomes a little overwhelming trying to piece together the information coming to light but I believe if we work on this one piece at a time then it will eventually begin to take shape. <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 15.6pt; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; background-color: white; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; margin-bottom: 4.0pt; background-position: 0%">When Mick Kingwill started the Avro Anson restoration he stated that he would start at the tail and work forward, a task the untrained mind would have probably not attempted. He set a great example for us to follow because we are now all involved in discovering, researching, restoring, preserving, recording and highlighting this fascinating part of Nhill's history. The NAHC Board continues to work together in a coherent manner, and regularly assesses its performance. A major review was conducted by friend and mentor Jean Roberts who travelled from Melbourne to provide professional facilitation. The review led into a strategic planning session and set the stage for the next two years programme. In December last year we commenced cataloguing our growing collection of memorabilia using the newly developed Victorian Collections free online cataloguing system. Joan Bennett, John Deckert, Trevor Borgelt and Chris Weeks attended workshops learning to use the system. This service is provided by the Victorian Government. It is important to know the origin of each item, its significance and most importantly for a museum display, the story behind it. With assistance from Peta Knot of Museums Australia we have developed a collections policy -- a set of rules to keep us focused. I believe Museums Australia will be a great help to us as the 'Centre' develops. A number of representatives of community organisations including myself as chair person have been involved in an advisory committee to the Hindmarsh Shire to develop a Nhill Aerodrome Master Plan. The concept of a Master Plan was initiated by the then Director of Infrastructure Andrew Bainbridge at a Community Consultation convened by the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. I am pleased to say that the new Director of Infrastructure Doug Gowans has taken up from where Andrew left off with a great amount of enthusiasm and I thank Doug and the Hindmarsh Shire Council for the support they have put behind the Master Planning process which is presently nearing completion. The master plan will be a crucial component in future development of the aerodrome and a great assistance in applying for government funding for our projects. During the year we asked the Hindmarsh Shire to assist us to obtain Deductible Gift Status with the Australian Tax Office. At this point this has not been achieved, but we will continue in our endeavours because Deductible Gift Status will help the NAHC to obtain funds from philanthropic and corporate sponsors. Thank you to Nathan Wheeler for initiating fundraising by collecting old batteries. This venture has been well supported by the community and has created an important revenue stream for the Avro Anson restoration project. Thank you to Kevin O'Reilly who is very passionate about the NAHC and what we are trying to achieve.  A portion of the sales revenue from Kevin's book "In Just Five Years" is financially supporting this organization. During the year Kevin started developing a Nhill Aerodrome brochure for the Hindmarsh Shire Tourist Information Centre. Kevin also organized Roger Meyer, the President of the Civil Aviation Historical Society at Essendon Airport, to speak at our recent public information night held at the Senior Citizens rooms. Roger Meyer brought to our attention another aspect of our aviation heritage, the Aeradio building at the aerodrome. I think we all knew it was a building of interest but few of us were aware of its rarity and significance in regards to early aviation in Australia. As Roger discovered during an inspection of the building, it is not only the building itself but the surrounds that contain rare remnants of this early navigation facility. Kevin O'Reilly has embarked on writing another book on aviation history. It started out to document early aviation in the Wimmera and Mallee but it appears that this may be expanded to include most of Victoria. We can only marvel at Kevin's energies and dedication to his passion for aviation history. Grant funding will continue to be vital to us achieving our goals and we are always looking for grants that may fit our projects. We applied for several grants throughout the year and were successful on two occasions. We received $2000 from the Horsham Sports and Community Club to assist in payment for the fabric covering of the Avro Anson and $1000 from the Hindmarsh Shire Community Grants programme for the development of a Heritage Walk at the site of the former World War II Air School on the Nhill aerodrome. A recent development that must be reported is the work being done on the old WWII Flight Office at the aerodrome. Through the support of the Hindmarsh Shire Council we obtained federal government funding to go towards the construction of a museum hangar for the Avro Anson. Unfortunately, we ran into several hurdles with the State Government portion of the funding and a time constraint forced us to apply for a variation to the federal grant. Thanks to the work of Director of Community Development Phil King and Community Development Officer Charmayne Parry of the Hindmarsh Shire, we were successful in our application to change the way the grant money was used and so now refurbishment of the Flight Office is well underway. The support received from the Hindmarsh Shire Council and staff has been fantastic. Their commitment to our organization is very evident and is an important part of the community support we need to succeed. We have had many meetings over a coffee with Charmayne Parry and are encouraged by her enthusiasm for our projects. In August we met with Jo Burke CEO of the Wimmera Development Association. Jo was very supportive of our group and gave us some timely information and advice on how to proceed. We have formed a subcommittee that is planning a Fly-In for October 2012. Len Creek is chairing this committee and the plans are progressing steadily. Board member and Project Officer, Mick Kingwill, has continued to put an enormous amount of work into the restoration of the Avro Anson. His workmanship is exceptional and the speed at which the restoration is taking place is testament to the dedication and time he is spending on this project. Parts have been sourced from collectors and restorers around the world and some from auction. We recently acquired a quantity of engine parts and we believe we now have enough to build two complete engines. Thank you to the Nhill business community for their support of this project, particularly those that have been very generous with materials for the Avro Anson. We source whatever supplies we can locally. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre is very fortunate to have received a number of donations throughout the year; some are for the Avro Anson and some are aviation memorabilia. We are also grateful for the many cash donations and a particular thank you to the anonymous donor of $5000 for the purchase of propellers. All donations are very much appreciated. I must thank the Board members for their input and hard work this last year. Unfortunately, two Board members, Lesley Stephan and Chris Weeks, resigned from their positions for personal reasons. I thank them for their time and input whilst on the Board and wish them well in the future. Finally I would like to mention the importance of membership to our organization. Membership not only provides us with the important funds to administer the organization but also demonstrates support from the community. Your membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre will assist the Board to continue with projects aimed at preserving the aviation heritage of Nhill and District. We are aiming to have more interaction with our membership through information/speaker nights and actual hands-on activities related to our various projects. I ask all members to encourage anyone interested in our project to become a member. Remember this is a community project that will ultimately be a community facility for the benefit of our town and future generations. Rob Lynch. President. </o:p> <table border="1" width="96%"> <tr> <td width="56%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Annual%20Meeting%20Nov%2011.JPG" width="468" height="353"></td> <td width="44%"> Annual Meeting Councillor David Colbert, NAHC President Rob Lynch and NAHC Secretary Trevor Borgelt discuss the proceedure for the evening just before starting the Annual Meeting.</td> </tr> </table> Most Recent News on the Flight Office <o:p> </o:p> It is true to say that there has been another curve in the road towards our ultimate goal of building an Aviation Heritage Centre at the Nhill aerodrome. <o:p> </o:p> Following the initial application for funds, the Hindmarsh Shire was granted $57,000 by the Commonwealth Government.  Unfortunately, matching State funding was delayed by an election and the subsequent changes made by the new government. Meanwhile the Shire held the Commonwealth grant in its coffers.  Towards the end of September, the Shire was informed by the Commonwealth that the money had to be spent by the end of December this year, and if it was not spent then the full amount would have to be returned.<o:p> </o:p> That caused some hectic activity because there was no way that the Shire, or the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre would let that money go back to the Commonwealth if it could possibly be used for our project.  Consequently, the Shire sought permission to amend the original application to allow us to use the $57,000 to renovate the old Flight Office. (This renovation was part of the NAHC plan but it had not previously been a high priority.)  Permission was granted and the NAHC Board, with the co-operation of the Shire, found a local builder Daryl Leyonhjelm to help us out. Daryl has gone out of his way to help us because he is very busy with his pre-Christmas building commitments. <o:p> </o:p> Progress is being made � the building has a new galvanized iron roof and spouting, and the old lining has been removed, insulation added and the lining replaced and the electrical wiring completely renewed.  As it is important to keep the exterior of the building true to the original we have new wooden framed windows reproduced in Ballarat, and the Nhill Men�s Shed will reproduce the doors. Rob Lynch, Len Creek, Trevor Borgelt and Nathan Wheeler have put much physical effort into removing old lining, painting barge boards etc. and other labouring jobs. <o:p> </o:p> We have been told that we can apply to the Commonwealth for our major project again, and the Shire assures us that our big project is high priority and that everything will happen during 2012-13. <o:p> </o:p> The Plan is to connect the restored Flight Office to a new building that will house the Avro Anson and other memorabilia relating to the heritage of aviation at Nhill.   <table border="1" width="95%"> <tr> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Removing%20Lining%20Dec%2012.JPG" width="362" height="270"></td> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Flight%20Office%20Repairs%2012-11.JPG" width="353" height="267"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/New%20Roof%20Dec%2011.JPG" width="362" height="270"></td> <td width="50%">Flight Office Restoration Top Left: Len Creek, Rob Lynch and Nathan Wheeler (at the back) strip the old lining from the building. Top Right: Taking a break from re-aligning the original twisted ceiling joists. Bottom: The Flight Office just after the new roof was completed. It now has new windows, new electrical wiring and lining with insulation is almost complete. New doors will soon be fitted then comes the plastering and fitting of switches, lights etc.</td> </tr> </table> ................................................................................. The Board of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre wish all members and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. ................................................................................   Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member. Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to the treasurer: <a href="mailto:treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au">treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au</a> <h3 align="left" style="text-align:left">A message to our supporters</h3> Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published. New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> and make your request known. Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au.</a> Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate. Westprint. <o:p> </o:p> John Deckert uses the resources of Westprint to produce this newsletter. This not only includes computers and the internet but also associated software. Some of this software is licensed to Westprint and is the reason for the information below. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Board wish to thank Westprint for the use of their facilities, equipment and expertise.

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013 Nhill Anson Newsletter 19-08-2011

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:05:00 GMT

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012 Nhill Anson Newsletter 12-07-2011

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 04:37:00 GMT

The Nhill Anson A newsletter from the<o:p> </o:p> Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.<o:p> </o:p> 12-07-2011<o:p> </o:p>  Public Meeting Nhill Senior Citizens Clubrooms 7.30 pm, July 21st  <o:p> </o:p>  Roger Meyer will be guest speaker at an evening presented by the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre on 21st of July at the Nhill Senior Citizens Centre at 7.30 pm. He will present photos and will talk about the history of early radio especially in relation to the Nhill Aeradio Station and the part the Nhill station played in Australian aviation communication. The Nhill building is one of few surviving examples of its type built in the late 1930s. It is expected that Roger will make known his views about the future of the Nhill Aeradio building. <table border="1" width="95%"> <tr> <td width="25%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Roger%20Meyer.jpg" width="167" height="167"></td> <td width="75%">Roger joined the Department of Civil Aviation in 1960 as a Radio Technician-in-Training. Upon graduation, he was involved with building the air traffic control centre at the new Melbourne airport at Tullamarine.</td> </tr> </table> He was involved for the next 35 years with the design and installation of Air Traffic Control communications and Flight Service radio facilities in Victoria and Tasmania. These projects included involvement in the design, construction and installation of control towers, radar operator consoles, specialised communications equipment, search and rescue centres, and training simulators. Roger worked closely with air traffic controllers in the writing of operational documents.  In 1974, he became the custodian of the fledgling collection of redundant airways engineering equipment that was to become the nucleus of the Airways Museum now situated at Essendon Airport. <table border="1" width="95%"> <tr> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Aeradio%20Building.jpg" width="366" height="210"></td> <td width="50%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Aeradio%20building%201-07.JPG" width="335" height="256"></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="50%"> Aeradio Building 1928</td> <td width="50%"> Aeradio Building 2009</td> </tr> </table> In 1982, the Department of Transport set up an Historical Society and Roger became Secretary of the Victoria/Tasmania Division. In time the Society took over responsibility for Tasmania, Victoria, NSW and Queensland.<o:p> </o:p> Roger Meyer retired from his work as a technical specialist in 1999 after almost 40 years service. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006 Queen�s Birthday Honours "for service to the community through the preservation and recording of Australian civil aviation history". He is now President of the Civil Aviation Historical Society, and is presently researching the history of radio navigation aids and the origins of the Aeradio organisation.  The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Board is inviting all interested people to join us for this rare opportunity to hear a presentation from someone with extensive knowledge about the various communication and guidance systems that are now part of Nhill�s aviation history. Roger would be pleased to talk with people during a light supper at the conclusion of the evening. A $5 entry is being asked to defray expenses. Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member. Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to<a href="mailto:nariel@internode.on.net"></a> the treasurer: <a href="mailto:treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au">treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au</a> <h3 align="left" style="text-align:left">A message to our supporters</h3> Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published. New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> and make your request known. Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au.</a> Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate. Westprint. <o:p> </o:p> John Deckert uses the resources of Westprint to produce this newsletter. This not only includes computers and the internet but also associated software. Some of this software is licensed to Westprint and is the reason for the information below. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Board wish to thank Westprint for the use of their facilities, equipment and expertise.

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011 Nhill Anson Newsletter 10-05-2011

Wed, 11 May 2011 02:44:00 GMT

The Nhill Anson<o:p> </o:p> A newsletter from the<o:p> </o:p> Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.<o:p>   10-05-2011<o:p> </o:p> Important Notice of future event<o:p> </o:p> The NAHC is pleased to announce that it has been favoured with an offer from Roger Meyer, President of the Civil Aviation Historical Society, to give an illustrated talk about the history of  Nhill�s Aeradio building and its importance to the heritage of Australian Aviation. Roger is connected with the Essendon Aviation Museum and will be in Nhill for an evening at the Nhill Senior Citizen�s Club room at 7.30 PM, July 14th. <o:p> </o:p> It is also important that the Board of the NAHC has the opportunity to tell members of the public what is happening. We recognise the fact that most people have no idea what we do and this will be our chance to inform Nhill and district people of our work. <o:p> </o:p> Anzac Day 2011<o:p> </o:p> An important event was organised by the Nhill Branch of the RSL to coincide with the 10am Anzac Day service in Goldsworthy Park in Nhill. Discussion has for some time centred around the RAAF Base at Nhill from 1941 to 1946 and the unfortunate loss of life during training accidents while it was operational. Nhill RSL applied for a grant and this, along with some privately donated funds, was used to erect a suitable memorial near the WWI Cenotaph in the centre of town. <o:p> </o:p> Cr. Gersch, representing the Hindmarsh Shire, opened proceedings. He was followed by Kevin O�Reilly who spoke about the history of the base and the sacrifice of the men and women who gave of their time to train at Nhill and also of the people who lost their lives here and overseas. Merv Schneider, representing the RSL, told us how important it was to acknowledge the service of the men and women who trained at Nhill and to remember the eleven men who died while training here. Merv then unveiled the new memorial, assisted by Henry Berry secretary of the RSL. Pastor Rob Morgan gave the dedication.  It is interesting to note that Laurie Crouch, an instructor at Nhill during the last year of the war, is thought to have been the only representative of the men and women who served at Nhill to be present. <table border="1" width="76%"> <tr> <td width="33%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/006%20M%20Schneider%2072dpi.jpg" width="283" height="191"></td> <td width="33%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/007%20Unveiling%2072dpi.jpg" width="282" height="191"></td> <td width="34%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/010%20L%20Crouch%2072dpi.jpg" width="182" height="268"></td> </tr> </table> 1. Merv Schneider addressing gathering. 2. Merv Schneider unveiling memorial assisted by Henry Berry. 3. Laurie Crouch admiring new memorial in Goldsworthy Park, Nhill. The Hindmarsh Shire Nhill Aerodrome Master Plan Advisory Committee: <o:p> </o:p> A meeting was held last week and a report on the present situation is to be put to council. A plan for the development of the aerodrome has been prepared and a list of works drawn up for implementation, some short term, medium and long term.</o:p>  <o:p> </o:p> <table border="1" width="77%"> <tr> <td width="41%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Bombing%20Range%20Numbered.jpg" width="369" height="558"></td> <td width="59%"> More on the Bombing Range by John Deckert<o:p>     The bombing range is the only privately owned area of Little Desert completely surrounded by National Parl. It is intersected by the Nhill - Harrow Road and is about 15 kilometres south of Nhill.</td> </tr> </table> <table border="1" width="77%"> <tr> <td width="28%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Gunnery%20shelter%2072dpi.JPG" width="231" height="305"></td> <td width="28%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Bomb%20Shelter.jpg" width="256" height="291"></td> <td width="44%"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Bombshelter%20drawing.jpg" width="273" height="207"></td> </tr> </table> </o:p>1. Existing concrete shelter. 2. Start of drawing. Every part exactly to scale. Note two windows were not part of building and are removed in next drawing. 3. Believed to be a very good likeness of original building. <o:p> </o:p>  The Bombing Range has been an interest of mine since school days and then a few years later when I owned part of the property the range was on. Although I can remember the administration building that was adjacent to the road well clear of the bombing targets I cannot remember anything of the structures visible now. The first picture was taken a year or so ago and is what most people think of as being bomb shelters. This is not quite accurate. They were shelters not from bombs but from bullets.<o:p> </o:p> There are two of these concrete structures still visible today and they are located about 180 metres apart and about a kilometre from the main bombing range target so even a very wayward navigator would have a lot of trouble accidentally dropping bombs on these shelters. While talking to Laurie Crouch, an ex-instructor at the base in 1945 (photographed above) I learned that these were part of observation towers used to accurately plot, by way of angles and mathematics, the exact point of impact of each bomb. This was relayed by the only private phone line in the district to the RAAF base in Nhill where the results were displayed for navigator/bomb-aimers to see upon their return. <o:p> </o:p> It took me several years to find two people who could remember the observation towers and what had happened to them. It appears that at the end of the war almost everything was sold at auction. The building at the top was easily dismantled and sold (in fact parts of the buildings were stolen and found in the bush by Mal Bell�s father who then reported it to the police). Remember Mal from the last Anson Newsletter? He is the only person who seems to be able to remember the buildings in detail having been there soon after the war ended. I was lucky to also find Austin Dahlenburg who had clear recollections as his uncle bought the timber surrounds of the concrete structures that are now visible. <o:p> </o:p> I was keen to build up a picture because as far as is known no photographs of these buildings exist. There certainly does not seem to be any in the Nhill district so if anyone has a photo I would love to copy it. I contacted Murray Parker, an ex Nhill Resident with a strong association with his home town and whom I knew had a great gift for computer-aided drawing. So now the team was ready and I was only about two years into the project. <o:p> </o:p> We had this information: The concrete shelters were each surrounded by red-gum timber 50mm thick, held in place by 25mm steel bolts with the timber about 600mm from the concrete and the space between filled with sand. (The holes where the sand was obtained and the mounds where it fell out when the timber was removed are still evident). At the top of this structure was the observation section, an almost square building with a row of windows facing the bombing range, a blackboard on the opposite wall and ladder access. Mal remembered a toilet and a water tank on a stand. (When Murray questioned Mal�s recall about some strange feature of the toilet Mal said he knew exactly what it looked like because his father had purchased it at the auction and it had been an important part of his family�s wellbeing for many years). <o:p> </o:p> Murray produced several drawings that were sent around Australia by email, each time coming back with a few additions or changes. After the 2009 Fly-In when both Mal and Murray were in Nhill we decided to go out to the bombing range to see if all the recollections and the drawings fitted. We were puzzled to find a concrete floor of an extra building beside one of the shelters. After about an hour of wondering and walking in the bush talking about the operation of this building it suddenly dawned upon us that this was the building that the targets were stored in. <o:p> </o:p> At this point it is important to tell the reader of the second use for this building because it was only while talking about this that we became aware of the need for this small building. These observation towers  were also used as part of a gunnery range where planes flew in from the side of the buildings where the windows were and fired at targets set about 100 metres past the buildings and in line with the mid point between the two. The targets were set on wooden frames and it is assumed that during wet weather and on nights with heavy dew it would be necessary to put the targets in a sheltered place; the narrow building that was just the right size for about five or six targets. <o:p> </o:p> Now everything was becoming clear. The photo with my grandchildren in it clearly shows where the window and door used to be. The window gives clear view of the target area and the 200mm of concrete, 600mm of sand and 50mm of red-gum timber gave plenty of protection from wayward .303 bullets. When the gunnery range was in operation observers of the bombing range would descend the ladder into the heavily protected lower part of the building to observe the accuracy of gunners flying past. Results were posted on bulletin boards in similar fashion to the bombing practice. It is interesting to note that Austin said particular attention was given to inspecting the timber as it was removed after the war and not one bullet hole was found. <o:p> </o:p> There are a few more photos and some additional information that I will try to add to the next newsletter in an attempt to finish the story of the bombing range in use by trainee navigators and gunners operating from the Nhill RAAF Base during WWII. <o:p> </o:p> Avro Anson Restoration<o:p> </o:p> I have been advised that several parts have been donated to the restoration project. These are vital to the success of our project and we are very appreciative receivers of these donations. I have seen Mike Kingwill�s eyes light up like a kid at Christmas when he has been opening a parcel containing bits for the Avro. I thought they looked like some beaten up bits of junk but Mike was overjoyed because he could see how they would look when he had restored and painted them. <o:p> </o:p> Thanks to everyone who has helped with our search for parts. We appreciate every lead and contact. They all help. <o:p> </o:p> Library<o:p> </o:p> One of the numerous facets of the project to develop a Heritage Centre in Nhill is the possibility of creating a Library. Although we have no firm idea of the overall scope this should take it can be assumed that the main focus will be on aviation. It is likely that local histories will feature and possibly diaries, photographs and letters will be important. We recognise that any library will depend almost exclusively upon donations of information, copied or original material and books. The NAHC would welcome contact with anyone who is concerned that their collection or personal material is in danger of being lost. We will also appreciate gifts of surplus books and magazines. An email would be welcome: <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member. Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to the treasurer: <a href="mailto:treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au">treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au</a> <h3 align="left" style="text-align:left">A message to our supporters.</h3> Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published. New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> and make your request known. Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au.</a> Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate.

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010 Nhill Anson Newsletter 20-04-2011

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 05:28:00 GMT

The Nhill Anson<o:p> </o:p> A newsletter from the<o:p> </o:p> Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.<o:p> </o:p> 20-04-2011<o:p> </o:p> Christmas and New Year have come and gone and now even summer has officially ended although, like many other places Nhill has not seen much of summer. This has been the wettest summer season I have ever seen with rain every two or three weeks. However, Nhill has been fortunate that only temporary flooding of farmland has occurred. The Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and the Avro Anson have not been affected.  The NAHC Board has been active throughout the summer with many important issues of an administrative nature to be attended to. Of course there have been other important issues such as scrounging for parts and attending the Avalon Air Show.  I wish I could adequately write about the discussion between the two WWII airmen who are members of our Board. They warmed to the subject of the Air Show and concluded by saying it was one of the best days they could remember for many years. Merv, who was a navigator in a Liberator, said how he enjoyed watching the Catalina flying and how he remembered the relief airmen felt when they saw the Catalina out in the middle of the ocean waiting to shepherd home any failing bombers badly shot up during a mission over enemy territory. Merv also arranged for the group to see the Liberator he has been helping rebuild. He mentioned that it had taken almost twenty years to get it to its advanced state of restoration. Max, who flew Kittyhawks and Mustangs, was very impressed with the restoration but mentioned that he had recently seen a documentary about the Ford factory in the US building Liberators during WWII using mainly female labour and turning out one aircraft every 55 minutes. He was roundly rebuked when he asked what Merv and his mob had been doing for the last 20 years. Try this link: <a href="http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/15654030/1604819366/name/bomber_plant.wmv">Bomber_plant.wmv</a><o:p> </o:p> The Hindmarsh Shire Nhill Aerodrome Master Plan Advisory Committee: <o:p> </o:p> Unfortunately, progress to develop a Master Plan for the Nhill Aerodrome has been interrupted due to a member of the Hindmarsh Shire staff changing jobs. The NAHC President and Vice President have been  in regular contact with Shire representatives in an endeavour to keep the Master Plan consultation process moving. The importance of this project was aptly described by one of our Board members thus: This project is absolutely vital for bringing tourists to Nhill as well as engendering community pride. I suppose the NAHC people could be likened to the early pioneers � the NAHC is breaking new ground by building on our proud history to create something new for future generations. The vision I can cope with, but it is the hard slog involved in building a solid foundation, and persevering with the various tiers of Government that stretch my ageing brain and sometimes pushes me to the brink.  However, as long as our Board and volunteers continue to work together for the good of the project, I am not fearful for the future. I am reminded of the biblical phrase � From those to whom much is given, much will be required. Report: Evenings With Kevin O�Reilly. Kevin is continuing with his research into the history of aviation at Nhill. However, he had found that there is a large amount of aviation history for the Wimmera that also links with Nhill so his research is filling files intended to eventually be two books; one about Nhill and one about the Wimmera. As part of this research Kevin has accepted a number of invitations to speak to local groups within the Wimmera. His interest has helped unearth many leads for further investigation, some not directly related to aviation, such as his interest in Motor Rail Cars that used to run on light rail lines to Yanac and Carpolac as well as on the main line through Nhill. Recollections of the Bombing Range by Mal Bell<o:p> </o:p> <table border="1" width="82%"> <tr> <td width="33%"><a href="Images/Target.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Target.jpg" width="297" height="289"></a></td> <td width="33%"><a href="Images/Bomb%20Tails.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Bomb%20Tails.jpg" width="310" height="206"></a></td> <td width="34%"><a href="Images/Shelter.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Shelter.jpg" width="225" height="300"></a></td> </tr> </table> Captions:  Bombing Range Target in the Little Desert about 1980. Bomb tails blown off upon detonation.    All that is left of the Range Observation Tower. (More about that in a later issue.)  During World War II an RAAF training school was based in Nhill and part of the training included aerial bombing practice on a range established on Norm Bound's Scrub Block south of Winiam. Bombs weighing 8 1/4 lbs (3.75 kg) were used on two ranges and a third range was used for a much larger bomb. The large bombs would rattle the windows of our home when they exploded. The remains of two concrete shelters still exist on site. These shelters were fitted with observation decks on top of the heavy concrete base structure. Several other buildings were further to the south but everything that could be dismantled was auctioned shortly after the end of the war. I have a recollection that someone, I think from Mildura, tendered for the scrap metal salvage rights and upon inspection of the sites denounced the locals as "A mob of thieving b�". I know that many locals managed to souvenir a few spent bombs and as they contained about four and a half pounds of lead they were very handy for making into fishing sinkers. After the salvage man had declared there was nothing worth salvaging, my dad decided we should try our hand at finding some bombs. We had one of the early Land Rover four-wheel-drive utilities and would drive through the scrub behind Winiam East to the bombing range, fully equipped with some sandwiches, a water bag and a shovel each. We would dig up the bombs and load them on the ute until we had 100. This was twice the normal load limit and we reckoned it was enough for the old Land Rover. Dad would very carefully drive the ute home to be unloaded. With this method we managed to locate a few thousand bombs and we were not the only ones collecting them at that time. The area has now been cleared for farming but I believe that a few bombs are still occasionally turned up as the paddocks are cultivated. Most of the bombs collected were smashed on an anvil with a sledge hammer, the lead, brass, cast iron and steel separated, bagged and sent to a scrap merchant. Several local people made good pocket money from this pastime. During our fossicking expeditions we unearthed several 'live' bombs encrusted with rust and dirt. These bombs were treated with a certain amount of caution. After disassembling, cleaning and reassembling, a lengthy piece of binder twine thrown over a branch of a tall tree was used to haul the bombs skywards. We took refuge behind a near-by barn, released the twine and the bomb hurtled to the ground, erupting in a large cloud of yellow smoke and providing us with great amusement. Several aircraft wrecks were dumped in various locations in the scrub and I believe used for navigational training. They also proved to be a bonanza for locals who stripped the aluminum sheeting, tubing and various other parts. Gas canisters still containing gas, live .303 ammunition and various other buried treasures were also found by locals. I recall planes flying over the south scrub towing targets behind them on a long cable and a number of other planes firing at these targets. One of the targets became detached from the towing aircraft and a search in the scrub by the RAAF failed to find it. Some time later my father located it and the prized silken material went to make household goods. Numerous other stories could be told about the history of the bombing range and its contribution to the war effort but for me the most important recollections are about those days when we went 'bomb' prospecting. Avro Anson Restoration<o:p> </o:p> Although work on the Avro Anson appears to have slowed down this is in some ways only an illusion.   Mike Kingwill is busy putting numerous small parts together especially within the cabin area. Quite a few instruments and gauges have now been fitted, the control columns installed and some radio equipment fitted. The framework of the fuselage and cabin are almost complete and are waiting for some expert advice on attaching the fabric. Unfortunately, even a lack of small parts will often hold up progress and I noticed this morning that Mike had parts for the bomb doors laid out on the floor so I imagine him moving on with another part of the aircraft while waiting for more instruments. <table border="1" width="77%"> <tr> <td width="33%"><a href="Images/Instrument%20panel%202%2014-3-11%2072.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Instrument%20panel%202%2014-3-11%2072.jpg" width="395" height="261"></a></td> <td width="33%"><a href="Images/Brake%20air%20tank%2014-3-11%2072.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Brake%20air%20tank%2014-3-11%2072.jpg" width="177" height="268"></a></td> <td width="34%"><a href="Images/Nose%20Cone%2014-3-11%2072.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/Nose%20Cone%2014-3-11%2072.jpg" width="181" height="270"></a></td> </tr> </table> Captions: Instrument Panel taking shape. Brake Air Tank fitted in the nose of the Avro. (We still need a brake control unit as shown. This one is unserviceable.)  Nose Cone awaiting restoration and fitting. (The Brake Control Unit needs fitting first.) Web Site. Work on the website has also suffered during the summer while I have taken a months holiday. <a href="http://www.nhillavaitionheritagecentre.com.au/">www.nhillavaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> It still needs plenty of work. I will try to make an effort to put up more information soon. Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member. Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to the treasurer: <a href="mailto:treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au">treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au</a> <h3 align="left" style="text-align:left">A message to our supporters.</h3> Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published. New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> and make your request known. Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au.</a> Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate.

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009 Nhill Anson Newsletter 14-12-2010

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 02:40:00 GMT

The Nhill Anson<o:p>   A newsletter from the<o:p> </o:p> Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Inc.<o:p>   14-12-2010</o:p> <form> Annual General Meeting <o:p> </o:p> The Annual General Meeting of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre was held on Thursday 18th November 2010 at the Soldiers� Lounge. <o:p> </o:p> PRESIDENT�S REPORT<o:p> </o:p> 2008 - 2010<o:p> </o:p> A public meeting was called by Rev. Don Kube, Rob Lynch and Mick Kingwill on 9th November 2008 to discuss their mutual concern that history of aviation in Nhill and the WW2 Air Base established by the RAAF from 1941-1946 might be lost, leaving this and future generations unaware of their heritage. Thirty people in attendance resolved unanimously �that this meeting recognizes the importance of the Aerodrome in the on-going history of Nhill and supports the creation of an aviation memorial with focus initially on the RAAF presence at Nhill from 1941-1946.� A Committee was formed comprising Rev Don Kube, Rob Lynch, Mick Kingwill, Joanne Ussing, John Deckert, Ken Schultz, Chris Weeks, Cr Joan Bennett, Len Creek, Nathan Wheeler, Max Carland and Merv Schneider. Twelve months later, 10th November 2009, the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre was an incorporated body with Don Kube firmly established as President.  Joanne Ussing served as foundation Secretary/Treasurer until 9th July 2009 and Joan Bennett was then appointed to both positions.  In November 2009 Joan Bennett resigned as Treasurer. Lesley Stephan was appointed to the Committee and accepted the Treasurer�s position, and Joan Bennett continued as Secretary.  Ken Schultz earlier resigned his committee position, and Trevor Borgelt was elected in November 2009. In February 2010 the NAHC suffered a great loss with the death of the Reverend Don Kube, an inspirational and greatly respected President.  Don was a true leader who moulded and consolidated the group, setting in place a solid foundation for the future.  In March 2010, Vice President Rob Lynch was elected President and Len Creek Vice President. The Avro Anson Restoration Project: In Feb-March 2009 President Don Kube met Graham Drage of Lah (Warracknabeal district).  Their casual meeting had huge ramifications for the NAHC.  Some years before, Graham, a pilot and flying instructor had purchased the remains of an Avro Anson aeroplane to save it from further destruction.  The plane wreckage remained safely stored in Graham�s farm yard.  Graham, upon learning about the NAHC from Don Kube and the plan to acquire and restore an Avro Anson, generously gifted the plane to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Association. The plane wreckage was transported to Nhill on 24th March 2009 and restoration work commenced.  We were very pleased to nominate Graham Drage to the NAHC Management Committee. Committee member Mick Kingwill manages the restoration project.  Mick�s skills are legendary and he has set the benchmark for craftsmanship.  Mick�s team of helpers - Len Creek, Rob Lynch, Whimpey Reichelt and Max Carland maintain a high standard of workmanship.  Interest in the project is Australia wide, with Committee member Chris Weeks sourcing original detailed plans of the Avro Anson from England.  Visitors from near and far are watching the Avro Anson project, which will eventually be completed to taxiing status.  It is currently stored in �Mick�s Shed�, but is outgrowing this location. Avro Anson parts have been sourced from many places, including EBAY and aircraft auctions. The Mt Gambier Aerodrome gifted parts that had been stored since WW2.  We were pleased to hear from Dale and Dianne Boxall of Watchupga West who donated parts that had originally come from our Avro Anson.   Many generous donors have helped by giving parts, financial contributions, and expert advice and encouragement.  I extend a heartfelt thanks to all including my fellow Committee members who have travelled many miles looking for parts and pieces of Avro Ansons at their own expense. Restoring the Avro Anson and collecting aviation memorabilia has put us in touch with aviation enthusiasts across Australia.  We have visited the South Australian Aviation Museum, the Lake Boga Catalina Museum and the Mt Gambier Aerodrome in particular. Two officials from the Queensland Air Museum came to Nhill to see the Avro Anson. Individual members of the NAHC have visited aviation museums across Australia and England during the past twelve months. We are on a continuous learning curve. The NAHC Fly-in 17th October 2009 <o:p> </o:p> When Don Kube suggested that we should organize a Fly-In within twelve months of our inauguration, and with about six hundred dollars ($600) in the bank, we had grave misgivings about our ability to bring it off.  However, every member caught Don�s enthusiasm and made a huge effort to make the Fly-In a reality.  At the end of the day on 17th October 2009, we had approx. $17,000 to deposit in our bank account and approximately .two and a half thousand (2500) happy people  of all ages who had joined in the excitement.  Nhill Rotarians manned the entrance gates and collected $12,500 for the NAHC.  Cars were banked back along the Propodollah Road to the railway crossing. Eighty-six planes flew in to Nhill for the event.  Adding to the excitement, several WW2 planes attended including Winjeels, Mustang, Wirraway, Tiger Moth, Yak 9, and a Kittyhawk. The Nhill Aero Club granted us full use of their facilities.  Hindmarsh Shire Council fully supported the NAHC members, as did adjoining neighbours from John Millington�s duck farm. Marcus Kube, Manager of the Cairns Airport, son of Don and Rae, was in charge of the Fly-in, with Brian Farmers the Master of Ceremonies.  The RAAF cadets from Horsham assisted in the day�s events, and the Emergency Services attended.  It is impossible to mention people who helped by name because there were so many willing volunteers, but I want to give a special thanks to the wives of the Committee men who hosted the pilots and crew throughout the day and put on a dinner in the evening. We will always remember the outstanding donations and sponsorships given to us by the business sector. Launch of Kevin O�Reilly�s book �In Just Five Years. October 2010<o:p> </o:p> Former Nhill resident Kevin O�Reilly had a successful book launch during the Back-to-Nhill week of festivities.  The NAHC assisted with this event.  The book was very well received and approx. 450 copies were sold on the day.  The book contains historical information about the RAAF Air Base at Nhill during WW2 and stories of former RAAF personnel and local people.  Kevin has generously committed five dollars from the sale of every book to the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. Navex Fly-in 25-26th March 2010 The NAHC Committee hosted the Navex fly-in at the end of March 2010.  This group of flying enthusiasts stayed overnight in Nhill on their way home to the Yarrawonga Aerodrome.  School children from Nhill Lutheran School and Nhill College visited the group at Nhill Aerodrome, were given a history session by John Deckert, and also physically inspected the aircraft.  Once again, the Nhill Aero Club granted us full use of their facilities. Grant Applications: Wimmera Volunteers Grant: successful application.  We received $302, to offset insurance costs. Hindmarsh Shire Council Events Grant: successful application.  We received $500 for Fly-in administration costs. An application for funds to build a Hangar/Exhibition Centre at the Nhill Aerodrome is pending.  We have the support of the Nhill community, the Hindmarsh Shire Council and the Federal Government, and are waiting on the State Government decision. I thank Community Development Director Anne Champness for guiding the application through its many stages.  The Ahrens Family has generously assisted us with the project application.  The NAHC has sent two delegations to meet with Mr Stefan and Mr Bob Ahrens of Sheoak Log in South Australia to discuss the project. Milestones: �      NAHC Anson Newsletter:  The first edition written by John Deckert in April 2009 and subsequent editions emailed free to two hundred and thirty members and contacts Australia wide. �      NAHC Web Page:  The Web Page was pioneered by John Deckert and posted on the Internet in June 2010.  It is still under construction. �      NAHC Logo:  Mick Kingwill came up with the concept.  The design was professionally drawn by Brett Sherwell.  Its centre piece is the Avro Anson aeroplane with the Avro Anson green and gold colours.  Brett Sherwell prepared several applications of the design e.g. a letterhead and banner. �      NAHC Banner: This shows the Logo on a dark blue background and the words �Highlighting Nhill�s RAAF and Civil Aviation History�.  First time displayed at the Nhill A&P Society 125th Show. Planning for the future:<o:p> </o:p> At the time we commenced our exciting journey we had great enthusiasm and many ideas.  Most members started off with knowledge of WW2 aircraft and history arising from a lifelong interest in the subject.   The decision to initially focus attention on the WW2 Air Base years and the acquisition of an Avro Anson channelled our energies in those directions.  However, we soon realized that the WW2 years were only one part of Nhill�s unique aviation history which began in 1919. With the generous assistance of Association member and former resident Jean Roberts, we commenced to formally plan towards �Nhill�s Aviation Century 1919-2019�.  We were aware that the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre had captured the interest of the Nhill community, but we wanted more than that.  We wanted the community to help shape our future and to participate in it in a meaningful way. A very successful Community Consultation facilitated by Jean Roberts was held on 17th May 2010 with more than eighty people in attendance.  The event was co-sponsored by the Hindmarsh Shire Council with Mayor Michael Gawith, Councillors and Andrew Bainbridge the Director of Infrastructure in attendance, and guest speaker David Mark, the President of the Lake Boga Catalina Museum. The people affirmed the NAHC and gave positive directions for the future which have been incorporated into the Plans. The Hindmarsh Shire Nhill Aerodrome Master Plan Advisory Committee: An important outcome of the Community Consultation was the formation by the Hindmarsh Shire of a committee to develop a Master Plan for the Nhill Aerodrome.  The NAHC President Rob Lynch presides over this committee which also has other NAHC and community and business representatives.  A draft Master Plan will shortly be presented to the Hindmarsh Shire Council. Conclusion: Due to the generosity of local business firm Driscoll McIllrie and Dickinson, the NAHC has rooms with a shop front in Nelson Street, Nhill.  Our monthly Committee meetings are held there, and we also have a window to display artefacts from the Second World War RAAF Air Base and other interesting items. I thank the whole community for their support.  Personally I feel privileged to be working with a great team who share my passion for the project. I�m also privileged to belong to this wonderful Nhill community who have shown me that they value the aviation history by their encouragement and support. <o:p> </o:p> Report: An Evening With Kevin O�Reilly. <o:p> </o:p> Once again Kevin entertained us with unusual information about aviation in Nhill and surrounding districts. His collection of photos range from the first plane to land at Nhill, to visits by various famous early aviators and even information about locally built aircraft. Nhill has had three official aerodromes and its first, now covered with houses, is believed to be the first registered aerodrome in country Victoria. <o:p> </o:p> I was astounded at the vast number of aircraft that have been privately owned by private people in the Nhill district. Some are now very rare and although it seems a shame that the planes are not still flying it is wonderful to have photos and information. Kevin expects to eventually publish his research. Kevin is trying to find information on Graham Carey who came to Nhill in his Shorthorn Farman aeroplane and who was involved with Geo McKenzie at Rainbow. He is also researching a Wimmera AC Cherokee VH-RRF that crashed at Rainbow in 1974. Kevin welcomes any information about Wimmera aircraft prior to 1960. He is still very anxious to follow up on any reminiscences people may offer. <o:p> </o:p> Avro Anson Restoration. <o:p> </o:p> The latest from Mike Kingwill is that he has almost completed the fuselage from the tail to the rear of the cabin. As can be seen from the photographs, everything from the tail to the cabin has been re-built, not restored. The fuselage did not exist when the original aircraft arrived at Nhill. Plans and photographs have provided the detail but the engineering skill of Mike has determined the outcome. He was helped by another of our executive members, Max Carland, who has spent most of his life handling timber and building materials.  Prior to the building trade, Max was a fighter pilot during WWII and has many stories to tell. His help and advice is very welcome. <o:p> </o:p> The photo on the left shows the start of the fuselage rebuilding process. Mike is looking toward the first two long pipes to be put into position. <o:p> </o:p> The photo on the right shows the tubular steel frame with wooden formers making the circular framework onto which thin wooden runners are screwed to complete the skeleton of the fuselage. The next stage for this section will be the attachment and doping of the fabric. The tail plane is yet to be completed and will be attached to the very rear of the fuselage.</o:p> <table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-collapse:collapse; border:none;mso-border-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt"> <tr> <td width="367" valign="top" style="width:275.4pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt">   <img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/009%20Starting%2072.JPG" width="420" height="285"> </td> <td width="327" valign="top" style="width:245.6pt;border:solid windowtext .5pt; border-left:none;mso-border-left-alt:solid windowtext .5pt;padding:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt">   <img border="0" src="http://www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au/Images/010%20fuselage72.JPG" width="376" height="283"> </td> </tr> </table>  Web Site <o:p> </o:p> Another page of the Avro Anson Restoration Project has been added to the website. <a href="http://www.nhillavaitionheritagecentre.com.au/">www.nhillavaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> <o:p> </o:p> The website is still in a very raw state. An offer from a professional in this field is being investigated and it is hoped that the website will take on a completely new look in the next few months. Keep watching. It is hoped that more photos will appear soon. <o:p> </o:p> Membership of the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre. This newsletter is free to anyone interested in the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre and any of its projects. However, this newsletter is also the only way the committee has of easily sending reminders to those who wish to support our cause by being a member. Memberships run for a financial year and are $30 per person. Payment can be made by cheque, money order or internet transfer. Confirmation of payment will only be made if an email address is included with payment or if a notice of payment is made by email to<a href="mailto:nariel@internode.on.net"></a> the treasurer: <a href="mailto:treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au">treasurer@nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au</a> <o:p> </o:p> A message to our supporters <o:p> </o:p> Do you have a friend who would appreciate receiving this free newsletter? Just click on FORWARD and type in as many email addresses as you like then click SEND. <o:p> </o:p> This newsletter is free. However, support for this important historical project is greatly appreciated and comes in many forms including phone numbers and email addresses, contact details of former WWII trainees, parts for the Avro Anson and general memorabilia, photos etc. as well as donations of cash and labour. Although it is our intention to recognise and acknowledge this assistance through the newsletter, specific details will not be published.<a href="http://mycareer.com.au/?s_cid=596064%20" target="_new"></a> New email addresses are constantly being added to our list. If you do not wish to be part of our group then please contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a> and make your request known. <o:p> </o:p> Persons who wish to make comment about the Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre or any other related issue should also contact <a href="mailto:admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au">admin@nhillaviaitionheritagecentre.com.au</a>. Such comments may be published in future newsletters if considered appropriate. </form>

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