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Added 19 Jan 2021 | Added by: The Mirror | Last updated 19 Jan 2021 by Linda Giddy ⋅ Post a comment

Sub-Branch History for the Time Capsule

• Foster RSL Sub-Branch Committee of Management: Back, L to R: Wolfgang Fiedler, Ian Rogers, Deirdre Morgan, Treasurer Maureen Taylor, Publicity Officer Carole Williams, Secretary Janne Raimondo, Senior Vice President Ian (Bones) Sutton. Middle row: Welfare Officer Brian Mellor, Appeals Officer and Vice President Jim O’Day, Bar Manager Rick Raimondo, Terry Holmes. Front: President Bruce Lester.  Absent: Historical Officer Mike Heal and Mark White.

THE first 100 years of the Foster RSL Sub-Branch’s history has been prepared and lodged with the time capsule organisers for interment on Australia Day.

The Sub-Branch turns 102 years old this year and has been in constant service to its members and war veterans for all of that time.

Throughout this period the Sub-Branch has enjoyed times of great activity and also times when membership waned, but remembering those who served Australia in many conflicts: those who lost their lives and those who returned; and the ongoing care of veterans has always been the chief focus.  Membership and camaraderie to the war torn souls who returned from WW1 and WW11 must have been of particular comfort to these veterans and their families.

Today, the Foster RSL enjoys a large membership. To have more than 200 financial members demonstrates the support and encouragement of the Foster and district community.  This financial generosity and interest in today’s RSL Sub-Branch at Foster enables the RSL to extend its work further into the community, with an annual funds dispersal which benefits local schools and community organisations.

We continue to thank the community for their support of our ANZAC badge and poppy appeals.  These funds are designated to help Foster RSL in their assistance to local veterans as well as contributing to the overall support of veterans assisted by RSL Victoria. When our Appeals Officer, Jim O’Day announced that over $5000 had been raised last year in sales of commemorative badges and merchandise from the little table outside the RSL building it was a huge moment of gratitude to the munificence of local people. 

ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day have been commemorated every year since 1919 as far as our records show.  And even during the COVID-19 lockdown of 2020 these two occasions were acknowledged, albeit with only a three person team allowed to take part. Currently, a more normal ANZAC Day is looking likely for 2021.

The clubrooms are back to usual opening hours on Thursday, Friday and the weekend.  Our social evenings are not yet up to the pre-COVID capacity, but each week a few more patrons are returning to enjoy the company of others in a friendly informal atmosphere.  All are welcome, members and non-members alike.  If you haven’t visited the Foster RSL rooms before, please feel welcome to come along and join in.  For opening hours call the RSL on 5682 1489.

The 100 Club is on again with a weekly draw carried out on Friday nights.  If your number is the lucky one you will receive your $100 regardless of whether you are in attendance or not.

The annual meeting will be held at 7pm on February 15 at the clubrooms.  All are welcome to attend.

The Committee of Management recently held a photo shoot to provide a photo for the time capsule.  The accompanying informal picture was among those taken at the shoot. Thanks to member Annette for capturing the spirit of enjoyment which epitomises the efforts of the committee.

Carole Williams
Publicity Officer
Foster RSL Sub-Branch Inc.

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