Toorak RSL Services Club
16th October 2010
Guest of Honour
Brigadier John P.A. Deighton AM MC.
Retired as Chief Executive Officer
of the Returned & Services League
of Australia (Victoria Branch) Inc.
Fifth SAMVOA Formal Mess Dinner
16th October, 2010
Toorak RSL Services Club
Guest of Honour; Brigadier John Deighton AM MC
On Saturday 16th October, 2010, the National Executive of SAMVOA proudly hosted its fifth annual formal mess dinner at the gracious Toorak Services Club in Melbourne. A club steeped in military history and fine tradition, with very much in keeping with our traditional messes in South Africa.
The ethos was to combine the traditions and splendour of a formal mess dinner, with a few of our own new variations, to form the unique fabric of a SAMVOA formal dinner.
The evening began for the 30 guests with Drinks at 1930H in the Churchill Room with Mike Black, the Mess President presenting the South African Sherry before the call to dinner was made by the Mess Vice President, David Curry. The Guest of Honour and guests were piped into the mess area by our piper, Karl Brown.
Grace was said and the Host, Veteran Tony Macquet welcomed everyone.
The menu was the same as the previous year, that had gone down so well with those attending. Congratulations to the Venue Coordinator, Mr Callum Kaka. The entrée was Peri-Peri Chicken Salad, followed by a Mains of Karoo Style Baby Racks of Lamb. The Dessert was Cape Brandy Pudding, followed by tea or coffee and other beverages.
During the proceedings, our Mess President welcomed John Deighton, who was the retired Chief Executive Officer of the Returned & Services League of Australia (Victoria Branch) Inc. Mike honoured him as a great Australian Veteran and John responded in a most appropriate way and related some interesting stories of his own.
The Toasts were made:
1. South Africa, the Mother Country, wishing her peace – Mess President.
2. Australia, our new home, may we be worth citizens – Host.
3. Fallen Serviceman and women, “Lest we Forget” – Veteran Cliff Everton.
Veteran Karl Brown played a very well-received medley on his pipes, which included some favourite South African tunes.
Veteran David Curry, as Mess Vice President, controlled the evening especially well and, not only was his timings excellent, but he also kept us in order this evening.
Attended by:
John and Anne Deighton
Mike and Colleen Black.
Karl and Edith Brown
Dave and Angela Curry
Chester and Rene Allan
Andrew and Karin Macatilla
Cliff and Josie Everton
Tony and Dee Macquet
David and Aubrecia Nel
Thomas and Suzette Kauffeld
Tony and Dee Macquet
David and Aubrecia Nel
Garth Pienaar
Gordon Pugh
Trevor Robinson
Chris and Erica van der Spuy
Derick and Vanessa Smith
Aubrey Sonnenburg
Brent and Debbie van de Stadt.
Jacques and Susanne van Niekerk
Chairman's Plaque Awards:
Veteran Gordon Pugh - In recognition of his dedication to duty in starting and organising the Queensland Branch of SAMVOA as well as the inaugural march on Anzac Day 2010.
CHAIRMAN'S CUP WINNER : Queensland Region
SAMVOA BUGLE WINNER: Veteran Mike Black
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