101 Wksp Association News

Added 09/05/2010

Hello Fellow 101ers,

On Friday the 23^rd of April members of 101 Fd Wksp association attended a BBQ and then ceremonial opening of the 101 arch at 101 Fd Wksp Robertson Bks Darwin.

The opening address was given by Maj Ian Cook Oc wksp followed by Brig David O’Brien former Oc of the wksp, Gary Hodges then gave a brief history of the original arch. Also in attendance was Corps RSM, & NT Hon Colonel.

All members of the wksp were in attendance along with 12 association members and their partners, included in this group was Rod Girvan ex 101er and builder of the replica arch.

Association members were treated to a tour of 1 Armd Regt Wksp and a close up look at the Abrams Tank, on returning to 101 wksp a spanners club was held at which time Gary Hodges presented the 1983 Or’s brass bell from 101 Fd Wksp Ingleburn to L/cpl Petersen on behalf of the wksp.

Gary also displayed photo’s of 101 Pucka, Vietnam & Ingleburn for the diggers to view.

We then invited the wksp to march on ANZAC day with association members behind the unit banner.

On ANZAC day 50-60 diggers dressed in smart suits looking very professional marched with us through the streets of Darwin, and I must say I have never seen a better looking group, the unit is in good hands.

Our group was led by Mark Adamson [101 Vietnam Vet] and L/cpl Petersen [Wksp Craftsman of the year].

After the march the diggers were invited to join us for a drink and drink they did all bloody day it was wonderful, we are all very proud of the wksp members and the wonderful job they are doing in a difficult environment.

Gary Hodges

Gary Garfield Hodges
President
101 Wksp Association
0415764069

Added 26/01/2010

The 101 Arch Ceremony will be held at Robertson Bks Darwin on Friday 23 April 2010 at 3pm after a lunchtime BBq at the unit. The Commanding Officer of the Brigade will be attending this historic ceremony. All members and partners are welcome to attend. Transport from Darwin city to the unit and back will be provided.

On ANZAC day members can march in Darwin as a unit with our own banner.

To enter Robertson Bks your name must be on the attendance list, contact Gary Hodges.

Gary Hodges
President
101 Wksp Association
0415764069

Added 3/06/2009
The 101 Arch has now been transported to 101 wksp coy Darwin where the unit will do the finishing touches then erect the arch ready for an official opening at a date to be advised.

Added 12/05/2009
The 101 Wksp Arch has now been completed and painted we are waiting on transport to take it to Darwin.

The Fighting 101^st had a reunion dinner at the Gold Coast Casino, also the next day a BBQ was held at Burleigh Town Tavern. A total of 138 attended the dinner including 45 partners and family members.

The dinner had a display of memorabilia and a presentation to six 101 Inf Wksp Puckapunyal members. The food was great the company was better and a good time had by all.

The Lunchtime BBQ was well attended with 70 plus members and guest, I have never cooked so much food on one BBQ before and once again everybody had a great time.

Some of our members thought they were 18 again and rocked on into the night, well done boys.

We had a number of members attending for the first time, just to mention a few Pat Fergusson, Graeme Ramsden, Brian Tingwell, Frank Millerick, Mike Hill, Harry Cole, the six Pucka boys and many others.

Another reunion will be held in approximately 2 years Victoria looks good at this stage.

Cheers

Gary Garfield Hodges

Click here for pics

Added 20/11/2008
Our 101 Arch project is underway the materials have been purchased, the manufacturing to begin in December. Col Smith [101 Vietnam] is still struggling to recover from his motorcycle accident he has been moved to Brisbane Princess Alexandra Hospital and will be there for the next few months. He is on the 5^th floor ward 5D Bed 35.4 you can ring the ward on 0732402136.

Added 17/09/2008
The 101 wksp arch project is well under way the money to build this arch has been raised by donation; work is due to commence soon at Rod Girvan Engineering we hope to have a time frame for the build and erection of the arch in the near future.

I would like to thank all who donated to this wonderful project and invite you to the official opening at 101 wksp coy Darwin the date will depend on construction time, transport and unit commitments.

While at 101 wksp coy BBQ at the 50^th reunion I came across our 1TF Rugby shield it was in a bad way and needed refurbishing so I borrowed it from the unit and JOHN NINNES volunteered to get it refurbished at his own expense thankyou John it is now back to it’s former glory and will be presented back to the wksp.

While in Townsville having dinner with some 101ers a young man approached me with a bag and said this belongs to 101 wksp it contained a brass bell engraved 101 fd wksp OR’s club 1983.