Message recently received from Pam von Auloch

This story relates to a presentation by scholars from Glenwood Boys High who took on a project researching WW1 Rugby players who lost their lives.

"Last night I attended a Moths meeting which was followed by an excellent presentation by three Glenwood High boys about the Rugby WW1 players who lost their lives.

They have done all the research themselves together with their History Teacher who gave them this project when they found out that during the first WW there were several soldiers that were Natal Rugby players and so they set out to find out more about the 44 who lost their lives. it was so interesting to see the young men with all the old “toppies” and myself, the only woman present. I went for the evening because of the invitation I received and also out of curiosity due to my great grandfather being in the Boer war and he lost a son in the 2nd WW. My grandfather served in the 1st WW, my father served in the second WW in France and Dunkirk. My father in law (German) served for Germany in Russia and had finger shot off which sent him back, lucky for him in that way when you know what happened to thousands of others. My nephew serves in the Australian Air Force as a fighter pilot (Iran and Iraq) plus he is a bomb disposal expert and is at present in Hawaii teaching a course for the Americans. So you could say we are a fighting family in one way or another although the only one who enlisted is my nephew all the others were conscripted. At present my nephew is researching family history in order to claim medals from my father and grandfather who decided at the time not to claim them, for whatever reason.

Roland, I would appreciate it if you could send me details of the History teacher and how to get hold of him as I think it would be interesting for my club the ANZA Australian and new Zealand Assoc. to hear what they have to say. Needless to say our members have either children in Oz and NZ or relatives, or who have lived there or are actually nationals but live here, in other words they have a connection to the countries.

With Aussie and Kiwi troops being active in WW1 and celebrate that fact on ANZAC Day (a public holiday in OZ and NZ) April 25th. it is respected here and we have our own ceremony at NMR every year on April 25th with a dinner afterwards. Roland should you wish or any of the other Moths wish to attend please forward your email details to Gina our secretary so that she can keep you in the loop regarding our activities.

thanks for a nice evening.

regards

Pam"

Here are a few images taken at the presentation (click to enlarge)

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New Membership Opportunity

Australia and New Zealand Association in KwaZulu-Natal is keen to recruit a few new Members.

The qualifications to be a full member with voting rights are as follows:
i. Be a citizen of New Zealand or Australia or
ii. Be married to either an Australian or New Zealand citizen or
iii. Have children or parents living in Australia or New Zealand or
iv. Have lived in either country for 5 continuous years or more or
v. Have served in the defense force of either country

However anyone can be an associate member.

Be mindful of the fact that most members are guests in South Africa and have enjoyed good times over many years and feel we are well integrated and grateful of our acceptance in S A . We are definitely not a closed group of  "when we's".

The History of the Association (Founded 80 years ago)

How ANZA Originated in Durban, Natal

This information has been kindly compiled by Mrs Pete Duff Richardson, the daughter of Roy Faulks the founder of ANZA.

Due to an over supply of wool in Australia, Felt & Textiles Australia approached Mr Faulks to start a slipper company in SA as he had had a slipper factory called, “People’s Slipper” in Sydney. He accepted the offer and arrived with his family in Durban in October in 1931. The factory was staffed by professionals in slipper making from Australia. Many of these employees were homesick so the idea originated to form an Association for Australians and New Zealanders to get together socially. Hence ANZA was born.

The first AGM was held in November 1934 with about 40 members attending. In those days ANZA was purely social with many occasions such as cricket, picnics, bingo evenings, dancing, concerts etc. being enjoyed by all. ANZA entertained visiting cricket and rugby team and other dignitaries from Australia. Roy Faulks was President until his death in 1958.

During the 2^nd World War Mr Faulk’s factory made army boots for the troops fighting in North Africa. The ladies of the Association did a lot of knitting, sewing and sending of food parcels to the troops.

Many charitable functions were organised to raise funds for the war effort. Ladies teas and luncheons were often held which became very popular.

Mrs Duff Richardson now lives with her husband in Australia and she is our longest surviving ANZA member!

What a wonderful piece of history concerning the origins of ANZA 73 years in existence!! No wonder I can’t reiterate enough on the importance of keeping this club running! 

Ref made available 2008

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