As
a reward for achieving 25 years of continual service (and later 40
years) Ansett invited these staff to an annual dinner where new
inductees were presented with silver platters or clocks suitably
inscribed.
Originally 25/40 year achievers who later retired where still invited
back to the dinners, but over the years the invites were issued on a
roster basis until they finally ceased for retirees in June 1985.
As a
result Bob Haseldine (Airport Traffic), John Joyes (City Sales) & Terri
Panizza ( Switchboard Adelaide) called a meeting of interested parties
on the 29th of August 1985 and as a result "Spirits of Ansett"
was born and became the vehicle for retirees and long serving staff to
meet and discuss old times over lunch and an ale.
South
Australia was the first state to have such a luncheon reunion.
The
name was the inspiration of John Joyes and was to reflect the spirit
within the Ansett organization since its inception, that of achieving
goals, sometimes at impossible odds. It was described by Bob Haseldine:-
"IT
MAY NOT BE THE SPIRIT OF ANZAC BUT THE RENEWAL OF THE SPIRIT OF AN
AIRLINE AND TO ONCE AGAIN RECALL THE TIMES AND EXPERIENCES OF A LIFE'S
WORK "
All
luncheons have been at the Grange Golf Club, Seaton. The first on
Wednesday 2nd October 1985 was attended by 106 guests (60
retirees, 39 partners & 7 members of the 25 year club).
Jim
Parkinson, Manager S.A. & N.T - Ansett Airlines of Australia gave a
short update of the present equipment, loadings & revenues & capital
employed compared to that of 10 years ago.
Special
guest speaker was Keith Maynard
(click here
for the Kieth Maynard Speech)
from
Launceston who reminisced on Australian National Airways in the early
1930's and wrote the first passenger airline ticket for Holyman Bros.
for a Launceston to Ulverston flight carrying just 3 passengers.
Our first luncheon, 3 courses cost $12.50 and the latest in 2001 was
$21.40 plus GST.
Attendances have been in the vicinity of 100, but 2001 is the record at
131. One BBQ was held at the Aviation Institute, Adelaide Airport in
March 1986 but was discontinued.
The
original Committee comprised
Bob Haseldine,
John
Joyes,
Terri
Panizza,
Reg
Chilman,
Clayton
Bray,
Trevor
Howard,
Doug
Jordan
and
Rod
Short.
Over the years Committee Members included Pat
Haseldine,
Marge
Bell,
Gwen
Short,
Glynis
Birks,
Jim
&
Elaine
White,
Trevor
Thredgold
and is currently under the care of
Bob
(Charlie)
Birks,
Trevor
Tilley,
John
(Sarge)
Schulze,
Geoff
Horan,
Bob
Gardiner
and
Jim
White.
Guests
have travelled to Adelaide from rural S.A., interstate including Perth,
Rockhampton, Brisbane, Melbourne and even the U.K.
Guest
Speakers have included Jim Parkinson, Nan Witcomb (Down to Earth Club),
Jim Schofield (Chairman of Southern Cross Museum), Jan Springett (Madam
Travel), George Vallance ( Airport Manager) - Update on present
operations, Trevor Thredgold, (Airline updates), Paul Harrison (the
disaster of Sept 2001),
Door
prize donors have been Ansett Airlines, Members Aust Credit Union
(Formerly Outlook Credit Union), Robert Birks (Ex Adelaide Sales) &
Trevor Thredgold.
The
1994 lunch was dedicated to the memory of Bob Haseldine who passed away
in June 1994 and the 1998 lunch was dedicated to the memory of Rod
Short who passed away in November 1997 after succeeding Bob in running
the show.
The
official photographer, Lee Chapman has helped for several years.
Compares over the years have been Bob Haseldine, John Joyes, Rod Short
and Jim White.
Over the years Bob Haseldines vision has been kept alive by your active
participation and financial support.