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Interested Forum Members
Commencing 1930 hrs on Wednesday, 12/6/2019 at the Ball and Chain restaurant, Salamanca Place, Hobart, was conducted the 2019 meeting of the ABWAC. Present were IL and Stephen Bayley. During and after the very pleasant consumption of grilled steaks and copious side dishes (lubricated by Stephen's choice of a bottle of 2018 "Two Hands" Shiraz from the Barossa Valley, South Australia), a fairly loose agenda was followed.
First topic was a toast to David for providing all of us with this unmatched Forum and it's resources.
Second topic was a similar toast to the regular contributors who devote so much time and demonstrate such shared knowledge.
General topics followed. There was much discussion about one of Stephen's treasures; a 7th NZMR QSA with an associated LSGC awarded in 1917; some comments upon the current state of what passes for the OZ medal market, an update on the fruitless hunt for Matron Orr's medal group; and some considerable to-and-fro about the cooperation in the field between the NZMR and the 6th NSWIB (one of IL's favourite regiments). It does appear that the formation of what was later to be termed the ANZAC spirit had beginnings in the field in South Africa.
There was also the subject of Colonial Special Service Officers - Stephen was unaware if the NZ military establishment actually contributed.
As Stephen had a short drive home, your correspondent (who only had to walk up to his hotel) manfully undertook the task of consuming more than his fair share of the Barossa Valley Shiraz. The meeting concluded at nearly 2200 hrs. It was a very pleasant and convivial meeting.
For the record, the obligatory pic was taken by a charming waitress and - as Frank appears to have an interest in certain beverages - IL includes a pic of the BV Shiraz.



Regards to all
IL.

What a fantastic evening! Pleased you had a great time.

Frank certainly has an interest in the Barossa Valley, the absolute agony of choice, Penfolds, Lehmann's , Yalumba and so forth, the list is, I suspect, almost endless!
It is pleasing to know that you had a good time, notwithstanding, Frank is a little disappointed not to see the "charming waitress" though