Hello to all and our historic 7th ARROWS GOLD COAST gathering ….
It was a wonderful meeting last November 14th at the Varsity Lakes Tavern in Burleigh Waters with a total overall attendance of 63 ARROWS, Including 6 Virgins.
We welcomed the six ARROWS Virgins:-
Spencer Whitely one of the members of the original 4 Kinsmen,
Bob Leppard drummer from the Beaumarks,
Merriel Hume radio, theatre, TV and live female vocal performer out of Brisbane,
Patty Britain (married to the late Sailor Haylen) Outstanding 1960s, 70s, 80s+ recording, TV, live and Radio musical career.
Herma Keil New Zealand bandleader of the super group the ‘Keil Isles’
Ian McKay New Zealand drummer and former member of the Sydney double act ‘Big Red and Bojangles’

A good roll up of Brisbane musos and an even bigger gathering of the ever growing New Zealand alliance. A handful of NSW members were represented also.
Varsity Lakes Tavern is a good venue for us and our 7th annual appearance there. Early in 2016 we were requested by some members to do two meetings per annum which resulted in a mid-year gathering at the Surfers Parise RSL Club. Unfortunately we had a smaller rollup and I put it down to it being held on a Wednesday, but consensus of opinion has urged me to go back to Burleigh Waters for both of the 2017 gatherings.
Thanks once again to my Queensland dear friend and delegate, Ron Kitchin for helping me out inviting and finding new ARROWS and compering the day. Also to Sandra Erdman, who with her sister, drove up from Sydney to join in the day and take all the photos. Lynne Fletcher for being my ‘Girl-Friday’ and a big thanks for everybody else who turned up to make this a fantastic and memorable day.
John
Ron Kitchin’s report:
The Gold Coast Arrow’s meeting on Monday 14th November proved to be one of the biggest yet in Queensland, so much so that quite a few members asked if it would be worth doing it mid-year at Varsity Tavern as Surfers RSL didn’t really work well.
Great to see Wilma Reading again making the long trip from Cairns – not only is she one of our greatest singers but also a lovely person.
Big thanks to Geoff Ovenden and Vance Lendich and inspiring to see the Brisbane clan increasing
Great to see Bob Leppard from the original Beaumarks – we haven’t seen him since 1965.
Lovely to be in the company of Patty Brittain (Heylen), and thanks to Les and Pauline McPherson for bringing her.
And what a Great pleasure to see the New Zealand contingent growing.
Plus a big thanks to everybody who turned up and made it a very successful day to be enjoyed by all.
Regards Ron
A comment from Dave Williamson (Sydney)
Hi John,
This email is to say thank you for recognising and ok’ing Herma Keil to join us at the Surfers Arrows day. He was STOKED !
I was so happy, as I met Herma again.... together with Ken Bennet ....and of course Ian McKay.
Thanks for a fabulous day!
Cheers Dave Williamson

From Wilma Reading….
Hello John,
Thank you for the wonderful time spent at the Arrows Gold Coast Luncheon on the 14th November. Sorry for the delay in writing you, I have just arrived back in Cairns having been in Melbourne straight after leaving the Gold Coast.
I had a wonderful surprise that some of the musos present worked in the Lali Heji 17 piece Swing Band I worked with at the Ritz Ballroom Brisbane when I first started singing professionally. We had a good old chat about people we worked with and those who have passed on, a good catch up. I didn't recognize some of them but remembered names.
Sorry I didn't get a chance to spend more time with you and Lynne, you were so busy then it was all over. I sat with Lynn Rogers and some of the Maori guys after everyone had left, Lynn drove me back to the hotel.
So much to talk about in a short space of time.
Thanks once again John for facilitating the Arrows, always a pleasure for me to meet up with you and colleagues.
Looking forward to next year.
Take care of yourself and good wishes to both you and Lynn. Until next time, Love,
Wilma xx

From Sue Kirkby
Hi John and Lynne.
I wish to "Thank you" for another wonderful day out at Varsity Lakes Tavern.
Looking forward to the next one.
Have a fantastic Christmas and New Year.
Cheers John

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Wilma on YouTube "We two can have a party" Have a great Christmas and a bright, successful 2017.
See you at the big anniversary bash at Cronulla on the 9th January.
John Charter

Office: 02 9822 4414
Mobile: 0414 849 966
Website: www.chartermusic.com.au