Celebrating 20 years in June, the Northern Tablelands and New England Sub-Branch of the National Servicemen’s Association, or Nashos, may come to an end.
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Following the sad passing of president Brian and the resignation after 18 years of secretary Olive who had also taken up the treasurer role, all executive seats will be vacant in the group’s next AGM on August 14. Brian and Olive were both awarded Life Membership of the National Service Association for their commitment to the National Service.
With few Nashos attending meetings and some passing away, most who do come are now women. There are still a lot of National Servicemen in Inverell and surrounding districts and who take part in the ANZAC Day march and Nashos anniversary luncheon, however none attend the meetings. Unless some of these men decide to take on an executive position, the group will have no other alternative than to close the organisation down.
Since they began, the Nashos started each year by selecting a non-government funded charity to work for and would present a cheque at the end of the year. They held a garden party at the then home of Julie and Graeme Clinch to fundraise for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. They also supported the Inverell Pipe Band, with donations and by selling raffle tickets. The band showed their gratitude, playing for many Nashos functions.
In 2001, the Nashos visited Tingha and Glen Innes to celebrate 50 years of National Service training. They had many outings with the Moree, Armidale and Glen Innes Nashos. The group hosted a group of Queensland Nashos when they visited Inverell.
The group enjoyed the Moree and Glen Innes 10th anniversary celebrations and the dedication of the Hlen Innes and Bingara memorials, which made them realise the need for a Nasho memorial in Inverell. The town now has its own Nashos memorial, which they are very proud of. Inverell’s Nashos visited the Hunter River Lancers headquarters and Light Horse Museum and saw many military vehicles on display, including the Bushmaster. They also visited the Barabra and Bingara Nashos.
Each year, the president and secretary along with other Nashos attended the Masonic Lodge’s Anzac Service. They donated money to help with expenses for the Bingara reunion each year and many also attended. The Nashos still intend to keep their monthly morning tea going, at Lake Inverell in summer and indoors in cooler months.
