News from Kate!

Depending on your perspective, Joe and I are either too cool or too old to use FaceBook so I am heeding a call to revive the blog a bit... 

Things have been busy in the everyday-life-sort-of-way for us with two boys running around the house, Samuel is asking a lot of questions about the world and Marcus is generally trying to eat his way through the world. They are both doing well though and are (most of the time) pretty hilarious little people. 

We recently went up to Singapore to visit Zac and Tarrah, they were excellent hosts and I highly recommend a visit while they are nearby! Marcus fittingly took his first step at the airport and I am including some pics from there and from a recent hiking trip...

Our big news is that we are heading over to the USA next year (around May) for six months to help out Joe's family as they open a micro-brewery in their hometown (Oxford, Michigan). It's an exciting move, an exciting career change for Joe (he will be a brewing assistant for a while)  and it is a bit of a test run to see if living over there is something we want to do....hope to see you all there for a pint sometime...

We will at the royal wedding in Adelaide this year, so we can't wait to catch up!

Love from Kate

ANZAC ROFFs

There have been some enquiries about Roffs and Anzac.

There is a 1 August 2014 posting on Roff Report.

In the meantime the focus is on Jack.

The above photo is from Mum's files – Jack in full regalia.

The date is interesting. He was joined up at 21 years and 7 months on 2^nd May 1915, with his brother William Frederick (Fred) a couple of years older.  Jack was a Law Clerk, and Fred was a chemist, and may have completed his apprenticeship under Cyril Newton and Adam Newton at Enmore. What enticed them to sign up?  Hard to say.  But that's 100 years to the day if this is posted by tomorrow. His enlistment papers recommend him for the 3^rd AGH, and Mum had mentioned his step-brother Dr Will Newton pulled some strings to get him in there, with Fred's chemist experience lending weight.

They sailed on the Mooltan for Europe on 15^th May, so basic training must have been basic, and reports are that training continued on the boat.  He did not travel very well, and had 14 days hospitalised while on the Mooltan from 20^th May until 2^nd June.

The 3^rd AGH arrived in England, expecting to be posted to Europe but were diverted via Egypt as the Gallipoli campaign was escalating, and arrived at Lemnos Island (not Lesbos) in late July. Lemnos is 50 miles from the Gallipoli peninsula. The 3^rd AGF was set up at a place called Mudros on the island.

You can track their movements to Europe on the Mooltan at a couple of websites:

http://www.gallipoli.gov.au/nurses-at-gallipoli/

and

http://throughtheselines.com.au/research/3-AGH

[This is an excellent website and has links to a summary of war records, with photos which Jack could be in. They also have photos of 1915 superimposed on current day – there are about 10 or so on display at Mitchell Library.]

Jack's movements on Lemnos are of course unknown. As a private he probably started in setting up the base camp and hospital, but at some stage he must have been assigned to collect the wounded from the bases at 'Gallipoli' and ferry them back for hospital treatment. No glory in that. The websites report an August Offensive with high casualty rates. Reportedly a kind soul, I imagine Jack offering comfort to some battered human beings on the boat to Mudros.

Mum reports he was at Gallipoli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X56vkusRgoE

You would not argue with that. (My apologies for suggesting it was Lesbos Island…just testing them)

But his stay in the action was short-lived, though I imagine he had seen enough for a lifetime. The websites report that though there was a good survival rate in the hospital casualties, disease became bad over the summer. Flies.  Jack's records show he was promoted to Lance Corporal on November 11^th 1915, but succumbed to jaundice (hepatitis?) and admitted to the 3^rd AGH on the island on 25^th November until discharged to duty on 8^th January 1916, so 45 days. He was not much good after that it seems, "off-strength" which would be consistent with hepatitis, and so sent to Alexandria on 27^th January. He was eventually repatriated from Cairo in August on the Seang Choon, with instructions to have a hernia attended to. Poor guy.

So what is the significance of the date on the photo? 12 August I would have him on Lemnos, but maybe sailed on the boat with the nurses who arrived after the forward brigade.

The websites link to some photos by AW Savage, and one from Christmas 1915 is below.

I wonder if Jack is in the photo, or still confined to bed. Fred may have been in the shot.

To confirm, I have Jack's photo album of his time with the 3^rd AGH, and I wonder how he was allowed to take photos and apparently having a camera was verboten, or maybe he bought some off Mr Savage – they look very similar to his. There are not many of "action", I think he was over the novelty of it all by that stage. What to do what to do.

But be thankful he survived it all, not sent to the Western Front as the 3^rd AGH was, and was able to return, discharged from duty in November to join theatre and musical groups, meet Mona and start our families.

His war records I secured on line some time ago…do not remember the links. But here are some selected pages.

Brendan

 

Tuross 2015

Courtesy of Rick

Mona Green anyone?

Well I am back manacled to the desk after a happy week in Tuross. How about youse?

There was some conjecture in developing the family tree last week about the real identity of Mona Green who married Jack Roff. Her grandchildren knew her as Mardi and were generally in awe of her. But Eileen Mona Green she was, as per the wedding pics and description attached, obtained from another of Mum's dossiers (Roff, Osborne, Musgrave, Seage, Bernasconi amongst others). A bit of trivia is that Mardi/Mona turned 120 last Monday (12^th Jan). I have never known the Roff's to be big headed, but looking at Jack in the photo I would forgive any of you if you were. Well, he was my grandfather too.

The other wedding shot is of Frank Green, Mona's elder brother, marrying Linda McBride. They produced Don (1922), Noel (1926) and Max (1928). Max died quite young. Noel sadly passed away last week and his funeral was last Friday while we were in Tuross. His son Mark came to Betty's funeral. So there is only one of that generation of Green-Roff remaining…and he (Ken), derived from Walter and Thelma, has lived in Canada since he was 20.

Not sure if you can read the fine print….but trust me.

Brendan

 

Merry Christmas from WA

Sorry we didn't make it to the reunion this year - we hope Dad and Liz represented the WA clan well.

This was our version of Xmas here in Perth - Marry Christmas to everyone!

Love from Kate, Joe, Samuel and Marcus

Happy Birthday Cheeseboy

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Attached is a pic of Glenn Roff's attempt at the 'Mona Lisa' during a game of Pictionary this week. Terrible. 

Jake and I wanted to thank you all for your love and support throughout the year. It has been very tough. Thank you for your letters, phone calls, postcards, emails, visits, texts, cards and gifts.  

Your deposit into our account (thanks Kate for organsing) was greatly appreciated and unexpected, also.  We have purchased something special for Lacho and Maisie (will post a photograph after Christmas, for fear Glenn will tell them what we've bought!), It left some money for Jake and I to spend on ourselves. We will let you know where those funds go too. Thank you, so much. 

We won't make Roff Christmas in January, but will be thinking of you all. 

Lots of love and big hugs

Jake, Kel, Lach and Maisie xxxx (& Kiki) 

Off to work - Hanoi style

Time to finally get rid of the photo of Grant from top post.  (Why did it take so long, I hear you all cry.)

Thought you'd maybe prefer to check out my personal protective equipment for getting to work in Hanoi. And please note the fetching colour coordination. I like to be known for my style.

Julia

Second opinion

Julia thinks it's about time Grant went to a barber. Grant wants a second opinion...

Vale Bonnie

The much-loved Kearton/Roff dog, Bonnie, had to be put down last weekend. She'd been disoriented for a few weeks and has spent the last few years dealing with diabetes and the resultant loss of eyesight and hearing. She spent her last day in a dog hospital and Julia and I were there for the final, peaceful moments.

She had a great life full of adventures and loved her family. Everyone's upset but, as Annika pointed out, she'll live on in the epic feature film, 'Bonnie to the Rescue'. I'll put it on the blog again to remind you of how fearless she was as a family protector.

Grant xx

Roff report

Hi Adam

how are you? I've finally got around to taking a look at the blog. I'm not sure how to post? can you send instructions?

Lou

------------------------

Hi Lou,

Whatever you send to adamantly.roff@blogger.com goes on the Roff Report as a post. If you include an attachment it will show up as an image. The instructions are on the right hand side of the blog if you forget. Just don't forget to write your name at the end.

Ad

Vale Paul Doohan

Regretfully I have to report that Cathie's Dad, Paul Doohan, passed away Thursday 23 October. He died peacefully and surrounded by his close family. While his passing was expected, it is painful for the family. The funeral will be at 10am on Thursday 30 October at St Josephs Church The Junction. I am happy to represent the Roff family and pass on our respects.

Paul was always good to me, propped up many of my character cars with timely major repairs and was a wonderful "poobah" to Andrew and Rowan. In his final weeks Cathie and he grew much closer. Like many of his generation he was upright, independent and resourceful and provided a solid and protective life for his family.

If there really are chariots in heaven, I'm sure Paul will have some suggestions to make them run sweeter.

Love

Ash

some more Marcus/Samuel pics...

love from Kate

Introducing...

While this little one doesn't have quite the pedigree of Evie, I am very proud to announce the arrival of Marcus Xavier Powers.

He was born 6am on October 18th, at 52cm and 3.6kgs (7pound 15oz), and is doing well. He looks a lot like Samuel, who is so far relishing the role of big brother.

Joe and I (despite being shocked that the human race hasn't come up with a less traumatic way to produce children) are also doing well and are very grateful for all the family support and well wishes!

Hope we can introduce you to him in person soon,

love from Kate and Joe

Welcome to the family, Evie.

We're having a bad run with losing some of our closest and dearest relatives so here's a good news story - welcome to our new standard Schnauser puppy! We have been waiting for some time to hear from the breeders and finally we received the call to come and pick up the successor to the Guardian of the Eastern Dark. At 8 weeks old she seems to have the right attitude to taking on this great responsibility, with very sharp teeth to match.

After much debate we have named her Evangelion, with a nod to Aunty Betty Seage (Eva) and Andrew and Rowan's favourite Japanese cartoon, Neon Genesis Evangelion. It's Evie for short

Evie has lots of character and very good breeding, her father has been the national champion in Canada, USA and NZ and Supreme Champion in Australia, Unfortunately she is blithe to this pedigree and prefers to eat possum poo!

Ash and Cathie

Vale Norma

Julia's mum, Norma, died on September 12. She was 85, having been born on May 12, 1929. She spent the last six years of her life at Lower Plenty Garden Views care facility and was admitted to hospital a few days before her death with a non-specific infection.

Norma had four children, Robert, Adrian, Julia and Venita, and an adopted daughter, Maria. By the time of her death she had 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life was conducted at Le Pine Chapel, Box Hill, on September 18. It was attended by all her children, many of her grandchildren and a most of her great-grandchildren. Others included two of her sisters, Helen and Janet, and her husband of 37 years, Ron.

The Roffs were represented by Grant, Amanda, Annika and Nicholas.

The order of service started with Amazing Grace followed by a joint eulogy from her four children. It was then the turn of the grandchildren to occupy the pulpit with words of tribute. Annika spoke, as did Nick which included a reflection from Dom who is currently in Canada and obviously unable to attend.

Julia and Nick assembled an audiovisual presentation which covered Norma's time from birth to her last days. It was accompanied by Pachelbel's Cannon in D and painted a comprehensive picture of a rich and interesting life.

Music was important to Norma so the audiovisual presentation was followed by a sing-along which included a medley of player-piano songs the whole family had sung during their many car journeys.

The service finished with 'You are my sunshine'.

If the meaning of life is to love and be loved, Norma was very successful.

The printed order of service finished with a quote from Ashley Montagu which Norma would have enjoyed: "The idea is to die young, as late as possible."

Lourdes

Best funeral and wake ever. Lovely to see the collection of family and friends and enjoy the wonder of Betty's life and times. Brendan sang and Sue Roff organised a choir to sing the Dunbogan song. Fortunately, Louise Thomas was there to lead it as some of us were patchy with the words. Aunty Betty was a saint. RIP.
Grant xx

Mass of Thanksgiving and Farewell

Joan Eva (Betty) Seage
20th April 1924 – 20th August 2014

Lourdes Chapel, Lourdes Village, Killara
Monday 25 August 2014

Vale Aunty Betty

Sad news. Betty Seage died last night (Monday 19/08/14). Aunty Betty would have been 90 this year and had a long life rich with the love of her immediate and extended family. She contraced a chest infection ten days ago and was unable to recover. I'm sure the Roff family will keep the Seages, particularly Uncle Ken, close to their hearts in the coming days. We will post news on the funeral service when it becomes available. God bless Aunty Betty.

-Grant

Dom departs

Dom had a farewell family breakfast with siblings at Melbourne airport this morning - the enthusiasm on  the faces suggests it was an earlier start than usual for some.

Dom and Katie have both just finished their degrees (well some are slightly more finished than others....) and have headed off on for a working holiday in Canada. They have 2 year visas but are not sure how long they'll stay  - depends on work opportunities and how the money holds out.
Here's hoping Dom follows Zac and Lizzie's lead, and keeps the family occasionally informed of his wherabouts by putting the odd post up on the Roffreport. Have fun Dom and Katie.

Uncle Grant

I hope this works, and you may have seen this already on Face Book but here is a great photo of me, jenny and Gandalf enjoying the super 15 final at the Wicklow. Luke was there as well.

History Chest

Horses' Birthday.

So begins a year of centenary of war war war. ABC will soon show a doco story about nurses at Anzac, from their posting on Lemnos Island. Look out for  the boys below as they were probably there at the time. Jack aged 21, Fred a couple of years older. So the story goes: Dr Will Newton (b. 1873) chaperoned his half brothers, Fred and Jack Roff, into the Hospital forces to keep them away from front line duty. Fred ended up a chemist and may have been apprenticed at the time. Jack has Gallipoli on his war record, so it could be assumed he was in the troop collecting the wounded by boat to bring back to the hospitals on Lemnos.

Dr. Will Newton (centre), half-brother to Frederick Roff (L) and Jack Roff (R)

at, or en route to,  Lemnos Island, Greece 1915 as part of 3^rd AGH.

 

For more info on the 3^rd AGH go to www.anzacsite.gov.au/5environment/nurses/third-agh.html . Did not read like a pleasant winter.

Hope all is good in your worlds.

Brendan

 

Manila

Loath as I am to de-throne Andrew and his newly appointed Princess from the top of the Roff Report (easily the most widespread rag in all the land) I thought I would post up a bit about my trip to Manila! It was excellent to see Annika again - we basically spent most of the time in restaurants or bars, and tried to set new records in who could talk the most, and the fastest. I believe it was a draw, which is what everyone who loses says. We went swimming, ate good food, drank good wine, went to fun bars, markets, coffee stores and visited the driving range. I say visited because it was closed, so we retired directly to the bar. We also went to an excellent looking rooftop bar. Also closed. Thanks to Annika for being such a great host!

Prince Andrew names his princess

In a surprise announcement, one of the princes of Adelaide, Andrew, has announced his engagement to the lady Sarah Harding. Prince Andrew denies that the engagement has any relevance to his recent 30th birthday, but his press release commences with the words "So tired...."? Andrew's parents are delighted with the news and look forward to having a daughter in the family.

Prince Rowan, in an emotional statement, said that the announcement was inconsiderate considering that the World Cup and Wimbledon should have rightly taken prominence. "Call me a traditionalist" he said.

Meanwhile, insiders have expressed concern that Lady Sarah may not necessarily know of Prince Andrew's propensity to cross-dressing and a secret addiction to Guns 'N Roses.

The Nation is engrossed with the couple's engagement and we at the Roff Report wish them all the best. No date has yet been set for the marriage. Prince Andrew was heard to say; "I am still in a fog!"

Ashley