Nibbles and drinks in the foyer commenced a wonderful evening.  All the retired service personnel, partners and supporters were resplendent in their mess dress, evening gowns or suits and medals.

It was a wonderful evening, commencing with Navy Cadets marching the flags in behind the Lone Piper.

There was a DVD from the Prime Minister, Mr Abbott, congratulating Nowra on our ball. Our local Members of Parliament Shelly Hancock and Gareth Ward were present. 

The Nowra Concert Band played some wonderful music and the dancers danced their legs off. There was a DVD of The Band Played Waltzing Matilda and a great PowerPoint presentation of photographs. 

It was a wonderful venue and a great night. 

However, I realise I am only a “blow in” in Shoalhaven, having lived here for some 24 years. 

I understand that there are two Royal Australian Navy bases here.  Local lore would have me believe “what a big Navy town Nowra is”. 

So the million-dollar question; where were our uniformed serving personnel to support this amazing function? I know you were invited. 

I may have missed you, in which case I apologise, but your presence, if you were there, was remarkably low-key. 

In fact it seems a pretty shabby effort that on the 100th Anniversary of Anzac that there was no visible support from our current service personnel. 

Remember that one day you may be an RSL Sub Branch member.

P. Pickup,

Bomaderry.