March 2012
Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club
A branch of the AUSTRALIAN HOVERCRAFT FEDERATION Inc (Vic)
Dear Air Cushion Vehicle enthusiast,
The Queensland branch of The Australian Hovercraft Federation held a planning meeting on Tuesday,
20th March 2012, at the RC primary school, 350 Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge.
This meeting was attended by:-
| President:- | Peter Venn |
| Treasurer:- | Phillip Audsley |
| Secretary:- | Steven Odgaard |
Other members attending were Angus Kerr, Arthur Stead and Bill Toppin.
Visitors for the evening were Rita Chaffey, Kerri Audsley, and Brett Young.
A sad farewell to Des Goss.
It is with a very heavy heart that I announce the death of a dear friend and colleague, Des Goss.
Des was born on Thursday 12th October 1939 and died at 11pm on Tuesday 6th March 2012 in the
Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane, with his wife Margaret by his side.
Des’ health started to decline rapidly from October 2011 and he stated that arthritis was the key factor. Strong medication caused a good lung to collapse and with symptoms of asbestosis in the other lung, Des was unable to recover from the side effects & complications endured.
The Queensland Sporting Hovercraft Club held a farewell ceremony for Des Goss on Sunday, 18th March
2012 at 96 Muriel St Redland Bay.
Craft present at the ceremomy were:-
Peter Venn - Turbo TP6.
Angus Kerr - Viper.
David Venn - Flying Fish.
Arthur Stead - Revtech Renegade.
David Venn - Hoverjet - static display.
Steven Odgaard - Billy Baker II - static display.
Others attending the ceremony were Margaret Goss, Karen Goss, Brad Goss and other members of the family. Elaine Venn, Anna-Marie Venn, Thomas Venn, Judy Stead, Phillip and Kerri Audsley, Ann and Jeremy Torrance, Kyle Kerr and Doris, Bill Toppin, Chris Munck, Brett Young and Rita Chaffey.
When the six craft were lined up at the top of the boat ramp with wreaths, photos of Des and the QSH banner in position, Peter Venn gave a send-off tribute to Des, and Brad Goss responded. Four craft then made their way out on the Redland Bay Channel with Peter Venn and Steven Odgaard in the TP6, Arthur Stead in the Renegade, David and Thomas Venn in the Flying Fish and Angus Kerr with Ann and Jeremy Torrance in the Viper. As the four craft drifted past the group gathered on the shoreline, a floating wreath with flowers and colourful balloons was released in honour of Des, and slowly headed northwards with the out-going tide towards the wide open spaces of Moreton Bay.
Des built his Turbo Wedge 225 from kit form in 1986 with his son Bradley and soon became the most reliable and regular member on monthly club cruises.
Rarely missing a meeting or an event on the club calendar except to go on holidays with Margaret around
Australia or New Zealand, Des was without doubt the true cornerstone of our club without who’s
dedication and reliability, a continuous monthly cruise calendar for the last 26 years would have been
impossible.
A very sad farewell to Des Goss
The family at the top of the boat ramp
Club members lined up at the top of the boat ramp
The group on the shoreline views the release of the wreath
A very sad occasion on the bay as we say farewell to Des Goss
Steven Odgaard releases the wreath in the out-going tide
Des was the Vice President of QSH and chaired many planning meetings and AGMs.
It will be difficult to maintain an operational club in Queensland now that Des is gone.
Next club cruise:-
The next club cruise will be held on Sunday 15th April 2012 at Muriel St, Redland Bay.
Meet at 9:00 am at Peter Venn's place at 96 Muriel St, Redland Bay for a launch into the Redland
Bay Channel and a run amongst the southern bay islands.
UBD Reference - Map 267 B9.
Contact for the event is Steven Odgaard on 0400 798 404.
Next Queensland branch meeting:
The next club meeting will be on Tuesday 17th April 2012 at 7:30pm.
It will be held in the Staff Room, Our Lady of Fatima RC primary school, 350 Mortimer Road Acacia Ridge.
Hope you can come. All welcome.
Regards
Steven Odgaard
QSH secretary