New Year’s Greetings to All Members and Friends!
Please see below for details of our next events:

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Recent News:

• As it is now only six months to the 80^th Anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, it seemed like an appropriate time to install a peace pole. Thanks to NCW for allowing us to place the pole in the front garden at 95 South Terrace. The event will also help promote this important commemoration in a world now witnessing an escalation in the use of missiles and bombs of greater capacity.  We learnt of the Rotary Peace Pole initiative at our initial UN Human Rights Day event, held opposite Memorial Hospital in the city. This will now be an annual event as Muriel spent so much time promoting and pursuing peace. She became a peace activist just after the declaration of WW1 – and before Gallipoli and the death of her brother at Lone Pine. We must continue this important aspect of her life’s work.
• As we now have our own pole, we may decide to hold next year’s UN HR Day event at NCW House – where we have access to toilets and refreshments – but access by public transport is a little more difficult. Please let me know where you think would be the best spot.
• Also, it would be good to have as many signed petitions back, as soon as possible. The extreme hot weather has meant it has not been possible to be out and about, and this has meant we are well short of the 10,000 signature target. Parliament does not return until late February, so we do have some extra time. While there is a ceasefire in the Gaza/Isreal conflict, wars still rage in other parts of the world Our theme ‘everyone has the right to live in peace and safety’ remains true – here at home and overseas.
• Due to the Peace Pole event, there will be no Balloon Flight commemoration event this year.
• Dr Clem Macintyre’s talk at South Terrace 24/11/24 saw a full house totally engrossed    during the well prepared and fact revealing presentation. Needless to say, there was a lot to take in and it left all in attendance thinking about the many pros with this system of voting.
• Mari Takayanagi (author, Westminster Parliamentary Archivist and MMS UK Friend) will now be able to visit Adelaide in Feb 2025, on her way home to London. While here to see The Grille (still on loan from Westminster), she will also be able to see some of the other important South Australian suffrage ‘sites’. We are hoping for some news on the interesting image of MM and The Grille in the Schlesinger Library, where Marie will have been shortly before arriving in Australia.
• The little radio spot ‘The Odd Couple’ with David Bevan (before his retirement in November 2024) on every Friday after 9.30am, proved to be very popular. Co-presenters Frances and MMS member Sam Duluk talked about behind-the-scenes happenings in the SA Parliament and also managed to get a mention of Muriel in every week! Several bookings and many inquiries have resulted and while there is no indication of a return in 2025, people may wish to contact ABC891 to say how much they enjoyed the segment, and you never know!
• Now the new year has started, and the new Queensland government is in place, work on the distribution of the monograph in that state will re-commence.
• The MM Award presentation at Parliament House on Thursday 14/11/24 was well attended. Speeches by some of the winners were of a very high calibre and their interest in the award was very pleasing to see. Our thanks to The Speaker and the Education Minister Blair Boyer (and his department) for hosting the event and their continuing support of the award. I look forward to an even grater participation rate this year.
• Condolences – Muriel has recently lost some of her men: long standing members Adrian Vicary and Semus Rhind have passed away. They will be missed, and our sympathies go to their family and friends.

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Memberships:

**Please remember, to include your name when paying by direct debit – We still have payments coming through without identification and will need your help to allocate **

Membership rates: full membership $20.00 and concessional membership $10.00.
Paid to date info and Reminders were sent with Christmas cards.
Renewal Forms for 2024/2025 are available online – www.murielmatterssociety.com.au/membership

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Merchandise and Talks:

As there are some new images, it might be time for a new tea towel soon!

People are still approaching The Society for public talks – Muriel’s story or any of our other presentations are great for gatherings and after-dinner entertainment. We are always keen to make new contacts and friends!