Hi all
“It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Everywhere you go
Take a look at the five and ten, it's glistening once again
With candy canes and silver lanes that glow
Sure, it's Christmas once more”
16 days to go!
So, what does Christmas mean to you? For many it is
about traditions like decorating the tree, singing carols, hanging stockings,
attending church, watching Christmas movies, decorating your house with lights
and exchanging gifts. Or local customs like Australia’s Carols by Candlelight,
all centred around family, community and holidays starting in December with
advent calendars and festive baking.
For many this significant time of year represents
love, hope and joy depending on an individual’s beliefs and background. For
some this time of year is difficult as they do not have family to share it
with, are on their own, or away from home. It can be a lonely time.
What is a family Christmas tradition that you
share?
So, we decided that we would share some our
traditions with you.
Jan-Maree has a handmade Christmas wreath that she
made from left over ribbons from parcels and presents collected over a period
of time. Her home is decorated with more than one Christmas tree and lots and
lots of tinsel around the house.
For me I grew up Mum cooking a yummy baked dinner
with turkey & stuffing, ham, roast potatoes, green vegies, cauliflower with
cheese sauce. Then homemade Christmas pudding with real money in it with a
range of flavoured custards and creams. For nibbles we had cashews, chocolate
coated almonds and sultanas, homemade fruit cake. Then we added to the list of
nibbles Rum Balls that I would make and Mum and I would eat, the recipe was
from my industry days. Mum and I enjoyed the Rum Balls every year. I continue all
these food traditions. Mum gave me the silver money (shillings), so my pudding
always has money in it.
Let me share with you my Rum Balls recipe.
¼ cup copha, melted, 60g
250g icing sugar
2 tablespoons chocolate quik (nicer than cocoa)
½ cup coconut
1 cup chopped sultanas
2 ½ tablespoons rum
Chocolate sprinkles
1) 1. Combine all
dry ingredients
2) 2. Add copha and sufficient rum to form soft mixture
able to be rolled into balls
3) 3. Roll balls in chocolate sprinkles.
4) 4. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
TIP: I always
make at least a double quantity. If you reduce the copha a little, then you can
add more rum to make them even yummier. Enjoy!
Jan-Maree's Christmas Ribbon Wreath
PRIORITIES
Requests
number 1 -6 Op Kudo are on deployment. So obviously
we would like to get these requests completed.
7-25
are on deployment. So obviously we would like to
get these requests completed.
Request
26, 27 & 28 have been on the list since June 2025.
It
would be good to get these done and to their recipients.
As
always, the requests are listed in priority order. There are many new and
interesting requests that have come on this week.
Please
let me know if you can help.
POST BY DATE
The post by date for all Requests on this list
is 13 Jan 26 please, or earlier if you can manage this. If you cannot make that
date, please let me know. Do reach out if you have any timing issues and we’ll
resolve one way or the other. In fact, if you are going to be late posting it
please let me know BEFORE you post it. Also, if this time frame is too
tight for you, there are options, just email me to discuss, thank
you.
Request
Information
When selecting a request, remember, you do not have
to include everything they have asked for. Footy quilts do not need to have the
logo or even the team’s name. Using the team colours is all that is required.
Simple is perfectly acceptable. A number of these requests have given you
favourite colours as well as footy teams or other hobbies and interests. It is
fine to make a quilt using their favourite colours but please include at least
one of their interests. It is fine to keep it simple.
If there is more than one request on this list that
you would be happy to do I suggest that you send me a list of requests and tell
me how many you want to be allocated….i.e. one of the following please….
There are always a few requests that everyone wants to do (and I can never pick
them) so if the first one you ask for is taken then I can allocate another from
your list if I have a list.
Any queries you might have, please don’t hesitate
to contact via the AHQ email as per usual with any queries and we will assist
you from there. We may not know the answer, but it will be our pleasure
to research and get back to you.
A reminder, when you are ready to post the quilt or
laundry bag you’ve created, please use the name given you in any
correspondence with the admin team. This helps the volunteer admin
team keep a track of what’s been sent etc.
CPL Wanda Quilt
TG 3456
AFPO XX
ADF
Sydney NSW 2890
Also, please use the Aussie Heroes PO Box address
on your parcel in the event the parcel is Returned to Sender - the PO Box is a
safe place in the event of any mishaps with postage.
Aussie Hero Quilts (and Laundry Bags)
PO Box 248,
Cherrybrook, NSW 2126
Don’t forget to take a photo of your completed
quilt or laundry bag to email to AHQ with the name of the
recipient and we can include in the Weekly Dispatches blog and add to the tally
of quilts and laundry bags sent off to the troops. I personally love
viewing the photos of those projects dispatched – so inspiring.
If you are using an AHQ supplied prepaid satchel,
please kindly use the AHQ address for the return address– also for your own
packaging – if a parcel is Returned to Sender it is likely we can expedite its
journey to the recipient from Sydney.
Please also please hold on to the Tracking number
(the pink sticker that you should remove before posting – we’ve experienced
mail delays lately (haven’t we all?) and having the Tracking number is very
reassuring to keep an eye on the parcel’s progress in arriving at its
destination.
Don’t forget, if you look at today’s Request List
and need help choosing, please feel free to get in touch to discuss, we will be
ready to reply and offer guidance by email. Our goal is to help you find a
request that you will be comfortable with doing. If you need a crest etc we may
be able to post embroideries / printed fabric images or email some of these to
you.
Helpful info may be gleaned here
http://aussieheroquilts.blogspot.com/2019/07/information-post-for-those-that-sew-for.html
I look forward to seeing the photos of completed quilts and LBs when they are
ready to post off.
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE copy the ENTIRE line if you
wish to nominate for a quilt or laundry bag.
For example….
Marvel Theme. Ironman
M LB 1
This is really important to make sure that neither
you nor I copy the wrong number which could lead to me giving you the wrong
details for specific request. If you find it hard to copy and paste,
please copy the line out as above.
Decoding The Columns
The first column is the theme or preferences
requested.
The second column indicates the gender of the
recipient.
The third column is as follows.
B=both quilt and laundry bag (feel free to nominate
to JUST do the laundry bag if you wish)
Q= just a quilt
LB = just a laundry bag
F= female
M= male
Please let the Admin crew know if you have any
other questions....Just email friendsofahq@gmail.com
Looking forward to seeing what you want to make
this week. Happy stitching!
Cheers,
Jan-Maree
P.P.S.
Don't forget to check out AHQ on the Blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
|
Colour theme: pinks and greens (light pink, plum,
sage green, forest green)
Polish Coat of Arms (white crowned eagle)
Australian Coat of Arms
Snowflake
Snowman,
Peace Symbol,
saying: "it is what it is"
saying "Hopefully tomorrow"
saying: "It's fine, it's peacetime".
Stick figures to represent family, Mum, Dad, Boy – 12, Girl – 11, Girl –
6, Dog (staffy).
(We can have text embroidered, we can print Polish Coat of Arms)
|
F
|
B
|
1
|
|
Colours - Ukrainian flag colours & Polish
flag colours
Rising Sun,
Ukrainian Coat of Arms (tryzub or trident),
Polish Coat of Arms (white crowned eagle).
Babushka Doll,
Traditional Ukrainian embroidery patterns
(We can provide Rising Sun, print Polish Coat of Arms & Ukrainian Coat of
Arms)
|
M
|
B
|
2
|
|
Rising Sun and RAEME badge
Colours blue, yellow & red.
Theme - Australian Army,
Ukrainian flag and Coat of Arms,
Polish flag and Coat of Arms,
Australian flag and Coat of Arms,
RAEME Flag-horizonal stripes blue(top), yellow (middle), red (bottom)
(We can provide the Rising Sun, RAEME badge which can be stitched onto flag,
Aust Coat of Arms emb, Printed Ukrainian Coat of Arms & Polish Coat of
Arms )
|
F
|
B
|
3
|
|
RAAF Crest - Air Intelligence Officer
Ukrainian themes - Blue and yellow,
Ukraine trident,
phrasing such as "Slava Ukraini! Heroiam Slava!"
Ukrainian sunflower,
Ukrainian style embroidery patterns,
Motherland stature,
Birdlife.
(We can provide RAAF crest, and the text can be embroidered. The Tudor rose
is the symbol for intelligence and could be appliqued. We can also provide a picture of the
Motherland Statue.)
|
F
|
B
|
4
|
|
Signals Corp
Beach/ocean theme
Aus Flag,
Polish Flag,
Emu/Kangaroo
Australiana Frangipani Flowers,
Christian Cross,
Three pets - Outline/stick figure: 2 x cats and 1 x dog,
Coffee,
Music Notes,
Volleyball
(We can provide the Sig Corp badge)
|
F
|
B
|
5
|
|
Rising Sun,
RAAOC badge
Forest colours.
Polish Flag,
Australian Flag,
Canberra Raiders,
Plymouth Argyle,
LA Rams,
German Shepherd (with floppy ears),
White Cat
(We can provide the Rising Sun and RAAOC badge)
|
M
|
B
|
6
|
|
Grey, Pink, Red, Blue,
Australian Flag
Dolphins,
Sporting theme.
|
F
|
Q
|
7
|
|
Sky Blue
RAAF roundel,
Australian Flag,
Light green, orange (sunrise/sunset),
C-130J aircraft,
Kelpie dog (brown & tan)
(We can provide the RAAF Roundel and Command badge)
|
M
|
B
|
8
|
|
Army themed,
Green, tan, multicam,
RASIGs Badge,
Radio Operator
(We can provide the RASIGS badge & Regiment badge)
|
M
|
B
|
9
|
|
Baby blue, aqua, light purple,
Australian flag,
Camel,
Rabbits,
Chihuahua (tan)…animal theme
|
F
|
B
|
10
|
|
Multicam Camouflage
Black themed with a black and white Australian flag on both.
(NO initials on bag please)
|
M
|
B
|
11
|
|
Rising Sun,
AAPC psych Badge
Scottish and Australian theme.
Scottish florals (eg.Thistle).
Australian florals (e.g Gum nut flowers/Golden Wattle/Bottle Brush etc).
Military florals (e.g. Poppies, Rosemary etc)
(We can provide the Rising Sun and AAPC psych badge)
|
F
|
Q
|
12
|
|
Mediterranean theme (ocean blues, olive green,
natural greens, white, lemon and sunflower yellow).
Australian Flag.
|
F
|
B
|
13
|
|
Multicam
Black,
Hunting, Fishing, Guns,
Beers,
Country pubs,
4wds
Russel Coight.
Regiment logo
(We can provide Command logo)
|
M
|
B
|
14
|
|
Multicam Camouflage
Black themed with a black and white Australian flag on both.
|
M
|
B
|
15
|
|
Multicam Camouflage
Black themed with a black and white Australian flag
Regiment Logo on both please.
(We can provide the Regiment logo)
|
M
|
B
|
16
|
|
Greens, whites and oranges.
Frangipani
|
F
|
Q
|
17
|
|
Rising Sun and Green multicam
(We can provide the Rising Sun)
|
F
|
LB
|
18
|
|
Army theme
Rising Sun
with Australian Native Flora
(We can provide Rising Sun)
|
M
|
Q
|
19
|
|
Multicam Camouflage
Black themed with a black and white Australian flag on both
AUST INT CORP badge and name 'XXX'. Thank you!
(We can provide the INT Corps badge)
|
M
|
Q
|
20
|
|
Regiment badge,
Middle East theme.
(We can provide the Regiment badge)
|
F
|
LB
|
21
|
|
Black
Command badge
Aussie Flag
(We can provide the Command badge)
|
M
|
LB
|
22
|
|
Australian floral theme
Australian flag,
Regiment & Command badge
Thank you!
(We can provide the badges)
|
M
|
Q
|
23
|
|
Black,
Game/Movie Themed, Diablo II, III or IV (game),
Marvel heroes,
Guardian of the Galaxy
|
M
|
LB
|
24
|
|
Neon coloured Printed Circuit Board pattern,
Cyber Security themed
|
M
|
B
|
25
|
|
Weights, gym & anchors
|
M
|
Q
|
26
|
|
Bass Guitars / Speakers
|
M
|
Q
|
27
|
|
Leopard print
Rastafarian,
Surf,
Snowboarding,
Chicken joe
|
M
|
Q
|
28
|
|
Dim Sims and Cigarettes
|
M
|
LB
|
29
|
|
Mission: Impossible theme
(link provided to google search for ideas for theme)
|
M
|
B
|
30
|
|
RAAF crest with service details
Incorporate a green military tunnel tent (11x11 style),
Super hornet and a C-17 Globemaster.
Likes flowers,
Vintage-country style,
Favourite colour is blue.
(We can provide RAAF crest)
|
F
|
B
|
31
|
|
Lionel Messi (Argentine soccer player - plays for
Inter Miami CF) and
Lebron James (US Basketball player - LA Lakers team)
|
M
|
Q
|
32
|
|
South Australian Coat of Arms
|
M
|
Q
|
33
|
|
HMAS Brisbane with ocean themed sea monsters
(We can provide the ship crest & RAN crest & ships silhouette)
|
M
|
Q
|
34
|
|
Dogs (Australian Shepards and Border Collies)
|
M
|
Q
|
35
|
|
Legend of Zelda,
Pokemon,
Harry Potter,
Dungeons and Dragons.
|
F
|
Q
|
36
|
|
Raccoons
|
M
|
Q
|
37
|
|
Papua New Guinea flag and Bird of Paradise
|
F
|
Q
|
38
|
|
The Big Lez Show (Australian comedy cartoon-like
web series)
|
M
|
Q
|
39
|
|
Physical Training Instructor with some Bears and
Unicorns incorporated for my kids.
Colour scheme more masculine colours with a little feminine.
(We can provide PTI rate badge or could be easily appliqued)
|
M
|
Q
|
40
|
|
Gym and Hajime no Ippo (Anime/ Manga) Theme.
Please also include exactly 1 cup of milk somewhere
|
M
|
Q
|
41
|
|
HMAS Brisbane with cigarette missiles launching
and explosions (if not possible loads of cigarettes and explosions)
(We can provide RAN and ships crest. Silhouette of ship)
|
M
|
Q
|
42
|
|
Disney/Pixar Themed
|
M
|
Q
|
43
|
|
XBOX game theme: Tomb Raider/Assassin Creed/cyber
punk/Grand Theft Auto
|
F
|
Q
|
44
|
|
Fortnight - the game
|
M
|
Q
|
45
|
|
Animal and nature themed please.
Animals, islands, seals, cows, birds.
|
M
|
Q
|
46
|
|
Military Police themed with Explosions
|
M
|
Q
|
47
|
|
Optimus Prime fighting Megatron with Explosions
|
M
|
Q
|
48
|
|
Dragon Ball Z
|
M
|
Q
|
49
|
|
Batman in a battle with a Cat
|
M
|
Q
|
50
|
|
Crash Bandicoot
|
M
|
Q
|
51
|
|
F22 Raptor, (fighter jet)
Steel Cat (HMAS Brisbane nickname) with Explosions
(We can provide ship's silhouette, & RAN & the ships crests)
|
M
|
Q
|
52
|
|
The Steel Cat (HMAS Brisbane nickname) with lots
of Cats and Explosions
(We can supply the photo of the ship and an image/silhouette of HMAS
Brisbane)
|
M
|
Q
|
53
|
|
Manchester City
|
M
|
Q
|
54
|
|
Ronnie Coleman (American former Bodybuilder) and
body building in general
(images available)
|
M
|
Q
|
55
|
|
90s/early 2000s Nickelodeon cartoons or Scooby
Doo Themed
|
F
|
Q
|
56
|
|
Chicken Joe from Surfs Up Cartoon movie with
saying "I can feel it in my nuggets"
|
M
|
Q
|
57
|
|
Liverpool FC (Mo Salah, Virgil, Gerrard, King
Kenny)
|
M
|
Q
|
58
|
|
Star Trek Deep Space 9
|
M
|
Q
|
59
|
|
Navy crest
HMAS Hobart, HMAS Brisbane,
HMAS Sydney with explosions
(We can supply Navy crest and the ships crests)
|
M
|
Q
|
60
|
|
Surf's up the movie themed
|
M
|
Q
|
61
|
|
Greek Themed Food Truck with Explosions
|
M
|
Q
|
62
|
|
Traditional & Sailor Jerry Tattoo themed
|
F
|
Q
|
63
|
|
Star Wars themed, Anakin Skywalker vs Obi Wan
duel on Mustafar, lightsabres hitting.
|
M
|
Q
|
64
|
|
Carlton Football Club (AFL)
|
M
|
Q
|
65
|
|
Australian Bushland
|
M
|
Q
|
66
|
|
HMAS Brisbane/ocean themed
(We can provide the Brisbane & RAN crests & the ships silhouette)
|
F
|
Q
|
67
|
|
HMAS Brisbane/ocean themed
(We can provide the Brisbane & RAN crests)
|
M
|
Q
|
68
|
|
Melbourne Storm NRL Team
|
M
|
Q
|
69
|
|
Mythical Nautical Creatures of the Deep
|
M
|
Q
|
70
|
|
HMAS Brisbane firing Tomahawk Missile with
Explosions
(We can provide a RAN crest& a silhouette of the ship)
|
M
|
Q
|
71
|
|
HMAS BRISBANE with shark teeth on bow with
explosions in background.
(We can provide a RAN & ship's crest as well as a silhouette of the ship)
|
M
|
Q
|
72
|
|
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs team with NWA
artist in a ballerina concert.
|
M
|
Q
|
73
|
|
RAN Crest, HMAS Brisbane/Royal Australian Navy
themed
(We can provide the Navy and ships crest)
|
M
|
Q
|
74
|
|
Transformers
|
M
|
Q
|
75
|
|
Star Wars (Republic Clone Wars)
|
M
|
Q
|
76
|
|
Formula 1
|
M
|
Q
|
77
|
|
Goat with explosions
|
M
|
Q
|
78
|
|
Tanks through the ages
|
M
|
Q
|
79
|
|
Retro Arcade
|
M
|
LB
|
80
|
|
King Dedede (character from Nintendo's video game
'Kirby')
Red, blue, yellow and white coloured theme
|
M
|
LB
|
81
|
|
Fighter jets
|
M
|
LB
|
82
|
|
Cobra Kai (American Karate drama TV show)
|
M
|
LB
|
83
|
|
90's Japanese cars
|
M
|
LB
|
84
|
|
Purple anime theme
|
M
|
LB
|
85
|
|
Avatar the Last Air Bender
|
M
|
LB
|
86
|
|
Zelda and Pokémon. Colours:
Predominantly green.
|
M
|
LB
|
87
|
|
The Witcher (Books/Video Game) (My favourite),
PlayStation, 4WDing.
Predominately blue, silver, or black.
|
M
|
LB
|
89
|
|
Michael Jordan/Chicago Bulls.
Black, red and white
|
M
|
LB
|
90
|
|
Optimus Prime (Transformers Dark of the Moon)
Autobots Logo,
Red, Blue
|
M
|
LB
|
91
|
|
Videogames/Orange/Blue
|
M
|
LB
|
92
|
|
Colours: Blue, Pink Purple,
Oceans and sunsets,
Sydney Swans Football Club
|
F
|
LB
|
93
|
|
Colour blue,
Books
Nature
|
F
|
LB
|
94
|
|
Colours burnt orange and black,
Underwater,
Pirate,
Submarine and tactical
|
M
|
LB
|
95
|
|
Red, Dragons
|
M
|
LB
|
96
|
|
Ballarat Blue with Eureka Stockade flag and FFH
155
|
M
|
LB
|
97
|
|
Ball Sports
|
M
|
LB
|
98
|
|
Lightning McQueen (Cars)
|
M
|
LB
|
99
|
|
Essendon FC (RED) / Chelsea FC (BLUE) / Real
Madrid FC (white) colours in brackets
|
M
|
LB
|
100
|
