Friends of Kiama Library

The aim of the Friends of Kiama Library (FOKL) is to support and enrich the Kiama local public library service, and consequently the local community, while providing a stimulating and enjoyable programme for members.

Friends' activities include meetings with interesting speakers, book launches and readings, book sales, luncheons, trivia nights and usually a one-day exercursion each year.

Full details of events are included in "FOKL Points", the Friends' newsletter, which is mailed to members four or five times a year.

Information about activities is advertised in the Library, and where possible in the social calendar of the Kiama Independent .

 

 

Ian Pfennigwerth

Captain Ian Pfennigwerth spent 35 years in the Royal Australian Navy in seagoing, staff and overseas postings, his last twelve years being spent primarily in the intelligence sphere. He served as Director of Naval Intelligence for three years and was the Defence Attache in Beijing for two years covering the period of the Tiananmen Square protests.. Ian retired to Port Stephens NSW in 2000 where he has developed his passion for Australian naval history. In March 2005 the University of Newcastle awarded Ian his Doctorate for a PhD thesis on the contribution of intelligence to RAN wartime operations. He has contributed to several naval history conferences and is a member of the management team of the Journal of Australian Naval History produced by the Naval Historical Society of Australia. A lecture he developed for Heritage Week 2004 on the naval history of Port Stephens is shortly to be published as a booklet by the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol. In March 2006 his book "A Man of Intelligence", a biography of the Australian codebreaker Captain Eric Nave, was published by Rosenberg Publishing. His new book, on World War 2 cruiser HMAS Perth, (Ian was a Commanding Officer of the destroyer Perth II) will be published in March 2007.

Eric Nave

Eric Nave, an Australian naval officer, was the first to unravel Japanese naval telegraphy and to break Imperial Japanese Navy codes. Nave's success in penetrating Japan's codes ensured that in the South West Pacific Area, Allied operational forces were able to strike the Japanese Army and Navy where and when it would cause most harm. Nave's impressive Japanese language skills, and ability to spot the main features and weak points of intercepted messages, gained him widespread respect and admiration. Between 1940 and 1942, almost single-handedly, he constructed Australia's first signals intelligence bureau, making Australia as aware of Japanese intentions as the US and UK Governments. Nave was closely involved in the development of the Defence Signals in Melbourne, and in 1946 he led the delegation which ensured Australia's inclusion in the Allied signals intelligence arrangements. In 1950 Nave joined ASIO playing a major role in the security arrangements for the Woomera Joint Test Facility, elements of the Petrov defection, and security of the 1954 Royal Tour and the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Retiring in 1959, he served as National President of the Naval Association for three terms.This biography explores the dysfunctional nature of US signals intelligence and its effects on war in the South West Pacific.

Then on Saturday 7 October, the Friends welcome members and guests to afternoon tea at the Kiama Community Centre in Hindmarsh Park from 2.30pm, with naval officer,diplomat and historian Ian Pfennigwerth talking about his very interesting career and his biography "A Man of Intelligence : the Life of Captain Eric Nave - Australian Code-breaker Extraordinary".

Our annual Trivia Evening will be on Friday 27 October in the Masonic Hall, Collins Street, from 7pm, hosted by well-known local journalist and author Bruce Elder. There will again be lots of prizes, and entry will cost $8 a head. Tickets, and further information, will be available from the Library in early October.

Wednesday 6 December is the date to enter in the calendar for the Friends' last event of 2006, with our end-of-year party kicking off with noted local personality and architect Don Gazzard talking about his life and professional work and his recently published personal memoir "Sydneysider". Everyone will be made welcome at the Kiama Community Centre starting at 7.30pm.

May I also suggest that the Brian Keast event on 19 September be left out of the Friends section. (This is a Library do rather than a Friends thing, and as you know, Brian did a gig for the Friends a little while ago, so I would like to avoid any confusion.)

Membership

becomes due for renewal at the end of May each year. Annual rates are $7 for individuals and $10 for families, with $5 for seniors etc. Details are included in the Friend's brochure, which provides information about meeting arrangements and membership benefits.

 

If you are interested in becoming a member of The Friends of the Kiama Library, application forms and renewal forms are available from the Kiama or Gerringong Libraries. Please print out the application form and renewal form, fill it in and return it to Kiama or Gerringong Libraries. If you would like to contribute, please write what you might like to do on the back of either of the forms.

The official office bearers include

• President, Florence Rankin (4232 1416),
• Secretary, Steve Spooner (4237 8331)