Victoria Plains commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings in spectacular style, with a mid morning service which included the 10th Light Horse, a Catafalque Party and a fly pass (both provided by the RAAF), followed by lunch and a special display of local school children’s artwork and ANZAC writings at the Calingiri Hall. The service was attended by approximately 300 past and present residents and visitors.
Shire of Victoria Plains CEO, Harry Hawkins said, “It was a great event that brought together people from all corners of the Shire. I have never seen the Calingiri Hall so packed following an event. The organisers certainly did themselves proud and Liam our gardener did a wonderful job, the roses were blooming and the War Memorial looked beautiful.”
Shire President, David Lovelock stated that the highlight for him was the involvement of the horses from the 10th Light Horse Association Northam Troop, “Victoria Plains was a horse breeding area in those days, and so many of our horses were used in the war. It was also fantastic to see so many children from across the Shire involved in the service.”
Preparations for the special day started months ago with Council appointing Gary McGill to the long vacant position of Warden of the Shire of Victoria Plains War Memorial and forming a special Council Committee to oversee the grounds. Shire Gardener Liam Doyle redesigned the landscaping of the War Memorial, with the main feature being a rose garden featuring the specially released Gallipoli Rose. This was dedicated during the service to the memory of those who served in WWI.
The Calingiri Progress Association took charge of organising the service and lunch along with help from the Bolgart Progress Association and various individuals. The
lunchtime gathering at the Calingiri Hall capped off an amazing morning.
The Calingiri Progress Association Committee thanks and acknowledges the contributions made by the following individuals and groups for their role in the service: MC Ian Graham (Deputy CEO, Shire of Victoria Plains);Ministers of Religion, Ven. Canon Kathy Barrett-Lennard and The Revd. Dr Arthur Mowle OCR, OA; Bugle Player, Tracey Harris; WWII veteran Doug King who recited The Ode; Ex-Naval Officer Rebecca Hall who wrote and recited a poem; Bolgart, Calingiri and Yerecoin Primary Schools who made readings and laid wreathes that were made in class; Calingiri Primary School Choir; Jane Glass and Gwen Preston from the 10th Light Horse Northam Troop and the RAAF Base Pearce for supplying the Catafalque Party
and fly pass.
