Grenfell RSL Veterans and community members along with special guests, local emergency service personnel, school children, sporting clubs, cadets, girl guides and scouts, lead by Liz Hill, representing the Light Horse, and Grenfell Town & District Band, came out in droves to support our diggers this Anzac Day despite the heavy downpour.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The day began at 5.30am with a Dawn Service followed by the pilgrimage to the local cemetery. At 10.30am patrons gathered in Main Street for the annual Anzac Day March to the Memorial Park Cenotaph for the 11am Service.
RSL President Glenn Ivins welcomed the huge crowd followed by Terry Carroll’s ‘Welcome to Country’. Grenfell Cadets formed the Catafalque Party while a number of organisations took part in the official wreath laying ceremony. Mr Ivins then invited former resident Paul Vella, who is now in the Australian Navy, to recite the ODE.
Brothers Paul and Michael Best sounded ‘The Last Post’ before a minutes silence was held. RSL Chaplain Margaret Knight addressed the crowd while Fr Ross Craven delivered a prayer. Mr Ivins then introduced special guest Mr Howie Campbell who gave a speech. Captains from Grenfell Public School and St Joseph’s Primary recited poems followed by a prayer from Grenfell’s Roma Sinclair while Shannon Best, THLHS captain, read her own works titled ‘Tommy’s Letter Home’. Following the service patrons enjoyed a luncheon at the Bowling Club.
A warming service was also held at Bimbi with special guest Member for Riverina Michael McCormack who launched the publication ‘Bimbi and District ANZACS’ which was compiled by Bruce Robinson and Margaret Nowlan-Jones. Services were also well attended in Caragabal and Quandialla with members of those communities also coming out in large numbers to support our diggers.