Touching new tradition for ANZAC Day service at Broadwater Court

Living Choice Broadwater Court’s ANZAC Day service in the community centre was well-received by a large crowd of residents, staff and volunteers.

Staff member, Tony Goddard, said a new tradition was introduced this year. Each table had a card and small poppy basket where they wrote down the name of someone they had lost or thought of on ANZAC Day and put it into the baskets. The baskets were collected and rested on the flags at the front of the wreath. These cards will now make their way to the War Memorial in Sydney where they will be cremated and the ashes will be spread by school children onto the War Memorial gardens.

Rev Bruce McAteer led the service with Pat Webster reading a poem called “Mates” and Helen Cromwell placing the wreath. Three hymns were sung which were accompanied by a local lady playing the keyboard.

The Ode from the poem “For the Fallen” by Lawrence Binyon was read by Len Jensen, Air Force (retired).  A highlight was a group of ex-servicemen led by Ray Greenfield. The flag was positioned to half-mast by Lieutenant Commander David Stone (Retired).

Toni was up early to make the scones which were served on individual platters with lashings of jam and cream along with ANZAC biscuits, chocolates, strawberries, tea and coffee.

Four high school children from three local surf clubs cooked delicious butcher sausages on the BBQ set up in the driveway. Residents loved knowing that this was helping these students towards completing their Duke of Edinburgh award.