Lizard News MAY 2022
FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY
Te Puna • Whakamārama • Matakana Is • Ōmokoroa • Pahoia • Apata • Aongatete • Katikati • Tahāwai • Bowentown • Athenree • Waihī Beach
Community gathers to remember those who have served By Greg Taylor and Chris Dever
mokoroa once again showed its true community spirit, by attending what is mooted to be one of the largest crowds ever at the dawn service. It was significant that many families attended. A beautiful, crisp morning with a red dawn sky and lone piper greeted the early risers, as they solemnly remembered the fallen. The service began as our piper, Dave Duncanson, played a moving lament to set the scene. Our MC, Chris Dever, introduced the morning with a brief history of the ANZAC story. This was followed by a Karakia from Kaumatua Ricky Kuka. Greg Taylor (RNZAF Rtd.) gave the address acknowledging all the people who have been affected by war. His tribute to his grandmother began by reading a telegram that was delivered to her, to tell her about the death of her son and Greg’s mother’s brother. Greg completed his address by reciting the poem ‘In Flanders Field’ by John McCrae. Wreaths were presented on behalf of the WBOP District Council (Murray Grainger), Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade (Ian Blunt) Ōmokoroa Community Board, Ōmokoroa Lions Club (Brian Burford). Howard North (RNZAF Rtd.) then read ‘For the Fallen’, a poem by Laurence Binyon. The flag was lowered and raised by Chris Cole, as Len Riggir played the Last Post and Reveille on his trumpet. Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt, read ‘The Ode’. Following the New Zealand National Anthem, and Pastor Matthew
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Needham’s closing prayer, the service concluded and many of the attendees moved to The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO) where hot drinks and ANZAC biscuits were in plentiful supply. While enjoying fellowship here they were entertained with well-known songs by the local ukulele group ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. Later in the morning, the Community Service was held at Acacia Park where another large crowd attended. The service was opened by facility manager Megan Thorne. The service followed a similar service to the dawn service with Alison North, taking over as flag officer. Wreaths were presented in remembrance of the family of Annabel and Alba Reyes, Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade (Ian Blunt), Acacia Park Home and Hospital (Elena Moorhead) Ōmokoroa Lions Club (Colin Andrews) and pupils of the Ōmokoroa Point School (Caleb and Eden). Megan Thorne then invited those attending to sing both the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems and, following the closing prayer from Pastor Matthew Needham, the attendees were invited to a hot drink, and more ANZAC biscuits provided by the Ōmokoroa Lions. Many thanks to all those who contributed to a successful ANZAC day remembrance. It takes great community spirit to make this happen – from those who volunteered their time to assist in the preparation and participation in the services, to those who attended, and those who baked ANZAC biscuits. For more Anzac coverage from across the district, see page 44-45.
Chris Cole raises and lowers the flag at the Dawn Service at the Crapp Reserve. PHOTO: Kylie Ormsby.