Attention:

Warkworth goes on parade

A display of military vehicles, a flypast of vintage planes and a military parade through Warkworth’s main street promise to make this year’s Armistice Day commemoration one of the most memorable of recent times.

The event, on Saturday, November 11, is being organised by Heritage Mahurangi as part of celebrations marking 170 years of European settlement in the district. The festival will run from November 11 to 20.

Heritage chair Dave Parker says the street march will commemorate the US Marines presence in the area during World War II. “It’s shaping up to be an exciting day, which is being organised in conjunction with the NZ Defence Force,” he says. Representatives of all three forces will be present, as well as the Royal NZ Navy Band.

“There will be representatives of the US Embassy, other VIPs and there has been strong interest from US veterans and their families.”

Events will take place following Warkworth RSA’s normal Armistice Day service, which starts at the Cenotaph at 10.30am.

The evening will conclude with a jazz and big bad party by the Warkworth Brass Band, which is celebrating its 140th year, in the Warkworth Town Hall.

“The US Marines are remembered with great fondness,” Parker says. “They were willing workers on local farms and not afraid to try to drink the pub dry. Their only misdemeanour that I am aware of was when they decided to use the Wilson Cement Works for target practice!”

Sister towns show interest

At least one of Warkworth’s sister-towns will visit Warkworth during November’s Heritage Festival.

“Mr Okabe, who is the Mayor of Furudono Town in Japan, which twinned with Warkworth in 1999, will visit with a small group of town representatives,” Heritage Mahurangi chair Dave Parker says. “They will arrive on November 17 and stay until November 20.”

The group will be billeted locally, so Heritage Mahurangi hopes local families will put their hand up to host members of the tour party for three nights.

“Mr Okabe is fondly remembered by a number of Warkworth citizens who have been part of delegations to Furudono in past years.”

Invitations have also been sent to

Warkworth, Northumberland, twinned in 1992, Warkworth, Ontario Canada, twinned in 2003, and Warkworth/ Singleton in New South Wales.

A full programme has been planned for their visit including a River Pageant, receptions and local sightseeing.

“I have been really keen on the concept of Sister-Towns International ever since the early 90s. Now part of Global NZ, sistercities/towns foster the growth of mutual understanding and long term friendships between countries and regions.

“This bond allows for a continuous exchange of ideas and culture and even facilitates development within areas of trade and tourism, and that’s why it is important to foster such friendships.”

Anyone interested in assisting should email: jim.jenni@xtra.co.nz

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