ANZAC Day in Corner Inlet district

GOOD crowds turned out for the ANZAC Day services held across the Corner Inlet district, encouraged no doubt by the superb weather.

The first service was a 6am dawn service at Toora. Estimates of the number in attendance vary, but the good folk who catered for the breakfast afterwards in the Toora RSL clubrooms believe they served as many as 100 breakfasts. The breakfast was sponsored by a donation from Maritime Union members operating the vessels Lady Kariann, Far Supplier and Far Scandia from Barry Beach.

An estimated 50 people attended a brief service at 9.30am at the Welshpool cenotaph, followed by light refreshments in Welshpool Memorial Hall. Then at 11am there was a second service at Toora. This was attended by more than 70 people, including ex-servicemen and their families, local emergency service volunteers and many others. They were invited to lay a wreath in tribute to the men and women who have served their country over the years, those who have died in service and those who continue to serve. Rod Coughran-Lane and Bill Ryan from Toora-Welshpool RSL led the service, with Pastor Bill Watson leading the prayers. Bill Ryan read the names of the fallen, as recorded on the cenotaph. Special mention was made of John Benton, the past president of Toora RSL, who died within the last year.

Biggest crowd ever at Foster Anzac Day

FOSTER Returned and Service League (RSL) members were delighted to see “the biggest crowd ever” attend the outdoor Anzac Day service and have more than 100 people follow on to attend the indoor event in Foster War Memorial Arts Centre Hall.

Foster RSL President Les Wilkins called up the wreath layers in turn, starting with RSL, Legacy, Shire (presented by Cr Mohya Davies) and community organisations, followed by many families as well.

Alan Steele performed the flag honours at the Cenotaph’s flagpole, Foster Cubs carefully handled the larger flags and a catafalque party from HMAS Cerberus were led by Lieutenant Commander Dave Lassam.

Afterwards at the hall, Len Tosch entertained with the hymns Just a Closer Walk with Thee and How Great Thou Art.

Foster Cubs were given a $200 donation by Foster RSL and the youngsters’ serious efforts in serving at the ceremony were praised.

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