There's not one, but
two note-worthy events at the Coromandel Community Centre on Saturday the 25th of April. Bec Watt and her jazz band will perform songs from the war era, from 10.00 am -12.00 noon.
Bec Watt
Prior to this performance, the historic Coromandel Valley War Memorial will be hosting a 9.00am ANZAC service, supported by the RSL Blackwood sub-branch and local residents.
Coromandel War Memorial Gardens
Arrive at 9.00am, and you will be greeted by a wonderful display of red poppies, created by community volunteers. Afterwards, you have the opportunity to participate in a number of activities specifically designed to commemorate and celebrate ANZAC Day 2015. Bring the whole family and make a wreath, which can be laid at the memorial. Share your thoughts on the message boards and visit the photo booth to pay respect to the soldiers of ANZAC Day.
The monument was originally located 100 metres south of the Coromandel War Memorial Gardens. It was restored in 2000 and relocated. The plaque tells the lovely story of the community's desire to build a monument to honour the 32 soldiers who fought in World War 1. Nine of these soldiers did not return. The depth of community feeling resulted in a donation of £268. This was an average of £5 per family, more than two weeks' wages in 1921. The beautifully kept gardens that surround the monument, and the hallowed ground of its previous site, show that the community still honour their soldiers. Come and be part of their special ANZAC Day service in the beautiful gardens at Coromandel Community Gardens.
The original location of the war monument
Morning tea will be served at the Community Centre following the service, and the good-time music starts at 10.00am. Bec Watt and her jazz band will perform songs from the war era. You can sing and dance along to well-known tunes, such as
Chattanooga Choo Choo and
Run Rabbit Run.
Coromandel Community Centre
Have a rest on the attractive and environmentally friendly seating, that is 100% recycled plastic. It won't feel like 2250 milk containers, or smell like 5.625 cubic metres of landfill, but that it is an alternative journey the contents of this beautiful seating might have taken.
Environmentally friendly seating
A stroll along Chambers Creek reveals stately old gums, new nurtured vegetation, Eastern Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets, all enjoying the peace and serenity. Attractive stone and ceramic artwork borders the oval.
Flora and fauna line the creek and adorn the artwork
Browse the excellent displays provided by the National Trust of Coromandel Valley, who will bring the ANZAC story to life through multimedia displays and interpretive boards.
Original photograph of Bec Watt supplied by the singer. All other photos by JA Rossiter.
