ANZAC DAY 2023

Our Anzac Day service and activities continue to be supported by a good size crowd, this year we had around 125 residents and others register to attend for what was another successful day.

The day started in the Centre with our traditional Anzac Day Service commencing at 11am. Thanks to Noel, Helen, Lyn, Kevern, John, Jim, Gloria and Joan for their valuable contributions and assistance.

Noel read a moving Anzac Dedication to commence the service and was followed by Helen who read an Anzac poem on behalf of our resident poet, Lyn Kennedy.

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam war, Kevern presented a condensed history of that involvement and outlined the various areas where Australian personnel served.
He noted that most Military Units suffered casualties and losses at some stage during the 10+ years of involvement in that conflict and that many who served continue to have problems to this day..

John,  then led the assembly in prayers, a hymn and presented a Reflection on his time as a working Military Padre.

Jim, seen waiting patiently in the front row above, led the reading of the Ode while Gloria expertly saw to the playing of the Last Post and Reveille.
To end the service at Noon Jim and Joan (on piano) led the assembly in the singing of the National Anthem.

Once the auditorium was cleared of seating the bar was opened and it was time for lunch.

Our bar staff were soon hard at work catering to a thirsty crowd while Michael and his Centre Committee volunteers along with the Social Committee ladies presented a delicious barbecue lunch complete with Anzac biscuits of course.
Thanks go to Sandra for baking a batch of yummy home made Anzac biscuits.

Of course, what Anzac Day gathering would be complete without a game of “two up” after lunch. Again, Hilde and Dave tried their best to conduct the game while also having to contend with an unruly and noisy crowd.

And here are the lucky winners Betty, Jan and Helen.

Helen was especially lucky in winning two of the four games which prompted the noisy crowd to become even more rowdy with objections and protests…

For the rest of the afternoon we were entertained once again by our resident band and several guest artists performing appropriate war time songs.

Bob and Gloria were the two of the guest artists and Dave gave a stirring rendition of
“Who do you think you are kidding Mr Hitler”.

A great day of commemoration and remembrance

=============================================

Anzac Day 2022

We had a great day here in our village once again on Anzac Day with just over 100 residents attending and reflecting on the day with us.

BUT.. a huge spanner was thrown into the works regarding our inhouse memorial service when two members of the small presentation group were suddenly struck down with illness and could not attend.. There was some frantic re arranging of the order of service by the unflappable John H to whom goes a very big “thank you” for taking charge..

In the meantime the expectant crowds gathered for the service..

John H led off;

So at the conclusion of the service everyone headed for the bar and lunch.

But the bar staff made sure that all were catered for… and then it was time to eat.

Of course no Anzac Day would be complete without a game of “Twoup”.. Dave and Hilde did their usual superb job, keeping the mob in line and of course preventing any cheating… REALLY, would any of our residents cheat????? who would have thought it..

Then when everyone was settled down it was time for our resident band,
                                                              “The Gunnadoers”
to entertain the crowd for the rest of the afternoon..

And so another successful Anzac day event came to an end. Once again a big thanks go to John H for stepping up at the last minute and rescuing the morning service.

If I have left out any vital information or photos then my apologies as I was one of the two that could not attend at the last minute and this report has been compiled only from the comments of others.

==================================================

Anzac Day 2021

While Covid restrictions limited all activities last year, thankfully we are back at full throttle this year with large numbers allowed to gather in the village. This was the first major event where we have been able to gather with large crowds since Covid struck, it was great to be back to almost normal. Of course everyone is still cautious and were practicing sensible Covidsafe measures in line with Government directives.

Our village programme kicked off with an early start. Residents were encouraged to gather in their driveways before dawn with candles or torches for a “Light up the Dawn” activity while they listened to the Memorial Service from Canberra courtesy of ABC radio. In the webmasters case we dined on some raisin toast and coffee supplied by a thoughtful neighbour. A quick poll later indicated that many villagers did something similar.

By 11:00am we were over at the Community Centre for our usual village memorial service. Around 80 or so residents attended while a small team of residents took turns at contributing to what was a moving ceremony.

This year our focus was on the Centenary Year of the Royal Australian Air Force and an address by the current Chief of Air Force was played on the big screen.

Our resident Poet, who unfortunately could not be with us, once again produced a very moving Anzac day poem which was read by a fellow resident.

We have a wealth of talent and past experience here in the village and we were fortunate to be once again addressed by our resident ex-service Padre.

Next on the programme was the ODE followed by the Last Post and Reveille ably handled by another of our ex-service residents..

The singing of the Australian National Anthem concluded our service..

And then it was time for lunch. Fortunately, this year the weather was very kind to us with a nice sunny day and mild temperatures, a great day to be outside, so we all headed outside to the pavilion and courtyard area.
The barbecues were fired up, corks were popped and everyone seemed to be enjoying being free of Covid restrictions at last.

And what better way to enjoy lunch than with a little background music provided by our own resident band;

The Gunna Doers.

Who belted out a good selection of appropriate Anzac Day numbers…..

But no Anzac day would be complete without a game of Twoup and our usual shady operators were soon at it again.

And so our Anzac Day event drew to a close.

Oh, and of course, thanks to our busy baking residents, there was an ample supply of home made Anzac Biscuits.. Yummo..

Lest we forget.

=================================================

Anzac Day 2020

Covid 19 restrictions saw a much different Anzac Day observance this year. Social distancing and no large crowd gatherings were the order of the day.

Around the village various areas saw some activity at dawn. Some residents from the Unit Blocks gathered in their driveway and listened to the Dawn Service broadcast from Sydney by the ABC.

Later in the afternoon, they gathered again for a few drinks and a bit of social contact.. Let us hope that 2021 will be better Covid wise and we can get back to a more normal Anzac Day.
==========================

Anzac Day 2018

Unfortunately, after weeks of perfect weather, Anzac Day 2018 dawned rather dull, grey and with threatening showers. In the end, very little rain actually eventuated but the Social Committee could not take the chance and decided to hold our Anzac Day event inside.

After a hurried dressing of tables inside, our lounge area was ready to receive guests. It was not long before the lounge was filled with a large crowd of residents and their visitors.

The service commenced at 11:00am with an emphasis on the centenary year of the end of World War 1. In particular, the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux and the newly established Sir John Monash interpretive Centre in the Somme area of France were discussed at length supported by Videos and photographs. The number of Australian casualties suffered in this area during the war was truly shocking.

The service presentation was a team effort by Kevern, Bev, Joan and John.

Lyn traditionally provides one of her poems on Anzac Day. She did so again this year but as she was away from the village she allowed Joan to read it on her behalf.
Kevern presented a range of informative videos and photographs, Bev told of her fathers time on active service on the western front, John led the gathering in prayer as well as providing some detailed information about Sir John Monash, a noted and very successful Australian military commander of the time.
The service concluded with singing of the National Anthem and a closing prayer led by John.

Joan once again provided the piano support while the Hymns and National Anthem were sung.

It was then time for lunch, a BYO event as is normal on Anzac Day.

Of course no Anzac Day event would be complete without a game of Two Up. Here at Alloura Waters we play a version called “Trevors Two Up” introduced some years ago by Trevor. The rules call for a knock out competition where the participants select either two heads, two tails, or one of each before the “spin” by placing their hands either on their heads or tails or one on each.

Hilde (left) and Dave (right) operate the game. Elaine (centre) ensures that the game continues to be run as her late husband, Trevor, intended and keeps an eye on the original pennies and kip that he first used.

And here are three of our winners, Hettie, Min and Diane. Beth also won but we seem to have lost her photo.

Winners are Grinners

A most enjoyable and successful day honouring those who have served this country and those who paid the ultimate price.

Lest We Forget

=====================================================

Anzac Day 2017

Once again good weather was the order of the day, with a little bit of luck thrown in. The day went well and it was not until everyone was heading home afterwards that the clouds came over and we got a few sprinkles. Well timed indeed.

A few arrived early to grab the best spots…

Then the main crowd built up just before 11am for our traditional Remembrance Service

And then it was time for lunch so everyone headed outside into the sunshine..

Of course it wouldnt be Anzac Day without Dave and Hilde’s two up game.
(played to Alloura rules, heads and Tails)

After the two up game Bob and Rosemary sprung a musical surprise along with several of their musical friends from outside the village.

After a round of appropriate WW2 favourite tunes the “band” launched into some real “toetappers” and soon had the crowd up on their feet….

And so another successful event here in the village drew to a close just as the clouds came over followed by a few sprinkles of rain. We were very lucky…

=============================================================

Anzac Day 2016

Great weather was the order of the day for this Anzac Day, absolutely perfect sunshine with just a light breeze.

Once again the dawn saw many of our residents join several thousand locals from the surrounding area at the RSL next door for a moving service followed by a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage.

Our own commemorative service commenced in our Centre at 11:30am with what seemed like a record crowd. The Auditorium was fully occupied resulting in many residents sitting out at tables in the lounge area. Hopefully everyone was able to see the screen and hear the proceedings. It was most heartening to see the overwhelming support given by residents to this most important day.

Kevern welcomed the assembly and outlined the significance of this particular Anzac Day. He also directed attention to two major projects taking place around the Central Coast area, namely the “Spirit of the Anzacs” arts project and the “Poppies on the Skillion” project at Terrigal. He then showed an aerial overfly video of the Skillion poppies taken by a “drone” aircraft.

Each Year we have an Anzac Day poem written especially for us by Lyn  but unfortunately Lyn was not with us this year to read it herself. So Joan stepped in and read it on Lyn’s behalf.

Ed also agreed to relate a story and to read a Poem of his own.

Within our resident group we have a range of people with many talents and life experiences to draw upon. For an occasion such as this we once again called upon our resident Ex-Army Padre, John, to conduct the commemorative service for us.

The commemorative service concluded with John returning to the podium for the benediction.

Then it was time for lunch and everyone headed outside to enjoy the great weather.

For many the Barbecues were the first stop…

Here are just a few photographs of residents enjoying the day.

One highlight of the day is Allouras own last man standing version of “Two Up” which is always good for a laugh. The idea is to stand with each hand on either your head or your tail, only those who match the throw of the coins survives to the next throw. Eventually there is only one person remaining and they are the “last man standing” winner of that particular game.

Once again, the bar crew did a great job managing to not only to serve the thirsty residents efficiently  but also enthusiastically taking part in the days proceedings.

So ended the second of the four centenary years of the Anzacs involvement in WW1.

=====================================================

Anzac Day 2015

Compared to last year, Anzac Day 2015 dawned as a very pleasant day indeed. Many residents were up very early and headed over to the RSL next door for the  dawn service. They joined a record large crowd from all around the local community.

After a hot breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and baked beans, courtesy of the RSL, residents headed home for a short rest before the village activities began in our Community Centre auditorium.

Kevern confirmed the importance of the 2015 centenary of the Gallipoli landings with an audio visual segment and  was followed by John, an ex Army Padre and fellow resident, who conducted a memorial service.

After the ceremonies inside, the bright sunny day beckoned and residents adjourned outside for lunch.

Of course it would not be Anzac Day without a game of two up and our resident expert, Dave Isaacs, sprung into action.

Followed by a little bit more socialising…

By late afternoon, after a long but pleasant day, we began to drift off towards home.

It had been a great sunny day but no sooner had the organisers finished cleaning up than the rain clouds appeared followed by a heavy downpour.. talk about timing… we could not have asked for better.

=====================================================

Anzac Day 2014

Friday morning it was pouring rain so our lovely clean Pavilion chairs would not be used today. Thanks mainly to Bob and his gerny for the sparkling outdoor area which we now have.  So on to Plan B and into our cosy Community Centre.

An audio-visual of the bombing of Darwin was shown at Noon. Thanks to Ian for supplying this to Wes who led us in a moving service. We then enjoyed lunch together and lots of “chat”.

Our “Trevor Dacey Memorial 2UP” game was then held with lots of laughing residents with hands on heads or tails or both hoping to win a bottle of wine.  Thank you to Hilde and David for their enthusiastic spinning and calling. Also thanks to the Hospitality team.

We think everyone enjoyed the day, as we thought nobody seemed to want to go home as we were so comfortable and enjoying the good company.