Anzac Trial 2017

This years Anzac weekend of trials, has again, come and gone.

All those who attended can attest to yet another wonderful event.  Not only did we enjoy the friendly competition, beautiful trophy table and a warm fire at night (and maybe a few drinks)!  But we also spent time remembering those that fought for the freedom of our country with a very special service. A very big thanks to Stuart and Edwena Adcock for all their efforts, and the donation of a beautiful perpetual trophy.

The Anzac Trophy was awarded to the highest scoring competitor for the weekend, and was warmly welcomed by it's first recipients, Bryan Pritchard & Gunner. 
A well deserved win!

One of the highlights of our Anzac service, was a poetry reading from the property owner, Ian.  Ian was asked if he would like to contribute to our service, and I don't think he could have chosen better piece.  I have transcribed the poems below for all to read, it was not only a beautiful tribute to the men, women and animals that fought, but it was also a touching piece that brought a tear to my eye....and he read it from memory.

IN FLANDERS FIELD

by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

 INSPIRATION FOR THE POEM
Having read John McCrae's poem 'In Flanders Fields' Moina Michael made a personal pledge to 'keep the faith'.  he felt compelled to make a note of this pledge and hastily scribbled down a response entitled "We Shall Keep the Faith" on the back of a used envelope.  From that day she vowed to wear a read poppy of Flanders Fields as a sign of remembrance.


WE SHALL KEEP THE FAITH
by Moina Michael, November 1918
Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith
With All who died.
We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders Fields.
And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought
In Flanders Fields.