Farina Restoration Group. March 1st, 2015
Dear Farina Supporters,
Farina has demonstrated its ability, in previous years, to present an ANZAC Day experience which is rarely equalled.
Any endeavour necessary to attend the Anzac Day Ceremony will be well rewarded. Held at our War Memorial precinct set on a rocky outcrop, the Last Post echoes across the campground and the old township into a cool morning breeze, the sun’s rays breaking day behind “the Flinders”.
It is a sombre, nerve tingling, sacred experience.
It’s timely that we conduct our second Dawn Service at this anniversary time.
The sequence of events planned is likely to be:
Thursday 23 April
Advance group arrive for Happy Hour prior to setting up site and caravan park on Friday 24 April. Please contact Cathie or Tom if you can assist.
Saturday 25 April
6.00am – Assemble ready for Dawn Service
8.00am – “Gunfire breakfast” at the Caravan Park
9.30am – Reflections and tributes
We are intending to identify, recognise and honour eight servicemen who died whilst on active service. Memorial Plaques will be presented, which will later be displayed on a wall at the War Memorial precinct (a 2015 project).
The family of Corporal William Clement Parsons will be present and will display the Military Medal which he was awarded for his gallant service.
The rest of the day will be relaxed allowing time to tour the site, either independently or as a group, and to hear about our 2015 programme. It is likely that our new shed (Operations Centre) will be in place. Its layout and function will be of interest to all. We will round the day out with Happy Hour in our special creek ground setting.
From the outset, Lindsay Gould has been a guiding light in all things to do with the War Memorial precinct. He has again applied his research skill and military knowledge in preparation of the special elements, adding more pieces of the Farina story, and its presentation. Due to health limitations Lindsay and his wife, Elaine, will not be present with us on the day.
All ceremonials will be led by Major Peter Thomas, who was involved with our 2012 service. He was nominated as a member of the official Australian party to attend Gallipolli this centenary year. He is unable to take up this offer and has again made his services available to Farina.
Many things were abandoned with the decline of Old Farina. Most significant of these were its people.
It is a real honour to be able to recognise Farina’s war heroes.
Accomodation
Farina Camping Ground
Lyndhurst Hotel (25kms) 08 8675 7781 rooms and cabins
Marree Hotel (55kms) 08 8675 8344 rooms and cabins
Copley Caravan Park (65kms) 08 8675 2288 cabins and sites
Leigh Creek Caravan Park (70kms) 0429 012 445 sites and cabins
Early bookings are advisable, except for Farina.
Thank you to the volunteers who staffed our stands at the Caravan Shows in Melbourne and Adelaide. Being present at these shows really tells us the impact that the restored Farina is making.
Intending volunteers, please indicate your intention to be part of this year’s programme as soon as possible. The later your registration the more difficult it may be to get your desired dates. You can send your registrations to Cathie by email or to her address which is indicated on the bottom of the form, or through this website (click here)
If uncertain ring and talk with me (03 5261 3099) or Bob (0409 433 731).
Regards… Tom