Anzac Day

Celebrating Anzac Day in a country town was an experience in itself.   A positive experience.   

First of all Walter joined the owner and a few other people, in the kitchen at the camping ground, where they watched the Dawn Service on the television.   It came from Canberra, and yes it was 6 a.m.   The owner then cooked for the people who attended, the traditional bacon, eggs and sausages.   A few other campers turned up for the food, the smell of which wafted across the camping ground.   I resisted and happily ate my cereal and toast in the caravan.

As we were up and awake so early we set off for coffee in Wentworth and found that people were starting to get ready for the parade and service at 11 a.m.

The cafe, which also doubled as the newsagent, made pretty good coffee, so we were very happy.   The staff members were also friendly, which helped of course.

   As well as returned soldiers, there were also different volunteer groups, plus lots of children, from youth groups, and the schools here, all taking part in the procession.

The service was simple but more meaningful than the large televised service. The number of wreaths laid at the memorial was equally significant. 

Afterwards Walter went to view the Wentworth Military Collection, which displayed relics, artefacts, and militaria from all over the world.   Walter found it quite fascinating.   I sat on the seat outside, with Piper.   The seat of course was designed to represent the military.

The Wentworth Military Collection museum.

We also went for a walk around the town, so many beautiful old buildings, too many to include in this blog.

The Wentworth Courthouse, opened in 1880.

A beautifully renovated street, with no one on it.   A typical country town.

A beautiful old house, build in the 1880s.   I noticed that roses were very popular here.

Another smaller old house, with walls of wood and a corrugated iron roof.

By 12 o'clock we were exhausted, a long and powerful morning.    

We spent the afternoon sitting in the shade and reading our books.   Very restful.