PHOTO: JEANETTE PATERSON/SUPPLIED
RICHARD.DAVISON@nullcluthaleader.co.nz
The conflict in Ukraine, duty and honour were highlighted during Balclutha’s Anzac Day dawn service this year.
About 400 attended a traditional parade and service on Monday, as twilight lifted over the town’s cenotaph.
Retired Lieutenant›colonel Kevin Baff led the service, during which he and others gave thanks for the sacrifices of Anzac servicemen and women through the ages.
Among those speaking, in cool, breezy conditions, was Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan, who said peace was ‘‘not a given’’.
‘‘Right now in Ukraine we can see the bitter reality when diplomacy and detente fail. The treasure of peace should never be taken for granted. Let us thank our lucky stars we’re Kiwis,’’ he said. South Otago High School head boy Josiah Goodwin (18) also noted the current conflict in Ukraine, expressing gratitude for the largely peaceful times he had been born into. ‘‘Of the 3000 New Zealand soldiers who died at Gallipoli, 17 were past South Otago High School students. ‘‘My knowledge of war is limited, and I’m grateful for this.’’ Residents in Benhar, Clinton, Dunrobin, Heriot, Kaitangata, Kaka Point, Lawrence, Lovells Flat, Milton, Owaka, Taieri Mouth, Tapanui and Warepa also marked Anzac Day with services or memorial gatherings.
Among the many playing their part in Balclutha was regular Anzac Day bugler Warrick Thomson, of the Balclutha Brass Group.
Mr Thomson (75) has been the town’s dawn service bugler for the past decade and more, and said he had plenty of puff in him yet.
The brass player of more than 60 years said it was both a ‘‘civic duty’’ and an honour to have played traditional airs
Last Post and reveille at assorted South and Central Otago Anzac ceremonies for the past 43 years.
Age was no barrier when it came to playing the cornet.
‘‘My father played, and I have a brother, daughter, and grandson and granddaughter who all play brass, so I’ve been surrounded by music since I was a child.
‘‘Try playing rugby after you’re 40 . . . but you can keep making music into your 90s.’’
He said he still gained a ‘‘thrill’’ from performing on Anzac Day, both in Balclutha, and at nearby Warepa later in the morning, although he was beginning to consider passing on the baton to the next generation.
He said upcoming young Balclutha Brass Group member Alanah Anderson (15) had played at Owaka’s ceremony for the past few years.
‘‘Alanah’s a young lady with a lot of talent. I could go on and on, but at some point you have to let the young ones step up and take their turn.’’
