August 2014 marked 100 years since the First World War and on 25 April 2015 marked the Centenary of ANZAC.  2014 was also the 75th anniversary of the start of World War 11 and the 50th of the critical events that led to the Vietnam War. The commitment of the first Australian battalion to Vietnam was announced in late April 1965, 50 years to the week after the Dardanelles Peninsula landing by Australian and New Zealand troops.

On 25 April 1915 thousands of brave young men went ashore on a foreign beach in a far distant land.  In a display of courage, determination and mateship, these Australian and New Zealanders created a legend.  Many of these young men were the descendants of First Fleet people, who in 1788 stepped ashore on a foreign beach in a far distant land.  During the Anzac Centenary the Fellowship will be honouring their war hero descendants.

Cheryl’s Poppies for the 5000 Poppies Project

Papaver rhoeas – include corn poppy, corn rose, field poppy, Flanders Poppy, red poppy. This poppy, a native of Europe, is notable as an agricultural weed (hence the “corn” and “field”) and as a symbol of fallen soldiers.

November is poppy month, the time of the year when by the wearing of a single emblem, a red poppy, we salute the memory of these who sacrificed their health, their strength, even their lives.

THE ODE

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
Nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the
sun and in the morning,
We will remember them

Traditions & Symbols
The Last Post: The Last Post historically has been used to signify the end of the day.  It is played during ceremonies to serve as a tribute to the dead.

Reveille & Rouse:  In major ceremonies, the Last Post is normally followed by Rouse except at the Dawn Service when Reveille is played.  Historically, Reveille woke the soldier at dawn.

A period of Silence: One or two minutes silence is held to reflect on the significance of the day and as a sign of respect.

An all time favourite ‘Anzac Biscuits’

The Origin of the Anzac Biscuit
Anzac Biscuits received their name during the First World War – before that they were referred to as soldier’s biscuits.

During the war families baked biscuits to send to their loved ones overseas.
The Anzac Biscuit was based on a traditional Scottish oat cake recipe with the addition of golden syrup,
which kept the biscuits moist and preserved them so they did not spoil quickly.
Times have changed but the love for Anzac Biscuits has not, with people enjoying them as much today as they did all those years ago!

Anzac Biscuits

1 heaped cup Rolled Oats
1 heaped cup Coconut
1 cup Plan Flour
½ cup Sugar
1 tablespoon Golden Syrup
2 tablespoons Boiling Water
1 teaspoon Bicarbonate of Soda
125g Butter

Mix oats, coconut, plain flour and sugar together, stir in melted butter.  Mix golden syrup, boiling water and bicarbonate of soda together.  Combine with butter and dry ingredients.  Place teaspoons of mixture on a greased tray.  Bake in slow oven for 15-20 minutes or until crisp.