THE poppies adorning the front of Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on Remembrance Day will be even more impressive this year with 1,000 red poppies honouring wartime efforts.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

They were lovingly knitted by club member Eunice Locock.

“It is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by the men and women in all conflicts and peacekeeping operations and all those service personnel who are no longer with us,” Nelson Bay RSL sub-branch secretary Russell Durrant said.

Eight poppies for local men who did not return from war will be placed in a separate area.

There will also be purple poppies displayed to represent the actions and sacrifices of animals.

“It is really pleasing to see the work that Eunice has done to create 1000 poppies and the support from other Diggers Club members and staff in mounting and placing the poppies,” Mr Durrant said.

Assembly for the formal ceremony on Saturday 11 November kicks off at Apex Park at 10.30am for a 10.45am start. The poppies will grace the area in front of the club as people return from the Remembrance Day ceremony.

“We have a student from St Philip’s Christian College giving the address and another reciting the Ode,” Mr Durrant told News Of The Area.

“The RAAF will be supplying a Chaplain and our Padre Rev Frank Duffy will be reading the Roll Call of the Departed,” he said.

“After the service, all present are invited to the Wests Nelson Bay Diggers for light lunch and refreshments.”

This year, the sub-branch will also be involved in a soil collection project as part of the centenary project commissioned by the Anzac Memorial in Sydney to create an artwork displaying plaques of soil collected from home regions of those enlistees who served in the Great War.

“On the Tomaree Peninsula three sites have been identified: The War Memorial in Apex Park, Nelson Bay, Gan Gan Lookout and Anna Bay Public School.

Residents are also reminded to collect their complimentary poppies on 3 and 10 November from the Salamander Bay Centre.

By Jo FINN