Anzac Day services and parades will be held around the district on Friday.
In Mayfield they will once again be bringing out the big guns, literally, firing from two 25 pounder guns at the conclusion of their 10am service.
The Mayfield and Districts Red Poppy Society president Reon Blake said the guns were used by New Zealand and commonwealth forces during World War 2 and the Korean War.
They were taken out of service in 1977.
“We fire the gun because very few services nowadays have an artillery gun salute capability, it is a real drawcard for our service to have one and to retain it. Kids big and old really enjoy seeing them fired.
“We have a really supportive community that allows us to fire the guns as a salute to those who have fought for our country,’’ Blake said
A lot of planning goes into firing the gun with the society working with the community informing them of the firing and notifying the police of the intention to do it.
The Mayfield Returned Services Association closed in 2015 when the last of their World War 2 veterans died. There was no hesitation from the community that even with no RSA they wanted the service to honour those to continue as it had done for 105 years with the exception of during covid.
A pictorial roll of the over 100 men from the foothills who have died serving their country will be played as part of the service.
Nowadays they see record numbers of people attend the service which was inline with most services around New Zealand.
Plans are already being put in place for the 2026 service with the society hoping to once again fire the guns.
In Ashburton the RSA will hold three services with the dawn, cemetery and civic services. Services across the district will include the tradition of the Ode to the Fallen, the Last Post, speakers and the laying of wreaths.
Anzac Day services in Mid Canterbury
– Ashburton RSA Dawn service at Ashburton Cenotaph Baring Square West starting at 6.30am.
– Hakatere Marae service begins at 7.30am. Speaker Tuia representative Taylor Argyle. Light breakfast is served. Koha welcome. Please bring a photo of loved ones who have served.
– Ashburton RSA Cemetery service at 9am at the north flagpole service persons’ section.
– Methven service, march at 9.30am service at Mt Hutt Memorial Hall at 10am.
– Mayfield Red Poppy Society service in Mayfield Memorial Hall at 10am. Firing of artillery gun salute in Mayfield Domain at 11am.
– Hinds commemorative service will be held at the Hinds Hall at 10am.
– Ealing service at Ealing Hall at 9.15am.
– Lauriston service at Lauriston Memorial Hall at 10am.
– Rakaia service at 10.15 am at the Rakaia Community Centre wreath laying service to follow.
– Ashburton RSA Civic service at Ashburton Cenotaph Baring Square West starting at 11am.
Other activities on Anzac Day
– Mayfield Golf Club golf game with funds going to the Mayfield Red Poppy Association. Game tee off at 1pm.
– Ashburton Museum’s Land, Sea and Air an exhibition telling the stories of four Mid Cantabrians who served during World War 2. Museum open from 1-4pm. Exhibition on till May 25.
– Ashburton Museum talk – “With the Girls Overseas” – the voices of World War II New Zealand nurses from 2pm to 3pm. Sarah Johnston, will shed light on the voices of New Zealand nurses from the World War 2. New Zealand’s mobile broadcasting units, travelled overseas with our forces. The units reported on the fighting and recorded the voices of New Zealanders at war. These recordings were sent home to be played on a popular radio programme.
– Anzac Day concert at MSA social hall at 2pm. Featuring the MSA Men’s Choir and MSA Orchestra. The free concert will delight the audience and includes special guest artist, Erin Connelly-Whyte (soprano). All are welcome.
– Television 3 and Radio NZ is showing for the first time the documentary ‘‘Back to Timor’’ at 5pm. The documentary marks a significant milestone of New Zealand’s involvement in Timor-Leste which began in 1999 . ‘‘Back to Timor’’ is centred on 15 Timor veterans revisiting the places where they operated.
