Anzac Day: Lest we forget Pukeatua

Members of the Te Awamutu Cadet Force and lay minister Kathie Claypole and members of the congregation at Pukeatua Anzac Service.

A chilly, but fine day greeted the Te Awamutu RSA representatives, Defence Force Patriots Motorcycle Club, RSA Women's Section, Te Awamutu Cadets and past and present residents of Pukeatua for the annual Anzac Service.

Defence Force Patriots at Pukeatua Anzac Service.

RSA padre Reverend Murray Olsen was unavailable, so the service was led by licensed lay minister Kathie Claypole. Mike Williams was the guest speaker and Margaret Main spoke about 2nd Lieutenant Evan Scott Innes-Jones.

The Last Post and reveille were played on the trombone by Hayley Wards and the lament played by her father, piper Craig Wards.

Craig and Hayley Ward at the Pukeatua Anzac Srevice. Hayley is playing The Last Post.

The Pukeatua War Memorial Church was full to overflowing and this was reflected in the powerful singing, particularly the national anthem in te reo and English.

Silence was held after the Last Post, the ode and reveille and the lament as the congregation came forward and laid their poppy and piece of rosemary on the cenotaph.

Women's Section of the RSA laying wreaths.

The service was followed by a light lunch in the local hall with sandwiches and asparagus rolls made and served by the RSA women. Anzac biscuits were also served.

The Cenotaph at Pukeatua War Memorial Church.

Lest we forget.