Father and son bound for Gallipoli

BIG OCCASION: Marton School teacher Kevin Randles is off to Gallipoli for the 100th commemoration of the Anzacs landing at Anzac Cove. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 130315WCSMRANDLES1

A Marton father and son will be at the centre of this year's 100th anniversary of the Anzacs landing at Anzac Cove.

Kevin Randles and 20-year-old son Cameron will be at Gallipoli for the commemorations.

The entire Randles family entered the ballot but it was son Cameron whose name was drawn.

Kevin Randles was in the Royal New Zealand Air Force for 20 years, before retiring to take up teaching. He said Anzac Day had been a big part of his family.

"I've attended every Anzac Day since I was really young. It's always been one of those wishes to get to Gallipoli," he said.

"From being in the military, I think it's really important to remember all conflicts that New Zealand has been involved in, and I think it's important to remember all people that have had an involvement."

That included the people who were left in New Zealand when service people headed overseas. "Conflicts affect a lot of people. People who are left behind and have to put up with the fact that their loved ones died overseas."

Mr Randles said he expected about 10,000 people to be at the official ceremony. "I think it's going to be quite emotional.

He said his son was also looking forward to the occasion. "Since he's been a little guy, he's had to follow his father to Anzac services."

Despite the once in a lifetime opportunity, Mr Randles said he would miss the Marton service, which he has been a part of for so long. "I would have attended the last 15 Anzac Days here in Marton."

He has been a Scout leader for more than three decades, is a Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award co-ordinator and is involved with the Marton RSA.