Maxwell does itself proud for service +Photos

UNIQUE APPROACH: The piano is shifted on site ahead of the Maxwell Anzac service on Saturday morning.PHOTOS/BEVAN CONLEY 250415WCBRCMAX01

Maxwell is an Anzac service with a difference.

The small rural community just north of Wanganui marks Anzac Day with a morning service at its cenotaph just off the state highway. Preparations include shifting a piano from the Maxwell Hall, across the highway, to the cenotaph grounds using a telehandler in true rural spirit.

The Maxwell service is run by the Wanganui District Council and Keith Smith has been charged with organising it for the past 20 years. He said in that time the service had continued to attract new people and grow in size. More than 100 gathered at 9.30am this year.

"It's also about the unique setting; there's a magnificent cenotaph and the sun comes up over the trees," Mr Smith said.

Wanganui mayor Annette Main was one of the speakers.

"(It's) the only place in the world that moves its piano across the road to have its service," she said.

Ms Main asked the crowd to stand and applaud the veterans. "We want you to know we appreciate what you have done for your country," she said.

Wanganui RSA president Ted Morris said for a place the size of Maxwell it had done itself proud.

Major Paul Garner said it was time to acknowledge all those in the New Zealand defence force that have served and continue to serve "our great nation".

The Kai Iwi School choir also performed at the service.

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