Reasons for city to be proud

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle WGG 23Apr13 - Mark Dawson WGP 26Jun14 -

WANGANUI came out in force on Anzac Day - twice.

An attendance within touching distance of 10,000 for the dawn parade and service was remarkable - even allowing for the significance of the centenary of the Gallipoli landings and the huge profile this year's commemorations have rightly received.

The young and the old - and the very young and very old - made it a special occasion.

This is not just about old soldiers, this is about the bonds that hold a community, and a nation, together.

The wonderful and moving tribute in the morning was followed by another impressive turnout in the evening as Wanganui staged its biggest ever boxing show.

The Anzac Day-themed Rise of the Fallen drew in 1000 fans - a fitting reward for the promoters who took a chance on bringing a title fight to the River City.

Some people would have attended both events; and there will have been some at the Anzac service who would never go near a fight night, and some at Springvale Stadium who slept in on Saturday morning.

One was concerned with war and one was a form of sporting war, but - apart from their pulling power - the similarity was in the extremely well-organised nature and smooth running of two sizeable events.

So credit to Paul Berridge, cousin of Saturday night's headline act Robert Berridge, and K J Allen who, as Akiwa Events, put on a very slick show that did the city proud.

The logistics of staging a credible, multi-fight event are substantial, but from the ring to the lighting to the sound system, to the catering to the security, this was a very well-presented show. Let's hope Akiwa thrives and brings us more such nights.