MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
|
|
Great war not forgottenThe haunting sound of an air raid siren signalled the beginning of the Kai-waka Sports Association’s function to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
KSA president Evan Wright welcomed the crowd of over 80 and, after a rendition of God Save the King, talked about John ‘JK’ Keighley, a founding father of the As-sociation who passed away last month. JK's daughter Justine Nathan, along with her husband Anthony were present to view the unveiling of a plaque in his honour. Doug Leslie gave an interesting account of the war efforts of Kaiwaka local hero Tommy Donald-son and a photo board on display also outlined his honours. Following a lovely meal, courtesy of the KSA catering team, Bill Leslie spoke about the 1912 Kaiwaka Hockey team who lost several players in the war, and presented a pho-to of the team to the KSA. Bill read out a poignant poem written by his father in the trenches. The highlight for many of the guests was the Jaques Band who have been moonlighting for 65 years. The band was ably accompanied by Dana Ferguson who sung war-time songs (with some assistance from Doug Leslie!) Following dessert, the poem In Flander Fields was recited and then members from the Man-gawhai Cadet Unit read out the names of the fallen from the Kaiwaka Roll of Honour. Members from the Kaiwaka/Mangawhai Scout Troop did a great job clearing tables and helping in the kitchen. The formal part of the evening concluded with an address from Hakaru RSA President Bill Kerr and a rendition of the Last Post. The Jaques Band continued to play on and guests took advantage of the opportunity to dance the night away. The haunting sound of an air raid siren signalled the beginning of the Kai-waka Sports Association’s function to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.
KSA president Evan Wright welcomed the crowd of over 80 and, after a rendition of God Save the King, talked about John ‘JK’ Keighley, a founding father of the As-sociation who passed away last month. JK's daughter Justine Nathan, along with her husband Anthony were present to view the unveil-ing of a plaque in his hon-our. Doug Leslie gave an interesting account of the war efforts of Kaiwaka local hero Tommy Donald-son and a photo board on display also outlined his honours. Following a lovely meal, courtesy of the KSA catering team, Bill Leslie spoke about the 1912 Kai-waka Hockey team who lost several players in the war, and presented a pho-to of the team to the KSA. Bill read out a poignant poem written by his father in the trenches. The highlight for many of the guests was the Jaques Band who have been moonlighting for 65 years. The band was ably accompanied by Dana Ferguson who sung war-time songs (with some assistance from Doug Le- slie!) Following dessert, the poem In Flander Fields was recited and then members from the Man-gawhai Cadet Unit read out the names of the fallen from the Kaiwaka Roll of Honour. Members from the Kaiwaka/Mangawhai Scout Troop did a great job clearing tables and helping in the kitchen. The formal part of the evening concluded with an address from Hakaru RSA President Bill Kerr and a rendition of the Last Post. The Jaques Band con-tinued to play on and guests took advantage of the opportunity to dance the night away. |