School of the Air students, Scouts, SES members and our Local Police, proudly donned their uniforms and marched in remembrance of the ANZACS
The erection of a Memorial to the Light Horse Brigades of the Riverina has moved a step closer. Thanks to the sterling efforts of a small committee and the public who, in their generosity, have enabled the committee to raise $ 12,000 thus far.
The monument will be built in memory of those who enlisted and were involved in major campaigns such as Gallipoli( 1915) and the charge of Beersheba( 27 th to 31st October 1917): both campaigns suffering tremendous loss of life.
It is anticipated that the Memorial will be built in time for the 100 year commemoration of the Charge of Beersheba which will be celebrated on 31 st October 2017; honouring the gallantry of the many soldiers who took part, in what was to be, a successful campaign to retake the Wells of Beersheba.
Hay Light Horse War Memorial
The Hay Light Horse War Memorial Association has now concluded their raffle of Chris McClelland’ s donated drawing,“ Those Marvellous Bloody Horses”, depicting the charge of Beersheba, 1917.
The winner Clive Davenport, Hay, was thrilled to be the recipient of this wonderful prize, valued at around $ 7,000. The raffle was drawn in front of a large crowd at the Services Club, all of whom were thanked for their participation in the raffles and the giving of donations. Thanks were also extended by the Light Horse War Memorial Secretary, Patricia Boyd, to various business houses, the Association’ s President, Jim Cooper, whose initiative it was to build the Memorial, and to the remaining Committee for their sterling efforts.
Two other raffles are in progress, and a further“ big one” is in the“ pipe line”. It is anticipated enough funds will be raised, with the goal of $ 150,000 now becoming a possibility within the time constraints, between now and October 2017.
Meetings are held regularly at the Services Club each month for anyone wishing to participate. Ideas of other fund raisers would be appreciated. Names of Light Horsemen and copies of memorabilia are being gathered towards creating the Interpretative Panels that will surround the Memorial. As time progresses government assistance will be sought to bring this wonderful project to fruition.
Proposed Light Horse Memorial
Lighthorse photos courtesy M. McClelland. Information P. Boyd, Sec
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