Gloucester gardeners remember the ANZACs

GLOUCESTER Garden Club marked Anzac Day by hosting their April meeting at the memorial park and laying a wreath at the clock tower.

Members Judy Earle, Di Relf and Robert Sparke laid the wreath with the full club membership watching on.

This followed their April meeting, during which a number of members shared memories of wars and Anzac Day.

President Di Relf explained that the morning’s guest speaker was set to be Keith Franks, who was unavailable to attend after suffering a fall and breaking his wrist.

Robert Mendham spoke of his experiences as a child during the World War Two bombings of London, and of an unexploded incendiary bomb in a toilet.

Helen Evans spoke of earlier times as a student at a Kogarah school.

A number of members spoke about the beauty of the park in readiness for Saturday’s Anzac Day services.

Following reports from the secretary and treasurer, Michele and Bob Marland, the club’s “green thumb” Mandy Griffis answered gardening questions from members.

The club’s regular competitions were also held.

“There was a large entry in the flower competition won by Kim Arney with a bi-colour canna lily, and a five-way tie for second between Tessa Searle with a gerbera, Pearl Beggs bromeliad, John Nosworthy’s yellow strelitzia, and dahlias shown by Christine Bolton and Ray Mackerell,” said the club’s Peter Hazell.

“There were less entries in the fruit and vegie section, with the winner [being] Tessa Searle with a big pumpkin.

“Then came Aldo Razza and his capsicum and Anne Williamson’s sweet potato.

“The raffles were won by Tessa Searle, Marguerite McNamara and Robert Mendham, the lucky door by Di George, and membership draw by Christine Bolton.”