then we went on to the Commonwealth War Graves in the churchyard of St Nicholas' Church at Brockenhurst in the New Forest. Being close to the south coast and just across from France, Brockenhurst was the site of a Kiwi military hospital during the First World War and, repatriation of the deceased not being an option back then, those who failed to make it were buried locally, including some Australians. The site subsequently came under the auspices of the CWGC. St Nick's stands on the site of an earlier Norman church and is a beautiful location. Each year, on the Sunday closest to ANZAC Day, a special service is held at which the sacrifices of those young men who came half way round the world to support the; Mother Country' is remembered and appreciated. That's where I usually commemorate ANZAC Day there being no ceremony on the actual day closer than London or at the occasional military base where Australians may be present but to which access is severely limited. Anyway, David and I attended the cemetery on 18 August and shared that feeling of comradeship that we old mates are privileged to be allowed. A pic of the pair of us, looking reflectively into the distance is attached. Anyway, I've rambled on a bit the, Pete, please feel free to pick out ant bit(s) that you think might interest the rest of your readers, just keep the Newsletters coming. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the 'Don Donkin Award' Ceremony but may well be back in Oz around ANZAC Day next year to catch up with family and as many old mates as possible. Trouble is both family and mates are spread all over the country and it's so bloody big!!! Yours Aye, Gordon Pound From Garry Jones (via snail mail) on 17 Oct G’day mate. Not many write letters these days, however rather than waffle on the phone, I thought I’d wack down a few words so you can work out what you need for the newsletter. To begin, our family is going well. Our eldest daughter and her hubby both still teaching high school at Port Macquarie. Our youngest and her hubby still in the nursing world. Two grandies in university, one studying sport medicine, and one studying animal husbandry. Although far away, Quinn in Canberra and Sarah in South Australia, but we stay in touch always. Dawn and I are well and have celebrated our 54th Anniversary recently in moderate style with a big seafood lunch and a few glasses of lemonade overlooking Nelson Bay. Beautiful. I have recently completed my bucket list trip to my mate’s property at Walcha, trout fishing. I first threw a line in there when I was 12 years old. Now at 77 the thrill and pleasure of catch or release is still the same. But I’m convinced at this age that sleeping in a hoochie & swag is no longer an option. All the best to all the Old Boys, especially to you for your wonderful work. Cheers mate. Garfie. Late news from Garry on 10 December. Garfie tells me he has just purchased another caravan! They had sold their last one a year or so back and that was going to be the end of it. Now he has another caravan but no tow bar on the car! Some work to be done before the first trip. Good on you mate.
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