27 April, 2023
Anzac services draw sizeable gatherings in Woodford
The dawn service at the Woodford RSL sub-branch featured about 400 members and guests, before an attendance of about 750 appeared at the main service later in the morning.
The dawn service was followed by a gunfire breakfast hosted by Woodford Scouts and the Woodford State School P & C for a gold coin donation, with food items donated by Peries IGA Woodford.
For the main service, members and veterans marched from the Woodford Hotel to the RSL sub-branch as there were various renditions from McLai Pipes and Drums.
There were also about 12 community groups including Army cadets, PCYC Emergency Service cadets, and students from the two Woodford schools and kindergartens.
Steve McClintock conducted the service, and Rev Stephen West read out the prayers.
The 103 Army Cadet Unit did the mounting of the Catafalque, and one guest speaker was Lt David Dakin who spoke of army involvement, and the other guest speaker was Petty officer Dave Jamison who spoke of Naval involvement.
Wreaths were laid, and Woodford RSL sub-branch president Bob Patterson recited the Ode.
The Last Post was played, and a minute’s silence was followed by Rouse.
The Woodford singers led the singing of the Australian and New Zealand national anthems, and Royal Anthem.
Delaneys Creek State School students read the Moving of Uniform Resolution, and Woodford State School students read the poem ‘ANZAC’.
The Delaneys Creek State School choir sang ‘And They March’.
