It was an early start on Tuesday September 4 for 25 under 95 year olds, setting off for a jaunt to Canberra courtesy of the Gloucester Returned Soldiers League (RSL) Sub-branch ,who’d sponsored a Newcombe’s coach piloted by the ever-patient and obliging driver, Dennis.
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The trip had been meticulously planned by sub-branch secretary Max Poole and included many of the capital’s most famous sites including the Australian War Memorial, National Arboretum, old Parliament House, Mt Ainsley and the very special Last Post service at dusk beside the Pool of Remembrance.
President Alan Vaile was responsible for keeping order in the sometimes errant group, while Dallas Herd ensured the number present remained constant. The two Betty’s, Elaine and Jean rode boundary riders in their trolleys and clipped the hocks of the dawdlers.
After a number of compulsory pit-stops along the way, the herd set up camp to prepare for the assault on the capital next day.
First stop on the itinerary was the War Memorial, always a place of great interest and emotion. The group were completely entranced by the scope and quality of the exhibitions on display, which get better every year; especially this year, being the centenary of the Armistice. Many of the group later used the excellent resources of the research centre to trace their family war histories.
There followed a trip up the scrub to the incredible National Arboretum, Canberra’s response to the horrific bushfire of 2003, where groves of trees from all over the world have been planted and nurtured to replace the black scar it left behind.
Dennis then followed the colt from old Regret back down the hill to tour the various embassies and governmental landmarks, before returning to the War Memorial for the daily, but ever poignant Last Post ceremony.
Alan was invited to lay a wreath in memory of our fallen, an act he deemed an honour and great privilege. An enthralling visit to Old Parliament House, concluded the highly enjoyable experience of the nations capital, which really is a beautiful city.
Thanks again to the Gloucester sub-branch for providing such memorable moments for those who had the privilege of joining the tour, and thanks to the boundary ladies who rounded us up for the trip home.