Anzac week started on Sunday April 17 with a well attended church service at the Uniting Church, Farquhar Street Wingham, Rev Darrell McKeough conducted the service and a moving lesson was delivered by Eric Richardson OAM.

Fellowship and a cuppa followed.

Spirit of Anzac award for leadership was presented to the Wingham Tigers Rugby League Club during a brief Anzac service prior to the Wingham vs Forster game (Wingham won by the way).

This Spirit of Anzac award was for leadership of the club in bringing Anzac services to our younger Australians during the period of the Centenary of Anzac, an RSL of Australia plaque was presented by RSL life member and trustee Ken Malpass OAM to president of Wingham Tigers Scott Blanch during the moving commemorative service.

During the service Wingham and Forster first and reserve grade teams paraded with the Wingham RSL Sub branch members showing marks of respect not only to the fallen but to the RSL members on the day.

The Wingham RSL Sub branch is proud of our young Australians.

 Again a very moving and well attended war graves service was held at the Wingham Cemetery.

Master of ceremonies RSL member Terry Gould gave an insight to the life and history of well known World War ll veteran and prisoner of war Billy Miggins.

Many members of Billy's family were in attendance.

At this service the names of those WWll soldiers killed or missing and not repatriated home were called and the bell rung as a mark of respect as a solemn conclusion to the twilight service.

UNDER cloudy skies a large crowd was on hand to witness a very moving service at the Wingham Memorial Town Hall Cenotaph, the dawn service address was very ably delivered by Wingham High School captain Grace Callaghan assisted by Jai Harrison.

The deputy Mayor of GTCC Cr Allan Tickle, I believe first time in Wingham, did a great job sounding the "Last Post" and Reveille on his bugle at the dawn service.

Mr Stephen Bromhead State Member for Great Lakes made a brief but interesting speech.

Gun fire breakfast followed at the Wingham and District Memorial Services Club.

A LARGER crowd than expected turned out for the march, under the threat of a shower the parade marshals started the march a little early hoping to beat the rain, this proved to be a wise choice, when the march reached the Wingham Memorial Town Hall the organisers moved the Anzac Service into the Town Hall, this proved to be a good move as it rained throughout the service

The Spirit of Anzac then shone through the Anzac service went ahead as planned with only a couple of small hitches.

Ian Martin RSL Sub branch secretary, conducting the Anzac service, soon had all in hand.

The Anzac address was given by Wingham High School captain Jai Harrison, followed by GTCC councillor Brad Christenson, the Choir Kantable lead by director Heidi Lambert again adding greatly to the day.

As always the Wingham Pipes and Drums Band maintained their high standard, this is their 40th year as a band and 40th Anzac Day here in Wingham. Congratulations and thank you girls and boys of the band for all your service now and over the past years, may there be many more.

What a great crowd in attendance, when the organisers decided to hold the service inside the Town Hall it was wonderful to see how everyone grabbed chairs moved inside with the minimum of fuss and the service was underway nearly on time.

Unfortunately some left due to the rain but I have been informed about 800 people were inside the hall and a couple of hundred on the veranda, a special mention a lot of children were there and must be the best behaved youngsters going (well done kids).

Again big thanks to the 1st Wingham Scouts and the SES for a sterling effort, and anyone involved for a very successful Centenary of Anzac event.

At 1130 vice president Marie Hatchwell assisted by Brian Willey and Sandy Brooks conducted a service for the residents of Wingham Court.

Following the Wingham Services Club provided our members and guests with the traditional diggers lunch well attended and enjoyed by all.

Once again to the board, management and staff of the Wingham Memorial Services Club - thank you.

During the period of Commemoration of Anzac the Wingham RSL has the privilege of attending the schools in our district who conduct Anzac Services and these have been excellent bringing history to our young. Once again we are proud of our young Australians.

"Lest We Forget"