A Plea for an ANZAC Day Speaker

“From: Bill Freeman <lawman1#iinet.net.au>
Date: 24 March 2022 at 21:25:34 AEDT

 

1. I am secretary/treasurer of Charlton RSL Sub-branch, a small traditional sub-branch.
2. Charlton is on the Calder Highway, 255km from Melbourne, our regional city is Bendigo, 105km away.
3. For more years than I can remember, we have had ANZAC Day guest speakers from Joss Ceremonial Vic & Tas; today they advised they are unable to support our request this year due to availability.
4. We need a guest speaker for ANZAC Day.   Would someone from the MVG like to come to Charlton to do the honours?
5. Our commemoration comprises wreath laying at the Cenotaph, last post etc, march to Shire Hall, ceremony in the hall, followed by refreshments in the clubrooms which adjoin the hall.   This takes from approx. 0840 to 1130, then refreshments.
6. The format of the ceremony in the hall is musical number from the band, welcome, shire representative, hymn, college captains read the 23rd psalm, guest speaker, hymn, musical number, national anthems of NZ & Aus, musical exit from band (this is from memory without a program in hand).   We have a padre, who is a member of our sub-branch, ex RAN, and an Anglican priest.
7. With JOSS speakers they come up on 24/04, stay overnight, we take them to dinner, we meet them at the Cenotaph and spend the day with them until they are ready to leave.   With JOSS the department meets the costs, other than the dinner at which the speaker is our guest.
8. If you are able to provide a guest speaker, they would be most welcome to stay with us, provided they are lovers of country hospitality, cats & red wine!
9   As ANZAC Day is but a month away, I would appreciate your early response.I will be away from tomorrow, 25/03, to Monday 28/03 mid afternoon.
Thank you in anticipation.
Yours in Service;
Bill Freeman, Secretary/Treasurer, Charlton RSL Sub-branch.   5491 1000   lawman1#iinet.net.au”