New War Memorial
The opening of the Pickering Brook War Memorial on Anzac Day 25th April 2012, was the climax of approximately 2 years planning and consulting to get all the protocols correct.
The idea is credited to Jim Gordon who while touring the Eastern States commented that nearly every little town had a War Memorial and why didn’t Pickering Brook have one.
So the seed was sown and the Pickering Brook Heritage Group swung into action to make it a reality. It was planned to make it a very nice, but simple monument that reflected the area.
A site was chosen and created next to the Heritage Park and adjoining the School Car Park. A large local rock was to become the centre piece surrounded by stone blocks that also formed two long angled benches along two sides of the overall area. This is completed by a flagpole in the centre at the rear.
SUNRISE AT PICKERING BROOK #1
SAND PAD FOR THE PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 28th March 2011 #2
SAND PAD FOR THE PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 28th March 2011 #3
CONCRETE FOUNDATION FOR THE PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 25th November 2011 #4
CONCRETE FOUNDATION FOR THE PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 25th November 2011 #5
PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 27th March 2012 #6
PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 27th March 2012 #7
PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 6th April 2012 #8
PICKERING BROOK WAR MEMORIAL 6th April 2012 #9
The Pickering Brook Heritage Group is indebted to the following for their services provided in the erection of the War Memorial:
Jim Gordon – for the concept idea
Federal Department of Veteran Affairs – for the funding grant.
Western Australia RSL – for their advice and assistance in the design.
Shire of Kalamunda – for their approval and support
Trevor Beard – for preparation of the site works
Stephen Della Franca – for his valued assistance in laying the concrete foundation
David Hawley & Trevor Beard – for the formation of the plinth and seating
Mac Beard – for crane work to position the rock
Jim Gordon – for setting plaque and erection of flagpole
Opening Of New War Memorial
A huge crowd of over 150 braved the early morning darkness to attend the Anzac Day dawn service of the new Pickering Brook War Memorial on 25th April 2012.
Seating was provided for the “older” attendees but few were prepared to own their age and accept the seating. Don’t worry we know who you are that qualified.
A little past 6 O’clock the service commenced proudly led by Mr. Stephen Lamont, wearing his father’s medals for the first time this year. Sadly his father, who was a dedicated RSL member and a former Vietnam soldier, passed away a few weeks earlier. Stephen’s opening speech particularly acknowledged our Returned and Servicemen who were in attendance on the day. He asked everyone to remember those who have made a contribution to our country and in doing this we can better understand our freedom. Anzac Day is a mark of respect to the servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
FRANCES LAMONT RECITING "IN FLANDER'S FIELDS" #16
The opening prayer was presented by Reverend Lesley Borowitzka, a long time local resident. This was followed by Frances Lamont, a former student of Pickering Brook Primary School; she recited “In Flander’s Fields” by John McCrae.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders Fields.
The Anzac address was given by Mr. Gerry Hemy, from Karragullen, who previously served as a Sergeant in the Royal Australian Air Force. Gerry is the father of Dianne, the owner of the Pickering General Store.
George Spriggs and Mac Beard placed a wreath on behalf of the Community of Pickering Brook and the Pickering Brook Heritage Group. Then Councilors Geoff Stallard and John Giardina placed wreath on behalf of the Shire of Kalamunda. Other wreaths were placed by Helen Ross, Stephanie O’Meagher, Frances & Rosa Lamont.
MR. GERRY HEMY PRESENTING THE ANZAC DAY ADDRESS #17
MR. GEORGE SPRIGGS & MR. MAC BEARD LAYING THE COMMUNITY WREATH #18
STEPHANY O'MEAGHER LAYING HER WREATH #19
HELEN ROSS LAYING HER WREATH #20
ROSA AND FRANCES LAMONT LAYING THEIR FLOWERS #21
Peter Newing recited the ODE.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest We Forget
The Last Post was sounded. A minutes silence was followed by the playing of The Reveille and the Flag Raising by two local Scouts, Jo and Jack Hall. Everyone was upstanding for the singing of the National Anthem.
Morning tea and coffee was served afterwards by the Pickering Brook Heritage Group. Followed by reminiscing conversations among the many that attended. Local identity, Linda “the truckie”, who regularly phones the radio station 720 AM, reported the details on Eoin Cameron’s breakfast programme.
A Presentation Certificate was accepted by Emilio Furfaro, from the President of the Pickering Brook Heritage Group, Beverley Giumelli, on behalf of his father Frank who served as a Private in the 58/59th Australian Infantry Battalion during World War 11 and was severely wounded.
BEVERLEY GIUMELLI AND EMILIO FURFARO #23
HELEN ROSS WEARING HER FATHER'S MEDALS #26
STEPHANIE O'MEAGHER WEARING HER FATHER'S MEDALS #27
GERRY HEMY WEARING HIS MEDALS #28
VIEW OF WAR MEMORIAL #29
COMMUNITY WREATH #32
O'MEAGHER WREATH #33
THE PICKERING HERITAGE GROUP COMMITTEE 2011-12
Left - Right: GORDON FREEGARD, BECKY LAMONT, PETER NEWING, HELEN ROSS, STEPHANIE O'MEAGHER, JIM GORDON, BEVERLEY GIUMELLI, SUSAN DELLAFRANCA, MAC BEARD. Missing: MARIA GIUMELLI, JOE HARDMAN, SILIO DI MARCO, TOM PRICE #30
LINDA "THE TRUCKY" & MAC BEARD #34
The Pickering Brook Primary School’s Term Two project is to design and prepared special “rest and reflect” pavers to be incorporated in the paving of the surrounding area of the memorial.
A formal Dedication Service of the War memorial will be held in celebration of Remembrance Day on Sunday 18th November 2012. This will coincide with a major “Open Day” of the Heritage Park.
PAM & MAC BEARD #35
References: Article: Pickering Brook Heritage Group
Stephen Lamont
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33 Gordon Freegard
12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 34, 35 Warwick Hemy