Anzac Day funding music to Makara’s ears

20 November 2014

Anzac Day funding music to Makara’s ears

A bugler and bagpiper will play The Last Post at next year’s Makara Anzac Day service to commemorate 100 years since New Zealand and Australian troops landed at Gallipoli.

Makara has held an Anzac Day service for eight years with the sounds of The Last Post being broadcast via CD player.

The Makara community has secured $750 from the West Wind Community fund to pay for a bugler, bagpiper and purchase a wreath for the April 25th service.

“It’s great news,” says Patrick Grace, a Makara resident, who along with fellow resident John Mills, organises the annual Anzac Day service at the Makara War Memorial.

“Given that 2015 is the 100th anniversary of our troops landing in Gallipoli, I hope next year’s service will be a significant one. Eight people from Makara died in the two World Wars, that’s a large number for such a small community,” says Patrick. “We normally have about 60 people at the service, which allows them to celebrate and honour the men and women from Makara who have fought for our freedom.”

Also supported in the latest West Wind community funding round, is $8,120 towards the installation of power and lights at the Makara Pony Club’s all weather arena.

Makara Pony Club spokeswoman Brenda O’Leary says the lights will significantly extend the time riders could use the pony club. “It means they’ll be able to use it later in the evening and during the winter months. It also means the horses can be exercised more and other riders can come to Makara to use our facility in the evenings.”

Two other projects to receive funding in the latest West Wind community funding are:

Makara Peak – Mountain Bike Park - $4120 towards the completion of the last stage of the beginner loop track.

Makara School and community playground development - $9,911 for a swing set.

Meridian is New Zealand’s largest electricity generator and is committed to generating electricity from 100% renewable sources. Meridian and its online subsidiary Powershop retail electricity to more than 276,000 connections – homes, farms and businesses throughout New Zealand. Meridian owns and operates seven hydro stations six within the Waitaki Hydro Scheme and seven wind farms in New Zealand and Australia.

As a company focused on sustainability, Meridian is involved with a number of environmental programmes, operates community funds associated with each of its assets and runs a national sponsorship programme that supports a number of community-focused organisations.

ENDS

© Scoop Media