Army to join old soldiers for day on Rannerdale Fields

100 New Zealand Army personnel will join forces in a special Christchurch event to honour war veterans.

The Rannerdale Gala Day on Saturday November 17 will involve army, rescue services, police dogs, naval reserve, regimental and cultural groups, augmented by musical interludes, displays by schools and community organizations, and entertainment. Steve Shamy, General Manager of the Rannerdale Veterans Hospital and Home says the event is an opportunity to honour veterans in celebration with the wider community, and everyone is invited.

'We will have around 100 soldiers from Burnham Military Camp at the event drawn from all of our Infantry, Logistics, Armoured, Signals, Medical, and Band Corps, along with members of the Burnham Community Group Kapa Haka performing,' says Major Rob Wilson of S3 HQ3 LFG Burnham.

'We will be showcasing some of our capabilities with static displays and activities showing us in action. Through the displays we hope to help people understand the roles that we perform and the variety of skills that Army personnel have.'

Established in 1929, the Rannerdale Veterans Hospital and Home cares for and supports war veterans and their families from Canterbury, West Coast and Nelson regions, and has a duty of care to veterans aged 17 and above, as well as to the families and dependants affected by the emotional and social impact of war.

The Home is a local landmark, having moved to 59 Hansons Lane in 1956, its veterans a familiar sight in the Upper Riccarton community. The original First World War veterans have gone now, their places taken up by some 65 ex servicemen and women, veterans of World War 2, subsequent campaigns and peacekeeping missions.

The New Zealand Army is supporting the Gala Day because it feels a close connection to the Rannerdale Veterans Home.

'Their residents represent our heritage, emulate our values of courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity, and are a source of great pride to us,' says Major Rob Wilson. 'We hope to have a very successful day helping Rannerdale celebrate their 85th anniversary while promoting a positive image for the New Zealand Army.'

The Gala Day will be held on Rannerdale Fields, which is alongside the Home in Hansons Lane, on Saturday November 17. With activities for the whole family on the programme, the public is invited to come along and enjoy this special event with Rannerdale veterans. Gates open at 10am and entry is free. *Programme below

Rannerdale Gala Day Saturday November 17, 10am To 4pm Programme

10.00 am Gala Day commences - gates open
10.15 am New Zealand Army Land Rover Strip
10.45 am New Zealand Army Kapa Haka Group
11.15 am Zimbabwe cultural group - performance
11.45 am New Zealand Army Quintet
12.15 pm New Zealand Police Dog Handling Team
12.45 pm New Zealand Army Kapa Haka Group
1.15 pm Official Welcome - Peter Laloli, Riccarton/Wigram Community
Board
1.20 pm Chinese Lion Dance - performance
1.30 pm NZ Fire Service/St John - Jaws of Life Rescue demonstration
2.00 pm St John Ambulance Youth Drill team
2.15 pm New Zealand Army Section Battle Drills
2.45 pm New Zealand Army Land Rover Strip
3.15 pm Indian Society cultural group - performance
4.00 pm Gala Day concludes

Enjoy the easy listening talents of the New Zealand Army Quintet and Joe does Sinatra under the big marquee where morning and afternoon teas will be served
Plus >>> Titanic giant inflatable slide
>>> Rat Race inflatable obstacle course
>>> Displays & Stalls by community groups and schools
>>> Food stalls and drinks and much more

ENDS

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