Sunday afternoon 24 April 2022 was the Beaconsfield Anzac Memorial Service held at the Cenotaph in Beaconsfield. The service is always held on the Sunday before Anzac Day and has been held every year since 1999, except 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This year there was good weather and great support from the community and supporting groups.
Piper Andrew Spiering led a march from Beaconsfield CFA to the Cenotaph. The service began with a welcome by the MC Graeme Taylor, President of Beaconsfield Progress Association, and local MP Brad Battin opened the service. The Casey Choir and Cranbourne Salvation Army Recorder Ensemble accompanied the singing of God Save the Queen and the National Anthem.
A call to remember from Beaconsfield CFA and prayers were read by Pastor Duncan Becsi from Beaconsfield Baptist Church. Casey Choir sang two special items ‘Shelter’ and ‘Grant Us Peace’ and the Recorder Ensemble played a special piece ‘You never walk alone’.
Cr Brett Owen read the Memorial Address ‘The Witham Family – James Albert Witham’ written and researched by Penny Harris Jennings (see page 9). It was a special day for the Witham Family with 20 members of the family in attendance.
Deputy Mayor Cr Tammy Radford read details of the Beaconsfield Servicemen who were represented by relatives at the service. Eric Chaplin, President of Upper Beaconsfield RSL, read the servicemen and women’s names from Beaconsfield from World War I and World War II. Wreaths were laid by local groups and relatives. Mr Chaplin read the Ode to the Fallen and led the Last Post and the Rouse and the flags were raised by the Beaconsfield Officer Scouts.
Thank you to everyone involved in organising and participating in the Service and to Cardinia Shire for a Festivals and Events Grant.
