Lest we forget
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli.
On Anzac day many people in the bowling community will stop to remember their loved ones both past and present who have fought for our freedom in war, and to those complete strangers who lost their lives fighting for us all 100 years ago.
This Australia Day, OAM medals were awarded to bowlers across the country for their long standing service to lawn bowls which came as a surprise to one recipient, Mrs Carpenter who is sadly a war widow.
The effects of war are still felt in many ways but as Mrs Gwen Carpenter OAM from Gladsville Women’s Bowling Club said in her letter to Bowls Australia upon receiving the Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division, lawn bowls has been her saving grace.
Bowls Australia President Des Skinner sent each OAM award recipient a personalized letter congratulating them and thanking each and every one for their contribution to the sport.
President Skinner, a British Armed Forces fighter pilot himself, was thrilled to receive a letter back from Mrs Carpenter and hear what the sport of bowls has done for her.
“Thank you very much for your congratulations on my award of the Medal (OAM) in the General Division in the Order of Australia Honours, which was announced on Australia Day,” Mrs Carpenter said.
“I was thrilled to receive the OAM for services to Lawn Bowls which is a great honour and was very unexpected.”
“As a War Widow I needed a cause and the game of bowls provided me with a great opportunity to serve the local community and indeed those who were interested in the sport across New South Wales and Internationally.
“I have greatly enjoyed the game of bowls and the companionship it has provided, particularly from the women members of the Gladesville Women’s Bowling Club.
“I Hope to be able to continue to participate in the sport in some way for some time to come,” Mrs Carpenter said.
This Anzac Day a number of bowling clubs across the country will honour the fallen with a minute silence, the laying of wreaths or playing of the last post; the bowling community will stop to remember our brave soldiers.
Servicemen and servicewomen will come together to march in Anzac day parades of which many members from the bowling community will take part in.
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.
