Our Tall Poppies

William Massey, the incumbent Prime Minister of New Zealand, on the 5th April 1916 requested that all Mayors of Cities and Boroughs, would observe a half day commencing on 25th April at 1.00pm in remembrance of the notable deeds performed by our New Zealand soldiers overseas. Ministers of all denominations of religion were asked to provide special services during the afternoon.
The date was chosen to mark the anniversary of the landing of the New Zealand and Australian soldiers on the Gallipoli peninsula in 1915.

Martinborough was no exception, and on 25 April 1916 a united service was held in Martinborough to commemorate the lives of those soldiers who had fallen.
The day has gone through many changes since then and now commemorates all New Zealanders killed in war, as well as honouring those who have returned. The ceremonies that are held throughout New Zealand and overseas are still rich in tradition, and maintain a ritual fitting for a military funeral.  
In Martinborough, the skirling of the bagpipes sounds in the early dawn, and then both returned soldiers and those in active service, as well as residents, march down Jellicoe Street through the Memorial Gates and into the Square, where the service is held. School students pay tributes to the dead and read out the names of those Martinborough men and women lost in service.
Finally the haunting sounds of the Last Post echo before the dawn breaks.
Following the service all are generally invited back to the Martinborough Town Hall for refreshments.
This year owing to the refurbishment of the Town Hall and the projected new extension, the Fire Service took over this role. The Waihinga Trust would like to make a special thank you to the Fire Service for providing this service.

If you would like to contribute:
You can either donate directly to the Waihinga Charitable Trust bank account
 02 0680 0056066
or call Victoria Read on 06 306 8570 or Max Stevens on 06 306 9095.
Alternatively, you can contribute through GiveaLittle.co.nz/cause/waihingacentre.nz
All stories of Town Hall functions, festivities and any photographic memorabilia will be gratefully accepted by Lisa Cornelissen either via email info@waihingacentre.co.nz or drop off documents for scanning at the Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park Reception (10 Dublin Street West)

Supporter Profile
Sir Somerford and Leonie Lady Teagle
After living in 28 different houses during his naval career, the former Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Sir Somerford Teagle (Ret) and his wife Leonie Lady Teagle chose Martinborough for their 29th and hopefully last change of address.
“We came for a six week stay over twenty years ago and never left. After a very busy life we loved the peace and quiet here.” It was also a chance for Leonie to finally develop a long-term garden (pictured).
Both admire the attitude of the early settlers with their faith in the future and their willingness to invest in it. “We can and should do the same.”
They’ve enjoyed some great shows in the old Town Hall and are looking forward to the wider range of events that will be possible in the refurbished building. Another pleasure is seeing the importance of the library recognised with a new purpose-built space.