EXERCISE and interaction is the focus of a Bulahdelah-based women’s social group, which gathered for a special ANZAC-themed morning tea on Monday 13 April.
Held at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club, the morning was part of a program that has existed in one form or another for over 40 years, and is currently organised by Belinda Moore and Kerrian Griffin from Home Caring Myall Coast (HCMC).
Group members call themselves the ‘Nutty Nanas’ and get together each fortnight.
The theme of the morning tea was Anzac Day, which was honoured through a special poem reading by group member Belinda.
The poem, ‘Gallant Country Boy’, was originally written by her mother for her Uncle Noel when he was sent off to Darwin during WWII, right around the time of the Japanese bombings there.
“Taken from homes and land and their play, defending our country, youth stripped away,” the poem read.
Belinda told the group her mother had been a bush poet in Tamworth and had been inspired to write the poem after watching Noel march by.
“Uncle Noel later commented how, when they were on the Ghan train heading north, when it stopped in the middle of nowhere, the local CWA ladies would come out of the rocks and serve them something nice to eat, keeping spirits up,” Belinda said.
The poem activated many memories for the ladies present, who shared stories of the wars they have lived through, and their relatives and loved ones who went.
One member, Olly, told of how her brother-in-law and uncle headed off to war and came back with tales of the Kokoda Track, particularly about the assistance received from locals.
Others recalled making camouflage netting in school, light-horse training at Bulahdelah showground, and the existence of an air-raid shelter just below the Mountview Hotel.
Members talked of blacking out or ‘sliver-frosting’ windows, ration coupons, and a plane crash near Conglomerate Road that put many in town on edge for days.
The meeting also served as a 96th birthday celebration for member Olly, who was surprised with a cake.
The ladies also enjoyed some new chair yoga techniques instructed by Peter from Wootton, who has been volunteering his time to the group for the past five years.
“They are amazing,” Peter said.
“We have seen great changes, tried starting new things, and all seem to enjoy it.”
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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