CHILDREN proved to be the driving force behind Anzac Day celebrations in our small communities on Tuesday.

Youngsters at Bundarra also showed their community the Anzac spirit, particularly students of Bundarra Central School.

The students participated in the march before a ceremony where the congregation was addressed by former aircrew warrant officer for the Australian Airforce, Patrick McMahon, who spoke about his service in Afghanistan.

The efforts of the Ashford Central School were appreciated by their community when the school choir sang for the service.

More then 50 people braved the cold for the Dawn Service, which Ashford RSL president Bill Hartley said was a huge response.

Ashford's Commercial Hotel provided the crowd with a hot breakfast before the 10.30am service when the village paid respects to 12 former Diggers.

"It was a very rewarding day for all," Mr Hartley said.

The day was made more special by the annual school children's Anzac Day essay writing competition.

Delungra Anzac Day celebrations were made possible because of the high involvement of the Delungra Girl Guides.

Girl Guides representatives Amy Barnes, Sam Knight and Milanee Matherson laid wreathes, along with Ross Hirsch and Fred Calderbank for the Delungra RSL.

Other wreath bearers included Emily Mepham on behalf of the Delungra Women's Auxiliary, deputy mayor Peter Lloyd for Inverell Shire Council and Emily Savage laid the wreath for the Delungra Public School.

Girl Guides Abbie Hough read the prayer of thanksgiving, Emily Lee Knight read the prayer for the queen and Kristen Farragher read the prayer for the nation.

Kristen also played the flute during the morning service and Grace Cole sang the national anthem with the accompaniment of Ainslie Savage on the piano accordion.

© 2006 Inverell Times

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