ANZAC Day this year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Gosford cenotaph and the call has gone out for more handmade poppies for the nets displayed each year in Memorial Park.
Central Coast Poppy Project creator Merril Jackson is asking crafty residents to get busy with crochet hooks and knitting needles, with many more poppies needed.
“Remarkable Ettie, a centenarian herself, has been busy making red poppies to mark our significant war memorial’s 100th year,” Jackson said.
“When hearing the call out for red poppies in 2024, Ettie got cracking and her tally so far is a mammoth 125 poppies to add to the beautiful poppy nets that are displayed each year.
“Back in 1924 when Gosford cenotaph was erected, a substantial number of soldiers from across the Central Coast had enlisted to serve in WWI, with many of these men making the supreme sacrifice.
“There were several of these soldiers who had previously served in the Boer War, and some of the returned WWI veterans enlisted to serve once again in WWII.
“Gosford cenotaph is a war memorial erected in honour of our local ANZACs, each having left a powerful legacy.
“Their selfless service, courage, and sacrifice continue to be remembered and commemorated.
“Everyone is invited to make poppies.
“It’s easy to participate and poppy baskets for completed poppies are located at every local community Bendigo Bank branches across the Central Coast.”
Further information and updates are posted on the Facebook page Poppy Project: Never Forgetting the Sacrifices.