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Every year without fail, the red blooms appear on politicians' jackets and in street appeals - but have you ever wondered where they came from?
For many younger New Zealanders, the poppy could seem to be a symbol of Anzac pride. However, it had little to do with the Anzacs at first, but was… View moreEvery year without fail, the red blooms appear on politicians' jackets and in street appeals - but have you ever wondered where they came from?
For many younger New Zealanders, the poppy could seem to be a symbol of Anzac pride. However, it had little to do with the Anzacs at first, but was rather originally conceived for an American audience.
The symbol of the poppy itself comes from Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous WW1 poem 'In Flanders fields', which begins with the opening lines: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row".
It was these moving verses which inspired American war secretary Moina Michael to use red silk poppies as a symbol of remembrance.
After campaigning for two years to get the symbol recognised nationally, the poppy was adopted by the National American Legion as their official symbol at a conference in 1920.
Attending this conference was Frenchwoman Anna A Guérin, who saw the potential to sell poppies and put the proceeds towards caring for veterans, their families and poor children. She also had the foresight to take it beyond America to Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
After her representative Colonel Alfred Moffatt suggested the idea to the RSA in September 1921, a motion was passed and the RSA placed the first order for poppies.
Like the other countries, the RSA was planning to hold its first annual Poppy Appeal around Armistice Day (November 11): however, thanks to the French ship carrying the poppies arriving late, the decision was made to delay sales until Anzac Day, 1922.
The first Poppy Appeal was a huge success, birthing the tradition where poppies go on sale in the weeks before Anzac Day and thus tying them to the day forever.
While the poppies were originally sourced from France, the RSA began producing its own in 1931, which were made by former servicemen in Auckland and Christchurch. Production was to go offshore again in 2010: however, this proved controversial and the contract eventually returned to Christchurch for the period from 2014 to 2019.
As poppies reappear this year, take a moment to remember their long journey and how they help the very organisation caring for our soldiers.
Yet more importantly, like the generations before us moved by McCrae's poem, remember those Flanders fields and what the symbol truly stands for - to never forget.
Story by Jordan Gowan
Thanks to this local business:
Staples Rodway Limited
On Wednesday, April 25, New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
Since 1916, Anzac Day has become the day New Zealanders acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all people involved in military conflicts. It commemorates more than … View moreOn Wednesday, April 25, New Zealand and Australian soldiers – the Anzacs – landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.
Since 1916, Anzac Day has become the day New Zealanders acknowledge the service and sacrifice of all people involved in military conflicts. It commemorates more than 300,000 New Zealanders who served their country and the 30,000 who have died in service, and had been a public holiday since 1921.
A list of the main services across the region is included in the link below. For local services contact your RSA.
Hi looking to buy a UHF aerial in good condition, any replies can also be texted to 0274132984
It's coming into winter and it's time to put your garden to bed!
Delivering around Christchurch, free drop off
Peavine hay is an excellent nutritional mulch for your garden to keep moister regulated and keep weeds down. Peavine hay is considered a more nutrient alternative to peastraw … View moreIt's coming into winter and it's time to put your garden to bed!
Delivering around Christchurch, free drop off
Peavine hay is an excellent nutritional mulch for your garden to keep moister regulated and keep weeds down. Peavine hay is considered a more nutrient alternative to peastraw as it's from the green material closer to the top of the pea plant.
Weed free!
Minimum 5 bales per delivery
Contact 0274233969
Over the next few weeks, chlorine will be introduced to the water supply at each of Christchurch's 56 pump stations.
Treatment will be rolled out in stages across the city, starting in Brooklands, Kainga and Spencerville on Monday (March 26) and then Riccarton, Halswell, Parklands, … View moreOver the next few weeks, chlorine will be introduced to the water supply at each of Christchurch's 56 pump stations.
Treatment will be rolled out in stages across the city, starting in Brooklands, Kainga and Spencerville on Monday (March 26) and then Riccarton, Halswell, Parklands, Heathcote Valley and around Lyttelton harbour in the coming weeks.
Neville Wilkins and the Viscounts are at Hornby club Sunday 29th April, entrance only $7 .00 come and dance to songs from the 50’s 60’s & 70’s. This 6 piece band has been playing for 56 years and has an amazing sound.
Despite what the road closure signs may indicate, this year's parade does not go along the esplanade. It starts at the junction of Colenso and Wakefield, then down Wakefield to the new Community Centre, where the service will be held. See the poster below.
Cat Rescue Christchurch and a lot of other animal related vendors/charities have stalls at the Pet Expo on the Sat/Sun (being the 28th/29th of April) at the Pioneer Leisure Centre.
We are going to be having amazing raffles (a donated Cat House from Happy Cat Tree guy (facebook) and a … View moreCat Rescue Christchurch and a lot of other animal related vendors/charities have stalls at the Pet Expo on the Sat/Sun (being the 28th/29th of April) at the Pioneer Leisure Centre.
We are going to be having amazing raffles (a donated Cat House from Happy Cat Tree guy (facebook) and a voucher from the Cattery Barn in Prebbleton, crafts, facepainting, and a gentleman from Crystal Glasses (re installation of microchipped cat doors)
We have a competition running on our Cat Rescue Christchurch facebook page that you can enter to win ONE ADULT AND ONE CHILD DAY TICKETS so best be in quick. Remember to like our main page and our fundraising page so you don't miss out on opportunities to enter in future.
We also have ONE ADULT AND ONE CHILD DAY TICKETS up for auction on Webfair under Cat Rescue Charity (currently sitting at $2 bid). You can have the fun of auction (which closes on Thursday 26 with ticket pickup from Sydenham) or you can buy now for $10 .
1. Go to Cat Rescue Facebook to enter competition
2. Go to www.webfair.co.nz... and either bid on the tickets or do the buy
now of $10 (saying $5 on face value of tickets).
What a great activity to end the school holidays.
Psssss as this is a Christchurch wide post, my good deed for the day is to find someone who knows CATHERINE MORRIS FROM CHRISTCHURCH, as you have a neighbourly prize to collect by 5pm of Thursday 26th
Psychic Medium Ron L Griffiths offers one hour private readings from my office in Christchurch $80 For an hour a discount if you bring a friend to an appointment also phone or Skype Love ? Career? Spirit world contact over nine years professional experience call text 027 277 56 22 in confidence or… View morePsychic Medium Ron L Griffiths offers one hour private readings from my office in Christchurch $80 For an hour a discount if you bring a friend to an appointment also phone or Skype Love ? Career? Spirit world contact over nine years professional experience call text 027 277 56 22 in confidence or check my fb page for more information and reviews
Anzac day is on Wednesday! Your wheelie bins will be emptied one day later than normal this ANZAC Day and the days following.
Find out what you need to know: bit.ly...
Hi everybody
My daughter got these last year but decided not to return to play hockey this year.
Kookaburra shoes size 9US mens. Great condition.
Kookaburra bag excellent condition 4 compartments plus 2 side mesh pockets. Photo makes colours look faded but is not the case.
Offers please.
If … View moreHi everybody
My daughter got these last year but decided not to return to play hockey this year.
Kookaburra shoes size 9US mens. Great condition.
Kookaburra bag excellent condition 4 compartments plus 2 side mesh pockets. Photo makes colours look faded but is not the case.
Offers please.
If interested please txt Cathy on 021 111 0058
A temporary liquor ban in Christchurch's Linwood Village is likely to be extended and eventually made permanent.
Do you think it's a good idea to make the ban permanent?
The cost of sending letters, parcels and couriers will increase next year, NZ Post says.
Hey neighbours,
Have you heard Transport Minister Phil Twyford's views on wheel clamping? He says it either needs to be banned or regulated - and he was working on legislation to see it banned. What are your thoughts? To read more, click here.
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