Today our school came together to celebrate and remember those of the past and Marlborough’s first Anzac service. We are always proud to be asked by the Marlborough RSA to host a service for the children and community. Chris Bamber, President of RSA, helped to organise this special occasion and we thank her for that.
We were honoured to have the Mayor of Marlborough John Leggett, Past President Ross Cooke, Vice President Terry Grant, local Rapaura member Mr Ewen Robinson and Reverend Sam Anderson who through discussion was once a primary school teacher who was very impressed with the students and the interest and respect they showed during the service.
Our Prime Minister, Emily and Speaker, Will read the Roll of Honour and on behalf of the school lay the wreath. Well done to both of you for stepping up as young leaders of the school.
Dear Rapaura School Community,
I love looking at your website from time to time. I am a secondary teacher in Wellington whose dad was born in Murphy’s Road. He was Noel Elbeck Matthews. I remember that his eldest sister, Ngaire Elbeck Matthews, and younger sister, Zoe Elbeck Matthews, attended your school reunions on two occasions as elderly women. One day I hope to come to one too, and see your historical records relating to my family and others. Neville Matthews, who co-authored your historical book with his wife Prue, was my first cousin.
It is Anzac Day today and I started looking at your website again for your Roll of Honour as I know many of my relatives appear on it, from WW1 especially. They were undoubtedly lovely, lively, simple and healthy young farmer boys, full of the joy and the promise of life when they crossed Stump Creek. (I also remember my dad talking about riding his horse to Marlborough College and jumping it over Stump Creek). They were probably, and oh so naively, hoping they could play rugby somehow around the army camp occasionally!
I would love to see that Roll of Honour in writing if you could send me an electronic copy please. I would also like to purchase my cousin Neville’s book about your school from you, if possible.
May you continue to thrive as a school and community.
Kia kaha, Kia māia, Kia manawanui.
Suzanne