Commemorating our Anzacs

Hundreds of handwritten messages thanking and remembering the efforts of wartime soldiers will adorn the walls of Bayfair Shopping Centre tomorrow as part of the Anzac Day commemoration project.

The 3m x 4m banner of handwritten poppy petals is part of a full ANZAC Day display featuring exhibition panels of wartime stories, assorted military memorabilia and a special edition commemorative newspaper to be unveiled at the centre on Girven Road from 1pm.

The wartime era will be brought to life on Anzac Day when 1940s paper boy Joel Stanaway gives out special commemorative newspapers at Bayfair shopping centre. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Project organiser and Bayfair marketing manager Nina Rickett is heartened by the response after calling for people to dedicate messages to friends and loves ones who have served, or are currently serving in conflicts recognised by Anzac Day.

“It will be a great pleasure to unveil hundreds of these tributes to some of our unsung heroes, which have been written on ‘poppy petals’.”

The centre display will include 12 exhibition panels that tell many Bay of Plenty people’s stories of involvement – both on the frontline and at home. Assorted military memorabilia including military clothing, a jeep and photos of WWI and WWII planes will also be on display.

Also as part of the display Tauranga’s Joel Stanaway will be dressed as a 1940s paper boy and will be handing out commemorative newspapers from 1pm-2pm.

The paper, which has been produced in conjunction with Sun Media, recounts the service and sacrifice of some of the Bay of Plenty’s unsung heroes.

Papers will also be available from the information desk from 1pm. The shopping centre will open at 1pm on Anzac Day, with the food court opening at 11am.