Memorial seats to be unveiled tomorrow

TO COMMEMORATE the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, Torquay RSL has donated two specially carved bench seats for installation at Fisherman’s Beach in Torquay.

The bench seats, designed and built by local artist Mark Trinham, will be blessed and unveiled tomorrow (Friday, November 9) at a ceremony at 12.30pm.

Torquay RSL president Bob Tyler said the seats and their commemorative messages would be a significant addition to the foreshore.

“These seats will ensure that passersby, those who use them for a rest, or those who sit upon them to look out to sea, will be reminded of the sacrifices given by so many to defend Australia.

“Mark Trinham has met our brief to the letter. It is a wonderful result and we are proud that the seats will be a part of the Torquay foreshore for years to come.

“Major Peter Ellis of the Salvation Army will bless the memorial seats before they are released for public use.

“Major Ellis has a close family connection with the First World War and is a student of the Western Front and other areas in which Australian troops and nurses served.”

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson will officially unveil the seats, which were funded through a grant from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Torquay residents and visitors are invited to the blessing and unveiling of the seats.

Mr Tyler said the addition of the seats as simple war memorials complemented Torquay’s other memorials to the men and women who had served in every conflict from World War I to today.

In the lead up to this year’s Remembrance Day service at Point Danger on Sunday, November 11, RSL members are conducting commemorative services at aged care facilities in Torquay and Anglesea and at Torquay and Bellbrae schools.

A lone bugler from the Geelong West Brass Band will sound “Last Post” at 11am as vintage aircraft fly over Point Danger.

Torquay Lions Club will operate a barbecue sausage sizzle adjacent to the ceremony site after the Point Danger Remembrance Ceremony. Cost is a gold coin donation which will go towards Torquay RSL’s Welfare Fund.

After the ceremony, the Salvation Army Band will move to Elephant Walk for a free concert between 1-3pm.