Burleigh Heads RSL Sub-Branch patron, Gary Ivory, is working
on a contract in Qatar and will be representing Burleigh Heads
RSL Sub-Branch on ANZAC Day. The following is provided directly
by Gary.
As I followed up the contacts given to me I ended up in some great
conversation with expats that have been living in Qatar for some
time. The prime mover of the Anzac Commemorations held here the
last two years is Greg Rayner. As it happens Greg has a cousin
Tony who is currently Acting Director General of Primary Industries
in Queensland. Tony’s Wife Vicki is on our Team. They will
finally meet sometime tomorrow. Small world indeed.
Greg also went to
school in Barcaldine born in Longreach and remembers Olga Browne
who was teaching at Barcaldine while Greg was at school. Olga
is a friend of mine and the mum of our Deputy at Burleigh Carol
Browne. Having once lived in Aramac (So did Olga and Carol)
Greg and I discovered we knew many people from over the years
and had a great time reminiscing. Aramac and Barcy are close
towns in the west and I went there often. Greg also is connected
to my cousin John Dangerfield and to my mate Ray Gilbert. They
are all nurses and Ray and Greg were in the army together. Greg
heads up the emergency services for Qatar Petroleum and is currently
finishing his PHD.
He goes to Australia
Monday so I have taken his place on the committee.
So far we have the
local Anglican Priest, the Ambassador from the UK and one from
Turkey as well as a priest from Saudi. The First Secretary from
the Embassy in the Emirates emailed us to say she was coming.
I met her with the Australian Ambassador at ANZBIC last week.
Our Service will
be held at the Doha Golf Club at dawn. Followed by snacks a
brunch at 9.00am and then a golf day for those interested with
jumping castles and entertainment for the children. It is spectacular
venue the sun will come up over palm trees massive gardens and
greens. It is the Sabbath here so it was decided to have it
in this private location rather than at the beach. The other
activities are traditional for the Ex Pats on the Sabbath. Yes-
life is different in Doha.
My Dad Fred would
wonder how it happened his boy was doing this and carrying the
flag as Patron of the RSL Burleigh Heads in QATAR. I am very
honoured to be involved in this and feel very proud a little
bit of Burleigh and the Burleigh RSL will be represented in
such a special place on such a special day. The fellows s are
hoping they will get a mention in Burleigh Dispatches as they
have tried to be recognised (anywhere) before but have not succeeded
to date. I believe they have been very successful I especially
as the embassies have chosen to be involved. We expect about
200 New Zealanders and Australians to attend - we will do our
best. As we begin our Dawn Service the Burleigh Heads State
School Choir will be singing the last Hymn at the ANZAC Commemoration
at Burleigh Heads. Our Deputy Carol will take my place on Anzac
day to read the Resolution. I will be thinking of them and the
many diggers at Burleigh Heads. I have attended for 10 years
at Burleigh and will miss them and our usual celebration.
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