Anzac Day Remembrance Encouraged by Bayfair

It has been nearly one hundred years since Anzac troops landed at Gallipoli to fight for their countries in one of the most significant wartime events in New Zealand history. The campaign has become a benchmark for remembrance, with New Zealanders recognising Anzac Day since 1916.

As time goes by, it has become increasingly important for us to reflect on past conflicts and pay our respects to those who fought for our freedom and prosperity, keeping their memory alive for the generations to come.

Bayfair has partnered with Sun Media to produce a commemorative newspaper and exhibition in recognition of Anzac Day 2012. Between 19 March and 12 April, local residents are invited to share their wartime experiences and photographs.

Bayfair marketing manager Nina Rivett says, “The iconic words ‘Lest We Forget’ need to be kept in mind this April, and Bayfair is helping to ensure the plight of wartime is remembered in the years to come.”

Suggested topics include:

• What it was like for service personnel overseas;
• How those left behind were affected and how they coped;
• What it was like for children growing up during those times;
• Favourite recipes which made the most of food available during rationing;
• What people did to socialise and the importance of friendship and family networks;
• Popular games and toys which helped children to escape the realities of wartime.

Submissions (handwritten or typed), together with any photographs, can be delivered to the Bayfair Information Desk, located outside Kmart. To ensure the originals are returned, Bayfair personnel will organise for photographs to be scanned. Alternatively, submissions and photographs can be emailed to anzac@thesun.co.nz. In both instances, it is asked that a name, address and phone number be included. The closing date for submissions is Wednesday 12 April.

Given that the newspaper has limited space, stories and photographs with reference to the above topics will be chosen on a first submitted, first printed basis. However, to ensure that all memories are given the presence they deserve, Bayfair will be displaying all submissions in areas located throughout the centre from Wednesday 25 to Sunday 29 April.

All contributors will receive a newspaper and in order to commemorate Anzac Day at Bayfair, copies will be available at the Information Desk from 1pm on Wednesday 25 April to 5pm on Sunday 29 April.

Local residents are also encouraged to visit the Information Desk and write a message dedicated to a family member or friend who they would like to publically recognise, remember and thank as part of the Anzac Day commemorations. The messages will be displayed in-centre on a sky banner on Anzac Day, Wednesday 25 April.

“The 2012 Anzac Day commemorative newspaper and sky banner will serve as lasting mementos of not only Anzac Day 2012, but of all our countrymen’s efforts in past wars,” says Ms Rivett.

Visit www.bayfair.co.nz or www.facebook.com/bayfairshoppingcentre for further details.