Cranbrook neighbourhood’s ‘touching’ Anzac Day service

A “touching” neighbourhood Anzac Day service brought tears to the eyes of residents as the street gathered for the Last Post, and the national anthem sung to honour the fallen.

Cranbrook residents Rianta Belford and Claire Davies took to their front lawn to help their street commemorate Anzac Day. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

A “TOUCHING” neighbourhood Anzac Day service brought tears to the eyes of residents as the street gathered for the Last Post, and the national anthem was sung to honour the fallen.

Neighbours living in Serrano Cres, Cranbrook, gathered for the intimate Dawn Service held by teachers Claire Davies and Rianta Belford on Saturday.

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Ms Belford played the Last Post and The Rouse on her saxophone, and then sang Advance Australia Fair along with Ms Davies and a friend for the 20 people who stood in their driveways at dawn.

“It was really special for all of us … without that tradition Anzac Day wouldn’t have felt as meaningful. We were all keen to make sure it was commemorated ourselves and with the people in our local community,” Ms Davies said.

“You weren’t standing alone, you were standing together. We also made Anzac biscuits the night before and just stood a metre-and-a-half away from each other, observing social distancing and just chatted afterwards.

“It was really beautiful to be part of a community that cared about keeping the Anzac spirit alive at a time where it’s hard to be together.”

Resident of 20 years Barry Davies said he had never seen a service like that before and was “touched”. “The ladies did such a beautiful job, there was emotion in the air and it brought a tear to my eye,” he said.

Originally published as Cranbrook neighbourhood’s ‘touching’ Anzac Day service