Pamela Mitchell hooked on Anzac biscuit tin collection
Anzac biscuit tins at the supermarkets are becoming quite the collectable - and they hold a special place in the heart of one Coffs Coast woman. Here’s why.
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For some it’s Little Shop toys or ooshies, but Valla legend Pamela Mitchell can’t go past Anzac biscuit tins when it comes to collectables.
Ms Mitchell has a swag of the containers - and the near obsession is driven by her family’s storied military connections.
Her daughter, Lynda Lynch of Armidale, explained it was something of a mission to try and snaffle as many of the designs as possible.
Anzac biscuits tins have been a century-old item, which in more recent times has been embraced by the major Australian supermarkets.
“The other day I went to a second hand shop at the Nambucca Plaza with a friend and found an extra 10 tins (which her mother did not have). We took their display,” Ms Lynch said.
The Mitchells like many of the ‘old country families’ have strong records of service to the nation.
Ms Lynch’s grandfather, the late Hilton ‘Joe’ Mitchell was involved in World War II, while her brother Ross Mitchell is a current officer in the Air Force at Canberra.
“It’s (military service) embedded in our family and it’s something mum is passionate about,” Ms Lynch said.
Another tradition for the Mitchells is attending Anzac Day services at Bowraville.
“Mum still marches even though she’s had a stroke,” Ms Lynch said.
After respects are paid at ‘Bowra’, the Mitchell clan often meet with the Brougham family - another tribe with extensive military links - at Nambucca Heads.
“It’s just a really special time,” Ms Lynch said.
The RSL’s limited edition Anzac biscuits are now available at Coles, Woolworths and Aldi stores.
This year there are seven different tin designs to collect.
Woolies tins feature photos from WWI of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force.
Coles tins feature contemporary photos to celebrate and honour those currently serving.
Aldi’s range is designed by Veteran Cory Rinaldi and features the story of the famous battlefield football team The Mudlarks.
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