Competitive lawn bowls game disturbed the peace at an Anzac service at Ashfield Park

NOISY lawn bowlers have upset guests attending an Anzac service on Sunday who said their “raucous” behaviour was disrespectful.

The solemn Anzac Sunday Memorial Service at the Memorial Obelisk, Ashfield Park.

• True stories of how animals helped Australians at war
• Where to play two-up on Anzac Day 2017

NOISY bowlers have upset guests attending an Anzac service on Sunday who said their “raucous” behaviour was disrespectful.

The bowlers were heard cheering and clapping during a minute’s silence at the Ashfield RSL Club sub-branch memorial service.

As hundreds of retired diggers, students, families and community groups honoured fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country at Ashfield Park, a group of men nearby were “competitively” playing a game of lawn bowls at Ashfield Bowling Club.

Described as “disrespectful, disturbing and distracting”, the players seemed oblivious to the Anzac Sunday Memorial Service at the Memorial Obelisk at 9.30am run by Ashfield RSL Club sub-branch in conjunction with Inner West Council.

Anzac Sunday Memorial Service at the Memorial Obelisk at Ashfield Park.

Croydon Park resident Wendy Reid said the men continued playing despite hearing the bagpipes, marching band and bugle.

“There was frequent yelling and raucous behaviour from these men, even during a wonderful speech by a student from Ashfield Boys High; even during the minute’s silence; even during the national anthem,” Ms Reid said.

“I don’t know how they wouldn’t have known about the service because police had blocked off the streets. It’s a big deal.

“There were hundreds of people at the service with many looking over their shoulders to see where the noise was coming from.

“I approached the male bowlers who were making all this noise. I asked the closest man if they could keep the noise down because there was an Anzac service under way. His reply was “it’s got nothing to do with me”. He didn’t care. I felt angry because I expect a bit of respect from people.”

The Anzac Sunday Memorial Service at the Memorial Obelisk at Ashfield Park.

Ms Reid said she had attended the service for 10 years and was appalled by the bowling club allowing the “disrespectful behaviour” of the men.

“It is always a very heartfelt occasion, with many members of the community participating,” she said.

“As usual there were many students from local primary and high schools; they provided the keynote speaker, the catafalque party, the band and bugler. Local clubs sent representatives to lay wreaths. The mood is always very respectful.

“If this bowling club cannot support the local community, the community should no longer support this club.”

A musical performace at the Anzac Service at the Memorial Obelisk at Ashfield Park.

Sub-branch secretary Marta Folkard was the MC of the service and carried on despite the noise.

“I know people were having trouble hearing me over the noise and, at one stage, they were making some sort of ruckus and making themselves known that they were at the bowling greens,” she said.

“I noticed it but I had to be professional and I continued on. They have never interfered with our service before.”

Ashfield Bowling Club manager Michael Wilson said he was not aware of noise complaints until after the service.

“I would have ensured it was stopped if I was informed about it during the event,” Mr Wilson said.

“There was no lack of respect. There were 24 bowlers playing a game of bowls for the Interclub Competition at a very competitive level.”

The Anzac Sunday Memorial Service at the Memorial Obelisk at Ashfield Park.

Follow @KimberleyCaines