Centenary Lunch -Gallipoli & Dardanelles International @ King’s Lynn Town Hall, Norfolk on Friday 3rd July 2015
This auspicious occasion took place in the ornate Georgian Assembly Room. Guests were greeted in the Grade 1 listed medieval Stone Hall . The 41 diners led by the Mayor Councillor Colin Manning included many members of Gallipoli & Dardanelles International who had relatives in the Gallipoli Campaign. There were guests from Australia, New Zealand and Turkey. Three former Mayors , the author Dan Van Der Vat and Richard Bennett of the Trooper Potts Memorial Trust were present as well.
The Mayor gave the loyal toast and Lt Cmdr Arthur Coxon toasted G&DI at the end of the excellent meal. The President then proposed a toast to our friends in the Gallipoli Association of Turkey ‘Gelibolu Dernegi’. It was well received.
John Dowson an accomplished Australian writer gave a very thought provoking presentation. He questioned the reasons for war and whether those who suffered are fully appreciated. His book ‘ Off to War: WW1 1914-1918 ‘ gives an account of Australians and New Zealanders going off to war.
This popular annual lunch was enjoyed by all . It lived up to the objectives of G&DI – ‘Remembrance’ ‘Friendship’ and ‘Education’.