Roy Freere "filled the house".

In theatrical terms it was a "sell-out" - standing room only. I mean no disrespect by those references - but the hall at the St John's parish was full today, for the funeral of Roy Freere.

That is a great tribute to the life of Roy Freere and the contribution which he and his family, have made to the local community, and to the wider society - for people came from near and far today to commemorate Roy's life and to honour his memory.Tribute was first paid to Roy by one of his colleagues from the Microscopical Society of Australia - Dr. Peter Rickwood, a Geologist from the University of New South Wales. It appears that Peter was Roy's oldest friend (outside his imediate family), having met Roy when both were at University in England. They met again years later, in Australia, when Roy turned up as a Company Rep for a Microscope manufacturer, and Peter was in charge of purchases for his University laboratory. Their friendship was re-kindled, and subsequently they collaborated on a professional level, jointly founding the Microscopical Society of Australia, and also publishing several technical papers together. Above all, they remained good friends, with profound respect shown by Peter for Roy's memory today.

Professor Ray Kearney spoke lovingly of Roy, from the perspective of a fellow member of the Sydney Fungal Studies Group, and as a friend. A number of members of the SFSG (as well as myself) were present to honour Roy and to comfort Joan. Ray spoke beautifully of Roy's frienship, and his love of the environment, especially "his beloved Robertson Nature Reserve".

Ray and Elma Kearney
listen as Rev Barry Lee reads the funeral prayers.

Dr Peter Freere (Roy's eldest son) then read from notes he had prepared about his Dad. Peter was very emotional, but we all understood that. His brother Ian came up to support Peter as he finished his speech, then very gently made his own comments, ending up with "Sleep well, Dad". A nice personal touch.

Their brother in law, Mark then spoke nicely of his father-in-law, including several amusing anecdotes. Mark's wife Susan, (Roy and Joan's second child) then spoke briefly about her father and then read a very moving letter which a local lady had written to Roy. She commented how it had pleased her Dad to have that letter read to him, as he asked her to read it several times over.

The Service was conducted by the Rev. Barry Lee according to the Anglican Church rites, as per the prevailing "Low Church" interpretation as approved within the Sydney Archdiocese. However "low key" the tone of the service might have been, the personal touches added by the family and friends were very satisfying.

Committing the coffin to the earth.
The Pall Bearers gently lower the coffin on heavy tapes.
Rev. Barry Lee then read the final interment prayer.
Peter (in maroon jacket) looks on.

I did not take any photos in the church, in the interest of not disturbing the Memorial Service. I felt able to discretely take these images at the Graveyard.

Mourners at the graveyard - A

Mourners at the graveyard - B

Flowers were provided by a number of local people, including myself, so that all persons who wished to place a flower on Roy's coffin were able to do so. A nice touch.

Incidentally, Barry Lee commented that Roy had insisted on choosing the readings and hymns of the Service himself. Typical of Roy, wanting to "get it right" - to the end. Personally I think that reveals how well adjusted Roy was to the looming end of his own life.

Roy was a person of deep religious faith.
No fear. No regrets.

***** ***** *****

As an old Catholic myself, let me just add the phrase "Requescat in Pace".

Rest in Peace, good friend.

Anzac Day Memorial Service in Robertson

A couple of days ago I received a phone call asking me if I knew about the Anzac Day Memorial Service in Robertson. I didn't know the details - but I ought have done. Several phone calls later I was able to pass on the necessary information to the inquirer. However, I resolved to go along to the Memorial Service take part myself.

The ceremony is held at the School of Arts, where the Memorial Stones are found, and the Flag pole.

The Anzac Day Memorial Service at Robertson was introduced by Jack Skipper, local resident and Returned Serviceman from the Korean War campaign. The Rev. Barry Lee is in the background of this image.Here is a young Lieutenant J.H. Skipper, MC, at Majon'ni, Korea. 1953-05-27

Image courtesy of Australian War Memorial. Image Credit: G.M.Luff.

Photo used in accordance with AWM permissions code.

Members of the Robertson community laying their Memorial floral tributes and wreaths. In the centre of the image you can see Clrs Jim Mauger and Juliet Arkwright, who both represented the Wingecarribee Shire. Mrs Lynette Skipper is also waiting to lay a wreath.
Robertson resident and Shire Councillor, Larry Whipper, did not attend this Memorial Service.

"Lest We Forget". A moment of silence during to playing of The Last Post.Sounding Last Post
"Last Post is the trumpet or bugle call sounded in barracks and other military installations at 10pm each night to mark the end of the day's activities. It is also sounded at military funerals and commemorative services to indicate that the soldier's day has drawn to a final close.
Wreaths laid at the Robertson Honour Roll and Memorial stone." Source: Anzac Day history.Wreaths laid at the Kangaloon Honour Roll and Memorial Stone.
Peter Vaughan raises the flag, after the playing of "Rouse".
Raising of the flag
"After the one-minute silence, flags are raised from half-mast to the masthead as "Rouse" is sounded. Traditionally Rouse called soldiers' spirits to arise, ready to fight for another day. Today it is associated with Last Post at all military funerals, and at services of dedication and remembrance." Source: Anzac Day history.

After the placing of wreaths and the raising of the Flag, we adjourned to the School of Arts hall, for the formal Memorial Service. A series of slides and videos of local servicemen, compiled by Barry Lee, was played on the screen.

Jack Skipper welcomed everyone to the Memorial Service.
The school children are Isabella and Andrew from the Robertson Public School.Barry Lee giving a brief statement during the Memorial Service.
Gordon Whatman is also in the image. He recited the ode "Age shall not weary them...."

'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."

Ode from the poem: "For the Fallen" by the English poet and writer Laurence Binyon and was first published in London in the Times newspaper in 1914. Source: Anzac Day - history