It was going to be a special occasion for Ian Wilson this Anzac Day when he played his bugle at the 11am ceremony at Morpeth.
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It would have been the 60th consecutive year the 72-year-old - "it was my birthday yesterday as a matter of fact" - had played at an Anzac Day ceremony.
That's right, The former Tamworth-bred boy started at age 12, and has been going strongly ever since.
Fast forward 60 years and it's hard to think there would be a more experienced Anzac Day bugler anywhere.
"I've played at Tamworth, which was where I grew up, and then I was bandmaster at Moree and played there for a few years, and then I played at Gosford in 1972," he said.
"After that I was bandmaster at Toronto, then I was at Civic Park in Newcastle and for the last 14 years I've been travelling up to Morpeth."
If you're wondering how it all began, it was when he saw a brass band play as a kid at Tamworth's Festival of Light and decided there and then that's what he wanted to do.
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"I joined the Tamworth Police Boys Band who were happy to accept an 11-year-old. They would perform regularly at the big Anzac Day march there at the No.1 Oval, and I was hooked," he said.
He learned the cornet and from there it was a natural progression to the bugle - "it's just a cut down cornet".
This year, with the COVID-19 lockdown ruling out Anzac ceremonies, he decided he would be one of the people who get up at 6am for the national Light Up The Dawn tribute and play.
"A bugle can be pretty noisy at that time, so I thought I'd do the right thing and warn my neighbours in Whitebridge what I was planning and most of them just said 'well if that's the case we might as well join you'," he said.
"A few of them said that they'd always wanted to attend a dawn service, but had never got around to it.
"Well they are this year.
A bugle can be pretty noisy at that time, so I thought I'd do the right thing and warn my neighbours
- Ian Wilson
"I don't think I'll be alone either. I expect we'll hear music drifting over the neighbourhood."
As for the Morpeth link, he has relatives there and plays golf with a few of his veteran mates.
And if the face is familiar, you might know him from a band called Two Shades of Grey where he does some musical moonlighting.
"I play with Graeme Brooker whose on the saxophone, and we perform at retirement villages, at Probus ... that sort of thing."
Ian's two children were both members of his band at one stage and now he has grandchildren.
"Who knows whether they want to play. It's up to them."
Ian Wilson has written an Anzac poem:
Dedicated to members Max Lantry and Bev and Barry Johnson for their long service to Morpeth ANZAC Day Committee, and to musician, Bruce Hamilton, for his long service to the people of Morpeth.
ANZAC DAY 2020
On ANZAC Day I took a drive to take the country air
And came right into Morpeth town just to see what's there.
The shops were closed the pub as well, it was an eerie sight
This virus had us in a scare, a vile and ghastly plight.
Down Swan Street past the grand old bridge I stopped and took a stroll
For exercise to stretch my legs and read the Honour Roll
In front of the old Courthouse, a memorial there stands
To commemorate the fallen who had served in far off lands.
I crossed the road and went towards what's now the town museum
With no-one there, no traffic noise 'twas like a mausoleum.
Our Aussie flag was flying, just halfway up its mast
Someone had taken time to mark traditions of the past.
I passed the hedge of rosemary and took a sprig to wear
To think of those who served for us in past times of despair
No service would be held today, we cannot risk a crowd.
Because of social distancing no gatherings allowed.
I sat to contemplate this day and rest under a tree
From years gone by some visions came into my reverie.
An organ played some well-known songs from past wars and between
While parents of the children took some snaps to catch the scene
For a service that unites us people gather here to meet
And proudly cheer the marchers parading down the street
The veterans and the Airforce troop are given due respect
With medals shining in the sun and uniforms correct
The marshal calls "Attention". MC gives an oration
On Anzac and why we are so proud of this great nation.
A prayer, a hymn, some speeches made and then another chorus
The wreaths were placed while pipers play "The Flowers of the Forest".
And in my misty musing I heard the bugle sound.
It resonated off the walls - a sign to all around
To pause as we remember the sacrifices made
To make our country what it is and what great price was paid.
A silence sombre fell upon the gathering on the road
Till a moving voice with firm resolve recited Binyon's Ode
Reveille makes our spirits rise to face another day
To brave the trials we meet in life and help us on our way.
"Australians all...." the voices sang our anthem strong and proud
"Dismissed" rang out, the service done, we'd mingle with the crowd.
A hand to shake, a wink, a hug, a nod to those in service
But not this year, this sneaky pestilence is out to fell us.
No sharing tales with our old mates or beers there in the pub.
We can't go out to have our lunch, not even to the club.
Two-up not played, no footy viewed, it really is a mess
And as to when it all clears up is anybody's guess.
We're all cooped up and all been robbed of our fine way of life
We've lost our jobs but not our will we'll overcome this strife.
Our freedom we'll will win back again we won't be beaten now.
We'll fight to do the best we can. The ANZACS showed us how.
I stirred and started homeward bound but then looked up in awe.
The flag was at its topmost point, it wasn't there before
And wreaths were on the Cenotaph in front of the museum.
They weren't there when I came, I'm sure, but now I plainly see 'em.
Two figures then appeared to me and both of them were beaming.
Khaki they wore, slouched hats atilt and medals that were gleaming.
For some traditions must be kept and customs must endure.
They'd been out walking by the bridge, for exercise, I'm sure.
It's Duty First we Aussies know and values that we share.
To Diggers all: LEST WE FORGET Advance Australia Fair.
Ian Wilson, Whitebridge NSW
