Brunch at Poppy's by Gail M and Sheena B

For those who haven’t been there, Poppy’s is a great café in the grounds of the Australian War Memorial. You might think it is named for the iconic red flowers we associate with remembrance, but you would be mistaken. An information board inside the café tells this story:

“The recreational centre at Camp Holland, in Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, was called ‘POPPY’S’. It was named in honour of the first member of the Reconstruction Task Force to be killed in action. Trooper David Pearce was 41 years old and, at nearly twice the age of most of his comrades, was affectionately known as ‘Poppy’. He was killed by an improvised explosive device on 8 October 2007.”

On the morning after the AHQ dinner, many of the volunteers and several veterans, gathered at the café for a final chance to socialise and reminisce about the weekend’s activities. The buzz of conversations confirmed that friendships old and new were being celebrated over breakfast (or brunch) before we all headed home.

Philomena, Marianne and Sheena 

Wayne (admin volunteer), Anna, Lois and Bel.

Su J in green T shirt and Lesley B in black T shirt. 

Among those present was Rod Henderson, author of “Stop Screaming, I’m Scared Too: An Australian Soldier’s Story”, who had been one of the speakers at the Friday night Quilter’s Gathering. He had brought his wife’s quilt so he could be photographed with Jan-Maree and the quilt, but instead he and his boys happily posed with the quilt and the quiltmaker, Ann S.

It was almost time to go, when a husband and wife, both veterans, arrived to catch up with Jan-Maree. The unsuspecting husband did not know that his wife had organised for him to receive a quilt. Once he saw the quilt, Jamie was happy to talk about the significance of what was portrayed on it.

And so the weekend ended.

Thank you to Jan-Maree and the organising committee, the volunteers who set everything up and packed it all up as well. Thanks also to David, Mitchell and Linton, J-M’s own special support group.

Thanks very much Gail and Sheena.

This is the last post about the Aussie Hero Quilts Annual Thank You Weekend. If you missed it I hope you can think about coming next year.

Till next time... keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree xx