Grati-Wednesday 13th May 2026

 

Happy Wednesday Friends!

There are, as always, some awesome letters which definitely pull at the heart strings.

Grab a cuppa or cool drink, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude

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Dear Clarissa L,

Thank you so much for my laundry bag. I am so touched that you and the Aussie Heroes organisation have chosen to honour me with such a beautiful gift.

I am in Canberra this week for a series of meetings with the RAAF, and I was lucky enough to be presented with your beautiful bag in the Russell building. I had absolutely no idea this was going to happen so it was a very nice surprise indeed. I love the choice of fabrics especially the C130 and the indigenous art on the inside. The embroidery is really beautiful and touching.

It was a real honour to work with the Australian C130s of 37 Squadron during Operation Beech. Not only did they achieve their mission in Europe but they were able to help my former squadron, number 47 Squadron Royal Air Force. This was because a former loadmaster and good friend of mine unfortunately passed away from cancer during the time period of the Op Beech deployment. He was a dedicated RAF C130 loadmaster but unfortunately the Royal Air Force has now retired to the C130 so we were unable to get him a suitable flypast. That was, until number 37 squadron RAAF stepped in to help and provide provided not one, but two, amazing flypasts. A really special event on the day and a lovely surprise for his friends and family.

With thanks and best wishes,

Recipient is pictured right

 

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Dear Pennie T,

My dearest friend gave me the quilt you made for me on ANZAC Day and I was completely blown away by it.

I truly appreciate the time, effort, and care you put into creating something so special. It is nothing short of exceptional work, clearly made with love and attention to detail. The layout is perfect and the colours and fabrics-especially the Australian and New Zealand

themes, make it even more meaningful.

Thank you so much, both to you and my friend, for making my ANZAC Day so memorable.

Kind regards,

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Dear Bridget R,

 

I wanted to write to give my heartfelt thanks for the time and effort you have put in to my Aussie Hero Quilt. I received it yesterday at a small ceremony within the SGTS Mess at the School of Infantry, Singleton NSW.

 

Each stitch and  embroidery told a story of my 30 plus year career and brought back great memories and stories that I could share with friends and family. The attention to detail and quality of my quilt is owed to the skill and dedication of your craft.

 

By taking the time to create these beautiful quilts, you help preserve memories, inspire gratitude and strengthen our community’s connection to those that serve.

 

Thank you again for your compassion, respect and support of this meaningful tradition.

 

All the best to your family and poodle

 

Regards

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Presentation of a quilt by Robyn P: 

I personally presented this quilt I had made for the recipient. It was held in his mother’s home and a wonderful afternoon. Bev and Geoff C also joined me, for Geoff had done the quilting of gum leaves on the quilt. 

A huge honour for us, to actually meet and chat to my recipient! 

The story begins with an early Anzac Day talk about Aussie Hero Quilts to the Kangaroo Flat Probus club back in early April. 

After my talk I was approached by a member asking me how she could obtain a quilt for her son. He had returned home from Afghanistan with PTSD and had also experienced abuse at times.  

This man needed to know We Care. 

One speedy phone call to Jan Maree, then a meeting in his mother’s lounge room with Geoff, to discuss, look at his photos and my quilts for ideas, and so this photo is the result.

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Cheers Catherine D

Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in.  Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻