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An ANZAC Story – Thoughtful Gift by Neal Catley

Frank Rands

An ANZAC Story - A Thoughtful Gift

By Neal Catley
Early this morning when I went to retrieve the NZ Herald from my letterbox, I also found a small plastic bag with the following words and a huge beautiful handmade RED POPPY.

Quote.

Dear Sir,
 
As one ex naval man to another, I have made you this poppy to place in your window to remember our fallen this ANZAC Day.

Yours Kindly,

DANI

Ex PORS OWEN

Stay Safe.

P.S. I made this with clean hands 

P.P.S.  This is a cup coaster for your table and is machine washable.  I used what fabric I had on hand. 

Unquote.

I have to say I was totally gobsmacked but, at the same time highly delighted and surprised to receive such a beautiful professionally handmade big RED POPPY!

It is with some embarrassment that I had no idea or knowledge of ex Petty Officer Radio Supervisor [PORS] Dani Owen. So, I decided to seriously challenge my ex communicator memory banks – but, alas, it failed me miserably.  Then, I had a rare light bulb moment and decided to contact my good friend Frank Rands [Commander Communications, {rtd}] and asked if he could please search through Navy Communicator channels [through Laurie, Frank’s wife] to see if any details existed about PORS Dani Owen.  My principal and only reason were to thank Dani for taking the time to ‘suss me out’ and for gifting me such a splendid ANZAC RED POPPY to place on my front window.
 
N.B.  Dani’s attractive RED Poppy now sits proudly on our front window just above my Navy Teddy Bear.
 

Anyway, to cut to the nut, within the hour I received Frank’s reply and with the help of Laurie it was determined that Dani also lives in Kawerau.  Finally, and this admission must surely take first prize in the RNZNCA ‘Superior Dumbo Archives’ is that, Dani with her husband Russell and young son live directly across the road from where Mary-Ann and I live in Kawerau!

Neal
 

BZ to Dani and her initiative from the RNZN Communicators Association.

3 thoughts on “An ANZAC Story – Thoughtful Gift by Neal Catley”

  • sandy Watson
    April 17, 2020 at 9:06 am
    Permalink

    What a lovely idea and kind thought from her – nice to know your time in the service is not ignored.

  • John Bullock
    April 17, 2020 at 11:09 pm
    Permalink

    Recently, I was in Eumundi, Queensland sitting on a public seat in the main street opposite the local markets. I was wearing a jacket with the RNZNCA badge on it, when I noticed a retired looking gentleman walking towards me staring at my jacket. He approached me and spoke thinking I was ex-RAN. I corrected him I was ex-RNZN. He then asked me if I knew Harvey Graham and “Thank me for my Service” and carried on walking! I was outside a Pub and suggested we have a beer-or-three. Unfortunately, time was not on his side.

  • Dani Owen
    April 18, 2020 at 3:02 am
    Permalink

    I’m just glad you like it 🙂

Comments are closed.