The original idea for ‘Ghost like Soldiers’ who died in WW1 was designed by Sculptor Jackie Lantelli and was erected in Slimbridge Churchyard, Gloucestershire, England.
Having seen photographs of the installation the Bribie Island RSL sub-branch approached the Community Men’s Shed Bribie Island with a commission to manufacture soldiers for display on Anzac Day 2022.
During the following four months Men’s Shed Members’ utilised some 600 metres of bird wire combined with hundreds of hours work.
Being extremely proud of the outcome President Derek Patey took on the challenge of making Simpson and his Donkey “Duffy” and two Honour Guards.
The RSL sub-branch and Men’s Shed Members alike are thrilled to have the soldiers viewable to current defence force personnel, veterans, their relatives and the public in the grounds of the Bribie Island RSL grounds for all to see.
These soldiers will be an ongoing installation for many Anzac Days to come and other special occasions.
President Derek said the Men’s Shed Members’ have been highly motivated to be involved and he laughed off the hundreds of scratches and twenty pairs of gloves destroyed in the process. This has been an epic project which adds to the many community support jobs and repairs we conduct annually. The Men’s Shed Members’ have donated their time to repair and restore copious items like tables, chairs, cupboards and rocking horses, mainly for our elderly population. The Men’s Shed is open Wednesday and Thursday mornings and adhoc days when needed.
