Elsie Adamo
MORE than 60 members of the Ashenden family will be visiting the region to commemorate Anzac Day, and pay tribute to their family’s service history.
They will be remembering Stirling Ashenden, who passed away 20 years ago this month, and his service in the Second World War along with his four brothers.
The five brothers all served in the 2/27th Battalion and all made it home safely.
Stirling served as president of the Mount Gambier Returned and Services League (RSL) in 1975 and 1978 to 1980, and was made a life member.
He and his wife Dulcie had 11 children, all raised in Mount Gambier.
Stirling would have turned 100 this month and his family has taken the opportunity to organise a get-together over an important date for the family, Anzac Day, to reflect on his legacy.
His daughter Joan Ashenden, who is traveling from Perth to attend, said Anzac Day is a special day for the family.
“With Dad being a life member of the RSL, and being 20 years since he has gone, one of my brothers was in the forces for three years, and I have a nephew in the Navy for 20 years,” Ms Ashenden said.
“My brother Graham will also be turning 80, so there are many reasons for us to be together.”
Stirling was heavily involved in the RSL all his life, visiting all returned soldiers and attending the club weekly.
“He would be absolutely stoked, he really believed in the RSL and what they did,” Ms Ashenden said.
“His family was a very important part of his life.
“He would be over the moon, both Mum and Dad were very family orientated.
“We have over 60 people that are acknowledging them.”
Over two years in the making, the event will bring family members from as far away as Brisbane and Perth back to the region.
“It will be the first time some of the cousins will be meeting each other,” Ms Ashenden said.
“We will probably take over Mount Gambier.
“My eldest brother at 80, and the latest edition is only four weeks old, there are a lot of us!”
The family will attend the march on Anzac Day, with some taking part.
“My brother said ‘we have got to go to the RSL on a Friday night because that is what we always did growing up’.
“Sunday we have got one of the rooms at the RSL, we have organised historical photographs to bring along.”
Graham Ashenden is the only one of the 11 children that still lives in Mount Gambier, and is looking forward to seeing his family.
“It should be good,” he said.
“I am getting on so it will be a good chance to see everyone.”
Graham said he gets emotional when discussing his parents, but did say he thought it was a lovely occasion and that his father would have been chuffed.
