The society will be holding its annual Historical Church Service in the Coobang Church (on site at the Museum at the Henry Parkes Centre) this Sunday at 2pm. 

Afternoon tea will be provided after the service.

Rev Gaul from the Anglican Church is officiating.

“We are inviting as many of the early families who were involved with the formation and the continuation of  Red Cross,” Historical Society president, Yvonne Hutton said. 

“Many of the families are still part of the Parkes shire and they total some 250 ladies,” she added.

“Many of those ladies  relatives are still members and continue the work of Red Cross.

“Many of us were Junior Red Cross and helped to raise funds. 

“The VADs were also part  of this  great band of volunteers.

“The miracle of the Red Cross is that it has lasted for 100 years and  has affected so many people.”

Yvonne said research into the early Red Cross ladies had been very interesting.

“We have made a small display at the Museum to tell some of the story,” she said. 

“One interesting fact that one of our members found was the story of the Anzac Tile (or biscuit). 

“Interesting also was that the CWA Ladies were also looking for the information about the Anzac Biscuit for next year.

“We also found that the Cholera Belt  is still used in the  Army today; a more modern version.”

Yvonne also included the song ‘Rose of No Man’s Land”. 

“We didn’t realise just what it meant until we  started our research,” she said.

“The TV Series  ANZAC  Girls has brought to life the meaning of this song.”

There’s a rose that grows, in No Man’s Land

And it’s wonderful to see

Though it’s bathed in tears, it will live for years

In the garden of my memory.

It’s the one red rose the soldier knows

It’s the work of the Masters hand.

Mid the wars great curse

Stands the Red Cross nurse

She’s the Rose of No Mans Land.