Flyover A highlight Of Armistice Day Centenary In Bluff

Bluff Promotions has organised a tremendous day of activity in the port town this Sunday to mark 100 years since the Armistice at the end of World War 1. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be a flyover of the town by a Croydon Aircraft Company Tiger Moth.

On the ground a huge family day will get underway at the Oyster Festival site in Barrow Street, Bluff from 11.30am on a day for families to come together while remembering our soldiers and their families and to celebrate the signing of the Armistice which marked an end to World War 1 on 11 November 1918. Admission to the event will be free.

Just prior to the gates opening at the site a sounding of ship’s horns will take place at 11.15am and 30 minutes later at 11.45am the Tiger Moth piloted by Ben Morrison will make the flyover.

While the flight is weather dependent Morrison says the forecast presents no problems and it should all happen according to plan. “I hope to come in over Bluff Hill and do two or three laps over the town. I will proceed down the coast between Ocean Beach and Stirling Point as well.” The flyover should be visible from all parts of Bluff.

While he is an experienced pilot Morrison says he is really looking forward to the flyover. “The Tiger Moth is a very special type of flying. It’s old school. Many call it real flying. There is no high tech on this flight apart from the battery in my watch!”

As Morrison wings his way back to Mandeville the activity will continue at the Oyster Festival site. Entertainment includes the Bluff School Kapa Haka Group, magician Wayne McEwan, “The Magic Guy”, plus Stephen Wilcox and local Invercargill 3-piece band, The Yardmen. McEwan will also stay to make balloon animals for the children after he performs.

There will also be games for kids of all ages, some reminiscent of the era, with bobbing for apples, tug o war plus play equipment for the kids and an area for toddlers.

A photo booth will include a dress up box of fashion from the early 1900’s while there is also the option of using one of the vintage cars on display as a backdrop for photographer Yvonne Pickford to utilise.

On a more poignant note there will also be a display of photos and some stories of our fallen soldiers from Bluff.

Craft stalls will provide that opportunity for a little bit of Christmas shopping while there will also be food, coffee and some free food surprises for the kids.

At other locations Devonshire Teas will be available from the Senior Citizens Centre in Onslow Street, near the Oyster Festival site from 2.00pm till 3.30pm while there will be a display of memorabilia at the Bluff Maritime Museum on Foreshore Road by the Island Harbour entrance from 10.00am to 4.30pm.

Bluff Promotions is grateful for the support of Four Square Bluff Supermarket, Bluff Community Charitable Trust, South Port NZ Ltd, NZAS, Ballance Agri-Nutrients and South Pacific Meats for their assistance with this event.