R I P Ann Robbie QSM – One of Southland’s Finest

Very, very sad news this week with news that one of our finest, Ann Robbie passed away earlier this week.

Ann, described as a Pocket Rocket in one obituary has had a long involvement in the world of pipe band music and pipe bands.

Read Alister MacGregor’s tribute Never Say Never from the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association here  https://rnzpba.com/2022/06/18/never-say-never/?fbclid=IwAR08juJqmL_KhHpD1r1ozt_didnyfp7fDdFiConcTThhyA9JjbBaBQs12EA

Over the past 30 years, Mrs Robbie has devoted countless hours and her own resources to the discovery and restoration of more than 400 war memorials throughout the province, ranging from large public cenotaphs to gates to small memorial boards.

Without her efforts, many would have been lost forever. Instead, each has been catalogued into Southland’s Kia Mate Toa database to ensure its preservation for future generations.

Mayor Tong said Mrs Robbie’s work had saved an incredible amount of history which should never be forgotten.

In recognition for that work Ann was decorated with the Queen’s Service medal presented by now former Southland District Council mayor Gary Tong on behalf of King Charles 111

Read the coverage from whatsoninvers here https://whatsoninvers.nz/community-stalwart-ann-robbie-receives-qsm/

Ann Robbie will be farewelled at what will be a huge celebration of her life  in J Fraser and Sons Chapel, cnr. Esk and Doon Streets, Invercargill, at 11 am, on Tuesday January 31. Ann will then be laid to rest at the Forest Hill Cemetery.