Gisborne cemetery’s life-size statue of a World War I soldier continues to attract positive feedback from visitors.
The bronze memorial, unveiled last year on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lone Pine, is near a lone pine tree that comes from an original seed on the battlefields at Gallipoli.
Set on a granite plinth, the statue honours soldiers who fought in the Great War, including many locals buried at the cemetery and provides a place for many people to reflect on occasions such as Anzac Day.
Gisborne and District Lions Club president Ross Sapwell recently presented cemetery trust president Doug McArthur with $2000 to help meet the cost of the memorial.
The money was raised through sales of Lions’ Christmas cakes.
Mr McArthur said the statue had been a popular addition to the cemetery grounds.
“The reaction has been terrific really.’’
