Bugling Bill the bandmaster

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: North Canterbury News

Mr Peck received the Merit Award, the Royal New Zealand RSA’s second highest honour, and an RSA badge from RSA national president BJ Clark and chief executive Marty Donoghue at a function at the Rangiora RSA Club recently.

Rangiora RSA president Ian Thompson says Mr Peck is a service member, as a retired police officer.

As well as playing the bugle at Anzac Day and other services in Rangiora, Oxford, Cust, Amberley and surrounding areas, Mr Peck is also the Rangiora RSA’s secretary-treasurer and padre.

He is also the Rangiora Salvation Army’s bandmaster.

■ While local RSAs have been impacted by COVID-19 cancellations of larger gatherings, Mr Thompson says the local groups are keeping busy.

RSA members recently gathered at Bromley Cemetery, off Linwood Avenue in Christchurch, on Saturday, October 23, to remember local soldier Sergeant Henry James Nicholas, who served with the 1st Canterbury Regiment in World War 1.

Sgt Nicholas received both the Victoria Cross and Military Medal, but was killed in action on October 23, 1918, just 19 days before the Armistice came into effect at 11am on November 11.

While his grave is at Vertignuel Churchyard near Romeries, France, Sgt Nicholas’ family has a memorial grave at Bromley Cemetery, which was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake.

The memorial site has been restored and a commemorate service was held on October 23, attended by Veteran Affairs Minister Meka...