Newspaper Article 2018 – Maraekakaho Rolls of Honour restored

Maraekakaho Rolls of Honour restored

Maraekakaho’s recently restored Rolls of Honour – with many names on the rolls still local to the community – are set to be in the hall for the Maraekakaho Anzac Day service.

Military history enthusiast Shaun Moloney was part of a community focus group and had volunteered to look into the district’s military history, when he went looking for the framed, printed rolls.

“I thought I knew where they were – they had been in the supper room at the hall but had been damaged and then stored for safety.”

Moloney eventually found the two rolls “under the stage, right at the back” where they had been put for safe keeping and to prevent further damage.

“The glass was smashed and the frames were broken.

“I contacted Ingrid’s Framers and they did an outstanding job for our community using a combination of conservation glass with the original frame.”

The community had a sneak peek at the restored Roll at the Maraekakaho Country Market Day last month. Moloney had a military history display at the Market Day and the rolls were part of this.

They will feature as part of a display at the hall on Anzac Day and from then Moloney says the next big decision is where they will be on permanent view.

“At the moment they are in my military memorabilia room, where they are under lock and key.

“I am quite happy to be looking after them but at the moment I am the only one who gets to see them and that’s not the idea. They are not mine, they belong to the community and they need to be where people – especially descendants of those on the rolls – can come and see them.”

Moloney has a long-held fascination for military memorabilia and a significant collection of military equipment from restoring military vehicles to uniforms and militaria.

“I started collecting as a teenager, based on my family’s service history throughout both World Wars. I was also in the Regular Force and my son is an Afghan veteran.

“I started restoring military vehicles about 20 years ago and I even have one displayed in the military museum in Jordan

“Getting these rolls restored and back up on the wall, to remember those who gave their lives is a small thing I can do for our community. Anzac Day is the right time for them to be back on the wall.”

“They need to be where people – especially descendants of those on the rolls –  can come to see them.”
Shaun Moloney

Photo caption – ON DISPLAY: Shaun Moloney with the newly restored Maraekakaho rolls of Honour.
PHOTO/SUPPLIED