By ALANA MITCHELSON
HORSES that starred in the television mini-series Gallipoli brought joy to local seniors in nursing homes across Melbourne in the lead up to Anzac Day.
Craigcare Berwick residents fed carrots to the actor horses – black Percherons Jet and Junior – who lapped up the attention.
Owned by Bunyip resident Dean Crichton, the horses brought back stories from the ‘old days’ and the aged care residents shared memories of horses and war-time yarns.
Mr Crichton said the horses always seem to spark childhood memories such as the butcher’s cart and the mail cart.
The visits were organised by Le Pine Funerals as part of their community commitment program and their long tradition of supporting the Anzac commemorations.
Pakenham manager Rachel Kollmorgen said that the idea of bringing horses to seniors in the community had been used to commemorate last year’s Anzac Centenary and to give them an opportunity to ‘lift their spirits’.
“It gives many people the chance to speak about memories of their parents who served in the war,” she said.
“It is incredible to hear their accounts of what the war time was like. A lot of that generation grew up with horses and have a connection with them, so it is great to see their faces light up when they see the horses.”
