WHEN attending Allora's Memorial Park on Anzac Day morning one cannot but be drawn to read the lengthy roll of names, of those who made the supreme sacrifice in conflict, and are listed on the memorials that rise from the neatly cut lawns.

Those names later echo in the silence as they are recited, along with the names of those who have departed this life since.

One of the etched black marble plaques at the base of the towering First World War memorial recognises the military exploits of Private John Leak VC, Queensland's first recipient of a Victoria Cross, the highest award for acts of bravery in wartime. Few towns would be able to recognize a local Victoria Cross recipient in their special area of remembrance, Allora is most fortunate to have that honour.

While John Leak was born in 1892 at Portsmouth, England, the former soldier and teamster was a soldier settler in 1919 and 1920 at Berat, a farming area located between Allora and Goomburra. A memorial in his honour is erected at the site of his former Berat home, another magnificent mosaic erected in the city of his enlistment, Rockhampton. He was fortunate enough to survive the war, come home, raise a family and pass away peacefully at the age of 80.

Twenty-two-year-old Leak enlisted as a private in the Australian Imperial Force on January 28, 1915, and joined his unit, the 9th Battalion on June 22 at Gallipoli, before being posted to France and the Western Front in early 1916.

As a result of his heroic actions at the Battle of Pozieres in France on the July 23, 1916, John Leak was awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery.

The former Berat resident was discharged from the AIF in May 1919, but not before being wounded in August 1916 at Mouquet Farm, and severely gassed at Hollebeke, Belgium in March 1918.

After leaving the Allora area he resided in New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia, before returning to retire in South Australia, where he died at Redwood Park on October 20, 1972.

Anzac Day has our community gathering together annually to remember and pay special tribute to those many men and women, such as John Leak and so many more, who have served our country in many theatres of war.

The Allora Anzac Day program commences at 5.30am next Friday morning with the Dawn Service at Allora's Memorial Park followed by a "Gunfire Breakfast". At 9.30am there is also a memorial service taking place at the Allora Cemetery.

The Allora Anzac Day Commemoration Service, held at 11am in the tranquil setting of Warwick St's Memorial Park boasts a crowd that grows year by year gathering to remember the fallen, and recognise those who have served, and continue to serve.

Ex-servicemen and women take part in the Anzac Day March down Herbert and Warwick Sts to the Memorial Park, accompanied by families, school children and representatives of public bodies and groups, followed by a lunch in the Allora RSL Hall.

Historical Day success in Allora

ALLORA and District Historical Society's Display and Demonstration Day was yet another success on Saturday, despite attendance numbers may have been down a little on a day when the Southern Downs in its entirety came to life historically.

President Allan Darr was happy with the event that is now cemented firmly in Allora's social calendar, this year's focus being the timber industry.

A drive up Allora's Warwick St on Saturday morning certainly was a step back in time, veteran and vintage cars and trucks paraded in front of the more-than-a-century old Allora Town Hall. The Town Hall that stands at the corner of Forde and Warwick Sts, is now one of the historical society's museums and a busy research centre, while also the focal point of what is growing into Allora's historical precinct.

The day provided tangible experiences of rural life during the early 1800s and the early 1900s, with vehicles and machinery lined up for inspection and working displays that took many back to childhood memories. The crowd also enjoyed milking, shearing and corn-threshing demonstrations, spinning and weaving, an animal nursery and heritage tours around Allora in the people mover.

There was a fascinating collection of wooden items that made life easier up to a century and more ago, along with chainsaw and axe demonstrations, and other tools that crafted the wood.

Connoisseurs of country cooking enjoyed traditional bush favourites such as tea and damper, the barbecue, scones and homemade cakes and pastries while chatting or strolling through the displays.

ADHS research officer Colin Newport was available to talk to anyone with an interest in researching their family history, many unaware of the facilities the Historical Society have on offer.

The Allora and District Historical Society's Display and Demonstration Day is the organisation's major fundraiser for the year, creating much-needed funds as the ADHS volunteers continue with the collection and preservation of the district's history on their two museum sites.

Cricketers celebrate season

ALLORA Cricket club teams

Allora and the Allora "Rascals" celebrated the 2013/14 season in grand style last weekend, and recognised the achievements of their players.

At the season break-up and lawn bowls evening at the Allora Sports Club, Allora Cricket Club president Aaron Vietheer thanked all who contributed to his clubs recently completed season.

"So many have helped this year to maintain the club, mowing the field, writing the results for the paper, the Allora Advertiser for printing results, the Railway Hotel and patrons for support with raffles, the business houses who donated prizes for weekly and Christmas raffles and Alana and Jo Frizzell for all your help throughout the season, and everyone else that contributed."

The Allora Cricket Club is so very grateful to its sponsors over the past season, Allora Butchery, Railway Hotel - Allora, Allora Foodworks, Dalrymple View Apiary Supplies - Allora, Mathew and Tracey Heslin's Bus Service - Allora, White's Garage - Allora and David and Zita Dwan's Allora News.

Allora Cricket Club award winners for the 2013/14 Season.

 Most runs - Mitchell McLennan

 Best bowling - Kris McLennan

 Most catches - Sam McLennan

 All rounder - Cameron Masters

 Most Improved - Stew Henderson

 Most enthusiastic - Al Taylor

 Players Player - Mitchell McLennan

The Railway Hotel Allora "Rascals" celebrated their season with a social game at the Allora cricket Oval on Sunday afternoon, before a presentation ceremony at Allora' s Railway Hotel.

"Rascals" captain Brad Johnson heaped praise on his players, many still school age who have achieved in the past season against high level competition.

The "Rascals" extend a vote of thanks to their supporters and those who assisted through the year, and sponsors Robyn Miles's Railway Hotel - Allora, Red Rooster, Cookhaul-Allora and Denise Dalgleish's Blue Cow Hotel-Allora.

Allora "Rascals" Awards:

 Most Improved Batsman: Tom Morris

 Most Improved Bowler: Liam Duncan

 Training Award: James Moore

 Captains Choice- Improvement: Paul Christensen

 Batting Average: Pat Geyle- 16.17

 Bowling Average: Nick Van Der Poel - 19.81

 Most Dismissals: Jake Christensen- 13

 OZ Day 'Best Blue Cow' Award: Jamie Holmes

 Most Runs: Brad Johnson- 157

 Most Wickets: Joe Morris- 13

 Pride of Ducks Award: Simon Moore

 Player of the year: Joe Morris