Sundial just in time

By PAUL FAHY

Keith Woodward inspects the new sundial in Woodward Memorial Park with Thirroul schoolchildren Robert Fitzgerald, Charlotte Gibbs, Jesse Kerema and Adriana Wassens.

THE timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Last month, Thirroul RSL president Keith Woodward asked Northern Leader readers for help in raising funds to build a sundial in Woodward Memorial Park, in time for Anzac Day.

Thanks to an outpouring of generosity, the sundial project was completed on April 12 one day before the traditional Anzac service for local schoolchildren.

"The response was really gratifying," Mr Woodward said.

"As soon as the story went in the paper, there was a phone call that afternoon."

About a dozen locals contributed money for the sundial and the RSL soon had $1000 to complete the project.

Built on top of the park's old flag pole base, the stainless steel sundial cost $600 and includes markings indicating the location of northern suburbs landmarks such as Bulli Lookout and the Sea Cliff Bridge.

The remaining funds were used for maintenance work around the park ahead of Anzac Day.

The efforts of Thirroul RSL were not lost on children from Saint Michael's School and Thirroul Public School, who visited the park for their annual Anzac Day service on April 13.

Students had the chance to inspect the new sundial and Saint Michael's principal Louise Campbell paid tribute to the work of RSL members.

"Each year I look around the park in amazement," Mrs Campbell said.

"There's always something new to see."