Southern Gunners member Lincoln Brosnahan said the idea for a monthly gathering to bring veterans together was inspired by his grandfather Wayne Rickard, an ex-serviceman. "The proposal for a Phoenix bar monthly gathering is for ex-service people, and anyone interested in the military to get together. "It’s a chance to have a catch up and is an extension of the Oamaru RSA Hub which meets weekly and the Southern Gunners to socialise. The Oamaru Coastal Defence Group re-enact historic war battles and are known to mark Anzac Day, Armistice Day and the centenary of the Gallipoli landings by Australian and New Zealand forces by firing 25-pound World War 2 guns owned by the group. Mr Brosnahan said there were about 15 Southern Gunners members in Oamaru and "many veterans" that they hope will join the monthly meeting.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 20, 2025 15:03 UTC