History will take flight again this year at Rangitata Island Aerodrome for the Geraldine Returned and Services Association (RSA) annual ANZAC day commemorative service this afternoon.

"This is our tenth official service this year, and it has an aviation theme." says Aerodrome owner and aviation enthusiast Russell Brodie.

The Brodie family, who farm on Rangitata Island, have deep roots in aviation. Russell's grandfather, Ross Brodie, earned his pilot's license in 1917 and served with the Royal Flying Corps during World War One.

"My grandfather was in the Royal Flying Corps, and we still live where he grew up, and we are still messing around with aeroplanes as well."

A small aviation museum on the property is a decades-long labour of love, built from Brodie's growing collection of memorabilia.

"I've gathered a lot of stuff over the years.

"It brings back a lot of memories for people, and people are becoming more aware of the history.

"I always call it collecting, not hoarding, but my wife may not agree," Brodie jokes. Brodie also has a collection of aeroplanes, including a 1939 de Havilland TigerMoth, which he has been preparing for this afternoons event.

"We are just finishing giving her annual health check, and she behaves well; we are looking at having her there."

Weather permitting, the Aerodrome is expected to host its usual gathering of aircraft flying in for the service.

"People that may be a long way from a service can fly in, which people have done most years."

Though the Aerodrome has strong ties to aviation, the event commemorates all who served—and those who never returned.

"This isn't just for the Air Force—it's for everyone who fought and those who made the ultimate sacrifice," Brodie says.

Brodie said the toll on the local community during World War One was devastating, with six men from Rangitata Island and five from nearby Rangitata who lost their lives.

"That is eleven young men who didn't return between 1914 and 1918 from a very small community."

The 2 pm service is later than most, so people can attend their local dawn and community events first.

"We are not trying to take over traditional services, "Brodie said.

"This way, they can attend both."

Held in the garden at the Aerodrome, the service includes traditional wreath and poppy laying.

It will feature guest speakers, including retired Rear Admiral Jack Steer, a representative of the New Zealand Defence Force, and Geraldine High School student Jazz Watson.

A post-ceremony afternoon tea will be served in the Aerodrome hanger, and with around 200 people expected to attend, Brodie only hopes they have enough ANZAC biscuits.

"We can always cut them in half and share them around," he laughs.

For Brodie and his wife Lynda, hosting the event is about supporting the RSA and honouring the fallen.

"It's all about helping them and remembering the young men and women who served in the war and sadly didn't come home again."

Geraldine RSA ANZAC Day Commemoration

When: Friday, March 25, 2 pm.

Where: Rangitata Island Aerodrome 1 Brodie Road, Rangitata Island, Temuka

By Claire Inkson