Edwards Wines owners to lay memorial wreath at commemoration in Canberra for founding father Clifford

A local winemaking family will make a pilgrimage to Canberra next week as their famed grandfather receives a key national honour. Edwards Wines owners Fiona and Christo Edwards will be a part of the memorial for the Bomber Command Commemorative Day Foundation recognising Christo’s grandfather Clifford Gray Edwards and his role in World War II. Edwards Wines is famed for hosting the yellow Tiger Moth plane Matilda which Christo’s father Brian Edwards flew from England to Australia in 1990. The epic air trip was Brian’s tribute to his own father, who will be on the roll of honour for the planned ceremony at the Australian War Memorial at the end of this month. It was also a tribute to veterans’ charity Legacy which put him through school and higher education. Christo told the Times his family would lay a wreath at the memorial. “We are deeply honoured to commemorate Clifford Gray Edwards and all those who served with such courage,” he said. “Their sacrifices must never be forgotten, and events like these allow us to share their stories and ensure their legacy lives on.” Clifford would be listed among those who served in the RAAF during World War II during a memorial and then a special dinner in Canberra as part of the foundation’s special commemoration this year. “The Canberra recognition is incredibly humbling, not just for me but for our whole family,” Christo said. “It’s a powerful moment that acknowledges the hard work and legacy of the generations before me. “Men like my father Brian and my grandfather Clifford laid the foundations, not just in the vineyard, but in how they lived with integrity, resilience and a quiet determination.” The aircraft Matilda has pride of place at the Cowaramup winery and was not only part of the winery’s story, but deeply personal to the Edwards’. “I love that wine, for our family, has always been a way to bring people together,” Christo said. “It tells a story. And when that story includes the values and efforts of your family, it makes the journey all the more meaningful.” A Last Post Ceremony would be held on May 31 followed by dinner at the Officers Mess at the Australian Defence Force Academy, with the wreath-laying ceremony the next day.