Dunedin's RSA choir will not be singing at next year's Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli in Turkey after all.
The choir had run out of time to complete arrangements and raise the necessary money, spokesman Graham Nicholls said yesterday.
"I am very disappointed, even though I am happy we did everything we could to make it happen. Choir members will be disappointed, too."
The choir was to be told at a rehearsal last night, although Mr Nicholls said an indication was given two weeks ago the trip, to commemorate the choir's 90th anniversary, was looking unlikely.
However, he said planning had already begun to ensure the choir sang at Gallipoli in 2012, when arrangements for the dawn service and other commemorations were next looked after by the New Zealand Government (the Australian Government handles alternate years).
"The worth of the idea - its value and appropriateness - remains."
The choir would seek financial support from New Zealand Veterans Affairs Department and "whoever else is prepared to help", he said.
Local fundraising would begin with the sale of a CD at the choir's 90th anniversary concert next month.
While concerts were always taped for the choir's archives, this was the first time a commercial CD had been produced.
Mr Nicholls said 2012 gave the choir "all the time in the world" to organise sponsorship and fundraising.
"At least, that's how it seems now."
